TORREYA

A Bi-MontTHLy JOURNAL OF BOTANICAL NOTES AND NEWS

John Torrey 1796-1873

EDITED FOR
THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB
BY

GEORGE T. HASTINGS

VOLUME 31

New YORK
1931

co

ie,

TORRET,

F January-February, 1931 - sheds

Persistence of Exotic Plants Under Forest Conditions
Rotanp M. HARPER

Most weeds, whether introduced or supposedly native, are
confined to places where natural conditions have been greatly
modified by civilization, and that indeed is one of the best ways

of identifying plants as weeds when their recent history is un-
known.' When human interference ceases the usual tendency is
for native plants to recover the ground from which they have

been dispossessed. For example, in a cultivated field in mid-
summer the only plants visible may be of a single cultivated
species, that could not maintain itself in competition with weeds
if those were not frequently hoed out or plowed under. In the
fall, after the crop is harvested, the ground may become pretty
well covered with introduced annual weeds, whose seeds have
lain dormant during the summer. If the field should be left un-
cultivated for several years, the first year after cultivation will
see a different set of weeds, with a larger proportion of supposed
native species, a few of them perhaps biennials or perennials. If
ma forested region, trees gradually come in too, and by the
time the trees have grown to average size, casting as much shade
as is normal for that type of forest, all introduced weeds may
have disappeared, and the forest may not be easily distinguished
from a virgin one, except that its flora is likely to be somewhat
poorer, lacking some of the rarer species.?

; Within a mile or two of the locality to be described presently
(in Lee County, Georgia), on the day the observations were
made (November 9, 1930), the following annual weeds were no-
ticed in fields from which a crop of corn or cotton had recently

1 See Bull. Torrey Botanical Club 35: 347-360, 1908; 37: 117-120, 1910.

_ ° It is said that wire-grass (Aristida stricta), one of the commonest herb
in long-leaf pine forests in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida (scarcer in
South Carolina, Alabama and Mississippi), never comes back on land that has
once been cultivated. Though perhaps it would if given time enough.

1

2

been harvested (arranging them in approximate order of abun-
dance): Syntherisma sanguinalis, Jacquemontia tamnifolia, Hete-
rotheca subaxillaris, Richardia scabra, Cenchrus echinatus, Iso-
pappus divaricatus, Cassia Tora. These were merely jotted
down in walking along a road, with no attempt at completeness;
and more prolonged observations over a larger area would of
course disclose many more. One perennial that is commonly
found in southern fields the same year they are cultivated,
and was seen along roadsides at this time and place, is the
nut-grass, Cyperus rotundus. It is able to exist in cultivated
fields because it is propagated by corms and runners far enough
below the surface to escape shallow plowing.

No special search was made for old fields at this time, but

the following plants seen along roadsides in the immediate vicin-
ity are also common in fields that have lain idle for a few years:
Prunus angustifolia, Rubus cuneifolius, Andropogon scoparius,
Lespedeza striata, Capriola Dactylon, Cyperus rotundus, Eupa-
torium compositifolium, Andropogon argyraeus. (There were also
a few others which seem to prefer roadsides to old fields.) This
list, which could also be greatly extended, includes two shrubs,
and most of the herbs are perennial. In old fields nearly through-
out the eastern United States, Andropogon scoparius, a native
perennial grass, is one of the commonest weeds, and it com-
monly grows densely enough so that fire can sweep through it,
and if burned often enough the invasion of trees sensitive to fire
may be long delayed.
‘It is probably a belief widely held, if not often expressed,
that if the human race should disappear from the earth or any
considerable portion thereof, the original vegetation, consisting
of species perfectly adapted to the soil, climate, etc., would re-
store itself pretty well in a century or two, and the foreign in-
vaders would be suppressed.

The great majority of weeds prefer open situations, 50 that
trees would tend to destroy them by shading them. Another
factor that helps native plants in competing with exotics, €S-
pecially in the southeastern United States, is fire. The long-leaf
pine forests have undoubtedly been subject for ages to fires 0
almost yearly occurrence, while other types of forest in the same
part of the country have been burned over at less frequent inter
vals.? Most of our weeds, as well as cultivated plants, come from

* See Pop. Sci. Monthly 85: 338-361, October, 1914.

3

regions or habitats where fire is a negligible factor of the environ-
ment and are chiefly confined to fields, pastures, roadsides, etc.
Of course a single fire sweeping a weedy roadside would not ex-
terminate the weeds, but fires repeated every year on the same
spot would be likely to prevent the reproduction of some, es-
pecially annuals, and those with barbed or fleshy fruits.

We have however a few weeds and other exotics which seem
to be able to thrive in forests, either shady forests with abun-
dant humus, or open forests frequently burned over.

In and near New York City Prunus Avium, a European
fruit tree, can be seen in many forests which appear almost prim-
eval, or as nearly so as could be expected with such a dense popu-
lation around them, and in such situations one sometimes has
to look twice to distinguish it from Betula lenta, which is native
in the same forests.*

Ailanthus altissima (A. glandulosus), a coarse and usually
crooked Asiatic tree with dry samara-like fruits, commonly cul-
tivated for shade because it grows rapidly (though hardly any-
thing else good can be said about it), often escapes to the woods
around New York and farther south, though it is usually found
in such unnatural habitats as not to deceive any one. However,
on the north side of Bear Swamp, in Autauga County, Alabama,
it grows tall and straight among native forest trees, in woods
that have been altered a little by pasturing and the washing
in of sand from the neighboring uplands.’ A botanist seeing it
there in winter and not suspecting the presence of any exotic
trees might have difficulty in identifying it.

Melia Azedarach, the chinaberry, another Asiatic shade-tree
common in the South (and westward to Mexico and California),
often comes up from seeds dropped by birds along fences and
around fields, and occasionally invades rich woods with native
vegetation in the southeastern states, much as Prunus Avium
does farther north. Almost the same could be said of Albizzia
Julibrissin (commonly known as mimosa), another small Asiatic
shade-tree, except that its seeds are in thin flat pods which are
doubtless disseminated by the wind.

Lagerstroemia Indica, the crepe myrtle, a small ornamental
tree, likewise of Asiatic origin, is commonly cultivated in the

uth, and may persist for many years after the house near

ao 17: 135, 138, August, 1917.

l. Surv. Ala. Monog. 9, p. 226, 1928.

4

which it was planted has fallen down or been burned, and it has
been treated as naturalized by Small and by Mohr.” Although
it produces plenty of seeds, they do not seem to germinate spon-
taneously, and the tree is propagated chiefly by suckers. It does
not seem to stand being crowded by forest trees very well. It
is probably sensitive to fire, too, on account of its thin bark.
There is some of it at Aspalaga on the Apalachicola River in
Gadsden County, Florida, which was a flourishing village a cen-
tury ago (when Croom discovered Tumion and Croomia there),
but for the last decade or two has been entirely deserted. The
crepe myrtles there grow in places that are still rather open, and
they may have been planted by some of the last inhabitants.

Lonicera Japonica, the Japanese honeysuckle, an evergreen
vine, formerly cultivated for ornament, has become a pest in
the South, and is found running wild as far north as New York.
Its favorite habitat is roadsides and railroad cuts, in and near
cities and towns, but it is also invading forests, especially those
protected from fire by their small area or by dampness, and it
bids fair to spread still more and persist indefinitely.’ Wherever
it grows it makes a dense tangle, which not only prevents graz-
ing but must also suppress the seedlings of most trees, tending
ultimately to destroy the forest.

Vinca major and V. minor, trailing evergreen herbaceous
vines, or undershrubs, natives of Europe, both called periwinkle
in the books, are often found growing in shady places in ceme-
teries and around old houses in the eastern United States, the

ever seeing any on either species. Like the sweet potato, which
they resemble in habit, they are propagated by cuttings.
Neither species is mentioned in Mohr’s Plant Life of Ala-

See also Geol. Surv. Ala., Monog. 9, p. 275. 1928.

sce E. F. Andrews, Science II. 47: 142-143, February 8, 1918; Torreya
19: 37-43, 1919. Harper, Geol. Sury. Ala. Monog. 9: 321, 1928; Natural Re-
Pr of Georgia, p. 85, February, 1930; Proc. Ga. Hort. Soc. 53: 47, June,

5

bama, even among the cultivated plants, but in Small’s Flora
of the Southeastern United States V. minor is listed as a natural-
ized plant from Ontario to Georgia. V. major should perhaps be
entitled to equal recognition, for its grows on the lowest lime-
stone bluff at Aspalaga, Florida, more remote from the site of
the last occupied house than the Lagerstroemia above mentioned,
and it may have been there for many years. A still more remark-
able colony of it in the coastal plain of Georgia will now be de-
scribed.

In the southern edge of Lee County, Georgia, about five
miles northwest of Albany, in a region that I formerly included
in the lime-sink region but have called in recent geographical
literature the red lime lands, there was founded about one hun-
dred years ago a settlement called Palmyra. A railroad station
about a mile away still bears the name. It flourished for a few
years, and then was gradually abandoned in favor of Albany,
which had the advantage of being on a navigable river (and
has now become Georgia’s tenth city in population). The coun-
try around Palmyra is comparatively level, with few streams,
and the soil is mainly reddish coarse sandy loam, with limestone
not far below the surface.’

At or near Palmyra, in a small grove mostly of native oaks,
with a road on one side and fields on the other sides, there are
the remains of a cemetery, with about a dozen tombstones, dat-
ing from 1838 to 1855. There are also many unmarked graves,
Presumably belonging to the same period. Although no special
Inquiry was made, itisa reasonable assumption that the ceme-
tery has been entirely neglected since the Civil War; there seem
to be no white people living near it now. The oak grove is ap-
Proximately an acre in extent, and the cemetery covers some-
thing like half of it. It is pretty well protected from accidental
fires by the road and fields around it, and it is not likely that
fire would often be set purposely in such a place. Unlike most
of the long-leaf pine country nearer the coast, grazing animals
àre not allowed to run at large in this region, as shown by the
unfenced fields.

Even if a fire should get into the grove occasionally, it would
Probably stop when it reached a dense tangle of Vinca major

* Most of the soil in the neighborhood is designated on the government soil
a. of Lee County, by J. W. Moon (apparently published in December,

as Greenville clay loam” and “Greenville sandy loam.”

6

that covers the ground as ivy sometimes does, to the exclusion
of all other herbaceous vegetation, over an area perhaps 100
feet square, or the greater part of the cemetery. If the Vinca
propagated itself by seed, and there were isolated specimens out-
side of the main mass, those might succumb to any fire that
might run through the woods; but the continuous colony, being
evergreen, is not very combustible.

Associated with the Vinca are several other plants intro-
duced from other places, near and far. The commonest is Albiz-
zia Julibrissin, and the next perhaps Robinia Pseudo-acacia.
Both are normally small or medium-sized trees, with thin wind-
disseminated pods, but here they are only large shrubs, though
it is possible that some larger specimens may have been cut out.
The Albizzia is a native of Asia, as already stated. The native
home of the Robinia is in the Appalachian region, but it has es-
caped from cultivation in many places outside of its range, at
least as far north as New York, and south to northern Florida
and southwestern Mississippi.

The upper story of the forest in the cemetery is composed
of Prunus (Padus) serotina, which grows about as tall as the
native oaks near by, but rather slender. It is undoubtedly na-
tive in ravines and on bluffs (it needs protection from fire) in
northern Georgia, but whether or not there was any of it in Lee
County before the first settlers arrived is a question. A smaller
and less abundant tree in the same locality is Prunus (Lauro-
cerasus) Caroliniana, whose habitat preferences are similar to
those of P. serotina, though it is confined to the coastal plain,
or nearly so. It may be native along creeks and rivers near
Palmyra, but its seeds, like those of P. serotina, are easily car-
ried by birds to places where it did not grow naturally. It may
also have been planted in the cemetery, for it is a handsome
evergreen.

Juniperus Virginiana is doubtless native on limestone out-
crops not far away, but hardly in the oak grove, for it too ís

Sensitive to fire.” The cedars in the cemetery may have been
planted purposely by man or accidentally by birds. Ilex vomi-
toria, a shrub or small tree, is another evergreen with berries.
It is native along the coast, and perhaps at many interior local-
ities where there is sufficient protection from fire; and it may

See Torreya 12: 145-154, July, 1912.

7

have come to the Palmyra cemetery in either of the ways sug-
gested for the cedar. The presence of Melia Azedarach calls for
no special comment. Some other woody plants, which may or
may not have been there originally, are Ulmus fulva, Hicoria
alba, Smilax lanceolata, and a species of Celtis. The seeds of
Albizzia, Robinia and Ulmus are distributed by the wind, and
those of most of the other species by birds.

Summing up the situation, we have here, in what at the be-
ginning of the 19th century must have been an upland oak grove
subject to ground fires (which might be started by lightning in
pine woods several miles away) running through the dead leaves
perhaps once in ten years, an assemblage of plants, nearly all of
them sensitive to fire and foreign to the immediate locality (sev-
eral of them natives of the Old World), which seem to have been
maintaining themselves without any conscious effort to protect
them, for about three-quarters of a century. The surrounding
road and fields afford pretty good protection from fires origi-
nating elsewhere, and the dense mass of Vinca major, which
must be relatively incombustible, furnishes additional protec-
tion for the trees surrounded by it, which would be effective even
if the surrounding country was depopulated and reverted to for-
est. Even if grazing animals should return, they probably would
not eat the Vinca.

If the test of naturalization is ability to reproduce from seed
for several generations without human assistance, Vinca major
hardly meets that test. (The same might be said of V. minor,
Lagerstroemia, and several other foreign plants treated as natu-
ralized in our manuals.) But its persistence for such a long
Period is rather remarkable. It would be interesting to watch it
for another century or so, if such a thing were possible, and see
what happens. Possibly some who read this will know of ana-
logous cases elsewhere.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

Occurrence of Pinus pungens Lamb.
on the Atlantic Coastal Plain

ARTHUR PIERSON KELLEY

Scattered trees of Table Mountain pine (Pinus pungens
Lamb.) grow on the low sandy scarps of Beaver Dam Branch in
Prince George’s County, Maryland, southeast of Ardwick sta-
tion on the Pennsylvania Railroad and not far from Washington,
D. C. They are apparently native in an extensive pine-oak for-
est of the sort which is natural to the coastal plain. The trees
are seldom over 0.3 meters in diameter at breast height and
grow to 15 meters in height; the lower branches are dead and the
bark is scorched by fire.

While the tree resembles scrub pine (Pinus virginiana Mill.)
with which it is associated, its stiff, sharp-pointed needles serve
to distinguish an immature tree, while the large persistent cones
with heavy apophysis, prominent umbo, and stout spine which
is divergent or recurved, immediately betray the mature Pinus
pungens.

