568 
In one of the late numbers of the 
‘Monthly Magazine, was inserted a 
brief notice respecting the Jrish fiorin 
grass, so highly recommended by the 
Rev. Dr. RicHarpson, and which, 
from the description given, is generally 
supposed to be the agvostis stolonifera 
ef Linneus. To this subject Mr. W. 
Sattspury, of the botanic garden, 
Sloane-street, invites the attention of 
agriculturists:—“ I take this opportunity, 
says he, of stating, for the information 
of all who feel interested in this plant, 
that [have grown the fiorin grass last 
summer, as a specimen, among our col- 
Jection of British gramina, and find the 
two are very different from each other; 
but as all plants differ in cultivation from 
what they are in their-wild state, and 
having never seen the Irish plant in its 
native place, I shall not at present pro- 
nounce if it is a different species or not 3 
but certainly the agrostis stolonifera is a 
smaller-growing plant in all respects, 
which is evident on comparing the foliage, 
flowers, and seeds; and although it is 
not generally known by the abave Lin- 
Nzan name, it will no doubt be recog- 
nised by many farmers under the appel- 
Jation of common couch, scutch»quitch, 
or sti¢th grass,* who well know it does 
not possess the many good qualities as- 
ribed to the fiorin grass. Whether all 
the merits ascribed to the latter will be 
found on its culture in this country, I do 
not know, or pretend to predict; but I 
#m desirous the public should be con- 
vinced by actual experiment, and ocular 
demonstration, which they may have by 
applying here during the spring and sum- 
mer; as I have now planted a consi- 
derable quantity of the roots in different 
ways, of each kind, and also sown seeds 
of each; which has been done, in 
great measure, at the desire of the board 
of agriculture, from whom I received the 
seeds and plants. To these will be given 
a fair and equal chance, and any person 
* $6 T wish tootserve, there are two kinds 
of grassthat are known by the names of 
Couch, &c.; which, although they are well 
known to the botanist, are notso generally 
understood by the farmer. The grass in ques- 
tion may be distinguished by its shoots rune 
ning on the surface of the soil, and rooting 
at every joint; from which circumstance 
there is great difficulty in extirpating it. The 
other kind of couch is the triticum repens, 
which forms its long roots below the soil, and 
is, in all sespects, equally noxicys to the 
andy? 
Literary and Philosophical Intelligence. 
[May 1, 
shall be at liberty to view the same by 
obtaining an introduction from any sub- 
scriber to the botanic garden,” 
FRANCE. 
M. Descroiziuces, sen. has described 
a method of making pickle of violets, — 
instead of syrup of violets, for a chemical 
test, the latter being apt to spoil. It is 
as follows:—On the petals of the violet, 
slightly pressed into a small pewter mea- 
sure, pour double their weight of boiling 
water, and stir them together. Cover 
the measure and expose it for a few hours 
to a heat somewhat greater than that of 
a water-bath; after which, let the liquor 
be strongly pressed out through a very 
clean linen cloth. Weigh the infusion 
accurately, and add to it one-third of its 
weight of common salt, stirring it till 
dissolved. Véry fine white salt should 
be chosen for this purpose. In a small 
phial corked, this liquor will keep without 
alteration, even when exposed to the rays 
of the sun. He presumes that several 
ather blue flowers, as those of the iris, 
larkspur, &c. would afford a pickle of suf 
ficient sensibility. ‘Fhe latter, indeed, 
he has tried with success, 
The same chemist has also published 
some observations on the preservation of 
vegetables for distillation by salting. To 
preserve rose-leaves, for example, he 
gives ‘the following directions: Take 
4lbs. troy of rose-leaves, and pound 
them two or three minutes with 4 of 
their weight ofcommon salt. The flowers 
bruised with the salt will soon give out 
their juice, and produce a paste of little 
bulk, which must be put into an earthen 
vessel, or small cask, and proceed in the 
same manner till you have filled it Stop 
the vessel close, and keep it ina cool 
place till wanted. This fragrant paste 
you may distil ‘at leisure, In a common 
still, diluting it with about double its 
weight of pure water. This proeess is 
particularly applicable to those herbs, the 
water of which, distilled by the common 
method, will not keep. 
GERMANY, . | _ 
A literary institution denominated the 
Museum, has lately been established at 
Frankfort, under tie protection of the 
prince primate. It is divided ito four 
classes, three of which are occupied by 
the sciences, literature, and objects of 
art. 
A society of learned orientalists has — 
lately been instituted at Vienna, under 
the patronage of Count WENcEsLAUS 
Rzewuskt, They have circulated a very 
splendid 
