1858.] BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. 535 



species, and two plants of the Dioecious kinds, as there was only a single 

 pair of human creatures originally created. This throws some doubt on 

 the modern doctrine of centres of vegetation and types of distribution, 

 unless we are to assume that the Professor believed that there were nume- 

 rous plants of the same species originally created and placed by them- 

 selves, and that they extended their range by inroads on the domains of 

 their neighbours, as the ancient Campbell clan preferred settling on the 

 very verge of their legitimate properties, in order that they might enlarge 

 their bounds at the expense of then- neighbours. Linuceus, if lie was the 

 author of the opinion that only single individuals were originally created 

 in the vegetable kingdom, probably adopted this view because a single fer- 

 tile plant would in time have covered a large space of land if it had been 

 left unmolested or uncropped, — a rather doubtful conclusion when it is 

 considered that the majority of animals live on herbaceous food. One spe- 

 cies would have been able to afford but a short supply, short commons, to 

 numerous pairs of original animal species. Perhaps the illustrious Swede 

 was seduced by the analogies that exist here and there between the two 

 organized kingdoms of animals and vegetables. I. A. 



Sir, — On the 29th ult. I gathered Polygonatum multijlorum near Storthes 

 Hall, but am inclined to think it is not a native plant in these parts, but 

 an escape from some garden. There were only one or two plants, and 

 those quite local. On the 5th June, in a hedge at Birkly, I found Loidcera 

 Xylosteum, a doubtful native, yet I am assured that " it has been there at 

 least fifteen years, probably much longer," and that sprigs were taken from 

 there and planted in a garden near, some ten or twelve years ago. I will 

 make further inquiries. I observe in the " British Plants " you give Sussex 

 as the only locality, and that only "said to be:" I fear this one can 

 scarcely lay claim even to so uncertain a tenure. Linaria Cymhalaria, 

 Stellaria nemorum, and BotrycJdimi Lunaria are also found sparingly in tliis 

 neighbourhood. {From Huddersfield.) 



Hypericum perfokatum and H. dubium. 



In the ' Phytologist' for June, 1858, Mr. Gissing states that he has 

 invariably found in H. dubium a row of black dots round the margin of the 

 leaves, appearing in contrast to the other jiart of the leaf, but this feature 

 he has never seen on the leaves of the H. perforatum. In examining the 

 H. perforatum, I have always found these black dots on its leaves, and 

 which have also been noticed by Hooker and others (see note in ' Phy- 

 tologist,' September, 1857). If Mr. Gissing's observation is correct, it 

 would appear that both species have black dots on the leaves. Mi*. Curtis, 

 in ' Plor. Loud.,' observes " that a little black gland on the anthera .dis- 

 tinguishes the R. perforatum at one view." 



This plant was in great repute with the ancients, who prescribed it in 

 hysteria, hypochondriasis and mania. They also imagined that it had the 

 peculiar power of curing demoniacs, and hence it obtained the name of 

 Fuga damomim. 



The dark puncta of the petals and the capsules afford an essential oil, 

 which is contained in the minute vesicles or glands. This oil has been 

 long known by the name of Oleum Hyper. H. B. 



