1909 Field Trips
A RESUME OF THE FIELD MEETINGS OF 1909. By THE HONORARY SECRETARY.
As the seasons glide by with seeming ever-increasing rapidity the meditative pilgrim occasionally looks back with strange feelings on that mystic ocean we call the Past. The intensely silent and gradually- deepening waters are enveloped in ever-increasing mist, and as the wayfarer endeavours to pierce this vague retrospect, an islet or landmark stands out here and there with varying degrees of definition. And so, as we linger in the gloaming casting a backward glance over the rising fairy mists of the fast fading year, there emerges the shadowy profile of an occasional pinnacle, and as the eye wanders from peak to peak the mind throbs with successive alternations of pain and pleasure ; and while one stands and gazes thereon, mystic figures seem to pass in far-off pageant before the eye of imagination, like the weird and tragic magnificence of a dream.
When the glare of the summer sunshine is over, and the falling of the autumnal leaves has ceased, there comes that strange funereal period when Nature seems asleep. To most of us this is a season of sadness. Out of doors all is dismal and damp, and strangely silent, save lor the song of the wind cutting its way through the leafless trees or rustling over the rigid stems and pedicels of some lifeless flower. Yet, pervading all there is a subtle, sweet melancholy, that lingers like an old and nameless fragrance, while Nature is left lonely to her own still spirit of reflection. At this season it is pleasant to sojourn for a time on certain delightful isles which stand out in the sea of memories of the past, and so once again I am called upon to act as historiographer, and to collect and weave together some of the results and reminiscences of the field meetings of the past year.
Rhydymwyn 10 May 1909
The first field meeting was held on May 10th, an ideal day, when thirty Members journeyed to Rhydymwyn. Although this locality had been visited by a few members of the Society two years previously, yet on the present occasion it proved new ground to many. At this season it would certainly be difficult to find a more interesting spot—to a naturalist at least—within a similar radius of Liverpool. Concerning certain of the plants observed on this occasion I need say little or nothing, as they have already been noticed in a previous Résumé. Just outside the station the Butterbur, whose leaves were commencing to smother surrounding vegetation, was still largely in evidence, but the much elongated inflorescences had by no means as pleasing an aspect as the short, compact, pink clusters of capitula of a month or so earlier. The spring flora—always, I think, most luxuriant in limestone districts such as this—was almost at its best, and the woodland glades, hedge banks, and lane sides were studded with colour. In places swaying Anemones kept company with ivory-hued primroses; elsewhere the banks of white Stitchwort blossoms were dotted with flowers of the scentless Violet and Lesser Celandine, which stood out as blue and golden islets in the gleaming white sea. Occasionally there emerged the quaint spathes of the semi-sinister Arum, while overhead rose the Hedge Parsley with creamy umbels of tiny flowers, which were frequented by numerous insect promenaders of various kinds.
Owing to some reason or causes not yet understood, the Lesser Celandine appears to rarely or never set its seed in many localities, and this is a point which some of our members might well investigate locally. In a test which I made with some apparently mature achenes from plants growing near Hawarden a considerable number germinated. On the other hand, in an experiment made with fruits obtained near Burton Point (Cheshire), only a few miles from the former place, I was unable to obtain a single plant. This might be due perhaps to lack of cross pollination ; the flowers, it must be remembered, are protandrous, but then the nectariferous petals would appear to indicate cross pollination. In any case the Lesser Celandine is at no disadvantage, as it is more or less independent of this mode of increase, for vegetative reproduction is well provided for by the tubers, each of which contains a winter bud. Attached to stones in the bed of the Alyn and quite submerged we found numerous conspicuous and more or less ovate, dark-green, gelatinous masses of an alga which we suspected to be some species of Nostoc. This was later identified by Mr. W. T. Haydon as Nostoc verrucosum, the appropriate specific name referring to its wart-like appearance. Like most Chlorophyceae, this alga is of simple structure, and when examined microscopically is found to consist of numerous multicellular, necklacelike filaments of about one two hundredth of a millimetre in thickness. Further on Herb-paris Paris quadrifolia was seen in fair amount, but no flowering examples were encountered. As on a previous occasion, plants showing three and five leaflets were found, and one specimen had developed six. I am inclined to think that individuals growing in a chalk or limestone neighbourhood are more prone to this variation than those occurring on other formations. The picturesque wooded valley of the Alyn, or the Leet, as it is known locally, yielded some interesting plants, but it was too early for many of the typical limestone-haunting species of the locality. The scar limestone afforded a number of calciphilous Cryptogamia. A conspicuous lichen was Common Chocolate Chip Lichen Solorina saccata, a plant with a thin, papery bright-green thallus dotted here and there with the apothecia which formed dark brown patches. Another characteristic and equally frequent calciphilous lichen was Lecidea ceruleo-nigricans, which grew in little granular glaucous or bluish-black masses.
The Dwarf Elder or Danewort Sambucus ebulus, of which the shoots were just showing, was seen in its old station, where it has grown for at least forty years. The small clump of this uncommon plant is not without its associations, and is an interesting link with the past. It was well known to several prominent bygone botanists, including Miss E. M. Wood, the Rev. H. H. Higgins, and Robert Brown. A lady friend, who was well acquainted with Charles Kingsley, tells me that she well remembers the pleasure of the Canon at finding this same patch many years ago. This plant is said to have been introduced to this country by the Danes. It is much rarer than the Common Elder, from which it is readily distinguished by its herbaceous habit, quite apart from other well-marked characters. After carefully watching the flowers of the Leet plants for an afternoon I found that they were persistently, and apparently intentionally, avoided by bees. This fact was the more marked, as the flowers of some interspersed, and adjoining brambles were frequently visited by both humble and hive bees during this time.
A hairy brownish fly Mydaea urbana was a constant visitor, and pollination may also sometimes be effected through the agency of certain minute hemipterous creatures which commonly frequent the flowers.
It is noteworthy that in the Alps, according to Miiller, bees are common visitors to this species, but this perhaps only serves to illustrate the need for detailed observations, and the fact that the biological factors of a plant are prone to vary considerably with local conditions.
Perhaps the most interesting find of the afternoon was made near the “Loggerheads.” The Toothwort Lathraea squamaria was seen sparingly in its old habitat on a sycamore by the stream, and while several members were investigating the adjoining woodland this strange parasite was found in great quantity in a new station not far away. It was growing here in delightful profusion amongst a thick layer of spruce needles in the deep shade of the horizontal branches of the overhanging sombre conifers, on the roots of which it was parasitic. The large masses of thousands of the curious inflorescences extending over a considerable area, formed a weird and impressive picture as seen in the dim light. It was instructive to observe that owing to the gloomy nature of the spot the ground was almost untenanted by other plants, and there was scarcely a chlorophyllose species to be seen. The lack of light was evidently of little import to the Toothwort, as, consequent on the absence of chlorophyll and the parasitic habit it can, if needs be, as in this instance, be more or less independent of daylight. In one plant found by Mr. Haydon, one of the fleshy scales was distinctly green owing to the development of chlorophyll, a fact not without significance, having regard to the usually accepted view as to the nature and origin of these structures.
Thelwall 19 June 1909
The following meeting of June 19th was of a twofold and varied nature, part of the time being spent in field work in Cheshire, and the remainder indoors in Lancashire. Travelling to Warrington, Arpley Station was reached after a few minutes’ walk, and the journey was resumed to Thelwall under the guidance of Mr. G. A. Dunlop, of the Warrington Museum, who kindly acted as leader on this occasion. To most of us this was quite new ground, and additional interest was added to this meeting from the fact that so little is known concerning the flora of this neighbourhood. On the whole, the vegetation of Cheshire has been carefully and extensively investigated, but there yet remain, here and there, districts of which very little is known regarding the flora. The present area is a case in point, as Lord de Tabley acknowledges in his Flora of Cheshire.
Notwithstanding its proximity to the Manchester Ship Canal, the locality is far from lacking in scenic and botanical interest. Leaving the station, we turned eastward until a marshy little valley was encountered and through which a streamlet meandered. This was Thelwall Roughs, the chief venue of the Cheshire portion of the excursion. I had almost omitted to mention a noteworthy find which was made in a hedgerow between Thelwall Station and the Roughs. This was a solitary example of the true Hawthorn, Midland Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata (C. oxyacanthoides) a rare shrub in Cheshire and South Lancashire. From the prevailing form, C. monogyna it differs and is readily distinguished by the glabrous peduncle and calyx-tube, and two to three styles and carpels. In the common form the peduncles and calyx lobes are pubescent, there is only one style, and the fruit is monocarpellary. The flower of the true or Midland Hawthorn is also larger and handsomer. According to the London Catalogue this last is only recorded for thirty out of the 112 comital areas into which Britain is divided for biological purposes. Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna is recorded for 111. Doubtless the former is more frequent than this fact would seem to indicate, as it is one of those plants often overlooked owing to very many observers being unacquainted with the two shrubs, or perhaps unaware of the very obvious distinctions, or not troubling to differentiate.
The Hornbeam, rarely seen about Liverpool, was not uncommon in the hedges hereabouts. The Roughs, which rather reminded one of a Lancashire clough, yielded an interesting flora. A special search was made for Saxifraga granulata (Meadow Saxifrage), which Mr. Dunlop had formerly observed here in fair quantity. To anyone who has seen the profusion in which this pretty species occurs along some of the Derbyshire dales and elsewhere, its rarity and complete absence from many districts in this neighbourhood is surprising. Only a solitary example was found, however, and the plant appears all but extinct owing to the continual trampling of grazing animals on the soft ground where it occurs. Individuality in a plant does not by itself constitute beauty, but a species possessing strongly marked characteristics is always interesting. The Guelder Rose, some bushes of which afforded a fine show of bloom, offers at all times certain noteworthy features. For each season of the year, it reserves some distinctive development. The opening flowers and buds are particularly decorative in character : florets of two distinct types and shades of colour compose the inflorescence, while the foliage is unlike that of any other forest tree. The shape of the stipules and of the leaf petioles, and an unusually constant mode of ramification mark it out from all other species. It can, I think, however, claim its measure of beauty as well as of distinction. Its cymes are whiter and more shapely than the loose clusters of the Elder growing beside it, and its leaves, large and clear-cut, make fine patterns against the indefinite undergrowth of the hedgerow. The flowers give place to the fruit, and in autumn, when the glory of its purple foliage has faded, clusters of scarlet berries still hang about the stems of mealy-grey, and linger on to lighten the sombreness of the copse in winter. The leaf of the Guelder Rose presents many points of interest. At the base are two pairs of stipules of a form not found in any other forest tree. These are thread-like processes terminating in a glandular knob, which is often basin-like. Higher up the petiole, towards the base of the blade there are larger basin-like glands or nectaries supported on very short stalks. Both kinds of glands are stated to secrete sugar, but their utility to the plant is entirely unknown. Lord Avebury ingeniously suggests that these glands serve as an attraction to ants and wasps, which in appreciation of the plant’s hospitality act as a bodyguard to protect the tender young leaves from caterpillars and insects !
Large Bitter-cress Cardamine amara was seen in fair amount, and Great Horsetail Equisetum telmateia (= E. maximum), a species with a decided liking for clayey situations such as this, was not uncommon. For the list of flowerless plants obtained on this occasion I am indebted to Mr. Wheldon who kindly acted as Cryptogamic recorder. Most of the Cryptogamia observed were more or less commonplace species, but I have thought it as well to place such on record, as this aspect of the vegetation of this part of Cheshire has received very scant attention. I should also add that the identifications of these plants are mainly due to Mr. Wheldon. A tiny object found on decaying sticks at the head of the Roughs by Dr. Ellis proved to be Honeycomb Coral Slime Mold Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa (= C. mucida), a member of that curious borderland group of plants, Myxomycetes. This is probably the first Cheshire record. The aniseed-scented Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata, the largest-fruited of British Umbelliferae, was seen near Grappenhall, and Mr. Dunlop pointed out Springbeauty Claytonia perfoliata and Pink Purslane C. sibirica, two aliens which were growing in the vicinity of Thelwall Station. The former American species, like many more Transatlantic plants, is of a very “ go-a-head nature,” and is now more or less naturalised in many parts of the country. In the Liverpool area it is well established near Leasowe, on the Cheshire coast, and also almost opposite at Formby, on the Lancashire side of the estuary. While waiting at Thelwall Station an abundance of Common Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha was seen growing among cinders in the railway track at one end of the station. Unlike the familiar Pellia, the reproductive organs in Marchantia are borne on special branches, and these are of two kinds, antheridiophores bearing antheridia only, and archegoniophores to which the archegonia are confined. As these two types of reproductive branches are restricted to separate plants, Marchantia is diecious. Both kinds of plant were seen, and were covered with a profusion of these umbrella-like specialised branches. It was easy to distinguish the two forms at this season, as the receptacles of the archegoniophores were deeply divided into some eight or ten spreading rays like the ribs of an umbrella. In the case of the male plants the receptacles were more or less button-like, with wavy and practically undivided margins. Although this liverwort is usually regarded as a plant of common occurrence, this is far from the case in our area, where it is decidedly uncommon. In many cases the common and very similar Great Scented Liverwort Conocephalus conicum is frequently mistaken for it. A rough but simple and fairly constant distinction is afforded by the fact that the thallus of the latter species exhales a characteristic bergamot-like scent when bruised ; the thallus of Marchantia, when similarly tested, is practically odourless.
