1 84 Alexander Goodman More. [i865 



{December Jth.} This morning I have seen Miss Maffett's collec- 

 tion, and with much interest, as there were several scarce species, and 

 specimens that served to throw light on the Belfast flora. I should tell 

 you that " Poterium sanguisorba " is Sanguisorba officinalis, the latter 

 a far scarcer plant in Ireland, and Miss Maffett's is only the third 

 locality as yet ascertained. The supposed Medicago denticulata turns 

 out to be a small bit of Melilotus, too young for determination, but 

 probably M. arvensis ; and, if so, probably introduced in the locality. 

 Arctium " majus " is either A. pubens (intermedium now] or A. minus 

 certainly not majus. The same plant, Anthriscus vulgaris, was in the 

 collection named by Mr. Tate, Torilis infesta. A Carex with name 

 " elongata " is a form of paniculata. I send you these details because 

 I think you take some interest in your North Irish flora, and I feel sure 

 that you will be equally interested with myself in seeing errors cleared 

 up. This has unfortunately too often been our task in our late opera- 

 tions, and I think it shows how little dependence can be put in naming 

 a specimen from description only. For this I presume is the only expla- 

 nation of Mr. Tate's numerous errors. Without authentic specimens,. 

 or good plates, the best of us are liable to mistakes of name ; and how 

 hard it is to set these right can only be known to those who have tried 

 to insist upon correctness and certainty in everything. I rejoice to 

 think that I have had the good fortune of finding a correspondent so. 

 obliging and truth-seeking as yourself, and I can hardly sufficiently 

 thank you for the trouble you have so kindly and often taken in assisting 

 our work, and for the candid way in which you have answered all my 

 inquiries. 



There still remain two points where I shall be very glad of your 

 help. 



Miss Maffett tells me that you have seen Hottonia palustris near 

 Downpatrick, and as we have no recent information about this its only 

 Irish station, I should feel greatly obliged if you will kindly tell me 

 what you observed of the plant. Is it plentiful ? What sort of place ? 

 and on which side of Downpatrick does it grow ? Does the locality 

 look like a natural one ? 



Again, as to Avena pratensis, would you be able to look at the 

 plant which is preserved in the Belfast Herbarium (Nat. Hist. Society),. 

 and copy for me the exact locality given on the label ; and is the plant 

 right to your eyes ? Is it perfectly glabrous on the lower sheaths and 

 leaves ? I believe this will be the only authority for its occurrence in 

 Ireland ; therefore I wish to be doubly sure. Mr. - - has told 

 Dr. Dickie that the specimen is rightly named. I should be glad to- 

 have your opinion also. 



(January isth, 1866.} I have been too long in replying to your 

 last kind letter ; but if you knew the amount of writing which I have to 

 get through, I am sure that you will excuse me. Thank you very much 

 for disposing so well of the miscalled " Avena pratensis." It must 

 certainly now be placed in brackets, until someone can rediscover it. 



