SHORT NOTES 283 
of very different values. In the study of pry eee lies the true 
secret of evolution, and it is amazing that, after the experience of 
the last fifty years, some Le appear to think that a variety or a 
species is an unvarying u 
Mr. Druce’s mae has pincer allusion, we believe, to a remark 
made on p. 62 in the course of a review of his edition of the 
Botanists’ Poslek. Book, and, whatever may be the merits of the 
plant of which he now writes, we are still of opinion that the term 
variety is often used when “form” or “state” would be more 
available are found to be conspecific when a greater number of 
specimens comes under investigation r. Druce says: “ How 
many species of Roads s, Brambles, Hawkweeds, &e., be bear 
the test of constancy of character?” and proceeds, “if this be true 
of species, how much more of varieties!” But this is to beg the 
ion : 
the plants to which the term “ species” is cA aa We athe 
like to take this opportunity of lt ng the view which we hav 
more than once expressed as to the desirability of a pa 
inquiry into the varietal names which appear in such abundance 
in our lists and reports. Such inquiry should ascertain in how 
many cases type-specimens have been seen for sialon 
in how many a verbal description has been relied upon; and, in 
the latter case, whether such description is adequate or 50 brief as 
to be of but little value. As Mr. Druce suggests, cultural experi- 
to be desired. We have a strong conviction that if investigations of 
the kinds indicated were carefully carried out, the number of 
varieties which appear in our lists would be very considerably 
uced.—Ep. Journ. Bor.] 
SHORT NOTES. 
HYOSCYAMUS NIGER Bae PALLIDUS.—In J wy of last hee Mr. 
ffers from th in the lacks the 
characteristic purple veins. He raised these plants from seeds 
om a single specim ich a on P 
earth thrown up from the excavation of Culross Abbey, Scotland 
It was not accompanied er weeds, so it is reac ‘ 
— that the seed may — lain t map 
