HORTUS SICCUS. 
389 
ordinary species of large black frog, which existed in considerable 
numbers there. Supposing he was about to witness a new variety of the 
species, he proceeded to pull down an old wall, where he found several 
full-grown toads. This fact, opposed as it is to the general disbelief of 
their existence in Ireland, occasioned a considerable sensation. A member 
stated that there exist two distinct varieties [species] of the toad in 
England ; one so active as to run about with the rapidity of a mouse, 
and the other is the common toad. The former is distinguished from 
the latter by a yellow line down the back, and two spots on the front 
of the body. [Query—Is not this last the Rana rubeta, or Nether 
Jack, generally found in hollow trees.]—Dr. Neill made a communica¬ 
tion on the seeming torpidity of a land-rail; it was found in Orkney. 
When brought near the heat of a fire, it was restored, but died shortly 
afterwards. Dr. Drummond stated the common gordias to be vivipa¬ 
rous. When put into the same vessel of water with a common newt, 
the latter animal became alarmed, and, in a short time, the gordias 
twined round and killed the newt. 
<f Some observations of a highly interesting import were made by 
Professor Daubeny on the circumstances affecting the exhalation of 
moisture from the leaves of plants, the influence of light and heat 
together, and of heat without light. A very interesting discussion 
arose out of this subject.*’ 
The above extracts are a small portion of the matters discussed by 
the members of the British Association at their late meeting in the 
city of Dublin, for which we are beholden to the report published in 
“ The Irish Farmer’s and Gardener’s Magazine ” for the last month. 
We much approve of such an association, being convinced that both 
the arts and every branch of science will be greatly advanced by the 
interchange of the ideas and opinions of such an assembly of learned 
men. 
Hortus Siccus .—“ In the study of botany, it will be found very 
advantageous to prepare a book, or folio, of dried specimens of 
plants. Such a book is called hortus siccus, a dry garden. Select 
from the plant a flourishing and vigorous piece, bearing leaf, liower, 
bud, and, if possible, seed; lay it upon thick blotting paper, 
with one or two sheets of the same over it, upon which, unless the 
plant be very thick and succulent, lay another specimen, and then 
more paper ; be careful to lay each leaf and flower smooth and flat 
upon the paper; let no part of the specimen be under another part ; 
cut off with a sharp knife any leaf that cannot be disposed without 
touching or crossing another ; and if any bud or flower be too thick to 