Table Mountain pine may prove not uncommon on the
Atlantic coastal plain. Its presence in the neighborhood of Bal-
timore was reported to the writer early in the year by Dr. Alex-
ander F. Skutch, of the Johns Hopkins University. It was evi-
dently found on the Virginia coastal plain, for Holm! records its
discovery by William Hunter on Johnny Moore Creek, near
Woodlawn, Virginia, in the eighties of last century.

The species is usually considered to be found natively only
from the mountainous portions of New Jersey and Pennsylvania
to Georgia and Tennessee, although it is reported from the Falls
of Potomac in the Piedmont by Ward;? the Falls are, of course,
not many miles distant from Ardwick. In its home, the tree 0c-
vfs On sandy soil, as may be observed, e.g. at Mont Alto,
Pennsylvania, on a sandstone ridge upon which Pinus rigida
also flourishes.

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA

P : Holm, Theodore, Third list of additions to the flora of Washington, D. me
roc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 7: 130, 1892.

* Ward, Lester F. Guide

U.S. Nat. Museum 22: p. 137

,

to the flora of Washington and Vicinity. Bull.

8

Chamaecyparis thyoides in Orange County, New York

W. C. MUENSCHER

Two recent notes on the distribution of southern White
Cedar, Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.) Britt., in New Hampshire!
and New Jersey? recall to mind an inland station for this species
in New York which is of interest on account of its elevation and
remoteness from the coast.

In June, 1924, while botanizing on the hills north of Port
Jervis, the writer, Dr. C. L. Wilson and Dr. A. S. Foster ob-
served Chamaecyparis in two swamps of the region.

According to a local woodsman “cedar” was growing in the
“swamps up in the hills.” After considerable exploring the first
“cedar” was found in a small swamp, locally known as “Little
Cedar Swamp.” Only a few, nearly dead, trees of Chamaecy-
paris were found. About one-half mile southeast of this swamp,
Chamaecyparis was found in another swamp locally known as
“Long Swamp.” This swamp, which is about one mile long and
one-fourth mile wide, contained many large Chamaecyparis
trees. In some localities these trees formed almost pure stands.
In other places they were intermingled with Picea mariana
(Mill.) BSP. and Larix laricina (DuRoi) Koch. Rhododendron
maximum L. was a common undershrub. Many of the Chamaecy-
paris trees were between one and two feet in diameter. Along the
eastern end of the swamp where the cedar had been out recently
the ground cover contained many Chamaecyparis seedlings.

“Long Swamp,” as indicated (without name) on the United
States Geological Survey map (Port Jervis Quadrangle), is lo-
cated about one mile south of Big Pond. This Chamaecyparis
Station occurs at an elevation of 1,340 feet above sea level about
‘ix miles north of Port Jervis, New York, and ten miles north
of the Chamaecyparis station in Cedar Swamp, High Point State
Park, Sussex County, New Jersey. The “Long Swamp” station
extends the range of Chamaecyparis thyoides about ten miles
farther inland than the High Point station, which occurs about
seventy miles from the coast at an elevation of 1,650 feet.

CORNELL Untversity, Ituaca, New YORK
31: : "eerie K. Chamaecyparis thyoides in New Hampshire. Rhodora
13 Torrey, R. H. Stations for the southern white cedar. Torreya 30: 134-
5, 1930.

9

Fantastic Frost Crystals on Dried Stems of Dittany

Raymond N. TORREY

Frost crystals on certain plants, appearing late in autumn,
or in early spring are occasionally reported in botanical litera-
ture. The crystals which shoot from the bases of the stems of
Helianthemum canadense and majus have given both of these
species the popular name of Frostweed. Probably the same phe-
nomenon appears on other plants, although I have not seen it
reported in the manuals. Thoreau, in “Early Spring in Massa-
chusetts,” page 279, refers to ‘frost bodkins,” needle like cry-
stals on the roots of Herd’s Grass, or Timothy, Phleum pratense,
observed on March 29, 1859, in Concord.

I noticed an extraordinary example of such frost crystals on
Dittany, Cunila origanoides, on November 27, on an old wood
road on the east side of Kittatiny Mountain, near Mount
Vernon, in Warren County, New Jersey. More than twenty of
these odd forms were noted, and all were on the dead, dried
stems of Dittany. Nothing of the kind was to be seen on other
dead stems of herbaceous plants along the road, such as asters,
goldenrod, grasses, etc. There appeared to be some reason, pos-
sibly in the square structure of the stem, some facility for capil-
lary movement upward from the soil of moisture, which froze
into these fantastic crystals, but what it may be would require
some study and close observation from the moment of the be-
ginning of the building out of these fragile and beautiful shells
of ice.

The crystals appeared to have grown out from the base of
the dried stems, an inch or two above the ground. In height,
vertically, along the stem, they were 2 or 3 inches. Their width
was Irom 2 to 4 inches; their thickness about 1-32 of an inch.
In structure, they suggested the concentric curves of the bracket
fungus, built out horizontally by curving lines of cell growth from
a base on a dead or diseased tree.

These ice crystals seemed to have grown in similar concen-
tric curves, but vertically, beginning with a band 4 inch to 1
long, where moisture issuing from the stem froze, and then an-
other froze over it and soon. Some of these flat, vertically placed
crystals showed a dozen or more such bands, from 1-32 to 1-16
and 1-8 inch wide increasing in width from the stem outward.
The outer edge tended to be wavy, fluted or crisped. Sometimes

10

11

two or three of the vertical plates of ice were grown together at
their outer edges, making an appearance like a clam or mussel
shell. Some-of them were folded back on each other, like the old-
fashioned, ribbon-like, Christmas candy. Some were waved and
curled like potato chips.

Frost crystals on Dittany stem.
Two crystals fused at right angles.

It was noticeable that most of them had grown out in the
Same general direction, toward the downhill slope of the old
toad, which ran east. Whether this was due to the direction of
the wind at the time of freezing, or to some downhill draft in the
narrow valley, is a question. The temperature had fallen sud-
denly during the night from a point above freezing at sunset to
about 25° at dawn, and during the day it fell a few degrees
lower, The ground had been wet from recent rains, and the
dead leaves, recently fallen, and the dried stalks of various her-
baceous plants had absorbed a lot of moisture, and were frozen

12

stiff but none showed any frost crystals but the stems of the
colony of Dittany, strung for a hundred feet along the road.

These crystals were quite different in appearance from those
which I recall seeing on the base of Frostweed stems, in New
England, years ago; those of Helianthemum were narrower,
curled and twisted; these growths on the Dittany were uni-
formly flat vertical plates, although varying in width and height
and in fluting and waving of their outer edges. They did not
appear to have started freezing from any small, central point,
such as a break or node in the stem, but along a vertical distance
of half an inch or more. Can anyone offer an explanation as to
the mechanics of this phenomenon?

Hous, NEw YORK

Some Matters of Nomenclature

T. D. A. CocKERELL

In the admirable and exhaustive studies of the Umbelliferae
by Mildred E. Mathias, published in the Annals of the Missouri
Botanical Garden, there is, (vol. XVII, p. 294) the enunciation
of what seems to me a very dangerous doctrine. Dangerous be-
cause, as the author can hardly have realized, its general adop-
tion would create great and useless confusion in our nomencla-
ture. The generic name Lomatium of Rafinesque was supplanted
by Cogswellia Sprengel, because Robert Brown had earlier
named a genus of Proteaceae Lomatia. It is argued that the re-
tention of Lomatia ‘‘would be a source of permanent confusion”.
Macbride in 1918 refused to accept this view, and restored
Lomatium, I think quite correctly. No intelligent person could
be so careless as to confuse these names, especially as they refer
to totally different kinds of plants, inhabiting totally different
regions. I have long been a student of bees and mollusca, but
it has never occurred to me to confuse Ancyla (in bees) with
Ancylus (in mollusca), or Trigona (in bees) with Trigonia (in
mollusca). A really difficult case is that of Ferrissia (mollusca)
and Ferrisia (a mealy-bug). These names differ by a letter, but
it is impossible to pronounce them differently. There is a botan-
ical example which is rather confusing, that of Euphorbia peplis
and E. peplus. The names are due to Linnaeus, and no one
would now think of changing them.

There are two reforms in botanical methods which I believe
would be advantageous.

(1) The explicit recognition of subspecies, as distinct from
varieties, forms or mutations. While it is not always easy to de-
cide about the rank of a plant, every botanist recognizes the
existence of minor types which can be grouped under so-called

innean species. There is a distinct disadvantage in treating all
of these as full species, as is done by some authors. If they are
called varieties, they are confused with mutations and forms,
the application of the term variety being ambiguous. The recog-
nition of the subspecific category, as in ornithology, appears to
bea step toward clarity, and without any disadvantages.

A further consequence in nomenclature follows. In any
senus, duplicate names of specific or subspecific rank cannot be
Permitted. Thus, if a name has been used for a subspecies, it

13

14

must not be used for a species, or vice versa. But names of
varieties, mutations or forms are not involved, and it should not
only be permitted, but strongly advised to use the same term
for analogous mutations or forms in congeneric species.

(2) In anything but a very formal paper or list a zoologist
will not use the double citation for the authority. That is, he
indicates the name of the writer who first proposed the valid
specific or other name (in whatever genus), but omits the name
of the author of the combination. After nearly half a century of
experience, I can testify that this causes no appreciable incon-
venience. On the other hand, it saves a lot of printing. There
is I think, no valid reason why botanists should not follow the
usage of the zoologists in this matter. The old botanical custom,
of citing only the author of the combination, can surely have
nothing said in its favor. It obliterates the historical facts, and
obtrudes information of minor value, especially now that we
recognize priority in the same sense as the zoologists.

BOULDER, COLORADO

BOOK REVIEW
Flora of Mount Baker

Local floras are available for altogether too few regions in
America. It is, therefore, with considerable interest that the ap-
pearance of one more has been noted under the attractive title of
“Flora of Mount Baker.”! The authors are to be commended
upon their high aim, “to provide a ready source from which to
learn the names and nature of the plants” of this interesting re-
gion in the extreme northwestern United States.

The publication contains keys to the families, genera and
species, and brief descriptions of 334 species and varieties.
Twenty-one species are illustrated with line drawings. Eleven
plants, mostly varieties and forms, are described as new.

It is to be regretted that the authors did not make this flora
more nearly complete by amplifying their list of species by in-
cluding more of the records of earlier collectors of the region or
or by more intensive field work, especially in the “lower for-
ests,” included in the area covered. To one who has made nu-
merous collecting trips on Mount Baker and its surrounding
ranges, during the last twenty years, certain plants of this re-
gion, as delimited by the authors, appear conspicuous by their
absence from the “flora.” Users of the flora will probably be
disappointed not to find in it such common or striking plants of
the region as the following: the braken fern, Pteridium aquili-
num pubescens Underw., the most common fern in the “lower
Woods,” Lycopodium annotinum L., L. Selago L., Erythronium
montanum Wats., Salix scouleriana Barr., Spergularia rubra (L.)
; ee Ranunculus bongardi Greene, Achlys triphylla (Smith)

n Leptaxis menziesii (Pursh) Raf., Physocarpus opulifolius
leas Spiraea lucida Dougl., Rosa gymnocarpa betel
aie S e h L., Moneses uniflora (L.) Gray, and ‘m
urak Saor Hook. Most of the weeds which have become nat-
i ized in the openings in the lower forests of the region have

€n omitted, perhaps intentionally.
W. C. MUENSCHER

1 .
Who Sana Harold and Edith Hardin. Flora of Mt. Baker. Mazama 11:

15

FIELD TRIPS OF THE CLUB

Two interesting late fall excursions of the club, added to the
1930 schedule, were on Sunday, November 30, in the region of
old iron mines between Sterling and Tuxedo Lakes, a joint meet-
ing with the Trail Campers of America; and on Sunday, Decem-
ber 7, on Bellvale Mountain, north of Greenwood Lake, a joint
outing with the Warwick, New York, group which maintains
the Appalachian Trail in this region.

Mosses were the most important subject for study on the
November 30 meeting. A number of species were found in good
“fruiting” condition, perhaps the most uncommon, at least the
most infrequently noted, being the quaint Buxbaumia aphylla.
Webera sessilis, the other almost stemless species, was common.
Leucobryum glaucum was very common but was not found in
fruit, although the writer found it with plentiful capsules on a
later Sunday, on Kittatiny Mountain in western New Jersey a
rather rare and beautiful sight. Species with mature or opened
but persistent capsules were Polytrichum Ohioenes, Bryum caes-
piticum, Ditrichum tortile, Ceratodon purpureus, Dicranella hetero-
malla, very common, Dicranum scoparium (very few capsules ob-
served), Catharinea undulata, very common, and handsome with
masses of warm brown capsules, Aulacomnium heterostichum,
Hylocomnium proliferum, Hypnum recurvans, and Thelia hirtella.
Sphagnums, Mniums and Dicranums were noted, without cap-
sules, also Thuidium delicatulum, and Climacium Americanum.
Conocephallum was the most conspicuous liverwort. This region
with its swamps and ledges would be interesting for another ex-
cursion for the mosses which mature their capsules in spring and
early summer. The iron mines, some dating from before the.
Revolution, were of interest, particularly the great iron roaster,
at the Red Back Mine, used up to sixty years ago to drive the
sulphur out of the ore to make it marketable. On the way out to
Sloatsburg, in a heavy rain, which began about the middle of the
afternoon, the party noticed a new beaver pond, on a brook ris-
ing near the south end of Tuxedo Park, another new location of
these animals, probably from the original transplantations of
them ten years ago, in the Harriman Park.

On the December 7 excursion from Mount Peter, along z
Appalachian Trail over Bellvale Mountain to Mombasha Hig

16

17

Point, many of the same mosses were noted, Thelia hirtella and
Hypnum recurvans being especially handsome and in copious
fruit, on the bases of white oaks. An unexpected and novel fea-
ture led the group into the field of paleobotany. Mr. F. J. Wells,
of Greenwood Lake, photographer and student of natural his-
tory, showed us specimens of fossil plant impressions, from the
Pequanac shales along the motor road from Greenwood Lake
over Mount Peter to Warwick, where the rock has been blasted
down in widening the highway and fragments are easy to find.
They were identified for me by Dr. Arthur Hollick, of the New
York Botanical Garden, as Lepidodendron gaspéanum, a plant
very similar to our modern Lycopodiums, or clubmosses, but
much larger, of the Devonian Period. This species, judging from
the width of the impressions in the rock, one to two inches in
width, was not as large as the great Lepidodendrons, Sigilarias
and Calamites of the Pennsylvanian and Mississipian Periods
(formerly joined as Carboniferous), which grew to be sixty feet
high, but it was obviously a giant compared to our present day,
low-growing clubmosses.

