NATURAL HISTORY MISCELLANY. 381 
the progress of the flower from expansion towards decay, as they always 
do sooner or later, whether through the aid of an insect or not. I feel 
perfectly convinced that the titillation, by the legs of small or even large 
anther mass. On the other hand abundant experiments have shown that 
a slight pressure upon this mass s effectual, and uniformly so to the dif- 
fusion of the pollen. 
In a short time we shall have more flowers, and-we would be pleased 
to show it to any who take an interest in such phenomena; and we will 
be more than pleased if any one skilful in such matters will make a thor- 
ough anatomical examination of the mechanism by which it is effected. 
— CHARLES WriG: 
ARETHUSA. — June 6th, '69, a friend sent me from Plymouth, 
met albinos of other families of plants on his botanical rambles.— C. A. 
B., Cambridge, Mass. 
ABNORMAL FORMS OF PrLANTS.— As much enquiry has of late been 
direeted to variation in plants, particularly in those growing in a wild 
State, removed from any influence of cultivation, I would contribute from 
Iny own observations the following facts on the subject: B 
A remarkable form of Fragaria Virginiana var. Illinoensis Gray, was 
found by me last summer, in abundance, in two localities on Lake Superior, 
remote from culture. The petals had changed, or were partially altered 
to stamens, in most instances the transformation being complete. Tke 
Singularity of the plant was apparent at a glance. This is an interest- 
case for a Darwinian, as it would appear that this plant, not satisfied 
With the variation it had previously accomplished, was still demonstra- 







more white than usual, grew not unfrequently with the ordinary form in 
Open woods. Trifolium repens Linn., flourished in open patches on moun- 
tain slopes, having its leaves often from four to six-foliate. towers 
casting the four-leaved shamrock into the shade. Deep in the forest I en- 
countered Mitchella repens Linn., with, in many cases, its corolla six to 
S€ven-lobed. I also discovered a single instance of Botrychium Firini 
_ Cum Swartz., with a second perfect though smaller fertile frond rising on 
. "n independent stalk from the centre of the largest primary division of 
