NOTES ORIGINAL AND SELECTED.
117
effected by natural agencies. On the whole one is bound to conclude that a too
enthusiastic member of some acclimatisation society must have planted it there.
If this sort of thing is done extensively it would hopelessly destroy the interest in
the distribution of our native plants, which is the principal incentive to study
among a large class of local workers. If this be the true explanation of this case,
if the Epping botanists could only find out the man who has helped to muddle up
the Forest record, that pond would probably receive an addition to its fauna as
well as its flora." [See the the following note by Mr. Powell.]
The Planting of Damasonium stellatum in Epping Forest.—In my
recent sketch of the flora of Epping Forest (Essex Naturalist, vol. vi., pp. 7
and 8), I mentioned the finding of this plant in a pond where it had most
probably been planted. The surmise proves to be correct. Through the vigilance
of a botanical friend the perpetrator of this reprehensible act has been quite
recently discovered. It is the same individual whose plantings at Keston and
elsewhere are noticed in the strong terms following in the current (July) number
of the "Journal of Botany":
"British Botanists, especially London ones, will regret to learn that the intro-
duction of plants into localities where they may become established is being
carried on with considerable energy by a member of a London Natural History
Society. Hampstead Heath and Keston Bog are two of the places where this
pernicious and unscientific action has occurred ; and Parnassia and Pinguicula
vulgaris were planted in the New Forest bogs by the same individual. In this case
it was possible to nullify the attempt ; but the precautions then taken may easily
be evaded, and it is to be feared that in some cases the imposition may be success-
ful. We trust that the society referred to will take steps to dissociate itself from
so disreputable a proceeding."
It is to be hoped that the castigation inflicted will be sufficient to deter the
culprit from continuing his mischievous practices. Such impositions are bound
to be found out; but in the meantime are likely to produce much trouble and per-
plexity, especially to young collectors.—J. T. Powell, Clapton, July 7th, 1892.
Funeral Garlands.—In further illustration of this subject (ante pp. 99 and
105) Mr. T. Lowrey sends us the following extract from Hone's "Table Book" :
"In the year 1733, the clerk of the parish church of Bromley, in Kent, by his
digging a grave in that churchyard, close to the east end of the chancel wall, dug
up a funeral crown, or garland, most artificially wrought in filagree work with
gold and silver wire, in resemblance of myrtle. . . . Besides these crowns (which
were buried with deceased virgins), the ancients had also their depository garlands,
the use of which was continued even till of late years . . . which garlands at
the funerals of the deceased were carried solemnly before the corpse by two maids,
and afterwards hung up in some conspicuous place within the church, in memorial
of the departed person, and were (at least all that I have seen) made after the
following manner, viz., the lower rim or circlet was a broad hoop of wood, where-
unto was fixed, at the sides thereof, part of two other hoops crossing each other at
the top, at right angles, which formed the upper part, being about one-third longer
than the width ; these hoops were wholly covered with artificial flowers of paper,
dyed horn, or silk, and more or less beauteous, according to the skill or ingenuity
of the performer. In the vacancy of the inside, from the top, hung white paper,
cut in form of gloves, whereon was wrote the deceased's name, age, etc., together
with long slips of various coloured paper or ribbons. . . ."