608 THE FLORA OF PORTLAND. [Novembcr, 



to develope its narcotic principles in an extraordinary degree, 

 and Solanum Dulcamara and niger. Centranthus ruber affects 

 the stony sides of old quarries, but in such situations must yield 

 in fragrance to Artemisia Absinthium, which on certain parts of 

 the island is extremely abundant. The Toadflaxes are numerous 

 and interesting, and are to be found both on cliffsides and cul- 

 tivated ground; they number Linaria spwia, vulgaris, Elatine, 

 and minor, the former ubiquitous in cornfields, the latter of 

 more seldom occiu-rence. Of Grasses we have few Avorth men- 

 tioning besides Festuca uniglumis. Alopecurus agi^estis is gra- 

 dually being introduced from the cornfields of the adjacent 

 mainland, where it is found to be a considerable pest to the 

 farmers. In such a thoroughly limestone soil as that of Port- 

 land, we cannot be surprised with the frequency of Arena 

 flavescens and pubescens, which are also largely distributed on 

 all the chalky downs on the opposite side of the bay. 



In conclusion we will say a few words about some species 

 that are supposed to be locally extinct. Vicia IcBvigata, we are 

 afraid, is undoubtedly so, as we have searched every beach within 

 eight or ten miles of Weymouth, and could find no traces of it. 

 Polycarpon tetraphyllum is another plant that used to flourish 

 on and near the island, but Avhich has not been met with of 

 late years ; nevertheless, we entertain hopes that it may yet 

 linger on the extensive western undercliff, and reward some 

 explorer, although we have failed to find it. A third plant, 

 Lavatera arborea, used to grow wild both here and on the 

 Chesil Bank, near Abbotsbury, but it is now only to be met with 

 in gardens. There was a time Avhen all the rugged heights of 

 Portland were clothed with this Tree-mallow, but then Herbalism 

 was rampant, and above all other Orders the MalvacecB were 

 selected for persecution ; and every species, of whatever genus, 

 whether Althaa, Malva, or Lavatera, were alike named locally 

 " Marshmallow," and accounted among the " good-things.'^ 

 From its rarity, a preference seems to have been given to the 

 species under remark, and the natives, in course of time, justly 

 imagined it preferable to cultivate it in their gardens than to 

 run the risk of their necks in obtaining it on the cliffsides. 

 Another plant that has disappeared within the last two or three 

 years is Eriophorum polystachion, which, although of frequency 

 elsewhere, shows us that we can scarcely reckon from year to 



