Mr. W. A. Leighton on a new Character in Willows. 2 1 



The sulcus, which traverses the whorl transversely, will 

 readily distinguish this species. 



27. T. roseus. Testa ovali ; anfractibus decern biseriatim granulosis, 

 seriebus cornels, medio Isevigato roseo serie tertia parva ; apertura 

 rotundata. Axis 3^ lin. 



Geog. Pacific Ocean ? Cab. Metcalfe. 



28. T. candidus. Testa elongata, pallide cserulente ; anfractibus sex- 

 decim tricarinatis l^e^•igatis, medio subfuscis ; carina media minima ; 

 apertura rotundata ; sinu laterali patulo. Axis 4 lin. 



Geog. Pacific Ocean ? Cab. Metcalfe. 



29. T. hilaris. Testa elongata; anfractibus quatuordecim tricari- 

 natis ; carinis duabus inferioribus sequalibus albidis, superiore mar- 

 morata paululum maxima. Axis 4 lin. 



Geog. Pacific Ocean ? Cab. Metcalfe. 



November 28, 1842. 



W.— Hints towards a new specific character in the Willows. 

 By W. A. Leighton, B.A., F.B.S.E., &c. 



Cursorily looking at the willows which fringe the margins 

 of the river Severn near Shrewsbury, the thought suddenly 

 occurred to me, that possibly a character might exist in the form 

 of the leaf-bud, which might prove serviceable in distinguish- 

 ing those species of this extensive and difficult genus that 

 were closely allied to each other. On examining the leaf-buds 

 of trees respectively named by Mr. Borrer Russelliana and 

 fragilis, and described on his authority under those names in 

 my ' Flora of Shropshire,' I found my conjecture strikingly 

 realized. In Russelliana the leaf-bud Avas in form ovato-lan- 

 ceolate, with a somewhat acute apex, very much dorsally com- 

 pressed, the back alone being prominent from the enclosed 

 contents. These did not by any means fill the entire cavity 

 of the outer integument, but occupied the central portion 

 only, and consequently the margins and apex of the leaf-bud 

 were rendered thin and compressed, though nevertheless not 

 decidedly acute. On the contrary, in fragilis the cavity of the 

 outer integument was completely filled, and the leaf-bud as- 

 sumed in consequence a decided full and plump appearance. 

 It was of an elongated ovate shape, obtuse or rounded at the 

 apex, nearly triangular, with the angles rounded. The accom- 

 panying figures will more clearly illustrate my meaning. , 



Whether this character prevail in the alhed species of other 

 groups I have had no means of deciding, but would be per- 

 mitted to throw out the above hints, as the character appears 

 to me important, and well worthy the attention of those bota- 



