1859.] BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. 31 



BiDENS TRIPARTITA AND B. CEKNUA. 



On the tendency of the two species of Bidens to keep distinct habitats 

 within a small radius of the same district. — While collecting, this autumn, 

 in the neighbourhood of Southgate, Middlesex, my attention was drawn 

 to the fact that although both species of Bidens were found in considerable 

 abundance, within a radius of two miles, I could not detect the two grow- 

 ing in company in one instance. B. tripartita I found in three localities by 

 the side of small running streams ; once in an excavated, though then 

 not inundated, spot ; and once in a stagnant pond. B. cernua I also 

 found abundant and fine in two localities, both stagnant ponds. The seven 

 localities, I may add, might be united by links of less than a mile in length, 

 and with little difference in soil to cause the distinction. Last year I 

 found B. cernua in considerable abundance at Bishopstoke, Hants, but 

 without its ally B. tripai-tita. Thus eight localities are recorded, seven 

 being in close proximity, each enjoying single blessedness. May I ask, 

 Is this an accidental fact, or is it an unsocial disposition which is a rule 

 with these species ? 



If required, I can supply seeds or specimens of both. 



F. Y. Bkocas, Botanist. 



85, St. Martin! s Lane, London, W.C. 



Enormous Mushroom. 



A Mushroom was gathered on the 17th of last month, in the county of 

 Gloucester, measuring very nearly 1 foot in diameter. The actual circum- 

 ference was 2 feet \\\ inches, the girth of the stem 5 inches, its thickness 

 l^inch. It was cooked, and made a most excellent dish for dinner. The 

 family generally partook of it, and survive. — From the ^Friend^ for August, 

 1858. 



Nil maxime admirandum ; larger Mushrooms have been seen, perhaps 

 recorded also. E. I. 



Variety of Convolvulus sepium. 



A correspondent has several times reminded us of a variety of the above 

 ■ plant undescribed. He reports that it differs from the common form both 

 in the colour of the flowers and in the shape of the leaves. The flowers 

 are pink, with white stripes. But our friend S. B. will probably oblige 

 us with a detailed account of it, and also of the locality, number of plants, 

 etc. A notice of this variety from any contributor will be welcome. — Ed. 



Thorns and Thistles. 



Although I appreciate Mr. Hind's observations given in the ' Phytologist' 

 of July last, I cannot help retaining my opinion that the plant referred to 

 in the Parable of the Sower would be more properly rendered Thistles, not 

 Thorns {Prunus spinosa) ; and I would ask Mr. Hind to inform us how 

 Thorns (such as Prunus spinosa) could spring up in one season so as to 

 choke the good seed. A plant of annual growth, such as the Thistle, most 

 abundant in Palestine, would be more likely to choke the seed, as growing 

 up with it. The Thorn and Thistle are distinguished in other parts of 

 Scripture, as in Hosea x. 8, where we find, " The Thorn and the Thistle 

 shall come up on their altars." Dr. Kitto, in a note on this passage, says, 