THELWALL, June 19th, 1909. Mosses.
Physcomitrium pyriforme, Brid. Common Bladder-moss
Brachythecium rutabulum B. & S. Rough-stalked Feather-moss
Pohlia nutans (=Webera nutans, Hedw.) Nodding Thread-moss
Sciuro-hypnum plumosum (= B. plumosum, B. & S.) (By the Ship Canal). Rusty Feather-moss
Pohlia melanodon (= Webera carnea, Schp.) Pink-fruited Thread-moss
B. velutinum, B. & S. Velvet Feather-moss
Rhizomnium punctatum (= Mnium punctatum L). Dotted Thyme-moss.
Ceratodon purpureus, Brid. Redshank moss
Plagiomnium undulatum (= Mnium undulatum). Hart's-tongue Thyme-moss
Dicranella heteromalla, Schp. Silky Forklet-moss
Fissidens bryoides, Hedw. Lesser Pocket-moss
Dicranella cerviculata, Schp. Red-neck Forklet-moss
Calliergonella cuspidata (= Hypnum cuspidatum) Pointed Spear-moss
Streblotrichum convolutum var. convolutum (= Barbula convoluta). Lesser Bird's-claw Beard-moss
Campylium stellatum (= Hypnum stellatum, Schreb.). Yellow Starry Feather-moss
Tortula muralis, Hedw. Wall Screw-moss
Funaria hygrometrica, Sibth. Common Cord-moss
Bryum algovicum (= B.pendulum), c. fruit. Drooping Thread-moss
Atrichum undulatum (= Catherinea undulata, W. & M. ). Common Smoothcap
Homalothecium sericeum (= Pleuropus sericeus, Dixon.). Silky Wall Feather-moss
Lichens. Placynthiella oligotropha (= Lecidea uliginosa, var. humosa, Leight.) with apothecia in Thelwall Roughs. Protoparmeliopsis muralis (= Squamaria saxicola) with apothecia in Thelwall Roughs.
After tea at Warrington, a visit was paid to the Warrington Museum, where Members were received by Mr. Linnaeus Greening, J.P., F.L.S., Chairman of the Museum Sub-Committee. The Warrington Museum is noteworthy for the prominence which it affords to botany, and amongst features of interest are the wild flower table, local herbarium and collections, stone collection of timber, botanical object lessons for children, etc.
By kind permission of the Museum Committee many of the botanical treasures for which the Museum is noted were specially exhibited in the Lecture Room. Of particular interest were the collections and relics of William Wilson, the greatest of bryologists, a native of Warrington, and whose Bryologia Britannica was long the standard—and yet remains a classic—work on mosses. The Wilson Collection of Mosses (being a selection from his Cryptogamic Herbarium in the British Museum) and the Wilson Herbarium of Flowering Plants were also on view. The original manuscript of the Bryologia Britannica, the author’s microscope, and various other relics were also shewn.
Mr. Charles Madeley, the Curator, delivered an attractive address, in which he briefly sketched the history of Warrington botany. A collection of natural history works by Warrington authors and various noteworthy botanical books which Mr. Madeley had specially brought together for the occasion, was on exhibition, and contributed materially to the interest of the address. Mr. G. A. Dunlop (Botanical Curator) then contributed an account of the features of botanical interest presented by the Warrington Museum. The Museum authorities and local societies and botanists were in active sympathy and co-operation. A special effort was made to enlist the practical interest of the teachers and to encourage children and students, and in this they had been very successful.
Teachers and local naturalists contributed largely towards the wild flower table, and at the time of the Society’s visit no less than 184 species of Phanerogamia were represented, and all were in bloom. For a large Lancashire town, and at this season, this is a very creditable number, and the excellent arrangement, quality of the specimens, and careful and informative labelling of this collection bore eloquent witness to the great amount of care and time which Mr. Dunlop and his local contributors expended thereon, and incidentally reflected the keen interest of the public. Mr. Dunlop also communicated a short paper, “On the Occurrence near Warrington of a Phalloid (Lysurus) new to Europe,” by Mr. Harold Murray, of the Manchester Museum. This will appear in the ” Transactions.”
In proposing a vote of thanks to the Museum authorities, and to Messrs. Dunlop and Madeley in particular, Mr. Wheldon remarked that the attitude of the Warrington Museum in fostering and promoting the study of botany and natural history was extremely gratifying, and it was much to be regretted that in this direction Liverpool was so much behind. Dr. Ellis, in seconding the vote, said that he always regarded the Warrington Museum—the botanical department in particular—as a model of what a museum should be, and the position of botany at the Liverpool Museum and the attitude between the Museum authorities and local naturalists and teachers at Liverpool were in comparison matters for regret.
Birkenhead Docks 30 June 1909
An evening meeting was held at Birkenhead Docks on Wednesday, June 30th. There was only a small attendance of members, doubtless due to the very short notice of this meeting. This may seem a curious and uninviting locality at which to hold a field meeting, but as we were especially concerned with alien vegetation on this occasion, the venue was by no means inappropriate. Many strange plants obtain entrance to this country by the seaports, and the waste ground in the vicinity of almost any port will generally yield a number of such “ waifs and strays,” which so gladden the heart of some of us. These are often introduced with ballast, grain, wool, cotton, or other cargo. In many instances these Introductions have a necessarily precarious existence, and usually soon die out, but occasionally such a plant may thrive and spread rapidly, so that in course of time it assumes quite a native aspect, and becomes to all intents and purposes a member of our British Flora.
Accordingly, it is well that some attention should be paid to these plants, particularly in a district such as this. Quite apart from the purely systematic aspect of the subject, in which one may be readily engulfed, there is another point of view, perhaps much more attractive, which should not be overlooked, for, after all, plants—aliens or otherwise— are not merely objects to illustrate the utility of the Latin language.
We have all met the type of person—by no means extinct even in this enlightened age—whose sole concern on encountering a plant is to know its scientific name, or perhaps its particular natural order. After obtaining this information the plant may be ticked off in a pocket flora as having been ‘found,” or perhaps the fact is duly advertised or “recorded,” the plant is cast aside, and henceforth that particular species is ignored or perhaps at some future date temporary interest may be again kindled if this innocent plant should happen to be seen in some other district or county, where it may not have chanced to have been previously noticed by anyone else.
It is always interesting to study the behaviour of a plant when it happens to find itself in fresh or strange surroundings, and exposed to new conditions of life. In the case of many of these aliens there is a remarkable responsiveness and adaptability to change of environment which is well deserving of attention. In many instances marked changes may occur in the habits or structure of the plant, and so it is always well to endeavour to become acquainted with the mode of life of the plant in its native haunts. The behaviour and development of the same species should also be followed in different localities. It is interesting to note that while certain genera or natural orders commonly occur or predominate in our alien flora, others are rarely or never represented.
The nature and structure of the seed or fruit suggests another branch of inquiry, and this will often be found to be closely correlated with the mode of introduction and distribution. Although these aliens are well represented locally, and constitute a feature of the flora which should not be overlooked, yet it is curious that no systematic effort has so far been made to investigate the subject, and so I would commend it to notice in the hope that some Member or Members of this Society might attempt to supply the deficiency. If treated sympathetically and rather from the standpoint I have briefly indicated than from a purely arid systematic aspect, the alien flora of the Liverpool district would repay attention, and the results of such work would be both valuable and interesting.
On this occasion the party was under the guidance of the President and Dr. C. T. Green. Altogether sixty-five species of Phanerogamia were observed, which may be regarded as a very satisfactory total, considering the locality and season. Amongst the aliens Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea (= M. suaveolens), was very much in evidence, and it was interesting to notice it lining the side of the road leading from the Docks to Flaybrick Hill, which it followed for a considerable distance inland. Tall Rocket Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum), and Eastern Rocket S. orientale were also seen in fair amount.
Several examples of a most unpleasantly strong smelling Umbelliferous plant were readily recognised as the Coriander Coriandrum sativum, and close by was a near relative, the Caraway Carum carvi. Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress or Whitlow Pepperwort) was frequently seen. This alien, which is a native of Western Asia and South-east Europe, is now a common plant in many places, and is thoroughly naturalised. It was first introduced into England with the bedding-straw of invalid troops disembarked at Ramsgate from the Walcheren Expedition. It subsequently became distributed with manure into many parts of Kent and the south of England, where it is now abundant in certain places. In the Liverpool area this was first recorded growing by the Dee shore in Flintshire some sixty years ago. It is now quite a common plant in various places along the estuary from Saltney to Bagillt. On the Dee embankment, for a distance of half a mile or so north-west of the Bettisfield Colliery, it is quite the predominant plant. It grows here in large masses in the interstices of the stones of the embankment to practically the complete exclusion of everything else. Further on, where the bare stones are succeeded by a layer of turf, the Lepidium disappears.
BIRKENHEAD DOCKS, June 30th, 1909
PHANEROGAMIA.
Ranunculus acris. Meadow Buttercup
Raphanus raphanistrum. Wild Radish
Sisymbrium officinale. Hedge Mustard
Sisymbrium orientale. Eastern Rocket
Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum) Tall Rocket
Lepidium draba Hoary Cress
Sinapis arvensis (= Brassica sinapis) Charlock
Armoracia rusticana (= Cochlearia armoracia) Horse-radish
Silene latifolia (= Lychnis vespertina) White Campion
Silene dioica (= Lychnis dioica) Red Campion
Silene vulgaris (= S. inflata) Bladder Campion
Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort
Reseda luteola Weld
Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette
Linum bienne (= L. angustifolium) Pale Flax
Linum usttatissimum Flax
Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane's-bill
Medicago sativa Lucerne
Medicago lupulina Black Medick
Trifolium pratense Red Clover
Trifolium repens White Clover
Trifolium resupinatum Reversed Clover
Melilotus officinalis Ribbed Melilot
Carum carvi Caraway
Coriandrum sativum Coriander
Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip
Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley
Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed
Rubus ferus (= Rubus dumetorum var. ferox) Bramble
Anthemis cotula Stinking Chamomile
Matricaria discoidea (= suaveolens) Pineappleweed
Tripleurospermum inodorum (=Matricaria inodora) Scentless Mayweed
Tragopogon pratense Goatsbeard
Artemesia vulgaris Mugwort
Artemesia absinthium Wormwood
Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed
Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot
Hypochaeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion
Bellis perennis Daisy
Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed
Centaurea aspera Rough Star-thistle
Cirsium arvense (= Cnicus arvensis) Creeping Thistle
Cirsium vulgare (= Cnicus lanceolatus) Spear Thistle
Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax
Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock
Rumex crispus Curled Dock
Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel
Rumex acetosella Sheep’s Sorrel
*Atriplex sp. * Too immature for specific identification. Orache
Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush
Phalaris minor Lesser Canary-grass
Anisantha sterilis (= Bromus sterilis) Barren Brome
Bromus hordeaceus (= B. mollis) Soft-brome
Vulpia bromoides (= Festuca sciuroides) Squirreltail Fescue
Festuca ovina Sheep's-fescue
Lolium multiflorum Italian Rye-grass
Elymus repens (= Agropyron repens) Common Couch
Elymus caninus (= Agropyron caninum) Bearded Couch
Holcus mollis Creeping Soft-grass
Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog
Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot
Arrhenatherum elatius (A. avenaceum) False Oat-grass
Poa annua Annual Meadow -grass
Poa compressa Flattened Meadow-gras
Triticum aestivum (= Triticum vulgare) Bread Wheat
Cwm and Dyserth 3 July
North Wales was again visited on July 3rd, when a whole day excursion was made to Cwm, which was reached via Prestatyn and Dyserth. This picturesque district is perhaps one of the most delightful corners of the county, and of supreme interest to the botanist. This locality has rarely if ever been previously visited by any scientific society, and so expectations on this occasion ran high. The weather, of course, was ideal, and we were fortunate in being under the guidance of Mr. R. H. Day, who joined us at Dyserth. Owing to the limestone formation hereabouts the flora is extremely rich and diversified, and calciphilous species are well represented.
