1862.] SARGASSUM BACCIFERUM. 233 



an abundance of Agraphis nutans ; the ground under the trees was 

 blue with its blossoms, indeed it is not rare in this quarter. 

 Vinca major was plentiful around the foot of the trees, and over- 

 hanging also the rocky banks and ledges near the foot of the 

 hill. We also met with Allium Scorodoprasum, not 5'et in flower; 

 a little further eastward we came upon plenty of Scrophularia 

 vernalis, and being in good condition we collected several spe- 

 cimens. On our way back, my companion proceeded for a little 

 distance up the bi-ae, and suddenly stopped, calling out to me 

 to come and see Asperula taurina. I obeyed, and clambering up 

 the brae, found it to be a large bush of this newly-discovered 

 plant in full flower; we left the root, but very few of its branches. 

 I am now satisfied in my own mind, that, like the Claytonia 

 alsinoides, Aspe.rula taurina is a true native, say to the contrary 

 who will ; for, considering the circumstances under which it grows, 

 both at Den of Murrayshall and Hill of Moncrieffe, no unpre- 

 judiced botanist can with any reason doubt its claim as an in- 

 digenous plant. Verbascum Thapsus was plentifully dispersed 

 here and there in the plantations, and ou the southern side of 

 the hill. Passing homeward along the northern wall of Sir 

 Thomas's garden, we observed growing therefrom most luxuriant 

 examples of Asplenium Ruta-muraria, and on the lawn plenty 

 of Avena flavescens. The sun attempting to shine out, and the 

 rain somewhat abating, we rested a little, and then wended our 

 way to the station, much fatigued (myself only), and much dis- 

 appointed at not getting a better day, but still gratified at meet- 

 ing with Asperula taurina and a few others of less rare occur- 

 rence, but still very interesting and uncommon plants. 

 Bridge End, Perth. 



SAEGASSUM BACCIFEEUM. 

 By John Sim. 

 On my way home from the West Indies, in 1843, I was asto- 

 nished at the immense fields of this strange plant through which 

 we passed. I often wondered it did not impede the progress of 

 the ship. On hauling up several fragments of plants of it, I 

 could observe no base of attachment by which it had adhered to 

 rocks or stones. My impression was, that it lived and vegetated 

 like a floating Duckweed, and was carried to and fro by the winds 



N.S. VOL. VI. 2 H 