Fitzgerald’s Falls, on the Appalachian Trail, east of the

Greenwood Lake-Monroe Road, is an interesting place, botani-
cally, for mosses and liverworts; and geologically, for the vari-
ety of formations nearby. The stream, a branch of Trout Brook,
flows down a gully in the pre-Cambrian gneisses and granites,
Over a wide dike of black basalt, similar to those found in many
Parts of the Hudson highlands penetrating the pre-Cambrian and
younger than it; while a few rods to the west is a ledge of vertic-
ally tilted, shaly limestone, one of the basal strata of the Green
Pond formation, which makes Bellvale Mountain to the west,
and probably of Silurian age. A close study of the plants of this
area would be interesting to see if there are ecological differences
'n species, due to the varying kinds of rock.
_ Sat Rock, an uptilted ledge of red and white conglomerate,
Just off the Appalachian Trail, on Bellvale Mountain, was inter-
‘sting for the dense growth of the Rock Tripe, lichen, mostly
Gyrophora Dilleni, on the cliffs and talus.

3 A winter excursion, jointly with the New York section of the
Say Mountain Club, on Sunday, December 28, in the Blue

Cuntain Reservation of the Westchester County Park system,
Southeast of Peekskill, was interesting chiefly for the variety of

18

deciduous trees, a blanket of four inches of show covering mosses
and ferns. The dead stems of the Purple Loosestrife, Lythrum
Salicaria, on brooks and small swamps, high up in the preserve,
at elevations 400 feet above the Hudson, indicated that this
adventive plant, which has spread from whatever coastal point
it was established at seventy-five or one hundred years ago, all
along the Atlantic seaboard from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to
the Potomac, must be spread by other means than tidal or fresh
waters, for it could scarcely have been seeded in these high
swamps except by birds. It is now well established on many
tributaries of the Hudson, miles from their mouths and 200 to
500 feet above the river. One notices red-winged blackbirds
feeding on its seeds in the brackish marshes along the Hudson
where it is so common, and it seems probable that these or other
birds carry it to the streams and swamps back of the river.

The geology of this reservation is interesting, especially the
inclusions of schist, limestone and gneiss, in the diorite which in-
vaded and swamped the older rocks, and absorbed all but these
small remnants which are to be seen in the glaciated surfaces of
the black, weathered diorite. Some of the diorite ledges and
some boulders of the same rock which were transported short
distances by the ice, and now lie perched in conspicuous places,
have a jointed appearance, something like the basalts of the
Watchungs in New Jersey, with cracks frequently separating at
120 degree angles so as to make approximately incipent hex-
agonal columns.

The chairman of the field committee is now making up the
field schedule for 1931, and welcomes the aid and suggestions of
all members of the club. A number of winter and spring excul-
sions will be held, to be announced in the weekly bulletin of the
New York Academy of Sciences. Volunteers are invited for any
Saturday, Sunday, holiday or week-end, from now to next De-
cember. The printed schedule will appear about May 1. It's
desired to make the schedule richer and more varied than ever
before, and offers of leadership in any field of botany, especially
in mosses, lichens, grasses, sedges and liverworts, in addition to
the more common and popularly known forms of vegetable life,
will be welcomed.

RayMOND H. TORREY _
Chairman, Field Commitee

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CLUB
MEETING OF OcTOBER 15, 1930

The meeting was called to order at the New York Botanical
Garden at 3:30 P.M. by President Sinnott. Minutes of the meet-
ing of October 7 were read and approved. Thirty-one members
were present.

The following people were unanimously elected to menber-
ship in the club: Miss Minna Koch, Hunter College, New York
City; Miss Kathleen Muchemore, 596 East Nineteenth Street,
Brooklyn, New York; and Miss Dorothy Meier, Box 59, Johnson
Hall, Columbia University, New York City.

Professor Edmund W. Sinnott gave a talk on “Fruit Shape
Inheritance in Cucurbita.”

He has inbred a large number of strains of Cucurbita pepo
for the past fifteen years and has about thirty lines which are
essentially homozygous. During the past few years he has paid
particular attention to the inheritance of fruit shape as shown
by the results of crosses between various of these pure lines. The
common disc of “scallop” type of fruit, very much wider than
long, has been crossed with several types of spherical fruits. In
every case, the disc type is dominant in the F,. The Fz shows
approximately 3/4 disc to 1/4 sphere, thus indicating that the
difference between these two fruit shapes is due to a single men-
delian factor.

In crosses between two spherical fruited lines of different an-
cestry, the F, was found to be all disc fruited, and in the F3 there
appeared 9/16 disc, 6/16 sphere and 1/16 elongate fruit. This was
explained as due to the operation of two flattening factors, each
of which when alone produced a spherical fruit. When both were
men together in a plant, their effect was accumulated, re-

Sy ting in a disc shape. When both were absent, the double re-
cessive elongate type appeared. Further evidence was presented
showing that in addition to these and other flattening factors,
there are operative factors which tend to elongate the fruit, thus
acting in an exactly opposite direction to the flatteners. The
concept is developed that fruit shape is determined by the bal-
ance or equilibrium between factors for flattening and factors for
elongation. All of these seem to be inherited in a simple mendel-

19

20

ian fashion, and probably operate in some way to control growth
correlations.
Meeting adjourned at 4:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
FORMAN T. McLean
Secretary

NOVEMBER 19, 1930

The meeting was called to order at the New York Botanical
Garden at 3:30 p.m, by President Sinnott. Minutes of the meet-
ing of October 15 were read and approved. Thirty members were
present.

The resignations of Miss Rebecca Ornstein and Miss Laura
B. Broomall were accepted with regret.

Brief reports by members on the International Botanical
Congress were as follows:

Dr. Elmer D. Merrill stated:

The Fifth International Botanical Congress at Cambridge,
England, under the presidency of Professor A. C. Steward of
Combridge University, August 16-23, 1930, was initiated by a
formal reception to delegates and members of their families at
the Imperial Institute in London on Friday evening, August 13.
The following morning a special train took the delegates to Cam-
bridge, where the Congress officially convened on Monday morn-
ing, August 16.

The Congress was organized as follows: Bacteriology, P rof.
R. E. Buchanan, Iowa State College, president; Phytogeo-
graphy and Ecology, Prof. H. C. Cowles, University of Chicago,
president; Genetics and Cytology, Prof. O. Rosenberg, Botanis-
ka Institutet, Stockholm, president; Morphology and Anatomy,
Prof. J.C. Schoute, Gröningen, president; Mycology and P iant
Pathology, Prof. L. R. Jones, University of Wisconsin, prest-
dent; Plant P hysiology, Dr. F, F. Blackman, Cambridge Univ-
ersity, president; Paleobotany, Dr. D. H. Scott, Basingstoke,
president; Taxonomy and Nomenclature, Prof. L. Diels, Berlin,
president.

: The scope of this paper does not permit a detailed considera-
tion of the numerous and important papers that were pr esente

21

forming a book of 327 pages, copies of which were supplied to all
delegates. Provision was made for the ultimate publication of
the full proceedings, and the papers presented at the Congress
are now in the hands of the editorial committee.

The executive committe of British botanists, charged with
making detailed arrangements for the Congress, is to be con-
gratulated on the excellence of their program, and the manner
in which the numerous items were handled. The efficiency of
this committee added greatly to the pleasure and convenience
of the numerous overseas delegates. i

All meetings were held in the lecture rooms and laboratories
of Cambridge University; and the majority of the delegates were
housed in the various colleges of the University. Because of the
most attractive surrounding, the ample space for conferences,
exhibits, etc., and the close proximity of the various buildings,
the numerous delegates who were fortunately able to attend the
Congress will long remember the pleasant associations there
formed; and all keenly appreciated the whole-hearted hospital-
ity and the numerous courtesies extended to them during their
stay in Cambridge and in England.

Various important excursions were arranged for visiting
delegates, before, during, and after the Congress. These includ-
ed a pilgrimage to Halesworth Church to attend the dedication
ceremonies of a memorial tablet to Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker,
born at Halesworth, and Sir William Joseph Hooker; to the
English beech woods in West Sussex, Cheltern Hills, Cotswold
Hills, and the Wye Valley; to Blakeney Point and Scolt Head to
spect their maritime vegetation; to Wicken Fen to examine the
“Ramp vegetation; special field excursions for plant pathologists;
excursions to the Rothamsted Experiment Station, Harpenden;
the John Innes Horticultural Institution, Weston; Messrs. Sut-
ton and Sons Seed Establishment and Trial Grounds, Reading
ot Messrs. James Carter and Company Seed Estab-
; ent and Trial Grounds, Raynes Park. Through the cour-
"y of the President and Council of the Royal Horticultural
Society, the Garden of this society at Wisley was open to del-
vep sA same courteous arrangement was made by the weit
oF aan te Chelsea Physic Garden. A special exhibit of materia
Bie ric interest was arranged in the Department of Botany,

sh Museum (Natural History). At Kew a personally con-

22

ducted tour through the Royal Botanic Gardens was provided,
with an al fresco luncheon for visiting delegates. A special ex-
hibition of Linneana was arranged at the rooms of the Linnean
Society, Burlington House, London.

The Fourth International Botanical Congress held at Ccr-
nell University, Ithaca, New York, in 1925 had charged the
1930 Congress with the difficult and complicated task of re-
vising the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. This
was unquestionably the most important single project that
came before the Congress. The International committee, under
the leadership of Dr. John Briquet of Geneva, had carefully as-
sembled and collated the data that were to be presented for dis-
cussions, these data being supplemented by a 200 page docu-
ment consisting of proposals by British botanists. The “Re-
cueil synoptique” and “Avis prealable,” prepared by Dr. Briquet
and his colleagues, contained all of the suggested modifications
of the International Code that had been submitted by botanists
from all countries; in parallel columns were given the original
text of the 1905 and 1910 rules, together with the suggested
changes, and with the recommendation of the international com-
mittee.

With these carefully and critically prepared documents, the
Section on Nomenclature, under the chairmanship of E. D.
Merrill, proceeded to a consideration of details. Practically all
of the recommendations of the cen tral committee were approved
there being at times a very lively discussion from the floor. As
discussions, amendments, motions etc., were in English, French,
and German it was by no means an easy task to follow all details,
although important items were interpreted by the several sec-
retaries, Dr. Harms of Berlin in German and Dr. Briquet of
Geneva in French. During the first two days progress was rel-
atively slow; but real progress was made on the third day by
disposing of all the minor matters on a single motion, thus leav-
ing time to consider the few really important, and more oF less
controversial items. The proposed amendments of the Inter-
national Code had to do largely with unifying, as far as possible,
the divergencies in this code and the so-called American Code.

Few formal votes were taken, most of the motions, after dis-
cussion, being disposed of by show of hands. In reference t°
important controversial matters the proportions of the vote 3

23

between yes and no were impressive. Thus, in reference to re-
quired Latin diagnoses for new species proposed from January
1932, the formal vote was yes, 371; no, 24; the original spelling
of generic and specific names was maintained by a vote of 342 to
21. An adoption of the rule, the contention of many American
botanists, that a validly published homonym invalidates the
use of the same specific name for another species, was carried by
yes, 261; no, 111; the adoption of the principle of types of stand-
ard species for genera; and the confirmation and extension of the
principle of nomina generica conservanda were carried by equally
impressive majorities, the latter being practically unanimous.
A proposition to make the year 1753 the beginning date for bi-
nomials in all groups of plants was lost, the vote being 158, yes;
239, no.

One of the final actions of the section was to appoint a large
international committee, having in its membership one or more
representatives in each country, to consider interim problems
in relation to the international rules, the details to be handled
by asmall executive committee. In addition to the appointment
of the international committee to consider problems of nomen-
clature, other important committees were appointed, including
one to standardize the terminology used in ecology; one to
compile and publish an international botanical address book;
and one to standardize descriptive terms used in systematic
botany. ;

At the final plenary session of the Congress, the invitation of
the Netherlands to hold the next congress at Amsterdam in 1935
was accepted.

The Fifth International Botanical Congress, was unquestion-

ably, the largest and most important gathering of its kind yet
a In excess of fifty countries were represented by about

official delegates. Naturally, Great Britain was partic-
ularly well represented; but there were about 300 delegates in
attendance from the United States. Other important countries
had large contingents; and most of the smaller commonwealths
ad representatives present. The Congress was truly inter-
a in all respects, its attendance including many of the
utstanding botanists of the entire world. The entire Congress

a pervaded by a pronounced spirit of international good will,
ch was particularly noticeable in the long and complicated

24

discussions appertaining to the problems of nomenclature; here
many divergent opinions were held; yet all present were inspired
by the desire to facilitate the proceedings; each was willing to
give and take; and all who took part in the discussions, or who
merely attended in order to familiarize themselves with the
complicated questions under discussion, were impressed with
the desirability of coming to an understanding that would be
truly international as well as acceptable to the majority of bot-
anists in all fields of endeavor.

Dr. F. E. Denny, Dr. R. P. Wodehouse and Dr. A. L. Gun-
derson also gave short talks on their stay at the International
Botanical Congress.

Meeting adjourned at 4:45 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
ForMAN T. McLEAN
Secretary

MEETING OF DECEMBER 2, 1930

The meeting was called to order at The American Museum
of Natural History at 8:15 P.M. by President Sinnott. Forty-
five members were present.

Dr. Henry Knute Svenson of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
gave a talk on the “Vegetation of the Galapagos Islands and
Cocos Island.” An account of his talk is published in the Brook-

_lyn Botanic Garden Record, Volume 19, No. 6, November, 1930.

Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. for refreshments which were
served by the refreshment committee.

Respectfully submitted,
ForMAN T. MCLEAN
Secretary

25
NEWS NOTES

R. Kent Beattie, a plant explorer who for two and one-half
years has been searching the domains of the Formosa head-
hunters and the forests of Korea and Japan for blight-resistant
chestnuts to plant in American forests has returned to Washing-
ton. He collected about 250 bushels of chestnuts of native
strains, and scions of about ninety cultivated varieties. He
shipped these nuts and scions to Washington as fast as he col-
lected them and the Department of Agriculture planted them
in its forest mursery at Glendale, Maryland, to test their resis-
tance to blight and their adaption to the climate and soil of a
new homeland. These plantings produced about 250,000 seed
lings.

