MR. VV. A. NICHOLSON ON BOTANY OF SUTTON. 
281 
Some of the plants in the above list are worthy of special 
consideration with regard to their distribution. Potentilla 
palustris, Scop., occurs in great abundance, covering the surface 
of the marsh in many places with a thick growth of leaves. 
Less conspicuous, though very common is Hydrocotyle vulgaris, 
L. Angelica sylvestris, L. and Peucedanum palustre, Moench, 
are typical Umbelliferce of this district, and possess special 
interest as being the food-plants of the caterpillar of the 
Swallow-tailed Butterfly ( Papilio machaon, L.). Mr. A. 
Bennett says with regard to Peucedanum palustre, that 
Norfolk is the headquarters of this species in England. It is 
one of the rarer plants of Britain now, owing, probably, to the 
increased drainage operations in its special habitats. I am 
happy to say, it is still abundant in the Broads district. 
Cnicus pratensis, Willd., adds largely to the beauty of the 
marshes during its season of flowering in the latter half of 
June. Also, Eriophorum angustifolium, Roth. 
One of the grasses calls for special mention, viz., Deschamp- 
sia caespitosa, Beauv. (Aim ccespitosa, L.). Two or three 
large tussocks of this grass occur in a damp meadow not far 
from the Laboratory. Its occurrence is generally indicative 
of a “ sour ” soil, especially if associated with sedges and 
rushes.* 
The genus Carcx forms such an important part of the marsh- 
flora, and is so characteristic of marshes generally, it seemed 
to me that a separate preliminary list of those species found 
in the Sutton district would be of interest as forming a basis 
for future botanising. No doubt, this list could be consider- 
ably extended by further search. 
Preliminary List of 
Species of Carex in Sutton District. 
•Carex pulicaris, L. 
C. DISTICHA, Huds. 
C. TERETIUSCULA, Good. 
* See ‘Grasses,’ II. Marshall Ward, Se.D., F.R.S., p. 33. 
