164 Notes on, and Notices of, 



by introducing neatly executed woodcuts of the parts of fruc- 

 tification, and mode of growth, along with each reference to 

 any one class, or natural division, of the vegetable kingdom. 

 The following extract from the introductory observations will 

 furnish a good idea of the general plan and objects of the 

 work : — 



" Although we intend elucidating the principles of classification, as 

 •manifested by nature, from a conviction of its primary importance to those 

 who aim at the attainment of gratification through an acquaintance with 

 the works of creation, this will not be done to the exclusion of miscel- 

 laneous information. We hope to make the Botanist a work of general in- 

 terest, by combining therein all information of a popular character which may 

 seem to be connected, either directly or indirectly, with the plants described. 

 A glance at the heads under which we have classified both the Scientific 

 and Popular parts of the descriptions will show our design ; and we shall 

 be careful to state not only our own experience, but also that of the most 

 competent cultivators, for the benefit of those to whom the proper manage- 

 ment of flowering plants is a desideratum. In fact, as far as we are able, 

 we shall make the Botanist the depository of all knowledge connected 

 with those subjects of which it treats." 



Along with the large paper edition is a dictionary of Latin 

 and English terms used in botanical descriptions, written by 

 Professor Henslow, and which will form, when complete, a 

 valuable work for reference. We sincerely hope the Botanist 

 may meet with that support which it amply deserves. 



SHORT COMMUNICATIONS. 



Notes on, and Notices of, the Crossbill {Loxia curvirostra 

 Linn.). — During the latter end of the month of June, 1835, 

 a flight of these singular birds was observed in and about the 

 plantations at Saffron Walden and the adjoining villages, 

 several of which were procured, during that and the follow- 

 ing months, in their different stages of plumage, for the pur- 

 pose of adding to the collection of British birds in the Natural 

 History Society's museum at that place. In the early part 

 of their visit, most of them were in a suit of plain, greenish, 

 sober grey, some very dusky, so as to look very dark, almost 

 approaching black, at a distance; a few were in a dull red 

 livery. They were evidently in moult, as the specimens obtained 

 will afford abundant proof, and, also, as their plumage was 

 continually changing; some getting more green, with more 

 yellow on the back and rump; others becoming more red and 

 orange; and some, even in March, 1836, retaining their more 

 dingy and sombre dress. One, taken in December, 1835, 

 more beautifully yellow than any of its companions, was sup- 