Last spring the department placed 73,000 seedlings grown
from Mr. Beattie’s 1928 collections with foresters and experi-
ment stations from Massachusetts, and Michigan to Alabama
and Louisiana.

apan is carrying out a wonderful reforestation program,
says Mr. Beattie. The Japanese have been tree-lovers for gener-
ations and are great tree planters. All untillable areas in the
Empire where trees will grow are kept in well-ordered forests.
Trees, grow row on row, bank behind bank, on the steep moun-
tain-sides, Presenting an inspiring sight. The Japanese value the
chestnut especially for its nuts, which are an important item in
their diet. The same chestnut blight organism that is rapidly
depleting America’s chestnuts exists in Japan also but does not
injure trees there seriously.
The Koreans are not tree-lovers, partly because tigers infest
their forests, Mr. Beattie believes. For many years Koreans
ave cut down the trees and dug up the roots. But during the
Pectin years of Japanese control a program of systematic re-
°restation has restored many of Korea’s wasted hillsides.

to SAS ference to review the plant pest situation, with respect

“ssus bulbs and to consider the advisability of modifying

De resent restrictions on the entry from foreign countries and

"state movement of narcissus bulbs, met at Washington on
January 29. ,

— January 1, 1926, the importation of Narcissus bulbs

restricted to those imported for propagation or for

26

educational or scientific purposes, with the object of preventing
the further introduction of the greater bulb fly (Merodon eques-
tris Fab.), the lesser bulb fly (Eumerus strigatus F allen), and the
bulb eelworm (Tylenchus dipsaci Kuehn).

To prevent the further spread of such pests from the points
at which they were then known to be established, a domestic
quarantine on Narcissus bulbs and plants was placed on the
entire continental United States, effective July 15, 1926, prohi-
biting interstate movement unless they had been inspected and
certified as apparently free from infestation.

The conference was called for the purpose of reviewing the
entire situation with a view to determining whether the present
restrictions are necessary for the protection of American agricul-
ture and horticulture from pests.

The Fragrant Gladiolus, is the title of an article by Dr. For-
man T. McLean in the February number of The American
Home. The “Sweet-glads” as they are called are a cross be-
tween Gladiolus tristis and a nameless wild parent. The new
form is tall and vigorous, early blossoming, with flowers like
ite Freesias. They have a sweet perfume during both day and
night.

The Secretary of Agriculture has announced a revision of the
regulations regarding the quarentine for the European Corn
Borer. The regulated area includes some parts of New York
State, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts that were
not formerly included. The quarentine affects not only the
movement of ear corn but also includes broom corn, chrysan-
themums, asters, gladioli, and dahlias. The corn borer occurs in
two different strains, one producing two broods of moths a year
the other only one. The first strain is the one that causes most
injury.

At the meeting of the American Association for the Advance
ment of Science at Cleveland the following officers of the Bo-
tanical Society of America were elected: president, C. J. Cham-
berlain; vice-president, E. W. Sinnott; treasurer, G. E. Nichols:
editor, H. C. Cowles.

Dr. Calvin H. Kaufman, professor of botany and director r
the University of Michigan herbarium, retires with the title °
professor emeritus of botany and director emeritus of the un!

SN

27

versity herbarium, at the end of the academic year. He will be
succeeded by Dr. Edwin B. Mains beginning with the second
semester.— Science.

Doctor A. J. Grout will be at the Biological Laboratory at’
Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, for six weeks each summer (in
1931, from July 31 to September 10, inclusive) to take charge of
such students and investigators as may wish to take up any
problems connected with bryophytes: ecology, morphology,
physiology, or taxonomy. Inquiries should be addressed to the
director of the biological Laboratory at Cold Spring Harbor,
Long Island, New York, or to Doctor A. J. Grout, 1 Vine Street,
New Brighton, Staten Island, New York.

The state experiment stations expended for agricultural re-
search in the fiscal year 1930 about $17,000,000, of which
$4,320,000 came from federal sources, says Walter H. Evans,
acting chief of the office of experiment stations, in his annual re-
port.

The report shows that the stations engaged during the year
in more than 7,000 lines of research dealing with problems in
agricultural production, distribution, marketing, and home-
making,

Technical Bulletin 219-T on laurel poisoning, just issued by
the US Department of Agriculture, reports a study of the
Poisonous properties of the plants and tells how to treat poisoned
“nimals, Toxic properties of mountain-laurel and sheep laurel
have been recognized for nearly two hundred years. In each the
ey te Principle is andromedotoxin. Dr. C. Dwight Marsh
a ` Clawson, physiologists of the Bureau of Animal In-
a y ted leaves and flowers of mountain-laurel to sheep. Tests

"1 Cattle and goats showed much the same results as with

sh : i

hi » the animals first showing depression, then weakness,

Eiei and sometimes prostration. Effects of sheep laurel were
ar

oped ’ those of mountain-laurel, although symptoms devel-
more quickly from sheep laurel. Deer found dead in Penn-
laure] = in recent years were thought to have died from
death ee but no direct evidence as to the exact cause of
MCials in f = found, and experiments by Pennsylvania State
Poisonin ling deer exclusively on laurel leaves did not cause
ties of leas when they were forced to eat large quanti-
untain-laurel. Cattle, sheep, and goats are suscep-

8ylvanj

28

tible, but as a rule the danger is relatively slight, because ani-
mals rarely eat laurel in quantity if other feed is available. The
most serious losses occur usually in spring before the grass has
time to grow.

The Editor of Torreya will be away for the coming six
months and all work connected with the magazine will be taken
charge of by Dr. Arthur H. Graves. All communications for
Torreya should be sent to Dr. Graves at the Brooklyn Botanic
Garden, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Bae)

i
3
.

;
f

TORREYA

— March-April, 1931 No.2

Interesting Plant Collections from Somerset County,
New Jersey
Haroip N. MOLDENKE

The famous and picturesque Washington Valley is situated
between the so-called First and Second ranges of the Watchung
Mountains in Somerset Co., N .J. It was through this valley that
George Washington passed in his memorable retreat through New
Jersey, and many spots rich in historic associations—some marked
by official bronze tablets—are still pointed out to the visitor by
local citizens,

From a botanical standpoint this valley is extremely interest-
ing, being exceptionally rich in species of both flowering and flow-
erless plants. Since Somerset County has never been thoroughly

tanized I was asked to collect in this valley last summer (1930)
80 as to make up for this deficiency in the Local Herbarium of the

» Who were among the earliest settlers in Wash-
I located an extensive colony of over five hundred

LS A
Pecimens of the vari a eae
i mn have been
deposited in the L ous plants mentioned in this article

ocal Herbarium of the New York Botanical Garden.

29

30

by vandals, and although forest fires have swept by a number of
times, the progress of the colony has not been checked. No-
where else in the surrounding deciduous woods is there a colony
comparable to this. It is an excellent example of how a species
will flourish and spread if it somehow happens to find a suitable
environment.

The Cardinal-flower (Lobelia cardinalis) was found along a
brook slightly over the crest of the Second Mountain and in com-
pany with it a number of plants of Green Hellebore (Veratrum
viride). Lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis) is abundant in sev-
eral localities, and the quaint saprophytic Indian-pipe (Monotropa
uniflora) is frequently met. The Carrion-flower (Smilax her-
bacea) was found in several places, but the discovery of an ex-
tensive grove of large Sweet Gums ( Liquidambar styraciflua) at
the edge of a marshy spot over the crest of the Second Mountain
was somewhat of a surprise. Eight or nine species of violets
can easily be collected during the course of a few hours’ walk in

ay.
But perhaps the most noteworthy discoveries were in the line
of naturalizations and escapes. The Japanese Barberry ( Berberis
Thunbergii) is to be found throughout the woods on both the
First and Second Mountains in the vicinity of Watchung and
also in thickets between fields and in copses along roadsides. This
species has apparently become naturalized extensively through
seeds carried from cultivated bushes by birds. In the wild state
it seldom attains the proportions seen in cultivated plants, but
is conspicuous because of its arching branches, sharp slender »
spines, and red leaves and fruit in the autumn. The fruits re:
main on the stems far into the winter and are very attractive
to winter birds, especially when the ground is covered with snow.
Elaeagnus umbellata is similarly to be found in widely scattered
localities at the edges of the woods on both sides of the valley,
and also in the woods themselves, especially on the eastern slope
of the Second Mountain. In a number of fields and pastures this
shrub has become so abundant that it is a nuisance and has to
cut down continually. It refuses to be exterminated. In one spot
a shrub was found which had attained a height of fully nine fee
and a trunk diameter of several inches. With its beautiful silvery”
scurfy branchlets, leaves, and flowers this plant produces @ strik-
ing effect on the landscape when gently swayed by the passing

31

breezes. The flowers are fragrant and the fruit is relished by
birds, which fact, again, probably accounts for its rapid naturaliza-
tion.

Along the peaceful little brooklet which flows through Wash-
ington Valley and later joins the Green Brook which divides
Somerset from Union County, were found several large bushes of
Deutzia scabra. This species is extensively cultivated in the valley
and very often persists a long time after cultivation. But the two
bushes to which reference is here made were completely wild.
They bloom profusely every year, although the stems are not quite
as densely flowered nor the bushes as well shaped as in the cul-
tivated plants from which they originated. The same species was
observed many years ago by the writer growing in a wild state
ina very desolate portion of Center County, Pennsylvania.

Three species of privet were found as escapes. Ligustrum
vulgare and L. ovalifolium were found abundantly persistent after
cultivation, with a marked tendency to spread, especially in hedges
and along old tumble-down fences and roadsides. L. ibota, a very
recent addition to the cultivated flora of this region, was found
a number of times as a waif along the roadside, often half a mile
or more removed from the nearest cultivated plant of the same
species. Several plants were likewise found in the woods on the
First Mountain. Again, the distribution of this species can be
directly traced to winter birds which feed on its fleshy fruits.
One of the most interesting of all these finds, however, was the
discovery of the very extensive naturalization of Azalea japonica
in one section of the valley. Arising apparently from a dozen
Plants of this species set out twenty years ago in a nearby garden,
the species has spread with prodigious rapidity. It is now to be
found throughout the fields and meadows, pastures and evergreen
woods on both the eastern slope of the Second Mountain and the
Western slope of the First Mountain, and even in some places ex-
tends up into the woods a slight distance on both sides of the
Valley. It seems to have found its most suitable location, however,
Dae dry, open, sunny fields and at the very edge of the woods
here . stem Slope of the First Mountain. In May the fields

© are resplendent with the gorgeous blooms of this species,
Which vary from yellow and orange to pink, salmon, and red.
a Pinis do not grow more than about 24 or 30 inches tall and

Owering stems are practically leafless. If vandals can be

32

restrained from picking the flowers and especially from digging
out these plants every spring, it is very probable that in a short
time this lovely Japanese species will have spread even farther
up and down the valley. It makes a very handsome addition to
our naturalized flora.

In one place a considerable colony of Dame’s Rocket (Hes-
peris matronalis) was discovered, apparently escaped and natural-
ized from a garden which had existed near there many years ago,
but of which hardly any other traces are at present discernible.
Phlox paniculata has been found in a great many localities both
in the valley itself and along the edges of the woods on both
mountains. Half way up the eastern slope of the Second Moun-
tain where the old tumble-down remains of a stone wall are prac-
tically the only relics of what used to be an isolated hermitage in
the woods, that good old-fashioned favorite, the Periwinkle (Vinca
minor), has spread and is flourishing, attempting to hide with its
dark shiny-green leaves and handsome blue flowers the desolation
which lies about it. The Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) and
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) are, of course, abun-
dant everywhere.

A strange, typically southern form of Coreopsis grandiflora
is rapidly spreading through the fields in a number of localities,
and a near relative, C. tinctoria, is occasionally found escaped on
waste ground and trash piles. Polygonum zuccarinii has estab-
lished itself firmly in several spots and is spreading. Its ex
tremely dense and abundant masses of white flowers every sum-
mer make it a gorgeous sight. Spiraea billiardii, though nowhere
in all the valley to be found in cultivation, as far as I am aware,
has been discovered along a ditch in one locality, probably as the
persistent escape of a very old garden somewhere near by. It's
not, however, thriving and the indications seem to be that it
will soon be choked out of existence by the coarser native vegeta-
tion all around it. The differences in stems, leaves, and flower-
clusters between this species and the native S. tomentosa, which
every year makes a grand display in the moist meadows close by,
are very noticeable to the close observer and extremely interesting.

Anot er very interesting discovery was that of a colony of
Achillea asplenifolia growing in a moist field alongside of Valley
Road. Itis quite abundant in this one particular spot and is grow-

ing in company with a large colony of A. millefolium. No one in

sit

33

the valley, as far as I have been able to ascertain, has ever had
any plants of this species in cultivation or has ever seen any in
cultivation in this vicinity. The ray-flowers are a beautiful pink,
varying sometimes to lavender or even whitish. The plants are
more slender, the inflorescence smaller and not as flattened, and
the foliage somewhat different than in A. millefolium. The in-
dications seem to point to a mutational origin of the colony from
the latter common species. Occasionally plants are found which
seem to show intermediate characters, and often the flowers while
pink at the beginning of anthesis will fade out to a dirty white
later on.

On the crest of the Second Mountain, in a grassy overgrown
clearing in the forest, there was discovered an extensive stand of
Robinia viscosa. The trees are dense—so dense, in fact, that in
some places one can only with great difficulty force one’s way
through—but never attain a height of more than about 6 or 7
feet. Thorns are practically obsolete, and the branchlets and
petioles are extremely viscid. In the middle of June the flowers
appear and make a gorgeous sight. Although not noticeably
fragrant they are of a beautiful pink color. No one in the valley
has ever had any of these trees in cultivation and the nearest
cultivated tree of this species with which I am acquainted is in
North Plainfield—beyond the valley, and a good five miles away.
About five years ago another southern species of locust, R. hispida,
Was discovered by the writer in a sandy woods southeast of Mt.

oly in the southern portion of the State, but was never again
rediscovered on later trips to that general vicinity.

At the base of an old spruce tree near the long-deserted and
overgrown remains of what used to be one of the oldest houses
m the valley, was discovered a large colony of Hieracium mur-
Rusts, a European species only recorded from three or four other
localities in the United States and never before from New Jersey.

€ plants bloom profusely during the first week in June and for
* considerable time thereafter, making a very handsome appear-
ance in the dense shade beneath the branches of the towering old
evergreen, The colony is fully ten feet in diameter and contains
over a hundred well-developed plants. The very peculiar shape of
ect leaves is characteristic of the species. The pout ae
Sea inches tall and naked or with but a single leaf. The basa

are subcordate or subtruncate and strangely angulate-

34

dentate. The colony is apparently flourishing in this situation
where the dense shade prevents any great competition by other
species in the struggle for existence. It does not, however, ad-
vance beyond the protecting shade of the evergreen, for immedi-
ately outside this area it is replaced by the more common H. pra-
tense and H. aurantiacum, while in the woods close by are to be
found H. venosum, H. paniculatum, and H. scabrum. It is prob-
able that this very rare and interesting little European species will
never spread beyond the sheltering confines of the spruce tree
under which it in some manner became established and that when
the tree dies, as it inevitably must, and the surrounding vegetation
overruns the area now too shady for it, another station in America
for Hieracium murorum will have been wiped out.

The Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) from Europe, and the Tree-
of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) from China have become estab-
lished in a great many localities through the valley and give great
“promise” of spreading rapidly. The Devils-walking-stick (Aralia
spinosa) has escaped in two localities and is becoming natural-
ized, much to the sorrow of some of the inhabitants thereabouts,
for a sudden unexpected encounter with one of these shrubs in
the dark can hardly be described as a pleasant experience !

As stated at the outset of this article, Washington Valley is
especially rich in native species and also in the more common
naturalizations which are so disparagingly termed “weeds” by the
local citizens. Angelica villosa is abundant and likewise Ceano-
thus americanus, Cornus paniculata, and Myrica carolinensis. A
form of Rudbeckia hirta with a deep orange band near the base
of each ray-flower, forming an orange circle about the black cen-
tral cone, is especially beautiful and has been observed regularly
by the writer for six consecutive years. Two relatives, R. triloba
and R. laciniata, are found locally in wet ground along the brook,
where also the pretty little Monkey-flower (Mimulus ringens),
the Seedbox ( Ludwigia alternifolia), and the Lanceleaf Loose-
strife (Steironema lanceolatum ) are to be found in abundance.

A very robust and floriferous form of blackberry was found
which is said by Dr. P. A. Rydberg of the New York Botanical
Garden to be probably a natural hybrid between Rubus mgro-
baccus and R. argutus. Seven species of milkweed are abundant:
Acerates viridiflora, Asclepias syriaca, A. purpurascens, A. rubra,
A. pulchra, A. quadrifolia, and A. tuberosa. The last-named

35

species is becoming rather rare because its extremely vivid orange
flowers make it greatly desired by passing vandals. Yet several
spots were found by the writer where this species is still growing
in profusion and makes a most glorious sight to behold. In some
Places three species of bush-clover were found growing almost

side by side—Lespedeza capitata, L. stuvei, and L. virginica.
Along the brook are to be found Penthorum sedoides, M yosotis
palustris, Isnardia palustris, Acorus calamus, Iris pseudacorus,
Chelone glabra, Tovara virginiana, Agrimonia gryposepala, Im-
patiens biflora, Tracaulon sagittatum, Epilobium coloratum, Spar-
ganium androcladum, Alsima subcordatum, Hemerocallis fulva,
Carex crinita, and in some places Geum canadense. In the ad-
joining moist meadows one finds a most glorious display of
Leptandra virginica, Vernonia noveboracensis, Eupatorium pur-
pureum, E. perfoliatum, Senecio aureus, Aster novae-angliae, A.
puniceus, Solidago canadensis, and S. altissima, with here and
there patches of Ibidium cernuum, Blephariglottis lacera and
Dasytephana andrewsii. In the drier and more elevated fields and
Pastures one finds Anaphalis margaritacea, S olidago juncea, Doel-
lingeria umbellata, Castilleja coccinea, Monarda fistulosa, Cynthia
virginica, Xolisma ligustrina, Erigeron pulchellus, Pentstemon
laevigatus, Crotalaria sagittalis, Dianthus armeria, Parsonsia petio-
ata, Agalinis purpurea, Polygala verticillata, Sabatia angularis,
Aster lateriflorus, A. ericoides, A. laevis, and Sarothra gentia-
noides, Along roadsides and waste ground there are Berteroa
mcana, Lepidium campestre, Tiniaria scandens, T. convolvulus,
Ranunculus acris, R. repens, Abutilon avicennae, Linaria vulgaris,
Verbascum thapsus, V. blattaria, and a veritable host of other
more common species. In the darker woods one finds Rosa caro-
lina, Lilium philadelphicum, Hydrangea arborescens, Athyrium
flix-foemina, Phryma leptostachya, Collinsonia canadensis, Circaea
ana, Clematis virginiana, Lacinaria spicata, Menispermum
canadense, Ey patorium urticaefolium, Anemone cylindrica, Hepat-
a americana, S yndesmon thalictroides, Sanguinaria canadensis,
Benzoin aestivale, Deringa canadensis, Geum strictum, Thalesia
“flora, Nabalus trifoliolatus, Sanicula canadensis, S. trifoliata,
Scutellaria integrifolia, S. pilosa, Pyrola rotundifolia, Mitchella
“Pens, Gaultheria procumbens, Steironema ciliatum, Lysimachia
hig Azalea nudiflora, Aster undulatus, A. lowrieanus, A.
olius, Solidago caesia, S. rugosa, S. bicolor, Uvularia ses-

36

silifolia and a great many others too numerous to mention here.
In a number of portions of the woods the Trailing Christmas-
green (Lycopodium complanatum) is still very abundant, not
having been as yet discovered by hunters for Christmas decora-
tions, and in one grassy clearing on the top of the Second Moun-
tain there is a colony of over a hundred Fringed Gentians (Gen-
tiana crinita), a view of whose glorious sky-blue flowers is well
worth the arduous climb! Nature is indeed bountiful and beauti-
ful in Washington Valley! Would that it were possible to pre-
serve this bounty and beauty for future generations!
New York BOTANICAL GARDEN

Notes on Magnolia and Other Woody Plants
W. W. AsHE

Magnolia pyramidata Pursh. In 1929 two well developed
trees of this species were noticed near Midway, Gadsden County,
Florida, about 30 miles southeast of River Junction, previously
regarded as the southeastern point of distribution. Later the same
site was visited in company with Dr. H. Kurz of Tallahassee.
Although Magnolia fraseri has been credited both to Louisiana
and to Mississippi, it seems doubtful whether it actually occurs
in either state. The pale lower surface of the leaves regarded as
peculiar to M. fraseri sometimes certainly occurs also on M. pyra-
midata. Positive identification without the characteristic fruit
is uncertain, but it seems probable that all of the specimens which
have been collected in Mississippi and Louisiana and referred to
M. fraseri should be considered as M. pyramidata.

_ ‘Magnolia foetida forma margaretta f. nov. A number of cul-
tivated varieties have been credited to this species. None of these,
however, seems to exist in a natural state. In the stream-head

Sepals retuse. Type from Juniper Head Creek, Okaloosa County,
Florida, W.W.A., May, 1928, and June, 1929.

~“ Magnolia foetida forma parvifolia f. nov. Throughout its
distribution occasional trees of this species occur with fairly small
l southern Louisiana a very common form has small
oblong ovate leaves 15 to 20 cm. long, prevailingly complanate.
In the middle part of this state and to the east of Pearl River this
form is uncommon

4
Mag
ofa M agnolia were collected in 1926 in Choctaw and Tuscaloosa

t was noted in the reference to these collections that many ot
in labama trees reached a height of 25 m. thus greatly exceed-
i pa height M. cordata as it grows in northeastern Georgia where
Collectad needs 10 m. Since 1926 this same form has been
ected at a number of other localities in Alabama and many

37

38

trees with pubescent twigs examined growing in Greene and

ickens counties in the same state. These counties lie between
Choctaw and Tuscaloosa counties, the counties within which this
form was first noticed.

It is believed after an examination of additional material that
this form has been wrongly referred to Magnolia cordata Michx.
Not only does M. cordata differ from it in habit, but in shape and
pubescence of foliage as well. It approaches M. cordata in the
often soft pubescence of the lower surface of the leaves and in
its pubescent twigs but the flowers in place of being canary yellow
as are those of M. cordata are green or rarely yellowish green. The
proposed variety may be characterized as follows: Flowers large,
7.5 to 9 cm. long, green or yellowish green; leaves especially on
vigorous shoots sometimes broadly ovate or broadly obovate and
cordate, subcordate, rounded or obtuse at base, soft pubescent and
sometimes barely pale beneath; twigs of the season pubescent at
least when young and often remaining so until the spring of the
second season, becoming dark red brown the first winter. These
trees, 18 to 25 m. high are not uncommon in hollows growing with
the oaks, hickories and tulip poplar in Alabama in the region
between Tuscaloosa and Choctaw counties. :

The relationship of Magnolia acuminata and its varieties is
shown by the following key.

Key to Varieties of Magnolia acuminata

Sun leaves pubescent and pale beneath; no leaves on vigorous
sheets of a broadly ovate or broadly obovate type; flowers
less than 7 cm. long; twigs glabrous

Flowers yellow var. aurea’
Flowers green or yellowish green M. acuminata typica

Sun leaves pubescent beneath ; leaves on vigorous shoots often of
a broadly ovate or broadly obovate type; flowers green, 7 cm.
or more long, petals broad

wigs pubescent; leaves soft pubescent beneath; flowers
about 7.5 cm. long var. alabamensis
Twigs glabrous; leaves pubescent beneath; flowers 3 9 R
. long r. ludoviciana

Sun leaves glabrate and green beneath; twigs glabrous; flowers

less than 6.5 cm. long, green or purplish, petals narrow
var. ozarkensis
The variety alabamensis Ashe is at one extreme in respect t
copiousness of pubescence. The variety ozarkensis Ashe, essen-
' Magnolia acuminata aurea comb. nov. Tulipastrum acuminatum
aur cia Ashe, Bull. Charleston Mus, 13: 28,
$ argent in Bot Gaz. 67: 232. 1919.
Ashe in Jour. Elisha Mitchell Soc, 41: 269. 1926.

39

tially glabrous, is at the other extreme. The varieties aurea and
ludoviciana an . acuminata typica are intermediate. e va-
rieties ludoviciana and alabamensis have the largest flowers.

Magnolia australis sp. nov. No forms intermediate in pubes-
cence on the peduncles seem to connect the broad leaved northern
tree, Magnolia virginiana L., with its glabrous peduncles, and the
southern tree with relatively narrower leaves and tomentose pe-
duncles. The tree with the glabrous peduncles occurs as far south
as Kingsland, Telfair County, Georgia (W.W.A., May 19, 1928),
within a few miles of the Florida state line. The two forms over-
lap in their distribution throughout South Carolina and eastern
Georgia and do not seem to intergrade. i

The type of the proposed species is from Natchitoches Parish,
Louisiana. It has silky tomentose-peduncles, canescent twigs,
large flowers, the petals 8 to 9 cm. long and relatively long leaves.

e common form in western and southern Florida which has
prevailingly lanceolate leaves and small flowers, petals often less

6 long is “Magnolia australis var. parva comb. nov.
(Magnolia virginiana var. parva Ashe, Bull. Tor. Bot. Club. 55:
464. 1928.) It is possible that M. glauca B. pumila Nutt (in Am. J.
Sci. 5: 295. 1822) belongs here. It is described as “leaves ellip-
tie, acute; a dwarf variety not exceeding 3 feet, growing in east

orida, where collected by A. Ware.”

_ “Tilia caroliniana var. latat comb. nov. Tilia caroliniana in
its typical form is unknown between western Florida and eastern

and western ranges of this species. It is clearly allied to T. caro-
liniana and it seems preferable to regard it as a variety of that
Species.

Tilia leucocarpa var. cocksii comb. nov. The chief ont pa
sii

Quercus Mississippiensis sp. nov. A slender tree 22 to 25 =
high, with a diameter of 4 to 7 dm., a gradually tapering tru

and short, spreading branches, forming an oval or oblong crown.
Twigs dull tan, slender, about 2 mm. thick or on vigorous shoots

; Tilia lata Ashe, Bull. Torr. Bot, Club. 53: 30. 1926.
ilia Cocksii Sarg., Bot. Gaz. 66: 437. 1918.

40

up to 4 mm. thick, stellate pubescent, often becoming glabrate or
glabrous. Leaves above sparingly stellate pubescent, dark green
and lucid; beneath, dull green, or pale and more or less densely
close-stellate pubescent; dimorphous: those on y trees and
the lower leaves on old trees relatively thin, broadly obovate, 6 by
8 cm. to 10 by 13 cm., broadly cuneate or gradually contracted to
the narrow rounded base, with 1 to 3 pairs of short spreading

veins which deliquesce before reaching the thickened white mar-
gin; midrib prominent, often arcuate; petiole 1.1 to 2.2 cm. long,
sparingly stellate pubescent. Aments short, 2-2.5 cm. long, pubes-
ent ruit in clusters of 2 to 4 on rather stout, closely gray-
canescent peduncles 2 to 14 mm. long: cup 11 to 14 mm. wide, 8
o mm. long, turbinate or somewhat contracted at the base,
covered with many rows of ovate, gray-canescent, tightly ap-_
pressed scales with truncate tips and slightly tubercled bases;
within, pale gray satiny canescent, with a small pale yellow hylum
mark: nut ovate or oblong, 13 to 17 mm. long, 10 to 13 mm. thick,
about one-third enclosed in the cup, strongly beaked, pale gray-
canescent above the middle, dark brown when fresh, becoming tan
upon drying, germinating soon after falling in October and early
November. Buds ovate, obtuse or acutish, 2.5 to 4 mm. long,
with 20 to 25 bright red-brown obtuse pubescent scales.
Chico County, Arkansas, southward in the Mississipp! River
TIE St. Landry Parish, La. Specimens examined, all

Arkansas:
Chico Co., north of Lake Village; Apr. and Nov., 1930. East
of Portland; Apr. and Nov., 1930.

Louisiana:

Richland Parish; Nov. 27, 1930 (type).

Frei lands of Ouachita ke uu Parish, Nov. 28,
Near Palmetto, St. Landry Parish, Nov. 29, 1930.

Near Ritto, Ouachita Parish, La., Nov. 28, 1930.

Near Oak Ridge, Morehouse Parish, Nov. 27, 1930.

West of Forest, West Carroll Parish, Nov. 27, 1930.

Near Columbia, Caldwell Parish, Nov. 28, 1930.

This is one of the common oaks on the intermediate or better

41

drained classes of alluvial lands of the lower Mississippi River
Valley proper, occurring in association with Quercus Nuttallii, Q.
obtusa, Q. rubra leucophylla, Q. nigra and Ulmus crassifolia. Itis
a timber tree of importance, its lumber not being separated in

no

be confused with Q. similis Ashe, likewise a tree of the lower Mis-
sissippi River Valley, but which grows on the edges of salt flats,
on the alluvials of small streams and on the margins of prairies
and the distribution of which extends from eastern Texas to Mis-
sissippi. Q. Mississippiensis may be the same as Q. stellata attenu-
ata Sargent (Bot. Gaz. 65: 437. 1918. Not Q. attenuata Skan in
Jour. Linn. Soc. 26: 506. 1899), reported from alluvial lands of
White River, Arkansas Co., Ark.

