In answer to a query as to the meaning of the work "Shamrock" (page 221,Gardeners' Monthly), I would say that it is from the Irish, seamrog (Gaelic, seamrag), a diminutive of seam, "mild," "gentle," and might be translated "little gentle one".

In Ireland, Trifolium repens and Oxalis aceto-sella are often confounded under the same name, but seamar bhan, "the fair gentle one," is invariable for the Trifolium.

[In the editorial note (page 221), it reads, "It was not long after the event is believed to have occurred that it was made public and celebrated." The word " not,' was an unintentional slip; as it was long after that the event became celebrated.

From our correspondent's note it would seem that the Trifolium, white clover, is most likely to be the true shamrock of the Irish people. The only error will be in assuming that St. Patrick converted the pagan with the shamrock or clover. If with anything it must have been with the Oxalis, which is probably not the original shamrock.

Another interesting deduction is, that if the white clover be the shamrock, the universal use of the plant in connection with the legend of St. Patrick would seem to show, that the celebration of the event in this way, must have begun long after the Saint had converted the chief; and not until the introduction of the white clover to Ireland. - Ed. G. M].