DR. JOHN RAMSBOTTOM
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The remainder just dry off or shrivel up so that the panicles
present an irregular ragged appearance—in addition they are
sometimes flushed with red. I have collected or seen specimens of
the following hybrids from Essex:
1. R. conglomeratus Murr. x R. maritimus L. 18: Wennington,
1938, Lousley (R.B.E. 171).
2. R. crispus L. x R. cristatus DC. 18: Hadleigh Marsh, 1949,
Lousley (4906305) and Jermyn.
3. R. crispus L. x R. obtusifolius L. ssp. agrestis (Fries) Danser.
18: Fairway, Eastwood, Southend, 1948, Lousley. This is likely to
prove common in both vice-counties and for the most part it is the
M. pratensis M. and K. of Gibson's Flora.
4. R. crispus L. x R. Patientia L. ssp. orientalis (Bernh.) Danser.
18: Grays, 1938 teste Rechinger, Lousley (R.B.E. 28).
5. R. crispus L. x R. sanguineus L. var. viridis Sibth. 18: Fair-
way, Eastwood, Southend, 1948, Lousley. 19: Between Nazeing
and Nazeingbury, 1913, C. E. Britton (1064) (Hb. Essex F.C.).
6. R. Hydrolapathum L. x R. obtusifolius L. ssp. agrestis
(Fries) Danser. 19: Riverside, Braxted, 1877, E. G. Varenne (Hb.
Boswell-Syme).
In compiling this account of the Docks and Sorrels of Essex I
have made no attempt to include all the available records or to
cite all material in the larger herbaria. All I have done is to select
from my notes on the Rumices of the British Isles the entries
which refer to the county. If my paper is overburdened with
references and detail it is because I am anxious to provide the
compilers of the new Flora with material they can follow up in
preparing their fuller account.
It may have surprised you that as many as fifteen species are
already known with certainty. Of these, ten are native (or usually
accepted as such), and at least two aliens are thoroughly estab-
lished. No doubt other species and many hybrids await discovery
and if I can help with the identification of doubtful material I
shall be pleased to do so.
["R.B.E." in the citation of specimens refers to the series Rumices
Britannicae Exsiccatae distributed by the writer under the reference numbers
stated.]
DR. JOHN RAMSBOTTOM, o.b.e., m.a., dr.sc, f.l.s., v.m.h
The award by the Royal Horticultural Society of its highest honour, the
Victoria Medal of Honour, to Dr. Ramsbottom gives great pleasure to his
many friends.