Malachodendron pentagynum grandiflorum comb. nov. Ma-
lachodendron pentagynum Small, Flora S.E.U.S., Ed. I, 793.
1903. Stewartia pentagyna grandiflora Bean (Trees and Shrubs
Hardy in the British Isles 2:555. 1914). This showy variety
seems to be confined to Rabun and the adjoining counties of north-
eastern Georgia.

“ Hicoria ovalis mollis comb. nov. C. arya ovalis mollis Ashe,
Rhod. 25: 180. 1923. This pubescent variety originally described
from Ohio has been recently found in middle North Carolina.
1512 PARK Roap,
Wasurncton, D.C.

Ecological Observations on Colorado Myxomycetes
Ernest C. SMITH

Five years of intensive collecting of myxomycetes in north-
eastern Colorado have impressed upon the writer certain features
of the distribution and behavior of these interesting organisms.
Here, as elsewhere, the factors limiting occurrence are the avail-
able supply of water and of decaying vegetable matter, but these
factors have certain peculiar features in the region considered and
affect not only the distribution but also the behavior.

While Colorado is described as “semi-arid” and the reported
occurrence of one hundred and twenty-five species of Myxomy-
cetes may cause initial surprise, this is dissipated when local con-
ditions are known. While the plains just outside the foothills,
with an average elevation of 5,000 feet, have an annual rainfall
of approximately fifteen inches, a station in Estes Park at an
elevation of 8,000 feet has an annual rainfall of twenty-three
inches, while Palisade Lake, elevation 10,000 feet, has forty-eight
inches. Even more significant is the fact that in a given locality
more than 50 percent of the annual precipitation frequently oc-
curs within a period of three months.

But adequate rainfall does not necessarily furnish the right
conditions for the growth of myxomycetes, this being only one
of the factors concerned. The supply of moisture must be con-
tinuous through a considerable period of time, and decaying vege-
table matter must be present. In the mountains, where the rain-
fall is greatest, the ability of the soil.to retain moisture is de-
termined by the slope of the ground, the exposure, and the forest
cover. The optimum conditions are found in this district at
scattered stations at elevations from 8,000 feet to 9,000 feet on old
glacial melting plains where beaver-dams have helped to create
wooded Swamps, or on wooded hillsides kept moist by seepage
from Springs, beaver-ponds or melting snows. Precisely these
locations also provide the decaying vegetable matter which is the
Second desideratum. This is an important point, for even in the
mountains, acres of down timber frequently fail to yield a single
log with the type of decay favorable to the presence of myxomy” -
cetes. -

Again, these mountain districts support a limited number of
tree species—three pines, two spruces, Douglas and subalpine firs,
aspens, cottonwoods, box elders and alders. This affects both the

42

43
distribution and the kinds of slime-molds which occur. Some
species are very adaptable, while others are found only on a
few species of wood. In general, certain species are found on
conifers, and certain other species on the broad-leaved trees.
Badhamias show a distinct preference for aspens and cotton-
woods, while the cribrarias are found mostly on conifers.

Certain species occur on decaying logs on steep, relatively dry
hillsides. Several species of Cribraria and Arcyria, and Stemonitis
fusca and Comatricha nigra are frequently found in such places.
These forms secure their moisture from melting snow, and ap-
parently thrive at a lower temperature than most species. In
these locations the sporangia appear in connection with a definite
type and stage of decay. They have usually been found on logs
of some size, where fungi have destroyed the lignin of the cell
walls. So far no sporophores of these fungi have been observed
and the causative organism is still in doubt.

Certain aethalial forms—Lycogala flavo-fuscum and Mucilago
spongiosa var. solida—have been found in situations which re-
quire a different explanation. These occurred on the trunks of
Street trees in Fort Collins, the former on living, the latter on
dead, but still standing trunks of cottonwoods. These aethalia
were from two to ten feet above the ground. In both the dead
and living trees heart-rot had made considerable progress. Ob-
servation showed conclusively that the plasmodium found both
its food and the necessary supply of moisture in this heart-rot,
“merging from cracks in the bark to form the aethalia.

Evaporation from all exposed moist surfaces is very rapid
throughout the district. This results in a further limitation of
currence, and in frequent arrested development at various stages
of the cycle. In most cases the length of the plasmodial stage is
shortened and the colonies in all but exceptional cases are small.
The €xceptions noted were largely colonies of Badhamia magna
and Trichia decipiens, in a season when almost daily rains in a
Particular locality continued for several weeks, checking the
enon in a marked degree. This shortening of the plasmo-

= Stage is also evidenced by the frequent occurrence of small
poo and the very rare occurrence of larger ones. Rather
“quently one meets with half-formed sporangia and aethalia.

stil co sporangia have the usual shape for the species, ae ni i
ing ae by plasmodial strands, the whole complex reta :
color of the plasmodium, but having the texture 0

44

sclerotia. The aethalia likewise retain the color of the plasmo-
dium, but have the texture of dried glue and are somewhat
wrinkled, like dried prunes. And when the sporangia are fully
formed, occasionally one finds evidence of arrest in the presence
of small immature spores and giant spores, four or five times the
size of normal spores.

Besides these arrested developments, the rapid evaporation
seems to be responsible for the unusual position of the sporangia
of many species. Except for the aethalial species already
mentioned and one collection of Physarum didermoides vat.
lividum, all specimens collected, representing some eighty species,
were found on the under side of the support to which they were
attached. While this is a normal position for some species, it
is quite unusual for others. This position, often in actual contact
with the soil, makes the organisms peculiarly liable to attack by
molds. This is noted in superficial growths upon the sporangia
at the time of collection and in the appearance of mold spores
carried up into the sporangium by the rising plasmodium. When
sclerotia are reanimated in the laboratory, these molds, which are
peculiar to the forest and are not the forms usually seen in the
laboratory, often get the start of the plasmodium and prevent
further development.

SuMMary.—In the district investigated the occurrence of
myxomycetes is strictly limited by the continuance of an available
supply of water through a definite minimum period. The optimum
conditions for their occurrence are found in mountain valleys and
wet wooded hillsides at elevations of 8,000 to 9,000 ft.

There is some restriction in the occurrence of species due tO
the limited number of tree species in the area. ;

Certain species are found in drier locations where a definite
type and degree of decay is present in fallen logs of conifers. Cer-
tain aethalial species found in dry locations get their food an
moisture from dead or living trees affected by heart-rot.

The rapid evaporation from all exposed moist surfaces leads
to arrested development at various stages of the life cycle, aen ;
usual position of sporangia and consequent extreme susceptibility
to attack by molds at various stages of their development.

COLORADO AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE
Fort CoLLINS, COLORADO

Water Glass as a Medium for Permanently Mounting
Dissections of Herbarium Material

E. QuIsuMBING

During the past four years I have given some attention to the
problem of selecting a simple, permanent, and satisfactory method
of preserving dissections of flowers in the herbarium in connec-
tion with taxonomic work. The methods generally used are more
or less unsatisfactory, partly because of the involved technique in
mounting material in the media commonly used, such as Canada
balsam, Venetian turpentine, glycerine, glycerine jelly, etc., and
partly because of the unsatisfactory nature of the mounting me-
dium, particularly glycerine and glycerine jelly, as to permanency.

The common herbarium practice is to boil the flowers or fruits
selected for dissection in water, or in water with a little glycerine
added. After dissection and examination the fragments are nor-
mally placed in small packets attached to the sheets. This in-
volves considerable breakage, more or less loss of material, and
furthermore, if reéxamination of the dissections is necessary, as
is frequently the case, the material must be softened again; in

€ majority of cases the taxonomist will remove and dissect addi-
tional flowers or fruits rather than take the trouble to soften the
Original dissections. F requently, where scanty material is avail-
able, this results in the ultimate destruction of essential parts, and
one will find important historical specimens from which all or
most of the flowers have thus been detached, leaving little or
nothing for reéxamination. In those cases where but scanty
material is available it is essential that every effort be made to
Preserve the parts used for dissection.

In some herbaria the dissections are attached in a smear of
um arabic, or some other adhesive, either to the herbarium sheet
itself, or to small pieces of stiff paper or cardboard, which in turn

are attached to the sheet or placed in a packet. This method is
distinctly unsatisfactory for several reasons. In many cases
Ne adhesive cracks; in humid climates it is apt to mold; some-
times insects are attracted by the paste and occasionally destroy

th the paste and dissections; and there is frequently breakage
or loss of dissections. Material so mounted is distinctly unsatis-
i actory for reéxamination unless again moistened, and moisten-
Ng is often difficult, The greatest objection is that the opaque-

45

46

ness of the mounts renders reéxamination under the microscope
distinctly unsatisfactory and in some cases impossible.

The technique of the Canada balsam, Venetian turpentine,
glycerine and glycerine jelly methods of mounting is so well known
that discussion is hardly necessary. With Canada balsam the
material must be dehydrated and then passed through different
grades of xylol before mounting, involving a distinct time ele-
ment. Another objection, other than the time involved, is that
very delicate thin structures frequently contract and curl. With
Venetian turpentine there is less curling and little shrinkage, the
chief objection here being the tedious technique. Glycerine and
glycerine jelly preparations are particularly unsatisfactory, as they
cannot be filed with the herbarium specimens, and moreover they
cannot be considered as permanent mounts.

For all ordinary purposes in connection with herbarium prac-
tice the best medium so far tested is ordinary water glass (sodium
silicate). The manipulation of this medium is simple in the
extreme. Sodium silicate can be used direct with either boiled
or fresh material and either in the field or in the laboratory. The
parts of dried specimens selected for examination are boiled in
water until they are soft and can be readily dissected without
breaking. After dissection and study the extra water on the slide
is removed by applying the edge of a piece of blotting paper.
The dissections are then properly arranged and allowed to dry
slightly in the air, after which a little sodium silicate is droppe
on the slide, the amount being in proportion to the dissected
material to be preserved. Sodium silicate solidifies quickly, hence
it is essential that the cover glass be added with little delay. In
Practice, ordinary glass slides have been found to be most satis-
factory, but mica, isinglass, or thin celluloid may also be used.
The great advantage of this method is that the finished slide
may be placed almost at once in a packet attached to the sheet,
which is distinctly advantageous as compared with the more com-
mon method of preserving them in cabinets, remote from the her-
barium specimens with which they logically belong. The pre-
pared slides are permanent, dry, easy to use, and there is com-
paratively little shrinkage or distortion of the dissectons. While
sr method is not adapted to finer phases of microscopic techmqu®
it 1s admirably adapted to ordinary herbarium purposes.

With fresh material the technique is much the same as with

47

softened parts taken from the herbarium sheets. It is only neces-
sary to remove the excess moisture before adding the sodium
silicate.

In rare cases where it is desirable to reéxamine the mounted
dissections in a soft state, the entire mount, if glass or mica slides
be used, may be boiled in water for an hour or so and then left
in an evaporating dish in water for a longer period. In due time
the cover glass can be easily raised, leaving the mounted material
in a soft state and ready for further dissection and manipula-
tion. However, it is seldom necessary to remove the cover glass
as the slide is always in condition for immediate examination.

This simple method has been found in practice to be eminently
satisfactory and is recommended to herbarium workers generally.
This medium was suggested to me by Director Merrill of the New
York Botanical Garden when I was associated with him at the
University of California. He informs me that it has been used
during the past year in the herbarium of The New York Botanical
Garden with eminently satisfactory results.

BUREAU OF SCIENCE
Mantra, PI.

Exotic Plants in Forests: Supplementary Note

RoLanp M. HARPER

While my paper on this subject in the preceding number of
Torreya (31: 1-7) was in press, there appeared a monograph by
Paul C. Standley on the Flora of the Lancetilla Valley, Honduras
(Field Museum Publication 283—Bot. Series, vol. 10—418 PP.,
68 pl., Jan 15, 1931), which contains some interesting observa-
tions on a similar problem in a tropical environment. Second-
growth vegetation and weeds (including a few of the same species
I listed from Lee County, Georgia) are discussed on pages 16-19,
35-38, 45, 88, and elsewhere: and on pages 27, 41-43, 281, and
316 the possibility of some of the plants found in dense forests
and other apparently natural habitats being relicts from long-
forgotten clearings is indicated.

; The author states that fruit trees planted by the natives in
their small clearings often persist for many years after the place
is abandoned and grown up to jungle again, and then have the
appearance of accidental introductions, though most of them (like
the species mentioned in the last paragraph of my article) are
unable to reproduce themselves. Three important fruit trees
which are cultivated throughout Central America, namely, Theo-
broma, Persea and Calocarpum, grow in dense and apparently
primeval forests on steep hillsides; but in such forests can be
found many much-weathered fragments of pottery, which may
indicate that the land was cultivated centuries ago. i

Some of Mr. Standley’s comments on this are worth quoting
verbatim. On page 43 he says : “Is it unreasonable to suppose that
hundreds of years ago these hills may have been cleared and
planted with corn, just as they are being cleared today by the
descendants of those aborigines? If these transient clearings are
surrounded by virgin forest, will not the native plants at some
time, after the clearings have been occupied by guamil [second-
growth thickets], reseed them with forest species? Is it not
possible that these cacao bushes and sapote and avocado trees are
remnants of plantations of long ago?” He does not seem to men-
tion fire, and very likely it is a negligible factor in the environment
of that region, as in dense hardwood forests generally. But pine
forests and savannas in the tropics, from all accounts, must be
burned over about as frequently as those in temperate regions,

48

49

thus eliminating most weeds and cultivated plants from such
habitats.

A study of the reversion of forests in New England, which
touches on the same problem, was made by Dr. G. E. Stone about
thirty years ago.*

The most abundant plant in the Palmyra cemetery, mentioned
in my article, is the larger European periwinkle, Vinca major.
It is rather a curious coincidence that another plant formerly put
in the same genus, the so-called Madagascar periwinkle, V. rosea
(now called Ammocallis by Small and Lochnera by Standley),
is said by Standley (pp. 321-322) to be abundant in the cemetery
at Tela, Honduras, and found in most cemeteries in Central
America. That is a widely distributed tropical plant whose native
country is unknown, and it is a common weed in southern Florida,
but in northern Florida and southern Georgia it exists only in culti-
vation, especially in cemeteries; not in rich shady places like V.
major and V. minor, but in sandy soils well exposed to the sun.
Another favorite cemetery plant in Central America, according to
Standley (p. 393), commonly cultivated in the United States also,
is the African marigold, Tagetes erecta, which is called “flor del
muerto” in Honduras.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

*Stone, G. E. Past and Present Floral conditions in Central Massachu-
setts. Rhodora 1: 143-148. 1899

William Cashman Ferguson
19 November 1861—3 June 1930

Norman TAYLOR

In the summer of 1917 a man already distinguished in one
science took the first step towards becoming the most distin-
guished amateur on Long Island in a second. From a casual
inquiry as to the identity of some weeds he found on the grounds
of the Garden City Golf Club there ripened an interest that led
Mr. Ferguson to gather the finest amateur herbarium in existence
of Long Island plants.

