358 
VARIATION IN THE LEAVES AND FLOWERS 
OF GOLDILOCKS. 
Pror. F. E. WEISS, D.Sc., 
The University, Manchester. 
I HAVE read with,interest the article by Mr. Winter on 
Variation in the Leaves and Flowers of Goldilocks (Ranunculus 
auricomus).* I had noticed the occurrence of such variation 
some years ago in Miller’s Dale, Derbyshire, where this plant 
is very plentiful, and have had some of the types under 
observation in the garden and in a cool house since then with 
a view to determining what variation is shown in the offspring 
of these forms. So far as the evidence goes it seems to point 
to each form breeding true when self-pollinated and prevented 
from crossing. The number of individuals I have raised, 
however, is not sufficient to warrant any definite statement, 
nor will I put forward as yet any explanation of the observed 
facts. I should lke, however, to point out an interesting 
correlation to which, I think, Mr. Winter has not drawn 
attention. All the apetalous forms are characterized by the 
possession of leaves of the type 130, that is, with very few 
indentations, whereas the plants with five petals have the 
leaves very much dissected. Forms with two and three petals 
have a somewhat intermediate type of leaf, the segments 
being broader than in plants possessing five petals. I hope 
to continue my investigations on this interesting plant. 
3 OF 
The Peregrine Falcon at the Eyrie. By Francis Heatherley, London. 
“Country Life,’ Ltd., 78 pp., 5s. Many of the readers of The Naturalist 
have already had an opportunity of hearing something about the thirteen 
days’ constant observation of a pair of peregrines, by Dr. Heatherley and 
his friends, who were able to live ina specially built hut ata distance of a few 
feet from the nest. The whole narrative is now pleasantly told, and is a 
distinct contribution to our knowledge of the life of this interesting species. 
Mr. H. B. Booth was one of the watchers, and spent his birthday there. His 
notes are included in the volume, and Dr. Heatherley, who evidently knows 
something, ‘ did not think it tactful to allow him to revise his rough notes.’ 
The volume, which is exceedingly well produced, is illustrated by a series of 
photographs alone worth more than the cost of the book. The volume 
is dedicated ‘ to all egg collectors in the hope that some day they will 
realise that the shell is not the most important part of a bird’s egg.’ As 
a collector of eggs in a small way (one for breakfast each morning) the 
present writer agrees. We are permitted to reproduce one of the smaller 
illustrations (see Plate XVIT.). 
* The Naturalist, Aug. 1913, pp. 283-286. 
Naturalist, 
