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NOTICES OF BOTANICAL PUBLICATIONS. 
“ A proneness to disturb existing nomenclature is very commonly 
alleged against modern botanists in a mass, and is looked upon by the 
public, who are much inconvenienced by it, as a besetting sin in 
modern natural history. That there is a good deal of prejudice, mis¬ 
conception, and no small degree of ignorance in this popular outcry, I, 
or any botanist, could easily prove; for it is impossible that, in a science 
of observation, the ideas of any man should remain fixed and immove¬ 
able. As new objects are discovered the necessity of new systematic 
combinations become evident, and the ideas of botanists change accord- 
ingly, the visible result of which is occasional changes in nomenclature. 
Genera are thus materially affected from time to time, and new species 
as they are discovered render the creation of new genera necessary, into 
which some of the species of the old genera are very often transferred.” 
We have quoted thus far merelv to show Dr. Lindley’s opinion of 
unscientific intermeddling, and also to show how far changes of 
nomenclature (so much complained of by the public) are justifiable. 
2. Oncidium Russellianum. The Duke of Bedford's Oncidium. 
This is a very beautiful orchideous plant, introduced from Rio Janeiro 
by the Hon. Capt. J. Roos, R. N., who presented it to the Duke of 
Bedford, in whose stove at Woburn it has lately flowered. 
3. Bartonia aurea . Golden-flowered Bartonia. A very beautiful 
lialf-hardy annual, discovered by Mr. Douglas in California, and raised 
in the garden of the Horticultural Society, where it flowered in July 
last. The plant belongs to the natural order Loasacere, but only 
flowers in perfection under very bright sunshine. 
4. Sarcochilus falcatus. Falcate, or sickle-leaved Sarcochilus. A 
small but handsome flowering orchideous plant from New Holland, 
first described by Dr. Brown, and drawn from specimens which 
flowered in the stoves of Mr. Bateman and Messrs. Loddiges. It is 
said to be a rare plant. 
5. Brunonia australis. Southern Brunonia. A most interesting 
new perennial, introduced by Mr. James Backhouse in 1834. The 
drawing was made from specimens received from Mr. Lowe of Clapton, 
and the Messrs. Backhouses of York. In appearance it is very like 
our wild Scabiouses, but is delightfully fragrant. It may require the 
protection of a frame in winter. 
6 . Celosici coccinea. Scarlet Cockscomb. A new species or variety 
of the C. cristata, from Asia. Its head of flowers is a short cone, very 
brilliant, and much hardier than the common cockscomb. 
7. Cooperia Drummondi. Drummond’s Cooperia. “ This is a 
very singular little bulb, and was discovered in the province of Texas, 
in North America, by poor Drummond, whose early death is deplored 
by all who feel interested in bringing to light the unexplored riches of 