It was my privilege to guide him in his early botanical studies,
and ultimately to be guided by him in the determination of difficult
Long Island specimens in such genera as Salix, Panicum, the
sedges, and many other groups in which he became quite extra-
ordinarily proficient. Entering botany late in life, he brought to
it a trained mind, finely polished by years of work in analytical
chemistry. For he was a leading authority in copper smelting,
chief chemist of the Nichols Copper Company, and later consult- -
ing chemist for the General Chemical Company.

By inclination an investigator, he early rebelled against the

commercial sphere into which his father had started him, entered
Columbia University at 22 and graduated in 1887. During these
years he came in touch with Doctor Britton, who was then divid-
ing his time at Columbia between geology and botany. Years
later as Mr. Ferguson’s interest in botany grew, that friendship
was renewed.
He opened a wide correspondence with various botanists and
institutions, and, as his herbarium increased, generously deposited
duplicate specimens of his rarer finds. Hundreds of them nat-
urally were given to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, but large
collections were sent to the Gray Herbarium, to Albany, and to
the New York Botanical Garden. He took a keen interest in my
work on the flora of Long Island, spending many hours checking
records for it, collecting specimens, and doing all his ample leisure
in the later years would permit.

His carefully prepared herbarium, notebooks, lists, etc., he left
to the New York Botanical Garden, together with a sum of money
~ their care. He had published several critical articles on the
specimens he found on Long Island, and other lists were in prepa-

50

51
ration at his death. No adequate Flora of Long Island can ever
be written without a careful checking of the Ferguson herbarium,
and of his catalog notes on it.

It is almost impossible to speak with restraint of the personal
characteristics of the man. Quite apart from his chemical and
botanical knowledge he had wide interests. His library was rich
in Victorian literature, and, more especially, in books on big game
hunting, mountain climbing, and biographies of explorers.

I often thought of him as a modern, thoroughly successful
Colonel Newcome. Like his prototype he had almost fierce
loyalties, a punctilious sense of honor, distinguished considera-
tion for his inferiors, and a good deal of impatience with pre-
tense.

BRooKLYN, NEw YORK

BOOK REVIEWS
Illustrations of Flowering Plants!

Dr. Alfred Gundersen, Curator of Plants at the Brooklyn
Botanic Garden, assumed the task of having these illustrations
reprinted, and has the following to say in the preface: “A ‘Guide
to the Flowering Plants of Northeastern United States, except
Grasses and Sedges,’ was published by the late Dr. George T.
Stevens in 1910. Through the courtesy of his son, Dr. Charles
Stevens of New York, 300 copies of the plates of this work, illus-
trating about 1,500 species, are now reprinted.

“We believe that the many excellent drawings of common
plants justify their reprinting, chiefly with a view to outdoor use.
We have in mind the making of brief notes by amateurs and be-
ginning students in field courses. For this purpose forty blank
pages, one for every five plates, have been inserted.

“For a few critical groups such as Juncus, Potamogeton,
Rubus, and others, the illustrations are not always accurate.”

Dr. Gundersen states that the book may be obtained by apply-
ing to him at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

* Illustrations of flowering plants of the Middle Atlantic and New Eng-
land States. 199 plates. George T. Stevens, M.D. Flatbush Printing Com-
pany, Brooklyn, N.Y. 1930. By Mail, $1.00.

Additions to the Flora of Connecticut?

In the preface of this bulletin it is stated that it “Is intended
to include all information, whether previously published or not,

Haree ED CR Graves, E. H. Eames, C. A. Weatherby, pT
Woodward, and G. H. Bartlett. Additions to the Flora of Connecticut.
(First Supplement to Bulletin No. 14) Bull. 48. Pp. 94+vii. Conn. et
Geological and Natural History Survey. Published by the State: Hartfo
Conn., 1930

52

53
manuals, more or less descriptive matter in regard to them is in-
cluded for the convenience of readers who may not have access to
the original publications. Mere changes of name, however, are
not recorded here.”

_ This supplement will be welcomed by those who are interested
in the Connecticut flora or who have had occasion to use the
original Bulletin 14,2 which is a model of its kind. Two of the
authors of the original catalogue, which was published in 1910,
are now deceased, namely Luman Andrews and Charles H. Bissell.
Messrs. Harger, Graves, and Eames of the present committee were
the other co-authors of the original catalog.

ARTHUR H. GRAVES
*Reviewed in Torreya 10: 128-131. 1910.

FIELD TRIPS OF THE CLUB
Tue 1931 FIELD PROGRAM

The program of field meetings of the Torrey Botanical Club,
which will appear in the usual printed booklet form not later
than May 1, promises to be fuller and richer than ever before,
thanks to increased cooperation of old and new leaders. These
excursions will be announced, in case they are prior to the mailing
of the booklet, in the weekly bulletin of the New York Academy
of Sciences. -

High lights of the program will be an excursion on the Pali-
sades, for liverworts, led by Dr. Marshall A. Howe, Assistant
Director of the New York Botanical Garden, Saturday, May 16;
the annual Branchville, N.J., joint gathering with the Sussex
Nature Club and others, led by Mr. and Mrs. William Gavin
Taylor of Arlington, N.J., May 23-24: a trip to the southern Cat-
skills over the Memorial Day week-end; joint trips at High Hill
Beach, LI June 20-21 and August 22-23, with the Reptile Study
Society, led by Miss Nellie L. Condon ; a Fourth-of-July week-end
at Dr. Will S. Monroe’s farm, at North Duxbury, Vt., led by Mr.
and Mrs. W. G..Taylor; a study of the botany of beaver dams, in
the Harriman State Park, July 12, led by William H. Carr, cura-
tor of the Nature Museum at Bear Mountain; a trip to Sandy
Hook, led by Prof. M. A. Chrysler of Rutgers University, July 19;
a week in the northern Catskills, August 24-30, led by Dr. Alfred
Gundersen, of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden ; two trips at Mineola,
L.I., June 28 and September 27, for myxomycetes, led by Robert
Hagelstein ; and three excursions for the study of fungi, June 14
and October 4, at Grassy Sprain, Westchester County, led by
Dr. Michael Levine; and September 20, at Franklin Lake, New
Jersey, led by Dr. William S. Thomas ; besides many others, fill-
ing nearly every Saturday afternoon and Sunday until December
1. Volunteers for an alternative Fourth-of-July week-end nearer
New York City and for a Columbus Day week-end are desired.

Raymonp H. TORREY
Chairman Field Committee

Fietp TRIP of SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1

_ A brisk northwest wind and a temperature of 16°F. did R
discourage 18 members and guests of the Torrey Botanical Clu

54

55

from attending the field meeting on February 1, at the New York
Botanical Garden.

The topics of the day were the study of the Gymnospermae
with special reference to the pines, cycads and the maidenhair
tree, Ginkgo biloba, winter aspects of trees, potholes, and the di-
version of the Bronx River at a point about a half mile north of
the boulder bridge.

The route started along the low ridge east of the conserva-
tories—the section reserved for the pines. The pines reviewed
were Pinus Banksiana, P. rigida, P. pungens, P. virginiana, the
last being often mistaken for P. Banksiana, perhaps on account of
the similarity of the common names (northern scrub pine for P.
Banksiana and Jersey scrub pine for P. virginiana). The needles
of P, Banksiana are divergent and about one inch long; the cones
are usually curved, with pointless, almost smooth scales, and
adhere to the branches, unopened, for a number of years. P.
virginiana has needles about two inches long and the cones are
also larger than those of P. Banksiana, while the scales are tipped
with a prickle. The cones open after maturity in the second year.

Foreign pines growing here are the Scotch pine, P. sylvestris,
from Europe and Asia, and P. nigra, the Austrian pine. e
latter is considered to be the best ornamental pine for our climate
of all the imported pines. ts

Descending the ridge to the eastward we passed P. Thunbergu
from Japan, P. ponderosa, the western yellow pine, P. densiflora,

e Japanese red pine, covered with a multitude of small cones,
and P. edulis from the Rocky Mountains. After crossing the
central driveway we came next to several white pines, P. Strobus,
and close to them the decorative pyramidal variety, P. Strobus
Yar. fastigiata, Turning toward the Alpinetum (rock garden)
We saw Quercus macrocarpa, Prunus virginiana, Ulmus ameri-
cana, Nyssa sylvatica, the last opposite a large group of C orylus
(avellana?). “On the eastern edge of a rocky ledge we came to
a well preserved small pothole, whose walls are intact. This
same ledge shows glacial striae running northwest-southeast. Sev-
‘ral plants of the Hercules club, Aralia spinosa, grow in the fis-
més of the rock, and nearby were several specimens of Pinus
ibs a very attractive tree of the European Alps. A ss
hai rom this group we noted several young trees of the mai `

F tree, Ginkgo biloba, At the next fork of our path a natura

56
graft of two trunks of the American elm caused considerable
interest.

Finally we reached the Alpinetum, on top of which we in-
spected a deep and wide gouge, carved out from very hard rock
of Precambrian age during the glaciation periods in early Quater-
nary time. We continued to the Bronx River, passing Acer rub-
rum, A. saccharum, Quercus alba, rubra, palustris, and velutina,
Liriodendron Tulipifera, Liquidambar Styraciflua, Cornus florida,
Carpinus caroliniana, Betula lenta, and others.

We now entered the hemlock grove with its fine stand of
Tsuga canadensis, probably the southernmost stand of any con-
siderable size near the seacoast. Proceeding north on the western
bank of the gorge toward the boulder bridge, we came upon a soli-
tary Kalmia latifolia which had escaped destruction by so-called
nature lovers. Here and there the trailing shoots of Mitchella
repens spread over the ground along the path.

About sixty feet south from the boulder bridge on our left,
and about twenty-five feet from the path, we came upon the re-
mains of a pothole about fourteen feet deep, with its eastern wall
broken. Higher up on the same ledge there is another pothole.
A large boulder of diabase from the Palisades was found lying
at the bottom of the pothole beside a tree of considerable size.
Only a few feet from this pothole is another, much smaller ex-
ample. At this point the leader explained the diversion of the
Bronx River from its former course along the present road-bed
of the New York Central Railroad, emptying into the Harlem
River at about the Third Avenue Railroad bridge, to its present
course across the plain (now occupied by the Salicetum) to the
gorge, emptying its waters into Long Island Sound.

Passing Cryptomeria japonica, Sciadopitys verticillata, the um-
brella pine from Japan, Cedrus atlantica from the Atlas Moun-
tains of North Africa, and Diospyros virginiana, the persimmon
tree, the party now turned toward the Museum, where fossil
prints and literature on fossils were inspected and discussed.

Max A. ELWERT

SunpAY, FEBRUARY 15

Twenty-nine members and guests made the Kreische =
Staten Island trip, which was favored by crisp, bracing, at
weather. Nature study enthusiasts secured several large coy

TV. ille,

57

of Cecropia moths and many large egg masses of the praying
mantis. The latter spells its first name with an “a” or an “e”
according to whether it is in a religious or a voracious mood. One
enterprising member of the club hopes to transplant it to Inwood
Park, where it may prey upon any unwary Japanese bettles dwell-
ing therein.

A halt was made for lunch on a hillside near a swamp which
was frozen tight. Here, besides the customary high bush blue-
berry, Vaccinium corymbosum, buttonbush, Cephalanthus occi-
dentalis, and swamp azalea, Rhododendron viscosum, members of
the party found the dead fruiting stalks of what appeared to be
Hypericum virginicum, the marsh St. John’s-wort, an herb with
opposite branching and fruit pods dehiscent into three parts.

About twenty-five trees of the Virginia pine, Pinus virginiana,
were counted near Kreischerville—the largest apparently about
sixty years of age. One tree of pitch pine, P. rigida, of about the
same age, was found among them. No young trees or seedlings
of the Virginia or of the pitch pine were found, perhaps on ac-
count of the repeated forest fires here. The fire of last year had
charred the outer bark of many of the trees upwards for many
feet, but the inner bark in most cases seemed sound. One tree
Was seen which had been entirely killed by the fire. This seems to
be the last stand and generation of this species on Staten Island,
unless the fires can be prevented for a sufficiently long period to
nsure the development of a new generation.

Part of the sandy plain to the north of this little grove was
traversed, and several fairly large stumps, one showing eighty
annual rings, testified to a former well-forested condition. Sev-
eral Promising young chestnut trees were found, one about two
inches in diameter at the base and apparently free from the blight.

ARTHUR H. GRAVES

p ‘For a valuable article on the praying mantis, see Engelhardt, George
B; Japanese praying mantis reported from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Tooklyn Bot. Gard. Record 15: 149-153. 1926.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CLUB

MEETING OF JANUARY 6, 1931

The meeting was called to order at the American Museum of
Natural History at 8.30 p.m. by President Sinnott with forty-five
members present. Minutes of the meeting of December 17, 1930,
were read and approved.

The following people were unanimously elected to member-
ship in the club: Mr. Max A. Elwert, Horticulturist, Care of
Chas. Eulert, 317 East 90th Street, New York City; Mr. W. G.

Watkins, Botany Department, Columbia University, New York |

City, and Mr. John W. Thompson, Cleveland High School, Seattle,
Washington.

The resignations of Dr. Albert R. Sweetser, Dorothy S.
Francis and Mr. John Thompson were accepted with regret.

Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows:

President—Dr. Edmund W. Sinnott

Vice-Presidents—Dr. C. Stuart Gager and Dr. Marshall A.
Howe

Secretary—Dr. Forman T. McLean

Treasurer—Mrs. Helen H. Trelease

Editor—Dr. T. E. Hazen

Business Manager—Dr. Michael Levine

Associate Editors—Albert Francis Blakeslee, Cornelia Lee
Carey, Frank Earl Denny, Alexander William Evans, Henry Al
lan Gleason, Alfred Gundersen, George Tracy Hastings, Marshall
Avery Howe, Louis Otto Kunkel, Michael Levine, Arlow Bur-
dette Stout and Sam F. Trelease

Bibliographer—Mrs. B. O. Dodge ,

Delegate to the Council of the New York Academy of Sci-
ences—Dr. M. A. Howe

Representatives on the Council of the A.A.A.S.—Dr. D. is
MacDougal and Dr. B. O. Dodge.