Leaving Dyserth Station, the Ochr-y-Foel road was followed for some distance, and making a diversion, the plateau which caps Moel Hiraddug was reached by a gentle ascent. On the roadside shortly after leaving the station the alien Tall Rocket Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum) was noticed in fair amount.
This plant had not previously been seen in Flintshire, and doubtless, the railway was responsible for its introduction here. It is a native of Hungary, and appears to have been accidentally introduced to this country many years ago. It soon established itself about Crosby, near Liverpool, where it has now become quite naturalised and plentiful, and so has gained for itself a place in the British Flora. It appears to be spreading in this country, and it will be interesting to see if this alien maintains its footing at Dyserth, and makes any headway in North Wales. The imposing limestone escarpment and crags of Moel Hiraddug and the extensive plateau above support an attractive flora, which closely resembles the vegetation of the Orme’s Head. It has not, however, received anything like the same amount of attention from naturalists, and the botanical possibilities of the locality are considerable and by no means exhausted.
Mr. Wheldon called attention to an interesting point in connection with the distribution of the graceful little Lesser Meadow Rue Thalictrum minus on this slope. The plant is constantly exposed to the depredations of grazing animals, which apparently evince a decided partiality towards its graceful foliage It was instructive to notice the very simple mode of defence which had been acquired by the plant. The ground here- abouts is studded with clumps of furze, often of dwarf habit, and more or less rounded—partly owing to exposure, and to some extent also due to the constant attentions of sheep, etc., which nibble off the soft young growing points. These furze clumps form a kind of vegetable ““roches moutonnées,” and in the centre of most of them one is pretty certain of finding good examples of Thalictrum which have retreated here to take advantage of the effective protection afforded by the surrounding spinescence. In the intervening open ground, it is almost impossible to find plants, or, at least, examples of any size.
The most unimaginative could scarcely fail to be impressed by the vivid luxuriance and charm of the limestone flowers which carpeted and wreathed the rocks in many places. The large, delicate blossoms of Bloody Cranesbill Geranium sanguineum formed great straggling masses of delicious colour, to which no adjectives or description of mine could do justice. The fugacious bright yellow orbs of the Rock Rose made a dazzling cloth of gold ; nor must I forget to mention its rare relative, Helianthemum canum (Hoary Rock Rose). This uncommon species, confined to some seven or eight British counties, was in places the predominant plant. From the common species it was readily distinguished by the smaller flowers, which were of a different shade of yellow, and the hoary exstipulate foliage. There are also several little differences in regard to the pollination of these two flowers. The blossoms of the Common Rock Rose are homogamous, and the stamens are sensitive. In the Hoary Rock Rose self-pollination can rarely or never occur, as the flowers—in North Wales at least, and probably elsewhere—are protogynous, and the stamens dehisce outwardly. The stamens are apparently not sensitive, as in the former case. Amongst many noteworthy plants seen here were Dark-red Helleborine Epipactis atrorubens, Welted Thistle Carduus crispus and Plymouth Thistle C. pycnocephalus, Crested Hair-grass Koeleria macrantha (= K. cristata), Small Scabious Scabiosa columbaria, Dogwood Cornus sanguinea, Burnet Rose Rosa spinosissima, Wild Madder Rubia peregrina, and the lichen Placidium rufescens (= Endocarpon rufescens). From the summit a wonderful view was obtained, but the strong wind rendered it difficult to keep one’s feet in this exposed situation. The vegetation was very stunted as a result. A curious effect was evident in the case of some bushes of blackthorn which had developed horizontally into a kind of mat, which spread along the ground, never rising more than six inches or so in height. Miss Cooke called attention to some apparently aberrant examples of Wild Thyme, which she obtained here. These proved to be Large Thyme Thymus pulegioides (= T. chamaedrys), new to the county. Close to a farm between here and Cwm we were fortunate in finding a fair-sized clump of Henbane, which was an acceptable addition to our list. I counted 127 small insects of various kinds adhering to the clammy stem of a single plant in this patch. Are the viscid hairs of Hyoscyamus merely a protection to the flowers from unwelcome honey stealers, as appears to be the case in Nottingham Catchfly Silene nutans, or do they indicate a possible insectivorous habit ?
Descending to Cwm, a visit was paid to Bryn Goleu, where Members were received and kindly entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Day. After leaving here tea was obtained at the little farm of Plasse, when a cordial vote of thanks was accorded Mr., Mrs., and Miss Day, to whom the success of the most interesting field meeting of the year was almost entirely due. In Cwm Churchyard the Green (Evergreen) Alkanet Anchusa sempervirens had run wild amongst the graves, and the cheerful blue blossoms were new to some of us. Not far away a few examples of the rare Musk Stork's-bill Erodium moschatum were seen. Leaving this Arcadian spot, we returned to Dyserth, where a few Members walked along the railway to Talargoch in search of the Nottingham Catchfly Silene nutans. This plant has flourished here for more than a century, and this locus classicus is mentioned by *Bingley as early as 1804, North Wales, 1804 (2 vols.). Silene nutans is an interesting plant for several reasons. The flowers are moth-pollinated, and like most blossoms of this kind they are white and unfold at night. They are more or less scentless during the daytime, but with the advent of dusk they become very fragrant. The life of the flower extends over three days, or rather three nights, and the behaviour and development of the blossom during this period is interesting. The ten stamens are arranged in two whorls, the outer five being inserted opposite the sepals, while the five inner are each opposite a petal. The first night that the flower opens, the five outer stamens grow rapidly until) the length of the filaments matures and is liberated. During this time, the flower is being visited by moths for the sake of the honey which is secreted. About four o’clock (a.m.) the scent disappears, the five outer anthers drop off or the stamens shrivel up, and by the time daylight appears most of the flowers have completely closed, and present a faded and shrivelled aspect.
At dusk of the next evening the petals of the apparently faded flowers again unfold, the honey is once more exposed, and its evidence indicated by the flowers again becoming fragrant. The five remaining stamens— the inner whorl—now develop in precisely the same way as the outer five did on the previous night. With the advent of daylight, they have shrivelled up or lost their anthers, the flowers are again closed and apparently faded in most cases, and have lost their fragrance. On the third and last night the gynoecium grows rapidly, and the long, prominent stigmas become receptive, and now occupy the same position as that of the stamens on the two previous nights. By this unusual type of protandry, no doubt, self-pollination is rendered practically impossible, save in rare cases, which I have occasionally observed, in which the anther does not happen to fall off, or may not be drawn into the corolla by the contraction consequent on the shrivelling of the filaments. The foregoing account is mainly based upon Kerner’s observations, which were made in the Tyrol. Possibly the behaviour of the flowers varies in different localities. My own imperfect observations on the flowers of Silene nutans in Flintshire are not entirely in agreement with Kerner. Schulz, working at Halle, and in Thuringia, the Tyrol, and North Italy, was unable to confirm Kerner’s observations except in a few points. During anthesis the upper part of the stem and pedicels are markedly sticky, and small insects are often seen adhering to the viscid hairs which cover these parts, as in the Henbane. It is said that this exudation serves to protect the flowers from the depredations of ants and other undesirable honey stealers. Support seems to be afforded to this suggestion by the fact that the viscidity disappears after flowering.
Kirkby 14 July 1909
A second evening excursion was held on Wednesday, July 14th, when a few members visited Kirkby under the leadership of Mr. W. G. Travis. In the little stream below the Church a peculiar freshwater Sponge was found attached to a stone, and the field above yielded two small Bryophyta—a moss, Common Pottia Tortula truncata (= Pottia truncatula), and the liverwort, Common Frillwort Fossombronia pusilla. Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata grew along the banks, this being an old station for it. The Bramble, Rubus rosaceus, was growing by the weir by Kirkby Mill, and in the stream the aquatic moss, Greater Water-moss Fontinalis antipyretica, was fairly plentiful. The swampy margins of the pond above the mill were tenanted by a miniature forest of the Canary Reed Phalaris arundinacea, and here we found many marsh plants such as Slender Tufted-sedge Carex acuta and Bladder-sedge C. vesicaria, Common Spike-rush Eleocharis palustris (= Scirpus palustris), the Marsh Bedstraw Galium palustre, Typha, etc. A large patch of Bistort was noticed, but we were too late for the flowers. The little alien Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea was much in evidence along the road sides, and appeared to be rapidly spreading. A few plants of the Corn Marigold Chrysanthemum segetum were seen on some waste ground near a cottage. This is quite a rarity about Liverpool, and seems absent from many districts. In most places it is quite a common species—too much so from the farmer’s point of view, perhaps. In the same locality a patch of Rosebay Willowherb Epilobium angustifolium was also found, but it is questionable as to whether it was really wild. On the mossland not far away, it is truly native, however, and occurs in abundance.
Wilpshire and Langho 24 July 1909
As little appeared to be known regarding the flora of the district between Blackburn and the Ribble, it was decided to hold a field meeting in this area, and so on July 24th a small party journeyed to Wilpshire, a little Village north of Blackburn. The Ribble valley hereabouts is remarkable for the number of old halls, several of which we encountered in the course of this excursion. Passing through Salesbury, we turned into some fields, and struck off towards the Ribble. Soon after leaving the station the weather broke, and it continued to rain briskly until a hostel not inappropriately named the “ De Tabley Arms”’ was reached.
On the way Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata was found near Bolton Hall, and several ponds in the fields between here and the Ribble bridge yielded a number of aquatic plants. To economise time, as it was still raining heavily on reaching Ribchester Bridge, it was decided to have tea at once. The wisdom of this policy was soon justified, for as soon as tea was over the rain had ceased, the clouds cleared, and we were favoured with excellent weather for the remainder of the day.
The Ribble banks were more or less submerged owing to the recent rain, and the swollen river prevented much investigation hereabouts. The Soapwort Saponaria officinalis occurred in plenty, but was not yet in bloom. Meadow Cranesbill Geranium pratense was also seen here. This is frequently found along the course of a river, and probably extends right along the Ribble Valley. Greater Burnet-saxifrage Pimpinella major, a species of curious distribution, was quite plentiful, and the Welted Thistle Carduus crispus was seen along the road between New Hall and Dinckley. The White Dead Nettle, a very local species in Lancashire, was noticed near Ribchester Bridge and some examples of Hemlock Conium maculatum grew nearby. The return journey was made from Langho Station, and several noteworthy plants were observed on the way. The Guelder Rose was not uncommon, and a large patch of the Dyer’s Greenweed Genista tinctoria was seen in a field skirting the road. The Bay Willow Salix pentandra was growing by a stream which crossed the road between Dinckley and Langho Station. The leaves appeared to have been attacked by a parasitic fungus of some kind which had left prominent brown patches on the blade. I was unable to identify this ; nor were two mycologists to whom it was submitted able to help me beyond confirming my impression as to its fungoid character. There are only two other plants which I need mention. These are the Great Burnet Poterium officinale, a somewhat exceptional member of the Rosacea in having definite stamens, and our little sandhill willow, Creeping Willow Salix repens ; the former is very rarely seen in the Liverpool area, and is very uncommon in many parts of South Lancashire also. A number of Fungi were obtained on this occasion by the President and Dr. Ellis, and for the list of these I have to thank Mr. Harold Wheldon.
Fungi.
Lilac Oysterling Panus conchatus Fr.
Hairy Bracket Trametes hirsuta (= Polystictus hirsutus Fr.) Near Wilpshire.
Fly Agaric Amanita muscarius Fr. (a brown variety).
Turkeytail Trametes versicolor (= P. versicolor Huds,)
Scarlet Waxcap Hygrophorus coccineus Schaeff.
Russula heterophylla Fr. Greasy Green Brittlegill
Entoloma helodes Fr.
Hairy Curtain Crust Stereum hirsutum Fr.
