15! 



The pretty little water ranunculus {R. aquatilis) certainly was 

 not known on the pond four years ago, whereas at the present 

 time it is fairly abundant ; and this may also be said of 

 the frogbit (Hydrocharis Morsusrana), which made its first 

 appearance last summer, although in limited numbers. 



The branched burr-reed (Sparganium ramosum), the 

 water arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) y and water plantain 

 (Alisma plantago), are all abundant; whilst the deliciously 

 fragrant, sweet acorus (A. calamus) is to be found in plenty. 



Grasses of various kinds occur commonly by the pond 

 margin ; so does the moneywort (Lysimachia) , with its showy 

 yellow flowers and neat, procumbent habit of growth, the 

 marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), and the common iris. 

 The only native plants that I have introduced to the water 

 are the greater and lesser reedmace and catstail (Typha), 

 the bogbean, variegated-leaved iris, lymegrass, and the 

 white and yellow water lilies. All the others have made 

 their appearance — how, I know not — but in all probability as 

 before-mentioned — through the agency of birds. One water- 

 plant I must not forget to mention — the American weed 

 {Elodea Canadensis), which made its appearance in the pond 

 four years ago, and so rapidly has it increased that over 

 one hundred cart-loads have been romoved during the last 

 and present summer. This plant is of particular interest, in 

 that, although introduced to this country only about forty- 

 five years ago, it has so over-run the canals and streams in 

 almost every part of the British Isles that thousands of 

 pounds sterling have been spent in keeping the waters open 

 for navigation. Its introduction is said to be due to the late 

 Professor Babbington, and after whom it was nick-named 

 Babingtoi lia da mnab His . 



It is certainly a veritable pest, as the least portion of 

 the plant seems to be able to root afresh and increase with 

 amazing rapidity. Ferns are sparsely represented, but I 

 might mention that the wall rue (Asplenium rata muraria), 

 the hart's tongue (Scolopendrium vulgar c), the male and lady 

 ferns, the shield (Polystichum), and the common polypody, 

 have been found ; while the bracken covers several acres of 

 the deer-park. One of the prettiest of our native plants is 

 the lady's bedstraw (Galium varum), of which numerous 

 tufts may be seen by the fort in the Ranger's grounds, and 

 which I am trying to extend the growth of by seed-sowing in 

 suitable parts of the Park. 



