1268 
MESSRS. J. B. LA WES, J. H. GILBERT, AND M. T. MASTERS, 
Thus, Cerostium triviale was only once first among the miscellaneous plants, viz.: in 
1872 on plot 15 (with the larger quantity of nitrate of soda alone), on which it had 
previously been third in 1867. In 1872, the third separation-year, it was also second 
on plot 17 (with the smaller quantity of nitrate alone). In the same year it was third 
on one of the unmanured plots, 12. On only one occasion, however, has it contributed 
more than 5 per cent, of the total produce, and this was in 1872, on the plot with the 
larger amount of nitrate of soda alone, when it gave 9'26 per cent. 
This plant was, therefore, most favoured under the influence of nitrate of soda alone. 
It was all but absent from the ammonia plots, and was very sparingly represented on 
the mineral manure plots. Next to the nitrate plots it succeeded best without any 
manure at all. It is obvious that it cannot sustain itself in competition where there 
is any general luxuriant growth among its associates; the only apparent exception 
being under the conditions of partial luxuriance induced by nitrate of soda alone. The 
explanation of this may be that it is specially fitted to take advantage of the direct 
supply in the upper layers of the soil. 
Umbellifeile. 
This is a large and well marked Order, morphologically speaking, but its chemical 
products vary greatly. The species are almost without exception herbaceous perennials, 
and they occur in very various localities in most regions of the globe, except the 
intertropical. The plants of this family represented on the plots are : Conopodium 
denudatum , found on all the plots in each separation-year; Pimpinella Saxifraga , 
found on most of the plots; Heracleum Sphondylium on a large number, especially in 
the earlier years; Anthriscus sylvestris on a few, and Doucus Carota on one. 
Conopodium denudatum. 
This plant is a perennial, with a blackish sub-globose tuberous root-stock (whence 
the name " earth nut ”) at a slight depth below the surface, and studded with pro¬ 
tuberances or buds, from which proceed slender, erect stems, 1 to 3 feet high, and 
minute thread-like roots, which do not penetrate very deeply. The leaves are ternately 
divided, the segments again finely cut. 
It flowers in May, ripens and sheds seeds previous to the first mowing, on which 
account its weight in the samples is less than it otherwise would be in proportion to 
the number of plants on the plots. 
The structural features favourable to the plant are its tuberous root-stock, which 
secures it from injury from drought or frost, and ensures a supply of buds and fresh 
shoots. These tubers are, however, sought out by wood pigeons and other creatures. 
Its diffusion is also favoured by the abundance of seed which it produces. The manner 
