x 383 
THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE BRITISH MELICA. 
THERE are two British species of Melica, both of which occur 
typically in woods. One is widely distributed throughout Britain : 
the other is found chiefly in the North. The common species, 
distinguished by its erect spikelets, has generally been named 
Melica uniflora: the northern species, distinguished by its pen- 
dulous spikelets, has generally been named M. nutans. These 
names have, however, been recently called in question. Messrs. 
H. and J. Groves, in their edition of Babington’s Manual 
not so used by systematists before Messrs. Groves. As Messrs 
Groves have been followed by Dr. Rendle and Mr. Britten in their 
pted 
Linnus (Spec. Plant. p. 66, 1753) gives three species of Melica: 
ila 1880 he first and 
n species and M. montana for the 
northern species: this is the eee by Lamarck and 
: 25, 1806). 
of confusion or error; an 
the alternative associated with the names of Messrs. Groves and 
that followed by practically all other systematists. 
When a taxonomic group is divided into two or more smaller 
groups, it would appear, from Section 6 of the Vienna Rules (see 
Journ. Bot. 1906), that the original name is to be retained for that 
segregate which is the type or the origin of the original group. 
Journan or Borany.—Vot: 47. [Sepr. 1909.] 2c 
