BRITTEN : BUCKINGHAMSHIRE PLANTS. 



15 



many cases. An interesting paper on this subject, by Professor Babington, 

 appeared in Loudoris Magazine of Natural History, vii, 375 — 377. In 

 common with the other members of the genus Ranunculus, R. Ficaria has a 

 true corolla, the calyx being composed of three, or more roundish sepals. The 

 number of petals varies very considerably ; and an instance has already been 

 given in the " ISTaturalist," of a plant, the blossoms of which Avere perfectly 

 double. Both flowers and leaves have a peculiarly glossy appearance, as 

 though they had been washed over with gum ; and the bright appearance of 

 the former renders the poet's words particularly applicable to them, when he 

 speaks of the blossoms which shine " like stars, to tell us spring is born."- — 

 l!^"ot far from this was the magnificent Marsh, or March Marigold ( Caltlia 

 palustris ) just opening its rich yellow flowers, which are composed of five 

 or six sepals ; this plant has no corolla, but the calyx makes up in brilliancy 

 and beauty for this deficiency. A double-flowered variety is cultivated in 

 gardens, and is reported to occur wild in the Grandchester meadows, near 

 Cambridge. In one corner of the Rye, near the little river Wick, I observed 

 the Butterbur, ( Petasites vulgaris ) in some plenty, bearing fine large heads 

 of well-developed blossoms j this is a handsome species, and its leaves are, I 

 believe, the largest among British plants j I looked for the fertile form. P, 

 hyhrida but could not perceive it. 



Leaving the Bye, and going up to Keep Hill, I saw through the hedge, 

 some fine plants of Sedum TelepMum, with Viola odorata in the greatest 

 abundance ; here the purple-flowered variety predominated, though in some 

 places in the neighbom'liood the form with white blossoms ( V. alba ) 

 is the more abundant. It must be clear to every one that this latter form 

 has no claim to be considered even as a genuine variety. I gathered a very 

 pretty specimen the other day, the petals of which were blotched with pm^ple, 

 and also saw others, exquisitely fragrant, but in colour pale lilac. I am 

 informed that near Buckingham V. odorata occurs with deep claret-coloured 

 blossoms j and that in some parts of Devonshire the form with purple flowers 

 is but very rarely found, though V. alba, is common. Mr. Watson appears 

 to doubt the true nativity of the Violet, except in the Isle of Wight ; but 

 surely this is an example of carrying a principle too far. On Keep Hill, 

 dwarf examples of F. Mrta were observed : the absence of scent, and of 

 creeping scions, as well as the difference of hue, well distinguish this from 

 F. odorata, though some botanists have thought it not really a distinct 

 species. On the sunny slope of the hill, the fierce and beautiful Tiger-Beetle 

 ( Cicindela campestris J was very abundant, apparently much enjoying the 



