lOG 



of distinguishing them. At Wybunbury, I have certainly seen and 

 gathered genuine examples of L. spinosa, which exhibit the same 

 characters as the specimens from Risley Moss ; but it may be proper 

 to state that in a wood on the south margin of the bog at Wybunbury, 

 when searching for L. cristata, two years ago, I repeatedly picked up 

 and rejected fronds of what must have been L. uliginosa, imagining for 

 the moment that I had at length found L. cristata.* I have two simi- 

 lar fronds from Oxton Bog, given by Mr. Valentine, but in these the 

 pinnules are not adnate, nor so obtuse as in Mr. Newman's examples 

 of L. uliginosa. I quite concur in opinion with the Rev. Mr. Bree, 

 that L. uliginosa is not L. Filix-mas, nor cristata, and that it is still 

 less like any form of L, rigida. As to the early barren fronds, I 

 believe that I have observed them repeatedly on L. spinosa at Risley 

 Moss, where in some cold and wet seasons the characteristic narrow 

 fronds, by which it is so readily distinguished from its neighbour, have 



been almost wholly absent. 



W. Wilson. 

 Wanington, February 22, 1851. 



A Word on the Wild Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis). 

 By William Bennett, Esq. 



In the barrenness of botanical interest which this season of the year 

 affords, there is one treat peculiar to the present month, at least in its 

 highest beauty and perfection, not surpassed by anything the whole 

 gorgeous summer, in its rich and varied round, presents to us. It is 

 some years since, in company with the esteemed editor, I first alighted 

 on a bed of Galanthus nivalis near the village of Brockham, in Surrey, 

 so profuse and extensive as to have puzzled us at a distance, with the 

 appearance of a bank and patches of driven snow, which, at the tem- 

 perature prevalent for some time previous, we knew it could not be. 

 I have not failed to visit the spot at the proper season every year 

 since, whenever I have had the opportunity ; and notwithstanding 

 occasional plunder, have rejoiced to see my favourites not only main- 

 taining their ground amid the frost and storms of more bitter seasons, 

 lifting their modest, graceful heads within each sheltered nook unin- 



* I have since learned from the Rev. Mr. Pinder that the latter fern once grew in 

 profusion in open ground, to the east of the wood, which is now under tillage. It 

 is now become very scarce, but may still be found in the wood, and occasionally on 

 the surface of the bog, among bushes. 