Nolanea pascua Pers.
Puccinia poarum Neils. Coltsfoot Rust. Near Ribchester Bridge.
Stropharia stercoraria Fr. Dung Roundhead
Trachyspora intrusa (= Uromyces alchemillae Pers.) Alchemilla Rust. Near Ribchester Bridge.
S. semiglobata Batsch. Dung Roundhead
Albugo candida s. lat. (= Cystopus candidus Lév.) Crucifer White Blister Langho.
Deconica merdaria (=Stropharia merdaria Fr.)
Oidium monolioides Link. On Triticum repens, Langho.
Hypholoma appendiculata Bull. All the above seen in fields between Wilpshire and Ribchester Bridge.
Podosphaera clandestina var. clandestina (= Podosphaera oxyacanthae) at Langho.
Coprinellus domesticus (= Coprinus domesticus Pers.) Firerug Inkcap Near Wilpshire.
Pustula obtusata (=Cystopus tragopogonis Schael. ) Near Ribchester.
Panaeolus papilionaceus (= Panaeolus campanulatus), L. Petticoat Mottlegill Near Langho.
Coprinellus disseminatus (= Psathyrella disseminata, Pers.) On a willow stump near Ribchester Bridge.
Liverpool 10 August 1909
At the kind invitation of Mrs. Stevenson, members were accorded the privilege of inspecting her unique roof garden and greenhouses on August 10th. These collections are of interest in showing the possibilities of town gardening. Although situated practically in the heart of a great city, and in one of the main thoroughfares of Liverpool, Mrs. Stevenson had been extremely successful in the growth of vines, Orchids, Chrysanthemums, and other plants which most horticulturists would regard as impossible of cultivation in such a locality. Our best thanks are due to Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson for their kindness in entertaining members on this occasion, which proved an interesting and enjoyable meeting.
Silverdale 14 August 1909
It had sometimes been asked why the Liverpool Botanical Society had never held a field meeting at Silverdale, the Mecca of the Lancashire botanist. Although such an attractive locality, which many of us have visited at one time or another, it has received so much attention from naturalists in general that the flora of the district has been fairly well investigated. A day excursion was arranged here on August 14th. In its natural features the country hereabouts very closely resembles the Warton Crag district, which we visited last year, and which lies merely two miles or so south of Silverdale. There is consequently a very similar flora, and many of the plants found at Warton the previous session were again noticed here. One sees the same limestone pavement with its attractive natural thicket, composed of such shrubs as Juniper, Spindle Tree, Dogwood, Yew, and Buckthorn, and the vegetation of the locality, as one would expect, is essentially of a calciphilous nature. The President was unable to be present, as anticipated, and so we were fortunate in again pressing Mr. J. W. Hartley, of Carnforth, into service as leader.
This meeting was characterised by the wealth of rare and interesting plants encountered. The margins of Hawes Water and the adjoining ground were specially prolific. The elegant Bird's-eye Primrose (Mealy Primrose) Primula farinosa was growing in the swamp by the lake, but we were just too late for flowering examples. The flowers in this species are dimorphic, as in the Common Primrose and so many of the genus. A few bushes of the fragrant Bog Myrtle Myrica gale were also seen here, and nearby was a tall, rush-like plant, which proved to be Great Fen-sedge Cladium mariscus.
Several Common Lizards Lacerta vivipara were observed in this swampy ground. It would be difficult to find a more difficult creature to capture, and on this occasion these examples quite justified their reputation. One sees the lizard first here, then there, and then not at all, and it is a hundred to one against finding it unless it has sought the shelter of an isolated tuft of grass from which it may be dislodged. Even then it is very difficult to see the little creature amongst the roots, and just as it is exposed, and one is about to grasp it, like a flash it darts out and away to a more secure hiding place. Among short turf near the lake the little Clubmoss Selaginella was fruiting profusely, and on the dry hillside higher up we obtained the Squinancywort Asperula cynanchica. The peculiar name of the latter seems to refer to a former application of the plant on account of its fancied medicinal power. Among the many Cryptogamia seen here were Wrinkle-leaved Feather-moss Rhytidium rugosum (= Hylocomium rugosum), Squamarina cartilaginea (= Squamaria crassa), and Forked Veilwort Metzgeria furcata. The Lily of the Valley was growing abundantly in the wood adjoining Hawes Water, and further on were many bushy plants of the Common Gromwell Lithospermum officinale. Coming to the Leighton Beck, which at this point separates Westmorland and Lancashire, we found some trees of the rare and local Small-leaved Lime Tilia cordata, a very distinctive species with flowers more or less erect, and not pendulous, as in the common Linden (Common Lime) Tilia cordata × platyphyllos = T. × europaea (= T. intermedia). Much more might be said regarding the wealth of plant life encountered on this occasion, but as the area in question is so familiar to most botanists this seems quite unnecessary.
Hale
Two further field meetings were held at Hale (and Dungeon Marsh) and Knowsley, but as your Secretary was absent on both these occasions, I can say little concerning such.
KNOWSLEY PARK, September 25th 1909
The Knowsley excursion yielded a number of fungi, some of which, I understand, are new to the county. For the list of these I am indebted to Mr. Harold Wheldon. An aquatic plant which was found in the large lake by Mr. H. J. Brocklehurst proved to ‘be the Rigid Hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum. As this is by no means a common plant in the Liverpool area, and as it does not appear to have been observed in this station previously, the fact seems worthy of note.
Fungi.
Amanita rubescens, Fr. Blusher
Hypholoma fasciculare (Huds.) Tr. Sulphur Tuft. “The Bundle Stump.”
Lepiota cristata (Alb. & Sch.) Fr. Stinking Dapperling. Suspicious.
Psilocybe semilanceata, Fr. “Liberty Cap.”
Cystodermella granulosa (=Lepiota granulosa (Batsch) Fr.)
Bolbitius titubans (Bull), Fr. Yellow Fieldcap.
Field Blewit Lepista saeva (=Lepista (=Tricholoma) personatum, Fr.) Edible.
Coprinellus disseminatus (= Psathyrella disseminata, Pers.) Fairy Inkcap. Covering an old stump.
*Wood Blewit Lepista nuda (=T. nudum, Bull,)
Panaeolus papilionaceus (= Panaeolus campanulatus (Linn.) Fr. Petticoat Mottlegill.
Melanoleuca oreina (=Tricholoma humile, Fr.)
Panaeolus semiovatus (= Anellaria separata (Linn.) Karst.) Egghead Mottlegill.
Clitocybe metachroa, Fr. Twotone Funnel
Polyporus squamosus, Fr. Dryad’s Saddle. On elm.
Rhodocollybia maculata (=Collybia maculata (As.) Fr.) Spotted Toughshank.
Trametes versicolor (= Polystictus versicolor, Fr.). Turkeytail.
Hymenopellis radicata (= Collybia radicata (Bull).) Rooting Shank.
Perenniporia medulla-panis (= Poria medulla-panis, Fr.) Pancake Crust. On a dead branch.
Rhodocollybia butyracea (= Collybia butyracea (Bull). Fr.) Butter Cap
Schizopora paradoxa (= Poria vaporaria, Fr.) Split Porecrust. On a dead branch.
* Collybia dryophila (Bull). Fr. Toughshank.
Stereum hirsutum, Fr. Hairy curtain Crust. On a dead branch.
Mycena galericulata (Scop.) Fr. Common Bonnet Suspected.
Stereum rugosum, Fr. Bleeding Broadleaf Crust. On a fallen branch.
Hygrophorus virgineus (Wulf) Fr. Edible.
Clavulinopsis fusiformis (= Clavaria fusiformis, Sow.) Golden Spindles. Amongst the grass.
Cuphophyllus virgineus var. virgineus (=Hygrophorus niveus (Scop.) Fr.) Snowy Wax-Cap Edible.
Clavulinopsis helvola (= Clavaria inaequalis, FL Dan.). Yellow Club. Amongst the grass.
* Gloioxanthomyces vitellinus (=Hygrophorus vitellinus, Fr.) Glistening Waxcap.
Fistulina hepatica, Fr. Beefsteak Fungus.
* Hygrocybe obrussea (=Hygrophorus obrusseus, Fr.)
Scleroderma citrinum (= Scleroderma vulgare, Fr.) Common Earthball.
Hygrocybe conica (= Hygrophorus conicus (Scop.), Fr.) Blackening Waxcap. Poisonous.
Cantherellus cibarius, Fr. Edible. Chanterelle.
Gliophorus psittacinus (= Hygrophorus psittacinus (Schaeff) Fr.) Parrot Waxcap
Marasmius oreades (Bolton) Fr. Fairy Ring Champignon. Edible.
Laccaria laccata, Scop. Deceiver. Several forms found.
Marasmius ramealis (Bull), Fr. Twig Parachute . On twigs.
Lactarius (Russ.) quietus, Fr. Oakbug Milkcap
* Pluteus nanus (Pers.) Fr. Dwarf Shield.
* Russula exalbicans (=Russula depallens (Pers.) Fr.) Bleached Brittlegill . Edible.
* Entoloma sericellum, Fr. Cream Pinkgill.
Russula ochroleuca Fr. (=Russula citrina, Gillet.) Ochre Brittlegill
Entoloma? . Nolanea pascua (Pers.) Fr.
Russula emetica, Fr. Poisonous. Sickener.
Inocybe geophylla (Sow.) var. geophylla. White Fibrecap. The white form.
Russula ochroleuca (Pers.) Fr. Ochre Brittlegill
Agrocybe pediades (= Naucoria temulenta (Bull.) Fr.) Common Fieldcap.
Pholiota conissans (= Flammula conissans, Fr.) On a tree root.
* Cheilymenia granulata (= Humaria granulata, Sace.) Cowpat Gem. On cow dung.
Pholiota alnicola var. alnicola (= Flammula alnicola, Fr.) On dead branches. Alder Scalycap.
*Pilobolus crystallinus, Tode. Dung Cannon. On dung.
Conocybe tenera (= Galera tenera (Schaeff) Fr.) Common Conecap.
* Syzygites megalocarpus (= Sporodinia aspergillus, Schiist.) On decaying Agaric.
Conocybe subovalis (= Galera ovalis, Fr.)
Hypocrea schweinitzii (= Trichoderma viride, Pers. Syn). On twig.
Cortinarius castaneus, Fr. Edible.
Mycosphaerella tassiana (= Cladosporium herbarum, Link.) On decaying Agaric.
Stropharia aeruginosa (Curt.) Fr. Verdigris Roundhead. Poisonous.
Stropharia semiglobata (Batsch) Dung Roundhead. Poisonous.
Stropharia semiglobata (= Stropharia stercoraria, Fr.) Dung Roundhead.
*New to the County List.
Mr. Harold J. Wheldon, who acted as mycological recorder at this meeting, writes :- From a mycological point of view the Park is very disappointing, and the number of species met with, small as it is, exceeded my expectation. This paucity of material is, no doubt, due to the land being dry and well kept. The number of species noted was 61, out of which ten are new to the county list. Some doubtful specimens were referred to Mr. C. Crossland, F.L.S., of Halifax, and our thanks are due to him.”
The study in the field of some of the more neglected aspects and bye- paths of the subject, for there are many phases and problems of plant life, quite apart from the purely systematic side, which call for outdoor investigation. In a Society so catholic in scope it is desirable that these broader aspects should receive at least equal prominence and attention as the systematic side. As the last is so strongly represented, I have no hesitation in making a strong plea on behalf of the former. For the guidance of newer Members or any who may be in doubt as to what branch to take up I would refer such to my remarks in the “ Proceedings ”’ for 1908 (pp. 50-51). This broader sphere offers ample scope for valuable and original work, and it is here well to recognise the fact, that on the other hand much so-called systematic work is only too apt to develop into mere more or less aimless and indiscriminate plant gathering and accumulation of collections. To those who regard botany (sic) in the latter light I would commend the claims of postage stamps, heraldic china, picture postcards, and names of railway engines, to consideration. The accumulation of any of these will afford equal scope to the collecting instinct, and is doubtless of equal educational value.
A RESUME OF THE FIELD MEETINGS OF 1909. By THE HONORARY SECRETARY.
