1863.] REVIEWS. 565 



when he gently remonstrates with them for introducing novel- 

 ties in orthography quite unsanctioned by any authority what- 

 ever. 



A genuine Anglo-Saxon is a decided foe to innovations, even 

 when introduced on high authority ; but for these already noted 

 there are no precedents. They are pure lapses, but neither lapsus 

 linguce nor lapsus calami ; they are examples of weakness or of 

 carelessness, which should not appear. The revised and re-revised 

 code of educational legislation has supplied a remedy for these 

 defects of orthography. 



We need not inform the proprietors that their Midsummer 

 volume will be very acceptable; but we may tell our readers 

 that such a mode of communicating ideas and facts is worth a 

 trial by those who have something to relate which they do not 

 think of sufficient interest to the general public, or who are 

 naturally sensitive to hostile remarks, and shrink even from fair 

 criticism. To all such, this novel mode of publishing their dis- 

 coveries, thoughts, feelings, etc., will be available. 



The Flora of Wiltshirg, etc. By Thomas Bruges Flower, 

 M.K.C.S., F.L.S., etc. No. 6. 



This portion of the indigenous plants of Wilts, contains the 

 Orders Acerace^, Geraniace^, Linages, Balsaminage^, Ox- 

 ALiDACE.^, and Bhamnace^, viz. all the native Wiltshire species 

 of these families. 



The localities appear to be well worked out, and in all cases 

 authenticated by recent authorities. 



At page 127 there is a long and interesting note on the na- 

 tional floral emblem of Ireland, viz. the Shamrock ; and as the 

 learned author quotes Mr. Bicheno's essay in proof that the pre- 

 sent Oxalis Acetosella was the ancient Shamrock of Ireland, it 

 is perhaps fair to conclude that Mr. Flower adopts Mr. Bicheno's 

 views. " Typical," our author writes, " of the delicacy and sus- 

 ceptibility" [sic in exemplare) (? susceptible) "temperament of 

 its inhabitants." 



One of the arguments urged in behalf of the Wood Sorrel's 

 being the proper national emblem is, that the plant is " familiar 

 at that season when the people celebrate the national festival." It 



