353 



The oak is probably eighty years of age, and supports four fine 

 branches of mistletoe ; it stands a short distance from the path near 

 the second lodge-gate by the side of an old British road passing along 

 the western base of the Malvern Hills. 



I could, if in a critical mood, point out instances in which both 

 authors are in error; both have, curiously enough, fallen into the same 

 mistake ; but I am so glad to see a botanical paper of such research 

 in the pages of ' The Naturalist,' that I have no inclination to dwell 

 on trivial defects. 



Notice of ' The Popular Nomenclature of the American Flora. By 

 Berthold Seemann. Hannover: 1851.' 



This pamphlet comes to my hand, accompanied by the following 



note : — 



"Kew, Sept. 24, 1851. 

 « Sir, 



" I take the liberty of sending you the accompanying little 

 work. It is my intention to enlarge and improve it as much as pos- 

 sible; but as that undertaking will be attended with a considerable 

 amount of time and expense, I am most desirous of adopting a plan 

 that may be advantageous and generally useful. You would greatly 

 oblige me by reviewing the present fragment in your periodical. You 

 would probably be able to suggest some valuable hints. In order 

 to make the work complete, the co-operation of the local botanists of 

 Great Britain would be required; and as no journal has more influ- 

 ence over them than yours, I beg that you will further my object, by 

 stating the plan I have in view at full length. 



" I have the honour to be. Sir, 



" Your obedient Servant, 



" Bertpiold Seemann, 

 " Naturalist of H.M.S. ' Herald.' 

 " To the Editor of the ' Phytologist.' " 



I am not aware that I can promote M. Seemann's very laudable 

 object more effectually than by giving the explanatory and very lucid 

 Preface, which is extracted, verbatim, below. 



" Whoever has paid attention to Botany will have observed that in 

 every country — whatever may be the degree of civilization it has 

 attained — the people have made some advance in discovering the 

 Vol. IV. . 2 z 



