1863.] FLORA OF ESSEX. 307 



Villarsia nymphcBoides was planted in its present Essex loca- 

 lity (?) by Mr. Warner. (See Mr. E. Forster's interleaved copy 

 of PI. Woodfordienses.) Query — in what other sluggish rivers 

 of Essex does this ornamental plant grow ? 



Anacharis Alsinastrum. — The note on p. 300 is obscure : "Sup- 

 posed to be introduced from America/^ etc. What has the iden- 

 tity or non-identity of our plant with the supposed American 

 original to do with its generic name ? If the species came from 

 America, it is but just that the son or daughter should bear the 

 family name of the sire. If any members of the family live 

 in America, the presumed British connection may legitimately 

 bear the same name ? What have the rules of botanical nomen- 

 clature to do with the question ? 'What is the name of the new 

 British-born vegetable babe ? 



If it cannot by its qualifications prove its relationship to some 

 already known progenitor or relative, its sponsor has a right to 

 name it after himself, or after some of his friends^ or after some 

 of its own prominent qualities, or from the place of its presumed 

 inroad^ or from some fancied resemblance it may bear to some- 

 thing else, either manifested in the animal, vegetable, or mineral 

 kingdom. 



What is tlie meaning of the dependence of this plant spe- 

 cially on the rules of nomenclature ? All inventions and forma- 

 tions depend on some rule. Poets and painters, and it is pre- 

 sumed botanists also, have established artistic or sesthetic rules 

 whereby they are guided in naming their novelties and dis- 

 coveries. What is there in this American water- weed to hinder 

 its quietly appearing under one of the several names it ah'cady 

 bears ? Is the English name Water Thyme dependent on the 

 rules of botanical nomenclature, or on the nature, structure, and 

 length of the stem, or on the smell of the plant, or on its habit 

 and habitat? If this name "Water Thyme" depend on the 

 laws of botanical nomenclature, some will venture to question 

 their justice and authority. Water Chickweed would be a more 

 descriptive vernacular title, for we have numerous examples and 

 authorities to rely upon. Where have we an example of Water 

 Thyme either in books or in nature ? 



Zannichellia palust7'is, var. pedicellata. — The variety is more 

 common than the type in Norfolk and Suffolk. 



Schosnus nigricans. — Whereabout in the fens at Tilbury Port 

 does this Rush grow ? 