As the seasons glide by with seeming ever-increasing rapidity the meditative pilgrim occasionally looks back with strange feelings on that mystic ocean we call the Past. The intensely silent and gradually- deepening waters are enveloped in ever-increasing mist, and as the wayfarer endeavours to pierce this vague retrospect, an islet or landmark stands out here and there with varying degrees of definition. And so, as we linger in the gloaming casting a backward glance over the rising fairy mists of the fast fading year, there emerges the shadowy profile of an occasional pinnacle, and as the eye wanders from peak to peak the mind throbs with successive alternations of pain and pleasure ; and while one stands and gazes thereon, mystic figures seem to pass in far-off pageant before the eye of imagination, like the weird and tragic magnificence of a dream.
When the glare of the summer sunshine is over, and the falling of the autumnal leaves has ceased, there comes that strange funereal period when Nature seems asleep. To most of us this is a season of sadness. Out of doors all is dismal and damp, and strangely silent, save lor the song of the wind cutting its way through the leafless trees or rustling over the rigid stems and pedicels of some lifeless flower. Yet, pervading all there is a subtle, sweet melancholy, that lingers like an old and nameless fragrance, while Nature is left lonely to her own still spirit of reflection. At this season it is pleasant to sojourn for a time on certain delightful isles which stand out in the sea of memories of the past, and so once again I am called upon to act as historiographer, and to collect and weave together some of the results and reminiscences of the field meetings of the past year.
Rhydymwyn 10 May 1909
The first field meeting was held on May 10th, an ideal day, when thirty Members journeyed to Rhydymwyn. Although this locality had been visited by a few members of the Society two years previously, yet on the present occasion it proved new ground to many. At this season it would certainly be difficult to find a more interesting spot—to a naturalist at least—within a similar radius of Liverpool. Concerning certain of the plants observed on this occasion I need say little or nothing, as they have already been noticed in a previous Résumé. Just outside the station the Butterbur, whose leaves were commencing to smother surrounding vegetation, was still largely in evidence, but the much elongated inflorescences had by no means as pleasing an aspect as the short, compact, pink clusters of capitula of a month or so earlier. The spring flora—always, I think, most luxuriant in limestone districts such as this—was almost at its best, and the woodland glades, hedge banks, and lane sides were studded with colour. In places swaying Anemones kept company with ivory-hued primroses; elsewhere the banks of white Stitchwort blossoms were dotted with flowers of the scentless Violet and Lesser Celandine, which stood out as blue and golden islets in the gleaming white sea. Occasionally there emerged the quaint spathes of the semi-sinister Arum, while overhead rose the Hedge Parsley with creamy umbels of tiny flowers, which were frequented by numerous insect promenaders of various kinds.
Owing to some reason or causes not yet understood, the Lesser Celandine appears to rarely or never set its seed in many localities, and this is a point which some of our members might well investigate locally. In a test which I made with some apparently mature achenes from plants growing near Hawarden a considerable number germinated. On the other hand, in an experiment made with fruits obtained near Burton Point (Cheshire), only a few miles from the former place, I was unable to obtain a single plant. This might be due perhaps to lack of cross pollination ; the flowers, it must be remembered, are protandrous, but then the nectariferous petals would appear to indicate cross pollination. In any case the Lesser Celandine is at no disadvantage, as it is more or less independent of this mode of increase, for vegetative reproduction is well provided for by the tubers, each of which contains a winter bud. Attached to stones in the bed of the Alyn and quite submerged we found numerous conspicuous and more or less ovate, dark-green, gelatinous masses of an alga which we suspected to be some species of Nostoc. This was later identified by Mr. W. T. Haydon as Nostoc verrucosum, the appropriate specific name referring to its wart-like appearance. Like most Chlorophyceae, this alga is of simple structure, and when examined microscopically is found to consist of numerous multicellular, necklacelike filaments of about one two hundredth of a millimetre in thickness. Further on Herb-paris Paris quadrifolia was seen in fair amount, but no flowering examples were encountered. As on a previous occasion, plants showing three and five leaflets were found, and one specimen had developed six. I am inclined to think that individuals growing in a chalk or limestone neighbourhood are more prone to this variation than those occurring on other formations. The picturesque wooded valley of the Alyn, or the Leet, as it is known locally, yielded some interesting plants, but it was too early for many of the typical limestone-haunting species of the locality. The scar limestone afforded a number of calciphilous Cryptogamia. A conspicuous lichen was Common Chocolate Chip Lichen Solorina saccata, a plant with a thin, papery bright-green thallus dotted here and there with the apothecia which formed dark brown patches. Another characteristic and equally frequent calciphilous lichen was Lecidea ceruleo-nigricans, which grew in little granular glaucous or bluish-black masses.
The Dwarf Elder or Danewort Sambucus ebulus, of which the shoots were just showing, was seen in its old station, where it has grown for at least forty years. The small clump of this uncommon plant is not without its associations, and is an interesting link with the past. It was well known to several prominent bygone botanists, including Miss E. M. Wood, the Rev. H. H. Higgins, and Robert Brown. A lady friend, who was well acquainted with Charles Kingsley, tells me that she well remembers the pleasure of the Canon at finding this same patch many years ago. This plant is said to have been introduced to this country by the Danes. It is much rarer than the Common Elder, from which it is readily distinguished by its herbaceous habit, quite apart from other well-marked characters. After carefully watching the flowers of the Leet plants for an afternoon I found that they were persistently, and apparently intentionally, avoided by bees. This fact was the more marked, as the flowers of some interspersed, and adjoining brambles were frequently visited by both humble and hive bees during this time.
A hairy brownish fly Mydaea urbana was a constant visitor, and pollination may also sometimes be effected through the agency of certain minute hemipterous creatures which commonly frequent the flowers.
It is noteworthy that in the Alps, according to Miiller, bees are common visitors to this species, but this perhaps only serves to illustrate the need for detailed observations, and the fact that the biological factors of a plant are prone to vary considerably with local conditions.
Perhaps the most interesting find of the afternoon was made near the “Loggerheads.” The Toothwort Lathraea squamaria was seen sparingly in its old habitat on a sycamore by the stream, and while several members were investigating the adjoining woodland this strange parasite was found in great quantity in a new station not far away. It was growing here in delightful profusion amongst a thick layer of spruce needles in the deep shade of the horizontal branches of the overhanging sombre conifers, on the roots of which it was parasitic. The large masses of thousands of the curious inflorescences extending over a considerable area, formed a weird and impressive picture as seen in the dim light. It was instructive to observe that owing to the gloomy nature of the spot the ground was almost untenanted by other plants, and there was scarcely a chlorophyllose species to be seen. The lack of light was evidently of little import to the Toothwort, as, consequent on the absence of chlorophyll and the parasitic habit it can, if needs be, as in this instance, be more or less independent of daylight. In one plant found by Mr. Haydon, one of the fleshy scales was distinctly green owing to the development of chlorophyll, a fact not without significance, having regard to the usually accepted view as to the nature and origin of these structures.
Thelwall 19 June 1909
The following meeting of June 19th was of a twofold and varied nature, part of the time being spent in field work in Cheshire, and the remainder indoors in Lancashire. Travelling to Warrington, Arpley Station was reached after a few minutes’ walk, and the journey was resumed to Thelwall under the guidance of Mr. G. A. Dunlop, of the Warrington Museum, who kindly acted as leader on this occasion. To most of us this was quite new ground, and additional interest was added to this meeting from the fact that so little is known concerning the flora of this neighbourhood. On the whole, the vegetation of Cheshire has been carefully and extensively investigated, but there yet remain, here and there, districts of which very little is known regarding the flora. The present area is a case in point, as Lord de Tabley acknowledges in his Flora of Cheshire.
Notwithstanding its proximity to the Manchester Ship Canal, the locality is far from lacking in scenic and botanical interest. Leaving the station, we turned eastward until a marshy little valley was encountered and through which a streamlet meandered. This was Thelwall Roughs, the chief venue of the Cheshire portion of the excursion. I had almost omitted to mention a noteworthy find which was made in a hedgerow between Thelwall Station and the Roughs. This was a solitary example of the true Hawthorn, Midland Hawthorn Crataegus laevigata (C. oxyacanthoides) a rare shrub in Cheshire and South Lancashire. From the prevailing form, C. monogyna it differs and is readily distinguished by the glabrous peduncle and calyx-tube, and two to three styles and carpels. In the common form the peduncles and calyx lobes are pubescent, there is only one style, and the fruit is monocarpellary. The flower of the true or Midland Hawthorn is also larger and handsomer. According to the London Catalogue this last is only recorded for thirty out of the 112 comital areas into which Britain is divided for biological purposes. Common Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna is recorded for 111. Doubtless the former is more frequent than this fact would seem to indicate, as it is one of those plants often overlooked owing to very many observers being unacquainted with the two shrubs, or perhaps unaware of the very obvious distinctions, or not troubling to differentiate.
The Hornbeam, rarely seen about Liverpool, was not uncommon in the hedges hereabouts. The Roughs, which rather reminded one of a Lancashire clough, yielded an interesting flora. A special search was made for Saxifraga granulata (Meadow Saxifrage), which Mr. Dunlop had formerly observed here in fair quantity. To anyone who has seen the profusion in which this pretty species occurs along some of the Derbyshire dales and elsewhere, its rarity and complete absence from many districts in this neighbourhood is surprising. Only a solitary example was found, however, and the plant appears all but extinct owing to the continual trampling of grazing animals on the soft ground where it occurs. Individuality in a plant does not by itself constitute beauty, but a species possessing strongly marked characteristics is always interesting. The Guelder Rose, some bushes of which afforded a fine show of bloom, offers at all times certain noteworthy features. For each season of the year, it reserves some distinctive development. The opening flowers and buds are particularly decorative in character : florets of two distinct types and shades of colour compose the inflorescence, while the foliage is unlike that of any other forest tree. The shape of the stipules and of the leaf petioles, and an unusually constant mode of ramification mark it out from all other species. It can, I think, however, claim its measure of beauty as well as of distinction. Its cymes are whiter and more shapely than the loose clusters of the Elder growing beside it, and its leaves, large and clear-cut, make fine patterns against the indefinite undergrowth of the hedgerow. The flowers give place to the fruit, and in autumn, when the glory of its purple foliage has faded, clusters of scarlet berries still hang about the stems of mealy-grey, and linger on to lighten the sombreness of the copse in winter. The leaf of the Guelder Rose presents many points of interest. At the base are two pairs of stipules of a form not found in any other forest tree. These are thread-like processes terminating in a glandular knob, which is often basin-like. Higher up the petiole, towards the base of the blade there are larger basin-like glands or nectaries supported on very short stalks. Both kinds of glands are stated to secrete sugar, but their utility to the plant is entirely unknown. Lord Avebury ingeniously suggests that these glands serve as an attraction to ants and wasps, which in appreciation of the plant’s hospitality act as a bodyguard to protect the tender young leaves from caterpillars and insects !
Large Bitter-cress Cardamine amara was seen in fair amount, and Great Horsetail Equisetum telmateia (= E. maximum), a species with a decided liking for clayey situations such as this, was not uncommon. For the list of flowerless plants obtained on this occasion I am indebted to Mr. Wheldon who kindly acted as Cryptogamic recorder. Most of the Cryptogamia observed were more or less commonplace species, but I have thought it as well to place such on record, as this aspect of the vegetation of this part of Cheshire has received very scant attention. I should also add that the identifications of these plants are mainly due to Mr. Wheldon. A tiny object found on decaying sticks at the head of the Roughs by Dr. Ellis proved to be Honeycomb Coral Slime Mold Ceratiomyxa fruticulosa (= C. mucida), a member of that curious borderland group of plants, Myxomycetes. This is probably the first Cheshire record. The aniseed-scented Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata, the largest-fruited of British Umbelliferae, was seen near Grappenhall, and Mr. Dunlop pointed out Springbeauty Claytonia perfoliata and Pink Purslane C. sibirica, two aliens which were growing in the vicinity of Thelwall Station. The former American species, like many more Transatlantic plants, is of a very “ go-a-head nature,” and is now more or less naturalised in many parts of the country. In the Liverpool area it is well established near Leasowe, on the Cheshire coast, and also almost opposite at Formby, on the Lancashire side of the estuary. While waiting at Thelwall Station an abundance of Common Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha was seen growing among cinders in the railway track at one end of the station. Unlike the familiar Pellia, the reproductive organs in Marchantia are borne on special branches, and these are of two kinds, antheridiophores bearing antheridia only, and archegoniophores to which the archegonia are confined. As these two types of reproductive branches are restricted to separate plants, Marchantia is diecious. Both kinds of plant were seen, and were covered with a profusion of these umbrella-like specialised branches. It was easy to distinguish the two forms at this season, as the receptacles of the archegoniophores were deeply divided into some eight or ten spreading rays like the ribs of an umbrella. In the case of the male plants the receptacles were more or less button-like, with wavy and practically undivided margins. Although this liverwort is usually regarded as a plant of common occurrence, this is far from the case in our area, where it is decidedly uncommon. In many cases the common and very similar Great Scented Liverwort Conocephalus conicum is frequently mistaken for it. A rough but simple and fairly constant distinction is afforded by the fact that the thallus of the latter species exhales a characteristic bergamot-like scent when bruised ; the thallus of Marchantia, when similarly tested, is practically odourless.
