1 286 
MESSRS. J. B. LAWES, J. H. GILBERT, AND M. T. MASTERS, 
plot with the larger amount of nitrate of soda alone. In all other cases it yielded 
under, and in most very much under, 1 per cent. 
Galium Amarine was much less frequent than G. verum. It was found in only one 
sample in 1862, in none in 1867, in two in 1872, and in seven in 1877. The amount 
in which it occurred was in all cases insignificant. On none of the plots highly 
manured with both nitrogen and mineral constituents did it occur at all; but, never¬ 
theless, it did so more frequently with than without nitrogenous manure. The plant, 
by reason of its rampant growth, hooked prickles, and great facilities for diffusion by 
means of its bur-like seed-vessels, would seem to be well fitted for the struggle with 
its associates. It is clear, however, that it has no chance against them except under 
conditions unfavourable to their growth. 
DlPSACEiE. 
Few of the species of this small Order are pasture plants. 
Scabiosa arvensis is the only one that has been met with on the plots. It is a 
coarse, strong-growing perennial, with a stout root-stock. It occurred in the samples 
taken from seven plots in 1862, five in 1867 (but was observed on one more), 10 in 
1872, and 11 in 1877. It was generally found on the unmanured plots, but in very 
insignificant amount. It was absent, or very nearly so, wherever there was liberal 
nitrogenous and mineral manuring, but it reached as much as 0'3 per cent, with the 
smaller quantity of nitrate of soda alone ; and it reached its highest percentage on the 
plot with ammonia-salts alone, where in 1862 it yielded 0*03 per cent., in 1867 0*28, 
in 1872 0‘62, and in 1877 1*67 per cent. 
SCROPHULAKIACEAS. 
The only representatives of this large family found on the plots are two species of 
Veronica. None of the parasitic species of Rhinanthus , Bartsia , or Melampyrum 
occur, though they are not wanting in the neighbourhood. 
Veronica Charncedrys occurred in 13 samples in 1862, and was observed on 14 plots ; 
in 14 samples in 1867, and was observed on 15 plots; in 14 samples in 1872, and 13 
in 1877 ; but in both these years it was observed on 16 plots. It was scarcely repre¬ 
sented at all on the ammonia plots, but was slightly more so on the nitrate plots. It 
occurred in largest quantity on the plots without manure after farmyard manure, 
without manure from the commencement, and with purely mineral manure. It only 
exceeded 1 per cent, of the produce on the plot which had previously received farm¬ 
yard manure, and was afterwards left unmanured. As the foregoing statements will 
show, this plant occurred pretty frequently on the plots, notwithstanding its weak 
and humble growth, and it was sometimes plentiful among the bottom herbage, its 
creeping habit enabling it to co-exist with the grasses. 
