1143 



similar to Oleum Origanum ; keeps in bloom frequently until the mid- 

 dle of November, which the other seldom does after August ; and is 

 altogether a larger plant, with the branches longer and straggling, 

 gi'owing in tufts, seldom found on dry sandy rocks or very dry ditches, 

 but abundant in pastures, and stiff, cold soils, where T. Serpyllum is 

 never found. It does not creep and root like the latter, unless the 

 ants build their citadel around the stems, which they much like to 

 do. The Thymus flourishes remarkably from this incident. These 

 old ant-hillocks are beautiful objects in our pastures, when densely 

 covered with the blooming Thymus, like so many coronets of gems. 



" I have now pointed out to the exploring botanist the characters 

 of these two very distinct species of British Thymus ; whereby they 

 may be identified at any season of the year. Should botanists not be 

 able to do so, the sheep will, being the better phytologists : they will 

 readily eat the one, but will not touch the other, on account of its 

 pungency. 



" Some years ago, I pointed out the difference between these two 

 plants to several eminent botanists, and sent specimens to others. I 

 also sent specimens of each to the herbarium of the Worcestershire 

 Natural -History Society. Probably from not studying their different 

 habits, I did not then consider them distinct species. I believe no 

 two plants belonging to the same genus have a greater physical diflfe- 

 rence. I have raised many plants, of each species, from seed, which 

 exactly followed the present plants. A specimen of each is enclosed." 

 — George Jorden ; Bewdley, October 25, 1853. 



TrifoUum resupinatum in Cheshire. 



" Whilst lately reviewing my British specimens of the genus Trifo- 

 lium, I was reminded of the possession of a fine example of this spe- 

 cies. It was presented to me, in the autumn of 1847, by my friend, 

 S. Thompson, of York, who had collected it a few weeks before in 

 the neighbourhood of the Magazines, near New Brighton, on the 

 Cheshire side of the Mersey. Neither of us being at that time 

 acquainted with the species, the specimen was duly labelled, and laid 

 aside amongst my papers, and was.not recognized as T. resupinatum 

 till quite recently. It would be desirable for those who may have an 

 opportunity of visiting the locality to search for it again, as it is not 

 unlikely that this species might thereby be restored to an honourable 

 position amongst our indigenous plants. It may be worth while to 

 remark that the same station produces its nearest ally amongst British 

 species, T. fragiferum." — John G. Baker ; Thir.sk. 