THELWALL, June 19th, 1909. Mosses.
Physcomitrium pyriforme, Brid. Common Bladder-moss
Brachythecium rutabulum B. & S. Rough-stalked Feather-moss
Pohlia nutans (=Webera nutans, Hedw.) Nodding Thread-moss
Sciuro-hypnum plumosum (= B. plumosum, B. & S.) (By the Ship Canal). Rusty Feather-moss
Pohlia melanodon (= Webera carnea, Schp.) Pink-fruited Thread-moss
B. velutinum, B. & S. Velvet Feather-moss
Rhizomnium punctatum (= Mnium punctatum L). Dotted Thyme-moss.
Ceratodon purpureus, Brid. Redshank moss
Plagiomnium undulatum (= Mnium undulatum). Hart's-tongue Thyme-moss
Dicranella heteromalla, Schp. Silky Forklet-moss
Fissidens bryoides, Hedw. Lesser Pocket-moss
Dicranella cerviculata, Schp. Red-neck Forklet-moss
Calliergonella cuspidata (= Hypnum cuspidatum) Pointed Spear-moss
Streblotrichum convolutum var. convolutum (= Barbula convoluta). Lesser Bird's-claw Beard-moss
Campylium stellatum (= Hypnum stellatum, Schreb.). Yellow Starry Feather-moss
Tortula muralis, Hedw. Wall Screw-moss
Funaria hygrometrica, Sibth. Common Cord-moss
Bryum algovicum (= B.pendulum), c. fruit. Drooping Thread-moss
Atrichum undulatum (= Catherinea undulata, W. & M. ). Common Smoothcap
Homalothecium sericeum (= Pleuropus sericeus, Dixon.). Silky Wall Feather-moss
Lichens. Placynthiella oligotropha (= Lecidea uliginosa, var. humosa, Leight.) with apothecia in Thelwall Roughs. Protoparmeliopsis muralis (= Squamaria saxicola) with apothecia in Thelwall Roughs.
After tea at Warrington, a visit was paid to the Warrington Museum, where Members were received by Mr. Linnaeus Greening, J.P., F.L.S., Chairman of the Museum Sub-Committee. The Warrington Museum is noteworthy for the prominence which it affords to botany, and amongst features of interest are the wild flower table, local herbarium and collections, stone collection of timber, botanical object lessons for children, etc.
By kind permission of the Museum Committee many of the botanical treasures for which the Museum is noted were specially exhibited in the Lecture Room. Of particular interest were the collections and relics of William Wilson, the greatest of bryologists, a native of Warrington, and whose Bryologia Britannica was long the standard—and yet remains a classic—work on mosses. The Wilson Collection of Mosses (being a selection from his Cryptogamic Herbarium in the British Museum) and the Wilson Herbarium of Flowering Plants were also on view. The original manuscript of the Bryologia Britannica, the author’s microscope, and various other relics were also shewn.
Mr. Charles Madeley, the Curator, delivered an attractive address, in which he briefly sketched the history of Warrington botany. A collection of natural history works by Warrington authors and various noteworthy botanical books which Mr. Madeley had specially brought together for the occasion, was on exhibition, and contributed materially to the interest of the address. Mr. G. A. Dunlop (Botanical Curator) then contributed an account of the features of botanical interest presented by the Warrington Museum. The Museum authorities and local societies and botanists were in active sympathy and co-operation. A special effort was made to enlist the practical interest of the teachers and to encourage children and students, and in this they had been very successful.
Teachers and local naturalists contributed largely towards the wild flower table, and at the time of the Society’s visit no less than 184 species of Phanerogamia were represented, and all were in bloom. For a large Lancashire town, and at this season, this is a very creditable number, and the excellent arrangement, quality of the specimens, and careful and informative labelling of this collection bore eloquent witness to the great amount of care and time which Mr. Dunlop and his local contributors expended thereon, and incidentally reflected the keen interest of the public. Mr. Dunlop also communicated a short paper, “On the Occurrence near Warrington of a Phalloid (Lysurus) new to Europe,” by Mr. Harold Murray, of the Manchester Museum. This will appear in the ” Transactions.”
In proposing a vote of thanks to the Museum authorities, and to Messrs. Dunlop and Madeley in particular, Mr. Wheldon remarked that the attitude of the Warrington Museum in fostering and promoting the study of botany and natural history was extremely gratifying, and it was much to be regretted that in this direction Liverpool was so much behind. Dr. Ellis, in seconding the vote, said that he always regarded the Warrington Museum—the botanical department in particular—as a model of what a museum should be, and the position of botany at the Liverpool Museum and the attitude between the Museum authorities and local naturalists and teachers at Liverpool were in comparison matters for regret.
Birkenhead Docks 30 June 1909
An evening meeting was held at Birkenhead Docks on Wednesday, June 30th. There was only a small attendance of members, doubtless due to the very short notice of this meeting. This may seem a curious and uninviting locality at which to hold a field meeting, but as we were especially concerned with alien vegetation on this occasion, the venue was by no means inappropriate. Many strange plants obtain entrance to this country by the seaports, and the waste ground in the vicinity of almost any port will generally yield a number of such “ waifs and strays,” which so gladden the heart of some of us. These are often introduced with ballast, grain, wool, cotton, or other cargo. In many instances these Introductions have a necessarily precarious existence, and usually soon die out, but occasionally such a plant may thrive and spread rapidly, so that in course of time it assumes quite a native aspect, and becomes to all intents and purposes a member of our British Flora.
Accordingly, it is well that some attention should be paid to these plants, particularly in a district such as this. Quite apart from the purely systematic aspect of the subject, in which one may be readily engulfed, there is another point of view, perhaps much more attractive, which should not be overlooked, for, after all, plants—aliens or otherwise— are not merely objects to illustrate the utility of the Latin language.
We have all met the type of person—by no means extinct even in this enlightened age—whose sole concern on encountering a plant is to know its scientific name, or perhaps its particular natural order. After obtaining this information the plant may be ticked off in a pocket flora as having been ‘found,” or perhaps the fact is duly advertised or “recorded,” the plant is cast aside, and henceforth that particular species is ignored or perhaps at some future date temporary interest may be again kindled if this innocent plant should happen to be seen in some other district or county, where it may not have chanced to have been previously noticed by anyone else.
It is always interesting to study the behaviour of a plant when it happens to find itself in fresh or strange surroundings, and exposed to new conditions of life. In the case of many of these aliens there is a remarkable responsiveness and adaptability to change of environment which is well deserving of attention. In many instances marked changes may occur in the habits or structure of the plant, and so it is always well to endeavour to become acquainted with the mode of life of the plant in its native haunts. The behaviour and development of the same species should also be followed in different localities. It is interesting to note that while certain genera or natural orders commonly occur or predominate in our alien flora, others are rarely or never represented.
The nature and structure of the seed or fruit suggests another branch of inquiry, and this will often be found to be closely correlated with the mode of introduction and distribution. Although these aliens are well represented locally, and constitute a feature of the flora which should not be overlooked, yet it is curious that no systematic effort has so far been made to investigate the subject, and so I would commend it to notice in the hope that some Member or Members of this Society might attempt to supply the deficiency. If treated sympathetically and rather from the standpoint I have briefly indicated than from a purely arid systematic aspect, the alien flora of the Liverpool district would repay attention, and the results of such work would be both valuable and interesting.
On this occasion the party was under the guidance of the President and Dr. C. T. Green. Altogether sixty-five species of Phanerogamia were observed, which may be regarded as a very satisfactory total, considering the locality and season. Amongst the aliens Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea (= M. suaveolens), was very much in evidence, and it was interesting to notice it lining the side of the road leading from the Docks to Flaybrick Hill, which it followed for a considerable distance inland. Tall Rocket Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum), and Eastern Rocket S. orientale were also seen in fair amount.
Several examples of a most unpleasantly strong smelling Umbelliferous plant were readily recognised as the Coriander Coriandrum sativum, and close by was a near relative, the Caraway Carum carvi. Lepidium draba (Hoary Cress or Whitlow Pepperwort) was frequently seen. This alien, which is a native of Western Asia and South-east Europe, is now a common plant in many places, and is thoroughly naturalised. It was first introduced into England with the bedding-straw of invalid troops disembarked at Ramsgate from the Walcheren Expedition. It subsequently became distributed with manure into many parts of Kent and the south of England, where it is now abundant in certain places. In the Liverpool area this was first recorded growing by the Dee shore in Flintshire some sixty years ago. It is now quite a common plant in various places along the estuary from Saltney to Bagillt. On the Dee embankment, for a distance of half a mile or so north-west of the Bettisfield Colliery, it is quite the predominant plant. It grows here in large masses in the interstices of the stones of the embankment to practically the complete exclusion of everything else. Further on, where the bare stones are succeeded by a layer of turf, the Lepidium disappears.
BIRKENHEAD DOCKS, June 30th, 1909
PHANEROGAMIA.
Ranunculus acris. Meadow Buttercup
Raphanus raphanistrum. Wild Radish
Sisymbrium officinale. Hedge Mustard
Sisymbrium orientale. Eastern Rocket
Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum) Tall Rocket
Lepidium draba Hoary Cress
Sinapis arvensis (= Brassica sinapis) Charlock
Armoracia rusticana (= Cochlearia armoracia) Horse-radish
Silene latifolia (= Lychnis vespertina) White Campion
Silene dioica (= Lychnis dioica) Red Campion
Silene vulgaris (= S. inflata) Bladder Campion
Stellaria graminea Lesser Stitchwort
Reseda luteola Weld
Reseda lutea Wild Mignonette
Linum bienne (= L. angustifolium) Pale Flax
Linum usttatissimum Flax
Geranium dissectum Cut-leaved Crane's-bill
Medicago sativa Lucerne
Medicago lupulina Black Medick
Trifolium pratense Red Clover
Trifolium repens White Clover
Trifolium resupinatum Reversed Clover
Melilotus officinalis Ribbed Melilot
Carum carvi Caraway
Coriandrum sativum Coriander
Pastinaca sativa Wild Parsnip
Anthriscus sylvestris Cow Parsley
Heracleum sphondylium Hogweed
Rubus ferus (= Rubus dumetorum var. ferox) Bramble
Anthemis cotula Stinking Chamomile
Matricaria discoidea (= suaveolens) Pineappleweed
Tripleurospermum inodorum (=Matricaria inodora) Scentless Mayweed
Tragopogon pratense Goatsbeard
Artemesia vulgaris Mugwort
Artemesia absinthium Wormwood
Ambrosia trifida Giant Ragweed
Tussilago farfara Coltsfoot
Hypochaeris radicata Common Cat’s-ear
Taraxacum officinale Dandelion
Bellis perennis Daisy
Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed
Centaurea aspera Rough Star-thistle
Cirsium arvense (= Cnicus arvensis) Creeping Thistle
Cirsium vulgare (= Cnicus lanceolatus) Spear Thistle
Linaria vulgaris Common Toadflax
Rumex obtusifolius Broad-leaved Dock
Rumex crispus Curled Dock
Rumex acetosa Common Sorrel
Rumex acetosella Sheep’s Sorrel
*Atriplex sp. * Too immature for specific identification. Orache
Juncus conglomeratus Compact Rush
Phalaris minor Lesser Canary-grass
Anisantha sterilis (= Bromus sterilis) Barren Brome
Bromus hordeaceus (= B. mollis) Soft-brome
Vulpia bromoides (= Festuca sciuroides) Squirreltail Fescue
Festuca ovina Sheep's-fescue
Lolium multiflorum Italian Rye-grass
Elymus repens (= Agropyron repens) Common Couch
Elymus caninus (= Agropyron caninum) Bearded Couch
Holcus mollis Creeping Soft-grass
Holcus lanatus Yorkshire-fog
Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot
Arrhenatherum elatius (A. avenaceum) False Oat-grass
Poa annua Annual Meadow -grass
Poa compressa Flattened Meadow-gras
Triticum aestivum (= Triticum vulgare) Bread Wheat
Cwm and Dyserth 3 July
North Wales was again visited on July 3rd, when a whole day excursion was made to Cwm, which was reached via Prestatyn and Dyserth. This picturesque district is perhaps one of the most delightful corners of the county, and of supreme interest to the botanist. This locality has rarely if ever been previously visited by any scientific society, and so expectations on this occasion ran high. The weather, of course, was ideal, and we were fortunate in being under the guidance of Mr. R. H. Day, who joined us at Dyserth. Owing to the limestone formation hereabouts the flora is extremely rich and diversified, and calciphilous species are well represented.
