384. ‘ OBSERVATIONS ON THE 
annual layers of woody matter are somewhat thinner and con- 
sequently form denser timber. I have frequently observed a 
sensible difference of the growth of 
the annual layers of wood on the 
different sides of most kinds of trees, 
as attempted to be exemplified in 
((((K Sy) } the marginal sketch of a cross-sec- 
SS =f tion of the trunk of atree. It will 
be observed that the pith in the 
sketch is shown to be nearer the 
north side of the stem, and that the 
annual ring-growths are broader on 
the southern side of the tree. This result is not so obvious at the 
junction of the stem with the root as it is at a few feet upwards ; 
apparently because the roots draw nourishment from below the 
surface of the soil, where the sun has less power, and from all 
sides of the tree alike; and it is only where the sun can act on 
the stem that the difference is more clearly discernible. 
During this winter I have had many Ash and other trees on 
a south-eastern declivity, of twenty to thirty years’ growth, cut 
down, and in most of the Ashes the annual rings are more fully 
developed on the southern sides of the trees. In the Larch this 
difference of sides is not so perceptible, owing, I suppose, to the 
spiral twist of the fibres enabling the whole to be equally acted 
on by the sun. 
The observations of some of your experienced correspondents 
may tend to corroborate or correct this view, for the benefit of 
your readers, including W. D. 
Cockermouth, Feb. 27, 1856. 


(--=—N 
SS) 

Observations on the List of Common Plants. 
The undermentioned remarks on the List printed in our May 
Number have been kindly contributed by correspondents. 
A reverend contributor from Devonshire writes as follows :— 
“‘T send you a few notes on your List of ‘Common Plants.’ Of course 
I can only speak of our own district, the vicinity of Ilfracombe, but per- 
haps they may not be unacceptable. 
“ Papaver dubium I have not met with about here. Drada verna, ditto. 
