EQUISETUM LITORALE AS A BRITISH PLANT. 
By W. H. Bessy. 
(Tas. 278). 
Equisetum titorate Kiihlewein. — Barren and fertile stems 
alike, 6-18 in. high, rough, especially above; with or quite without 
branches, commonly with 10-12 (‘‘ 6-16,” Milde) furrows in well- 
grown stems. Central hollow of stem large, less in proportion to 
the diaraster of the stem than in F. limosum, but markedly larger 
an 
in Fi. eager Lowest sheaths close or slightly open, 
becoming gradually more open upwards; the uppermost, especially 
in the fertile stem, funnel shaped; lower brownish, with olate- 
acute teeth, which are black, except at their base, and have a 
narrow scarious ma sawn ; uppermost paler than the stem, yellowish 
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Spore abortive, sporangia fibris spiralibus destituta, elateres 
nulli.”——Milde. 
The above description is drawn up from a series of Surrey 
Specimens, and co sane apres that of Dr. Julius Milde in his 
in Herb. Kew. In Continental and Canadian specimens. re 
peduncle is often much more elongated than in an 
Specimens that I have yet seen. a position of F. litorale pie 
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palustre by the much ae entral hollow of the stem , and by the 
more numerous gue sbalis a cvs: from E. limosum by the 
smaller hollow, by the furrows being fewer and rather deeper, by 
its Lag colour, and sonapenaal by the funnel-shaped uppermost 
sh 
“The most noteworthy features about this plant are rir abortive 
spores and the absence of elaters. Hence Dr. Milde calls it ‘‘ one 
am 
this supposition seems doubtful. ‘‘ Hybrid Cryptogams, in other 
cases, — appear singly, and as extraordin nary peso The 
Spores and sporangia are e aborted in all the ; ne 
solitary okaee normal spores may always be found. At all ovdule 
Journan or Borany.—Vow. 25. [Mar., 1887.] F 
