233 BOTANICAL SKETCHES. [October, 



and Scirpus maritimus, with Callitriche platycarpa, abound in the 

 lake towards the Coast-guard Station^ and a little further on we 

 noticed Epilobium hirsutum and montanum, together with the 

 ladies' favourite, Forget-me-not. By the path leading up the hill, 

 Hound's-tongue occurs, and on gaining the summit a few plants 

 of Linum angustifolium. The Thistles in this locality present a 

 remarkable appearance, on account of the abnormal condition of 

 \ both flower and leaf buds, induced no doubt by some species of 

 ] Cynips, the larvae of which, on cutting a section, may be seen 

 I comfortably housed in the interior. Perhaps the most interest- 

 ing fact' is, that these insects only attack one species of Thistle, 

 that of Cnicus arvensis, although C. lanceolatus and Carlina vul- 

 garis abound in the immediate vicinity. In descending the hill 

 we gain a view of the Preston meadows, through which winds a 

 stream, having its source in the hills about three miles distant. 

 A walk on its banks would disclose an abundance of Water 

 Chickweed, Comfrey, and Reed, together with a few specimens 

 of Geranium columbinum, Hypericum tetragonum, and Sparga- 

 nium ramosum. 



We now cross the bridge, and recommence our ascent until we 

 reach a stone structure, erected for the benefit of the Preventive- 

 men in stormy nights ; — poor shelter, to be sure, consisting only 

 of two walls placed at right angles. Here we divei'ge, to search 

 the underclifi"; and can we say we are unrewarded, when the 

 bright yellow flowers and glaucous perfoliate leaves of Chlora 

 perfoliata meet our vicAv, forming perhaps one of the most attrac- 

 tive plants in the Order of Gentians ? But what is this pretty 

 Liliputian at our feet, covering the damp crevices with its tiny 

 leaves, so lowly as to escape ordinary observation ? It is the 

 Anagallis tenella, or Bog Pimpernel, whose striped, delicate pink 

 flowers and thread-like trailing stem form so decided a contrast 

 with its more sturdy brother, the Shepherd's Weather-glass. 

 Further on, Samolus Valerandi occurs, nearly hidden by the 

 masses of Scirpus maritimus and Juncus effusus that fringe the 

 pool. Here also J. lajiiprocarpus abounds, and we were fortunate 

 enough to discover some specimens of J. obtusiflorus ; while 

 through the masses of vegetation scores of tadpoles threaded 

 their way, seemingly intent on enjoying themselves whilst under- 

 going their remarkable changes. Coidd they but see themselves 

 as we see them, there would be no lack of amusement. Anthyllis 



