642 General Notes. 
BOTANY.! 
THE FLORA or PALESTINE.—A. general opinion seems to 
prevail, even among those who have visited the country, that 
though flowers are abundant in Palestine, especially during and 
immediately succeeding the rainy season, yet the number of species 
is remarkably small. This idea as to the paucity of species is 
scarcely correct. The multiplicity of species, and the large variety 
of peculiar forms are, in fact, in many cases, noticeable features of 
the flora. 
As an example, I may state that I have collected, in the imme- 
diate vicinity of Jerusalem, eleven species of Geranium, including 
the G. tuberosum, that very distinct species with tuberous root. In 
this group, as in most others, the differentiation of the species is 
remarkably pronounced, being displayed not only in the form, 
color, number, furnishing and disposition of the blossoms, but also, 
being exhibited in the great variation of the leaf, and even some- 
times, as in the case of the species mentioned, passing into the 
character of the root. i 
I have had my attention attracted by the great number of cruci- 
ferous plants, as also those of a prickly or thorny nature. Indeed, 
genera whose species in other countries are usually smooth and 
unarmed, are here represented by species having prickly, spinous, 
or thorny appendages. It may be considered significant that im 
this land, where the great event (the central thought of Christianity) 
occurred, the plants should be found so frequently bearing the cross 
and wearing the thorns. . 
The number of garden plants which here grow wild has been 
commented on. To-day, I found on the rocky hills around Jeru- 
salem the Narcissus and the Scarlet Anemone, Cyclamens, and the 
little blue-gray Iris, all in blossom. The Narcissus as we 
Almond had been in flower for more than two weeks, and the 
Crocus and Orange for months ; the fruit of the latter (confined to 
gardens) having been ripe since November. The Asphodels were 
pushing up their long stalks, heavy with buds, from among their 
spear-like leaves; and the purple Bugloss (Echium violaceum) hung 
from the cliffs. The very rocks seemed breaking out into blossom 
and praise. i 
In northern Palestine, in the months of March and April, 0g 
the effect of the rainy season has been felt, the bursting of the lan 
into flower is a sight never to be forgotten. I have ridden hes 
horseback, hour after hour, day after day, through miles of Sear . 
Anemones and Ranunculus, Lupine, Scabious and Pheasant arm 
Patches of vividly red Poppies, with fine black maculations, The 
eyes, edged with white, made matchless streaks of color. 
1 Edited by Prof. Chas. E. Bessey, Lincoln, Neb. 