Leaving Dyserth Station, the Ochr-y-Foel road was followed for some distance, and making a diversion, the plateau which caps Moel Hiraddug was reached by a gentle ascent. On the roadside shortly after leaving the station the alien Tall Rocket Sisymbrium altissimum (= S. pannonicum) was noticed in fair amount.
This plant had not previously been seen in Flintshire, and doubtless, the railway was responsible for its introduction here. It is a native of Hungary, and appears to have been accidentally introduced to this country many years ago. It soon established itself about Crosby, near Liverpool, where it has now become quite naturalised and plentiful, and so has gained for itself a place in the British Flora. It appears to be spreading in this country, and it will be interesting to see if this alien maintains its footing at Dyserth, and makes any headway in North Wales. The imposing limestone escarpment and crags of Moel Hiraddug and the extensive plateau above support an attractive flora, which closely resembles the vegetation of the Orme’s Head. It has not, however, received anything like the same amount of attention from naturalists, and the botanical possibilities of the locality are considerable and by no means exhausted.
Mr. Wheldon called attention to an interesting point in connection with the distribution of the graceful little Lesser Meadow Rue Thalictrum minus on this slope. The plant is constantly exposed to the depredations of grazing animals, which apparently evince a decided partiality towards its graceful foliage It was instructive to notice the very simple mode of defence which had been acquired by the plant. The ground here- abouts is studded with clumps of furze, often of dwarf habit, and more or less rounded—partly owing to exposure, and to some extent also due to the constant attentions of sheep, etc., which nibble off the soft young growing points. These furze clumps form a kind of vegetable ““roches moutonnées,” and in the centre of most of them one is pretty certain of finding good examples of Thalictrum which have retreated here to take advantage of the effective protection afforded by the surrounding spinescence. In the intervening open ground, it is almost impossible to find plants, or, at least, examples of any size.
The most unimaginative could scarcely fail to be impressed by the vivid luxuriance and charm of the limestone flowers which carpeted and wreathed the rocks in many places. The large, delicate blossoms of Bloody Cranesbill Geranium sanguineum formed great straggling masses of delicious colour, to which no adjectives or description of mine could do justice. The fugacious bright yellow orbs of the Rock Rose made a dazzling cloth of gold ; nor must I forget to mention its rare relative, Helianthemum canum (Hoary Rock Rose). This uncommon species, confined to some seven or eight British counties, was in places the predominant plant. From the common species it was readily distinguished by the smaller flowers, which were of a different shade of yellow, and the hoary exstipulate foliage. There are also several little differences in regard to the pollination of these two flowers. The blossoms of the Common Rock Rose are homogamous, and the stamens are sensitive. In the Hoary Rock Rose self-pollination can rarely or never occur, as the flowers—in North Wales at least, and probably elsewhere—are protogynous, and the stamens dehisce outwardly. The stamens are apparently not sensitive, as in the former case. Amongst many noteworthy plants seen here were Dark-red Helleborine Epipactis atrorubens, Welted Thistle Carduus crispus and Plymouth Thistle C. pycnocephalus, Crested Hair-grass Koeleria macrantha (= K. cristata), Small Scabious Scabiosa columbaria, Dogwood Cornus sanguinea, Burnet Rose Rosa spinosissima, Wild Madder Rubia peregrina, and the lichen Placidium rufescens (= Endocarpon rufescens). From the summit a wonderful view was obtained, but the strong wind rendered it difficult to keep one’s feet in this exposed situation. The vegetation was very stunted as a result. A curious effect was evident in the case of some bushes of blackthorn which had developed horizontally into a kind of mat, which spread along the ground, never rising more than six inches or so in height. Miss Cooke called attention to some apparently aberrant examples of Wild Thyme, which she obtained here. These proved to be Large Thyme Thymus pulegioides (= T. chamaedrys), new to the county. Close to a farm between here and Cwm we were fortunate in finding a fair-sized clump of Henbane, which was an acceptable addition to our list. I counted 127 small insects of various kinds adhering to the clammy stem of a single plant in this patch. Are the viscid hairs of Hyoscyamus merely a protection to the flowers from unwelcome honey stealers, as appears to be the case in Nottingham Catchfly Silene nutans, or do they indicate a possible insectivorous habit ?
Descending to Cwm, a visit was paid to Bryn Goleu, where Members were received and kindly entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Day. After leaving here tea was obtained at the little farm of Plasse, when a cordial vote of thanks was accorded Mr., Mrs., and Miss Day, to whom the success of the most interesting field meeting of the year was almost entirely due. In Cwm Churchyard the Green (Evergreen) Alkanet Anchusa sempervirens had run wild amongst the graves, and the cheerful blue blossoms were new to some of us. Not far away a few examples of the rare Musk Stork's-bill Erodium moschatum were seen. Leaving this Arcadian spot, we returned to Dyserth, where a few Members walked along the railway to Talargoch in search of the Nottingham Catchfly Silene nutans. This plant has flourished here for more than a century, and this locus classicus is mentioned by *Bingley as early as 1804, North Wales, 1804 (2 vols.). Silene nutans is an interesting plant for several reasons. The flowers are moth-pollinated, and like most blossoms of this kind they are white and unfold at night. They are more or less scentless during the daytime, but with the advent of dusk they become very fragrant. The life of the flower extends over three days, or rather three nights, and the behaviour and development of the blossom during this period is interesting. The ten stamens are arranged in two whorls, the outer five being inserted opposite the sepals, while the five inner are each opposite a petal. The first night that the flower opens, the five outer stamens grow rapidly until) the length of the filaments matures and is liberated. During this time, the flower is being visited by moths for the sake of the honey which is secreted. About four o’clock (a.m.) the scent disappears, the five outer anthers drop off or the stamens shrivel up, and by the time daylight appears most of the flowers have completely closed, and present a faded and shrivelled aspect.
At dusk of the next evening the petals of the apparently faded flowers again unfold, the honey is once more exposed, and its evidence indicated by the flowers again becoming fragrant. The five remaining stamens— the inner whorl—now develop in precisely the same way as the outer five did on the previous night. With the advent of daylight, they have shrivelled up or lost their anthers, the flowers are again closed and apparently faded in most cases, and have lost their fragrance. On the third and last night the gynoecium grows rapidly, and the long, prominent stigmas become receptive, and now occupy the same position as that of the stamens on the two previous nights. By this unusual type of protandry, no doubt, self-pollination is rendered practically impossible, save in rare cases, which I have occasionally observed, in which the anther does not happen to fall off, or may not be drawn into the corolla by the contraction consequent on the shrivelling of the filaments. The foregoing account is mainly based upon Kerner’s observations, which were made in the Tyrol. Possibly the behaviour of the flowers varies in different localities. My own imperfect observations on the flowers of Silene nutans in Flintshire are not entirely in agreement with Kerner. Schulz, working at Halle, and in Thuringia, the Tyrol, and North Italy, was unable to confirm Kerner’s observations except in a few points. During anthesis the upper part of the stem and pedicels are markedly sticky, and small insects are often seen adhering to the viscid hairs which cover these parts, as in the Henbane. It is said that this exudation serves to protect the flowers from the depredations of ants and other undesirable honey stealers. Support seems to be afforded to this suggestion by the fact that the viscidity disappears after flowering.
Kirkby 14 July 1909
A second evening excursion was held on Wednesday, July 14th, when a few members visited Kirkby under the leadership of Mr. W. G. Travis. In the little stream below the Church a peculiar freshwater Sponge was found attached to a stone, and the field above yielded two small Bryophyta—a moss, Common Pottia Tortula truncata (= Pottia truncatula), and the liverwort, Common Frillwort Fossombronia pusilla. Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata grew along the banks, this being an old station for it. The Bramble, Rubus rosaceus, was growing by the weir by Kirkby Mill, and in the stream the aquatic moss, Greater Water-moss Fontinalis antipyretica, was fairly plentiful. The swampy margins of the pond above the mill were tenanted by a miniature forest of the Canary Reed Phalaris arundinacea, and here we found many marsh plants such as Slender Tufted-sedge Carex acuta and Bladder-sedge C. vesicaria, Common Spike-rush Eleocharis palustris (= Scirpus palustris), the Marsh Bedstraw Galium palustre, Typha, etc. A large patch of Bistort was noticed, but we were too late for the flowers. The little alien Pineappleweed Matricaria discoidea was much in evidence along the road sides, and appeared to be rapidly spreading. A few plants of the Corn Marigold Chrysanthemum segetum were seen on some waste ground near a cottage. This is quite a rarity about Liverpool, and seems absent from many districts. In most places it is quite a common species—too much so from the farmer’s point of view, perhaps. In the same locality a patch of Rosebay Willowherb Epilobium angustifolium was also found, but it is questionable as to whether it was really wild. On the mossland not far away, it is truly native, however, and occurs in abundance.
Wilpshire and Langho 24 July 1909
As little appeared to be known regarding the flora of the district between Blackburn and the Ribble, it was decided to hold a field meeting in this area, and so on July 24th a small party journeyed to Wilpshire, a little Village north of Blackburn. The Ribble valley hereabouts is remarkable for the number of old halls, several of which we encountered in the course of this excursion. Passing through Salesbury, we turned into some fields, and struck off towards the Ribble. Soon after leaving the station the weather broke, and it continued to rain briskly until a hostel not inappropriately named the “ De Tabley Arms”’ was reached.
On the way Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata was found near Bolton Hall, and several ponds in the fields between here and the Ribble bridge yielded a number of aquatic plants. To economise time, as it was still raining heavily on reaching Ribchester Bridge, it was decided to have tea at once. The wisdom of this policy was soon justified, for as soon as tea was over the rain had ceased, the clouds cleared, and we were favoured with excellent weather for the remainder of the day.
The Ribble banks were more or less submerged owing to the recent rain, and the swollen river prevented much investigation hereabouts. The Soapwort Saponaria officinalis occurred in plenty, but was not yet in bloom. Meadow Cranesbill Geranium pratense was also seen here. This is frequently found along the course of a river, and probably extends right along the Ribble Valley. Greater Burnet-saxifrage Pimpinella major, a species of curious distribution, was quite plentiful, and the Welted Thistle Carduus crispus was seen along the road between New Hall and Dinckley. The White Dead Nettle, a very local species in Lancashire, was noticed near Ribchester Bridge and some examples of Hemlock Conium maculatum grew nearby. The return journey was made from Langho Station, and several noteworthy plants were observed on the way. The Guelder Rose was not uncommon, and a large patch of the Dyer’s Greenweed Genista tinctoria was seen in a field skirting the road. The Bay Willow Salix pentandra was growing by a stream which crossed the road between Dinckley and Langho Station. The leaves appeared to have been attacked by a parasitic fungus of some kind which had left prominent brown patches on the blade. I was unable to identify this ; nor were two mycologists to whom it was submitted able to help me beyond confirming my impression as to its fungoid character. There are only two other plants which I need mention. These are the Great Burnet Poterium officinale, a somewhat exceptional member of the Rosacea in having definite stamens, and our little sandhill willow, Creeping Willow Salix repens ; the former is very rarely seen in the Liverpool area, and is very uncommon in many parts of South Lancashire also. A number of Fungi were obtained on this occasion by the President and Dr. Ellis, and for the list of these I have to thank Mr. Harold Wheldon.
Fungi.
Lilac Oysterling Panus conchatus Fr.
Hairy Bracket Trametes hirsuta (= Polystictus hirsutus Fr.) Near Wilpshire.
Fly Agaric Amanita muscarius Fr. (a brown variety).
