Nov., 1890. HISTORY OF THE COUNTY BOTANY OF WORCESTER. 255 
are uncertain. We know, however, that at this period the 
landscapes were ornamented with the gorgeous blossoms of 
kingly magnolias. We may also assume that the limes wafted 
perfume through the woodlands, and the graceful tulip tree 
hung its fairy bells of beauty, but we are not so sure about 
that great creation of herbaceous plants which contributes 
now such conspicuous beauty to the world. It may probably 
be correct to assume that such plants existed to a larger or 
smaller extent, but the records are insignificant, owing 
probably to their perishing more easily and completely than 
do the foliage and fruit of woodland trees. Whilst the 
decaying influence of seasons quickly rots plants of the moor¬ 
lands or the undergrowth of woods, the falling leaves of larger 
trees dry up, and decay is arrested, and if the toughened 
texture of the original leaf is not actually treasured up in the 
folds of the earth, perfectly veined skeletons bear evidence of 
form and character. Seeds, particularly nuts, are records of 
importance and interest in determining plant life-history, and 
it will be easily understood how, from their unchanging 
nature, this may be so. 
In the earlier history of the earth then, there were no 
jewelled flowers to adorn it, the grand beauty of the fern 
paradises of Carboniferous times was not relieved by the 
brilliancy of floral colour, and even when the first true flowers 
appeared, with the primitive reproductive organs of stamen 
and pistil—yet, petalled flowers were still unborn. It was 
not until ages upon ages had passed over the world’s history 
that the mountains, the heaths, and the woodland valleys 
became clothed with the myriads of lovely gems which now 
adorn them. 
HISTORY OF THE COUNTY BOTANY OF WORCESTER. 
BY WM. MATHEWS, M.A. 
(Continued frontpage 204.) 
The second series of the “ Phytologist,”edited by Alexander 
Irvine and published by William Pamplin, was commenced 
in 1855. Six volumes appeared, bearing date 1855-6 to 
1862*8. It contains many notices relating to the botany of 
Worcestershire. 
In Vol. I., at p. 151, we find an account of “A Visit to 
Wyre Forest, Worcestershire,” from the pen of Mr. T. W. 
Gissing. Mr. Gissing omits to state that a large part of the 
Forest, north of Dowles Brook—about half of the entire area 
—is in the county of Salop, and another portion in the 
