478 botanical notes, notices, and queries. [june, 



Daisies in Braemar. 



In the Botany of Braemar, by Mr. Barton, we are told that the sole 

 representative of the Order Rammcidacea is Ranunculus Flammula, while 

 the Daisies of our English meadows are replaced by Alchemilla vulgaris, 

 A. alpina, etc. 



In the late Mr. Gardiner's ' Botanical Rambles in Braemar,' printed 

 in 1845, he tells us that " round the old Castle of Braemar sheep and 

 lambs were browsing among the myriads of Buttercups and Daisies that 

 gemmed the meadows," etc. Quis judicabit ? 



Brooklime, Buckbean, etc. 



In the 28th No. of the ' Phytologist,' inquiry is made, " What is the term 

 Brooklime derived from ?" Probably a typographical error in some of the 

 old herbals, where it was more properly called Brookling, inhabiting the 

 brook, or Brookline, lining the brook, tenns much more significant. 



In the same number inquiry is made, " Why is Menyanthes trifolia 

 called Buckbean ?" This is likewise a typogi'aphical error. Bogbeanis a 

 proper appellation which is occasionally used : in bogs it grows in many 

 places plentfuUy ; but in shallow ponds of water it arrives to the greatest 

 perfection, and when in bloom presents a veiy beautifid spectacle. It 

 would be to botanists a great boon if all our British plants were in English 

 as significantly named. Bogbean in its foliage much resembles the cul- 

 tivated Bean. It is much used at present as a stomachic, and was once, 

 before hops were introduced, used to make ale bitter. 



Brooklime. 



A con-espondent, p. 192, vol. ii., asks what Brooklime is derived fi'om. 

 Probably brook, where the plant grows, and Dan. lijm, or lime, from a. s. 

 gliman, glue, a name applied to certain plants, as the Mistletoe, Holly, 

 etc., from which birdlime {fugle lijm) w^as obtained. 



Mustard. 



In the 29th No. inquiiy is made, " What is the word 'mustard' derived 

 from?" In Chambers' Cyclopaedia the following account may be found : — 

 " Mustard, a preparation of a seed of that name, ground or beaten up with 

 vinegar or the must of wine, whence its name." When the Mustard- 

 plant, for its seed, was extensively cultivated in almost every garden, 

 vinegar or the juice of the crab (verjuice) was used in preparing it for 

 use ; great quantities were consumed as a condiment when little else be- 

 sides salted meats were used during the winter months and a portion of 

 the summer also. It was likewise considered as an antiscorbutic. 



The Mustard-plant was first introduced from the Continent, but is now 

 fully naturalized here. On the banks of the river Severn it springs 

 annually in abundance ; the seeds retain their vitality in the earth for many 

 years. 



The Anacharis Alsinasfrum has now made its appearance in the river 

 Severn, in and about Bewdley, and is rapidly increasing. G. J. 



