distinctness of the species. It is thought that the annexed
plate must tend to confirm this belief.
Root of several long, strong, but slender fibres, which enlarge
suddenly beyond the middle of their length into ovoid
or subglobular knobs of about J or ^ an inch in length.
Stem often nearly 3 feet high. Radical leaves bipinnate;
leaflets deeply jagged, obovate. Stem-leaves bipinnate; leaflets
linear-lanceolate, very acute, entire. Uppermost leaves
simple, long, linear. Umbels of 6—12 rays. General involucre
1—6-leaved, partial of many leaves. Partial umbels
placed so close together as to form, when in fruit, one compact
flat-topped mass of fruit. Fruits (a) nearly cylindrical,
but having at the base a corky ring which is thicker on one
side than on the other; at the top they are rather thickened
and not rounded off.
At (b) on the plate a fruit of CE. Lachenalii is added for
comparison. It will be seen to have a totally different shape
from the enlarged figure (a) of that of CE. pimpinelloides
placed just above it. The ripe umbellule there shown is also
characteristic of the latter plant. On the opposite side of the
plate the flowers and young fruit of CE. pimpinelloides are
represented.
Usually none of the radical leaves remain after the plant is
in flower; and as some of the other characters of the species
are not then easily detected, and as the upper leaves much
resemble those of CE. Lachenalii, the plants may be easily
confounded; but if the root be carefully removed from the
ground, no doubt need remain in the mind of the collector.
When bearing ripe fruit, it is impossible to mistake one plant
for the other.
_ pimpinelloides does not seem to be very generally distributed
through this country. It is occasionally found in
dry meadows and pastures in the southern half of England.
Mr. Syme adds that it inhabits Ireland; but Mr. A. G. More
informs us that this is a mistake. Our specimens were sent by
Mr. More from the Isle of Wight, in July 1862; and, but for
his absence in Donegal, we should have had a full description
of them from his pen.—C. C. B.