1858.] JUNGERMANNIA OBTUSTFOLIA. 403 



fashion for exotic medicines. It has been recently discovered 

 that the oil possesses all the active properties of the plant, and is 

 of uniform strength. This is undoubtedly the most successful 

 agent yet known for expelling the common tape- worm (Tania 

 solium), and also the species found locally on the Continent 

 (Bothriscephas latus). Perhaps no animals are more tenacious 

 of lifcj or difficult to dislodge, than these troublesome parasites. 

 The head is fixed to the mucous membraile of the gut by recurved 

 hooks; and, if this remains, the after- segments are soon repro- 

 duced as abundantly as ever. Now, the species of Acaras, 

 Anobium, etc., most destructive to the herbarium, are not far 

 removed in structure from the Entozoa ; and, in the absence of 

 direct experiments, we may suppose them to be equally obnoxious 

 to the poisonous properties of the Fern. 



It is, perhaps, not generally known, that the rhizome of this 

 Fern [Lastrea F.-mas) is the best substitute for hops in beer ; and 

 for persons suffering from worms it might prove of benefit. 



B. Carrington, M.D. 



"Monstrosities of Scabiosa succisa." — A variety of Scabiosa 

 succisa, with three or four rays, is not uncommon in Yorkshire. 

 I found at Scarborough, last August, one specimen of S. Colum- 

 baria with sixteen rays, and many of these again bifid, and giving 

 off lateral heads of smaller size, with united bracts. I have 

 always looked upon these departures from the normal type as in- 

 dicating an affinity with Rubiacece rather than Umbellifera , but 

 they may be considered as approaching both. 



B. C. 



JUNGERMANNIA OBTUSIFOLIA IN SCOTLAND. 



To the JEditor of the ^ Phytologist.^ 



Sir, — In July 1855, and again in August 1857, I found Jun-, 

 germannia obtusifolia, Hooker, in the neighbourhood of Dunkeld, 

 growing on the ground, in a yellowish, sandy, clay soil. I find 

 that this plant has before now been noticed as a native of Scot- 

 land, though it seems to be rare both in England and Ireland. 

 The fruit is perfected in Spring, but in August the perianths were 

 still abundant. W. F. Buist. 



St. Andrew's, Fife. 