Turkeytail Trametes versicolor (= P. versicolor Huds,)
Scarlet Waxcap Hygrophorus coccineus Schaeff.
Russula heterophylla Fr. Greasy Green Brittlegill
Entoloma helodes Fr.
Hairy Curtain Crust Stereum hirsutum Fr.
Nolanea pascua Pers.
Puccinia poarum Neils. Coltsfoot Rust. Near Ribchester Bridge.
Stropharia stercoraria Fr. Dung Roundhead
Trachyspora intrusa (= Uromyces alchemillae Pers.) Alchemilla Rust. Near Ribchester Bridge.
S. semiglobata Batsch. Dung Roundhead
Albugo candida s. lat. (= Cystopus candidus Lév.) Crucifer White Blister Langho.
Deconica merdaria (=Stropharia merdaria Fr.)
Oidium monolioides Link. On Triticum repens, Langho.
Hypholoma appendiculata Bull. All the above seen in fields between Wilpshire and Ribchester Bridge.
Podosphaera clandestina var. clandestina (= Podosphaera oxyacanthae) at Langho.
Coprinellus domesticus (= Coprinus domesticus Pers.) Firerug Inkcap Near Wilpshire.
Pustula obtusata (=Cystopus tragopogonis Schael. ) Near Ribchester.
Panaeolus papilionaceus (= Panaeolus campanulatus), L. Petticoat Mottlegill Near Langho.
Coprinellus disseminatus (= Psathyrella disseminata, Pers.) On a willow stump near Ribchester Bridge.
Liverpool 10 August 1909
At the kind invitation of Mrs. Stevenson, members were accorded the privilege of inspecting her unique roof garden and greenhouses on August 10th. These collections are of interest in showing the possibilities of town gardening. Although situated practically in the heart of a great city, and in one of the main thoroughfares of Liverpool, Mrs. Stevenson had been extremely successful in the growth of vines, Orchids, Chrysanthemums, and other plants which most horticulturists would regard as impossible of cultivation in such a locality. Our best thanks are due to Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson for their kindness in entertaining members on this occasion, which proved an interesting and enjoyable meeting.
Silverdale 14 August 1909
It had sometimes been asked why the Liverpool Botanical Society had never held a field meeting at Silverdale, the Mecca of the Lancashire botanist. Although such an attractive locality, which many of us have visited at one time or another, it has received so much attention from naturalists in general that the flora of the district has been fairly well investigated. A day excursion was arranged here on August 14th. In its natural features the country hereabouts very closely resembles the Warton Crag district, which we visited last year, and which lies merely two miles or so south of Silverdale. There is consequently a very similar flora, and many of the plants found at Warton the previous session were again noticed here. One sees the same limestone pavement with its attractive natural thicket, composed of such shrubs as Juniper, Spindle Tree, Dogwood, Yew, and Buckthorn, and the vegetation of the locality, as one would expect, is essentially of a calciphilous nature. The President was unable to be present, as anticipated, and so we were fortunate in again pressing Mr. J. W. Hartley, of Carnforth, into service as leader.
This meeting was characterised by the wealth of rare and interesting plants encountered. The margins of Hawes Water and the adjoining ground were specially prolific. The elegant Bird's-eye Primrose (Mealy Primrose) Primula farinosa was growing in the swamp by the lake, but we were just too late for flowering examples. The flowers in this species are dimorphic, as in the Common Primrose and so many of the genus. A few bushes of the fragrant Bog Myrtle Myrica gale were also seen here, and nearby was a tall, rush-like plant, which proved to be Great Fen-sedge Cladium mariscus.
Several Common Lizards Lacerta vivipara were observed in this swampy ground. It would be difficult to find a more difficult creature to capture, and on this occasion these examples quite justified their reputation. One sees the lizard first here, then there, and then not at all, and it is a hundred to one against finding it unless it has sought the shelter of an isolated tuft of grass from which it may be dislodged. Even then it is very difficult to see the little creature amongst the roots, and just as it is exposed, and one is about to grasp it, like a flash it darts out and away to a more secure hiding place. Among short turf near the lake the little Clubmoss Selaginella was fruiting profusely, and on the dry hillside higher up we obtained the Squinancywort Asperula cynanchica. The peculiar name of the latter seems to refer to a former application of the plant on account of its fancied medicinal power. Among the many Cryptogamia seen here were Wrinkle-leaved Feather-moss Rhytidium rugosum (= Hylocomium rugosum), Squamarina cartilaginea (= Squamaria crassa), and Forked Veilwort Metzgeria furcata. The Lily of the Valley was growing abundantly in the wood adjoining Hawes Water, and further on were many bushy plants of the Common Gromwell Lithospermum officinale. Coming to the Leighton Beck, which at this point separates Westmorland and Lancashire, we found some trees of the rare and local Small-leaved Lime Tilia cordata, a very distinctive species with flowers more or less erect, and not pendulous, as in the common Linden (Common Lime) Tilia cordata × platyphyllos = T. × europaea (= T. intermedia). Much more might be said regarding the wealth of plant life encountered on this occasion, but as the area in question is so familiar to most botanists this seems quite unnecessary.
Hale
Two further field meetings were held at Hale (and Dungeon Marsh) and Knowsley, but as your Secretary was absent on both these occasions, I can say little concerning such.
KNOWSLEY PARK, September 25th 1909
The Knowsley excursion yielded a number of fungi, some of which, I understand, are new to the county. For the list of these I am indebted to Mr. Harold Wheldon. An aquatic plant which was found in the large lake by Mr. H. J. Brocklehurst proved to ‘be the Rigid Hornwort Ceratophyllum demersum. As this is by no means a common plant in the Liverpool area, and as it does not appear to have been observed in this station previously, the fact seems worthy of note.
Fungi.
Amanita rubescens, Fr. Blusher
Hypholoma fasciculare (Huds.) Tr. Sulphur Tuft. “The Bundle Stump.”
Lepiota cristata (Alb. & Sch.) Fr. Stinking Dapperling. Suspicious.
Psilocybe semilanceata, Fr. “Liberty Cap.”
Cystodermella granulosa (=Lepiota granulosa (Batsch) Fr.)
Bolbitius titubans (Bull), Fr. Yellow Fieldcap.
Field Blewit Lepista saeva (=Lepista (=Tricholoma) personatum, Fr.) Edible.
Coprinellus disseminatus (= Psathyrella disseminata, Pers.) Fairy Inkcap. Covering an old stump.
*Wood Blewit Lepista nuda (=T. nudum, Bull,)
Panaeolus papilionaceus (= Panaeolus campanulatus (Linn.) Fr. Petticoat Mottlegill.
Melanoleuca oreina (=Tricholoma humile, Fr.)
Panaeolus semiovatus (= Anellaria separata (Linn.) Karst.) Egghead Mottlegill.
Clitocybe metachroa, Fr. Twotone Funnel
Polyporus squamosus, Fr. Dryad’s Saddle. On elm.
Rhodocollybia maculata (=Collybia maculata (As.) Fr.) Spotted Toughshank.
Trametes versicolor (= Polystictus versicolor, Fr.). Turkeytail.
Hymenopellis radicata (= Collybia radicata (Bull).) Rooting Shank.
Perenniporia medulla-panis (= Poria medulla-panis, Fr.) Pancake Crust. On a dead branch.
Rhodocollybia butyracea (= Collybia butyracea (Bull). Fr.) Butter Cap
Schizopora paradoxa (= Poria vaporaria, Fr.) Split Porecrust. On a dead branch.
* Collybia dryophila (Bull). Fr. Toughshank.
Stereum hirsutum, Fr. Hairy curtain Crust. On a dead branch.
Mycena galericulata (Scop.) Fr. Common Bonnet Suspected.
Stereum rugosum, Fr. Bleeding Broadleaf Crust. On a fallen branch.
Hygrophorus virgineus (Wulf) Fr. Edible.
Clavulinopsis fusiformis (= Clavaria fusiformis, Sow.) Golden Spindles. Amongst the grass.
Cuphophyllus virgineus var. virgineus (=Hygrophorus niveus (Scop.) Fr.) Snowy Wax-Cap Edible.
Clavulinopsis helvola (= Clavaria inaequalis, FL Dan.). Yellow Club. Amongst the grass.
* Gloioxanthomyces vitellinus (=Hygrophorus vitellinus, Fr.) Glistening Waxcap.
Fistulina hepatica, Fr. Beefsteak Fungus.
* Hygrocybe obrussea (=Hygrophorus obrusseus, Fr.)
Scleroderma citrinum (= Scleroderma vulgare, Fr.) Common Earthball.
Hygrocybe conica (= Hygrophorus conicus (Scop.), Fr.) Blackening Waxcap. Poisonous.
Cantherellus cibarius, Fr. Edible. Chanterelle.
Gliophorus psittacinus (= Hygrophorus psittacinus (Schaeff) Fr.) Parrot Waxcap
Marasmius oreades (Bolton) Fr. Fairy Ring Champignon. Edible.
Laccaria laccata, Scop. Deceiver. Several forms found.
Marasmius ramealis (Bull), Fr. Twig Parachute . On twigs.
Lactarius (Russ.) quietus, Fr. Oakbug Milkcap
* Pluteus nanus (Pers.) Fr. Dwarf Shield.
* Russula exalbicans (=Russula depallens (Pers.) Fr.) Bleached Brittlegill . Edible.
* Entoloma sericellum, Fr. Cream Pinkgill.
Russula ochroleuca Fr. (=Russula citrina, Gillet.) Ochre Brittlegill
Entoloma? . Nolanea pascua (Pers.) Fr.
Russula emetica, Fr. Poisonous. Sickener.
Inocybe geophylla (Sow.) var. geophylla. White Fibrecap. The white form.
Russula ochroleuca (Pers.) Fr. Ochre Brittlegill
Agrocybe pediades (= Naucoria temulenta (Bull.) Fr.) Common Fieldcap.
Pholiota conissans (= Flammula conissans, Fr.) On a tree root.
* Cheilymenia granulata (= Humaria granulata, Sace.) Cowpat Gem. On cow dung.
Pholiota alnicola var. alnicola (= Flammula alnicola, Fr.) On dead branches. Alder Scalycap.
*Pilobolus crystallinus, Tode. Dung Cannon. On dung.
Conocybe tenera (= Galera tenera (Schaeff) Fr.) Common Conecap.
* Syzygites megalocarpus (= Sporodinia aspergillus, Schiist.) On decaying Agaric.
Conocybe subovalis (= Galera ovalis, Fr.)
Hypocrea schweinitzii (= Trichoderma viride, Pers. Syn). On twig.
Cortinarius castaneus, Fr. Edible.
Mycosphaerella tassiana (= Cladosporium herbarum, Link.) On decaying Agaric.
Stropharia aeruginosa (Curt.) Fr. Verdigris Roundhead. Poisonous.
Stropharia semiglobata (Batsch) Dung Roundhead. Poisonous.
Stropharia semiglobata (= Stropharia stercoraria, Fr.) Dung Roundhead.
*New to the County List.
Mr. Harold J. Wheldon, who acted as mycological recorder at this meeting, writes :- From a mycological point of view the Park is very disappointing, and the number of species met with, small as it is, exceeded my expectation. This paucity of material is, no doubt, due to the land being dry and well kept. The number of species noted was 61, out of which ten are new to the county list. Some doubtful specimens were referred to Mr. C. Crossland, F.L.S., of Halifax, and our thanks are due to him.”
The study in the field of some of the more neglected aspects and bye- paths of the subject, for there are many phases and problems of plant life, quite apart from the purely systematic side, which call for outdoor investigation. In a Society so catholic in scope it is desirable that these broader aspects should receive at least equal prominence and attention as the systematic side. As the last is so strongly represented, I have no hesitation in making a strong plea on behalf of the former. For the guidance of newer Members or any who may be in doubt as to what branch to take up I would refer such to my remarks in the “ Proceedings ”’ for 1908 (pp. 50-51). This broader sphere offers ample scope for valuable and original work, and it is here well to recognise the fact, that on the other hand much so-called systematic work is only too apt to develop into mere more or less aimless and indiscriminate plant gathering and accumulation of collections. To those who regard botany (sic) in the latter light I would commend the claims of postage stamps, heraldic china, picture postcards, and names of railway engines, to consideration. The accumulation of any of these will afford equal scope to the collecting instinct, and is doubtless of equal educational value.