REPORT FOR 1876 oF THE HERBARIUM AT KEW. 243 
_ in favour of older ones in other genera. It will appear to such that 
to do this is to needlessly create in each case another synonym. It is, 
however, much to be desired that the practice of botanists should be 
harmonised.—[ Ed. Journ. Bot.] 
SHORT NOTES. 
ARDAMINE AMARA, Z., IN Herts.—There is no record of the 
occurrence of Cardamine amara in Hertfordshire for more than fifty 
sex 7.e., at Harefield, it does ot seem to have been noticed 
since yong ‘ie of Blackstone, “_R. A. Pry 
VALLISNERIA sSPIRALIS.—I have iebotded i in the “‘ hice ya! of 
the Linnean Society wee series, Botany, vol. i., p. 133) some 
observations with regard to the extraordinarily ‘ipl growth of the 
female flower-stalk of this plant. It seemed to me at the time that, 
remarkable as that growth was, it was in all probability retarded by 
the constant pet oe tion necessary in performing the frequent sec- 
tional measurement his impression is confirmed by observations 
made during the present month. The first flower-bud made its ap- 
pearance in my aquarium this year on July Ist, the pedicel being at 
p-m. apparently jut 1-5 inch long. On the 3rd inst., at 4 p.m., 
reached the astonishing length of 43 inches. The bud was then still 
closed, and the flower-stalk . quite straight, z.e., not showing yet any 
tendency to coil. At 10 a.m. on the 9th the length was 45°5 inches, 
ast measurements are es understated, owing to the 
resent time, July 14th, no second female flower has made its appear- 
ance, nor ‘aay male flower, Pr , I have male plants sent to me 
from Germany.—ALFRED ENNETT. 
Extracts and Abstracts. 
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1876 OF THE HERBARIUM OF 
THE ROYAL GARDENS AT KEW. 
By J. D. Hooxer, K.C.8.L, M.D., F.R.S. 
Tue new building for not ee ad of the Herbarium is in 
a very advanced state. It ene ae back 
