1124 



ers of clover, that the process through which it passes would not per- 

 mit seed of this size to remain among it uninjured ; moreover, in a 

 field sown with the same seed, I was unable to find any trace of this 

 plant: if, therefore, originally introduced, it must have been years ago, 

 and may now be considered completely naturalized. 



A doubt exists among several eminent continental as well as Eng- 

 lish botanists, as to the claim of this plant to rank as a species ; and 

 they are inclined to consider it a variety of G. Aparine, while many 

 others believe it to be really distinct. From pretty close observation 

 upon it in this locality, I cannot but think that the latter will prove 

 the correct view of the subject. A considerable difference of senti- 

 ment doubtless exists, as to the definition and limits of species ; but 

 if it be correct to consider clear and constant differences, which do 

 not generally admit of intermediate forms, sufficient to constitute spe- 

 cies, surely this must be entitled to rank as such. These are, 1. The 

 minute size of the flower, and its greenish colour; never white, as in 

 G. Aparine. 2. The remarkably branched dichotomous character of 

 the inflorescence, which is most striking in an advanced stage of 

 growth. 3. The invariably small size of the fruit, which is not half 

 the size of that of G. Aparine, and is usually more shining in appear- 

 ance. The habit of the plant, too, is somewhat different, being gene- 

 rally less branched, and of a lighter green colour, but they are nearly 

 alike in size. I have not been able to find intermediate forms be- 

 tween the two plants, so that though growing often entwined together, 

 they are at all stages of growth readily distinguishable, even by super- 

 ficial observers; therefore it appears that these characters are constant, 

 and the fact of the plants being thus intermixed, renders it impossible 

 to accoimt for their variations by difference of soil or situation. 



Though hitherto only noticed in one spot, I think it very likely to 

 be found in other localities throughout the kingdom, having probably 

 been overlooked as Galium Aparine. If such be the case, its claim 

 to be considered a native plant will be strengthened. 



Tragopogon pratensis. Meadow at Walden. I am unable to dis- 

 cover in the descriptions or specimens of this species, any clear dis- 

 tinction between this plant and T. minor, except the length of the 

 florets ; but this character is a variable one, as I have gathered spe- 

 cimens this year, in the same field, some with the florets equal to, or 

 rather exceeding, the calyx in length, some with the calyx twice the 

 length of the florets, with intermediate varieties. Can this, therefore, 

 be considered sufficient to constitute it a distinct species, although the 

 extreme forms certainly present a very dissimilar appearance ? 