Under miscellaneous business Mr. Torrey spoke of the press
reports of “improvements” about to be initiated in the central
valley of Van Cortlandt Park and moved the appointment of :
committee to discuss the matter with the Park Commissioner S
the Bronx. Mr, Torrey’s plea for preservation of the ped
condition of this tract was warmly supported by Dr. Kami
and Dr. Gager, and the motion was unanimously carried. Prest

58

59

dent Sinnott later appointed on this committee Dr. Merrill, Mr.
Torrey and Dr. Howe.
Professor W. G. Waterman of Northwestern University gave
an illustrated talk on “Flowers and Native Vegetation.”
Meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. for refreshments.
Respectfully submitted,
ForMAN T. McLean, Secretary

MEETING OF January 21, 1931

The meeting was called to order at the New York Botanical
Garden at 3:30 p.m. by President Sinnott, with thirty-five mem-
bers present. Minutes of the meeting of January 6 were read
and approved.

Miss Marjorie Cotton, the Croydon, 12 East 86th Street, New
York City, was unanimously elected to membership in the club.

The resignations of Miss Emily P. Cohen, Mr. H. M. Ro-
manoff, and Mr. R. W. Woodward were accepted with regret.

Mrs. Arabella McKee, whose name was presented by Dr.
Hazen, was elected to life membership in the club.

Reports were read by Dr. Barnhart for the Budget Com-
mittee; the Secretary’s report and the Treasurer’s report by Dr.
McLean; and the Editor’s report by Dr. Hazen.

r. A. H. Graves brought up the subject of welcoming new
members into the club and making them feel at home.
the motion of Dr. Hazen, Dr. Graves was unanimously
elected a member of the board of Associate Editors of the club,
with the understanding that he serve as acting editor of TORREYA
during the absence of Mr. Hastings.

A motion was made and seconded that the reports of the
other officers be left until a later meeting.

Dr. George F, Avery, Jr., National Research Council Fellow
Botany at Columbia University, gave an interesting talk on the
tructure of Embryos and Seedlings of Grasses,” an abstract of
Which, kindly furnished by Dr. Avery, follows.

A The grasses form a very natural and distinctive family of
Owering plants, with about 480 genera and nearly O, species.

in

oy, of embryos, and the seedling types into which they
siete indicates three general classes of seedling anatomy in the
eS :

60

1. Those in which early elongation of the axis takes place be-
tween the level of the cotyledon and that of the coleoptile
(“leaf sheath”), the interval in cross-section showing only
a central vascular cylinder—as in maize.

. Same, with the interval in cross-section showing an addi-
tional small vascular bundle on one side of the central cylin-

er—as in oats.

. Those in which there is little or no elongation in this part
of the axis, the principal elongation taking place above the

coleoptile, as in wheat.

N

w

The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Forman T. McLean, Secretary

MEETING oF Fesruary 3, 1931

The meeting was called to order by President Sinnott at 8:15
P.M. at the American Museum of Natural History.

In the absence of the Secretary the President asked Dr. Hazen
to act as Secretary pro tem.

Mr. Torrey presented an interesting report of the activities of
the field committee for the season of 1930 and outlined the plans
for the season of 1931.

The following persons were unanimously elected to member-
ship in the Club:

Miss A. Johanson, and Miss Irene Hackett, Columbia Uni-
versity, proposed by Dr. Illo Hein; Miss Sylvia O. Segall, Mr
William C. Meyer, and Mr. John T. Perry, of Columbia Uni-
versity, proposed by Dr. J. S. Karling.

61

The scientific program consisted of an illustrated lecture by
Mr. George T. Hastings on “Our Native Ferns.” The lecture
was followed by general comment and discussion by several mem-
bers. The interest elicited by the speaker and the subject was
manifest in the attendance of over 100 members and friends,

The Club adjourned at 9:30 for tea served in the Hall of
Birds.

Respectfully submitted,
Tracy E. Hazen, Secretary pro tem

MEETING OF Fesruary 18, 1931

The meeting was called to order by President Sinnott at 3:30
P.M. at the New York Botanical Garden with 29 members present.

The minutes of the meetings of January 21 and February 3
were read and approved.

Dr. Merrill gave a brief report on the action taken on improve-
ment of the region about Tippett’s Brook, Van Cortlandt Park.

The following persons were unanimously elected to member-
ship in the Club:

Dr. Earl L. Core, West Virginia University, Morgantown,
W.Va.; Wanda K. Farr, Boyce Thompson Institute, Yonkers,
New York; Dr. R. Kent Beattie, 2032 Belmont Road, Washing-
ton, D.C. ; Dr. J. W. C. Goethart, Rijks Herbarium, Nonnensteeg,
Leiden, Holland.

The resignations of Mr. William J. Downer and Mr. M.

ench Gilman were accepted with regret.

The scientific program consisted of a talk by Dr. Marshall A.

Howe “On Some Travertine-forming Algae” and by Mr. William

J. Bonisteel on “Phytochemical Problems in Aconites.” The talks

x € followed by general comment and discussion by several mem-
TS,

Fr

The Club adjourned at 5 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Forman T. McLean, Secretary

NEWS NOTES

WE learn from Science that Professor H. S. Jackson, head of
the department of botany in the Purdue Agricultural Experiment
Station, resigned on January 1 in order to accept the position of
professor of mycology and cryptogamic botany in the University
of Toronto.

TuHrouGH Dr. Forman T. McLean, President, the Metropoli-
tan Gladiolus Society announces its annual gladiolus show, to be
held August 25 and 26, on the main floor of the Grand Central
Palace, Manhattan. Exhibits will be set up on the previous day,
August 24. Entries are open to all.

Miss Marte Reimer, Professor of Chemistry at Barnard Col-
lege, lectured on March 20 before the Barnard Botanical Club of
Columbia University on “A Visit to the Botanical Garden at
Buitenzorg, Java.” In the course of her remarks Miss Reimer
stated that the Treub Laboratory at the Garden is set apart for
the use of foreign scientists, who desire to engage in independent
research. The Garden authorities would welcome American bot-
anists with such qualifications.

Miss Exiza FRANCES ANDREWS, of Rome, Georgia, died on
January 22, at the age of ninety years. Miss Andrews was for a
time a member of the Club, and was a writer of fiction besides
being the author of “Botany All the Year Round” (1903) and “A
Practical Course in Botany” (1911).1 She was an occasional con-
tributor to Torreya. Another Georgia woman botanist, Mrs.
Augustus P. Taylor (Elfleda Bennett Taylor) died at Thomasville,
Ga. on March 12, at the age of sixty-five. Mrs. Taylor was 4
contributor to one of the early numbers of Torreya and also to
the Plant World and the Fern Bulletin.

“THE FLowers or Woopy Pants” is the title of a leaflet
issued in the series “Cornell Rural School Leaflets”—Vol. 23, No.
4, as long ago as March, 1930, but of so much interest and value
to many of our Club members, especially to those who are teach-
ers of biology, botany, or nature study, that it can not be too
late to mention it here. The leaflet is written by Eva L. Gordon
and Paul Kellogg, for boys and girls, and is a pamphlet of 48
Pages containing illustrations of flowers of many of our trees

* Reviewed in Torreya 13: 64-66.
62

63

and shrubs with accompanying attractively written text. At the
end of the leaflet are eight pages devoted to drawings of the
flowers and details of 128 kinds of woody plants and eight pages
to a tabulation of the important facts about thirty-two common
species.

Tue New York BOTANICAL GARDEN reported the Chinese and
Japanese witch hazels as well as the vernal witch hazel (H. ver-
nalis) in flower on February 15, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
reported snowdrops (Galanthus Elwesii) in bloom on February
14. According to past records, these first appearances were some-
what belated, and in view of the unusually mild winter just past
one wonders why. It has already been noted at the Arnold Ar-
boretum that the oriental witch hazels bloom later in mild winters
than in exceptionally severe ones—but the cause thereof seems
to be a mystery. As for the snowdrops, the answer may be that
there was no warm period of sufficient length to thaw the ground
deep enough.

A SERIES of free lectures, arranged particularly for pupils of
high schools and teachers, training schools, is being delivered this
spring at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Topics have been se-
lected which coincide as nearly as possible in time and subject
matter with those of the Advanced Biology Syllabus for New
York High Schools. The schedule is as follows:

l. March 19. Reproduction in Flowering Plants.
Miss Hester M. Rusk

2. April 23. Forestry. Dr. A. H. Graves
3. May 7. Types of Plant Nutrition.

: af Dr. A. H. Graves
4. May 14. The Breeding of Plants. Dr. G. M. Reed

5. May 22. The Growth of the Idea of Evolution. —

Dr. R. C. Benedict

The lectures are given in the Auditorium of the Laboratory
Building, and commence at 4:10 P.M.

THE ALLEGANY ScHoot or NATURAL History announces its
fifth season, to be held July 8 to August 27. This “School in the
Forest” is conducted by the Buffalo Museum of Science in co-
operation with the New York State Museum and in affiliation with
i University of Buffalo. It is located in Allegany State Park

64

in western New York, seventy-five miles south of Buffalo, and
close to the Pennsylvania border. The main entrance is at Sala-
manca on the Erie Railroad. Courses will be given in Field
Zoology, Field Geology, Field Botany, Natural History of Birds,
and Nature Study. The faculty is composed of Dr. R. E. Coker,
Director, (Ph.D. Johns Hopkins); Aretas A. Saunders (Ph.B.
Yale); William P. Alexander (B.Sc. Cornell) and L. E. Hicks
(Ohio State University). The instructor in Field Geology will be
named later. For further information, address the Buffalo Mu-
seum of Science or Dr. R. E. Coker, Box 950, Chapel Hill, North
Carolina, until June 15.

TORREYA

oy ot May-June, 1931 No. 4

Inheritance and Chromosome Number in the Gladiolus
i ForMAN T. McLean

The garden hybrid gladiolus has probably a greater capacity
for variation in its inheritance than any other cultivated plant.
This would be expected from its ancestry, for it is derived from
at least ten, probably more, entirely distinct species. Both cyto-
logical studies and breeding experiments give ample evidence of
capacity for wide variability.

Observations of groups of seedlings of known and controlled
parentage show that the following characteristics can be inde-
pendently inherited: hooded or open bloom; with or without yel-
low, or red, violet or white color respectively in any combination ;
the color clear, or veined ; or dark-flaked ; throat yellow ; blotched ;
lined; or dotted in any combination; with or without a pale zone
around the throat ; segments ruffled or plain; pointed or rounded
ups; flower spikes stout or slender; with opposite or secund ar-
rangement ; close or wide spacing of blooms; few or many open at
once; branched or simple; leaves bright or grayish green; and so
forth through many other traits.

All of these varied traits can be directly traced to the differ-
ent parent species: red-and-yellow flaked G. psittacinus with yel-
low throat; opposite-flowered white G. oppositiflorus with dark
lined throat; purple-throated yellow G. purpureo-auratus, V10-
let-tinted, dark-throated G. papilio; wide-open, white, dark lined

: floribundus, often somewhat ruffled; reflexed, wide-flowered
Scarlet G. Saundersii with red-spotted white throat; wide-open,
rounded G. cruentus, blood red with dark blotch and white outer
Surrounding zone to the throat; G. dracocephalus, small hooded
Purple-spotted greenish yellow; deeply hooded yellow drooping
G, þrimulinus, with its slender growth and long-stalked, soft-
shelled cormels; and yellow-throated red G. quartinianus, Very
tall and late-flowering. Some authorities claim still other SPIE
aS Parents of the garden gladiolus, such as G. cardinalis, G.

andus, G, tristis, etc. The characters of any one species seem to
be somewhat linked in the hybrids, so that one can frequently pre-

65

66

dict the growth habits from an observation of the flower form and
coloring, but few cases have been observed of close linkage, to
form definite races.

According to the chromosome theory of inheritance, most if
not all of the inherited traits of a plant are transmitted by the
chromosomes—tiny, dark-staining bodies evident in the cell nu-
cleus during cell division. Usually the number of these formed
in each cell by any kind of plant is constant, and each one seems
to carry its own burden of the total inheritance of the plant. De-
tailed studies of Drosophila flies, daturas, and other organisms go
to prove the soundness of this theory. Accordingly, chromosome
studies of the gladiolus were undertaken, with the hope of learn-
ing more about its mode of inheritance, and of possibly finding an
explanation of certain sterilities observed in some interspecific
crosses.

For this study, pollen mother cells from the anthers of flower
buds were used. Each mother cell nucleus divides into four nu-
clei, each of which then develops into the nucleus of a pollen
grain. In the gladiolus this nuclear division takes place when the
flower stalk is just emerging from the leaves, and there are really
two steps in the process; first a division into two, then into four
nuclei. During this process, the number of chromosomes in each
nucleus is reduced from the number in the usual vegetative cells,
to half that number in each pollen grain. The pollen mother cells
at this stage are free in the cavity of the anther sac, and are easily
squeezed out on a microscopic slide, stained and studied. The
chromosomes stain black with aceto-carmine, but are very small
and in the early part of the telophase, after they are drawn away
from the equatorial plate, they are short and bent nearly double,
so that they are rather hard to count accurately. Counts were
made after the first, and after the second division, when the
chromosomes were in two or in four groups, and in each case the
resulting count was the same, indicating that reduction division
took place at the first division within the pollen mother cell. The
results of these counts are as shown in table 1, page 67. ih

“Priority” is a hybrid derived from G. primulinus crossed wi
a garden variety of hybrid gladiolus. “Halloween” is a seedling °
a cross of G. quartinianus with a Primulinus hybrid, and the re
maining two are botanical species. The chromosome numbers peo
uniformly the same in all of these forms belonging to widely dit-

a

67

TABLE 1
Haploid Chromosome Numbers in Pollen Mother Cells
of Gladioli.

Number
meee POr T ... 20s. cee 10 observations 14
Variety “Halloween” .:......-..- 4 observations 14
Gladiolus quartinianus ........... 2 observations 14
ROUS iritis ........05.. 000005 2 observations 14

ferent sections of the genus, and fourteen is assumed to be the
haploid number for gladiolus, despite the fact that the only pre-
viously reported count, for the variety “La Muerthe,” was re-
corded as 30.?

As has already been stated, there are many heritable traits of
gladiolus, which are transmitted independently of one another.
These may be assumed to be transmitted by different chromo-
somes. Since there have been fully 14 or more such independent
characters observed among garden gladiolus hybrids, which can
be freely interbred, we are free to assume, for purposes of study
of the possibilities of different inheritance, that these independent
characters are distributed over all of the 14 chromosomes. By
Many geneticists, each chromosome is regarded as a parcel, carry-
ing its particular load of inheritable units, which are normally e
ried together, so that they are usually linked together in inherit-
tance. Since the gladiolus has 14 chromosomes in each pollen grain
and 14 in the egg cell of each ovule, the fertilized egg will have 28
chromosomes, 14 from the pollen parent and 14 from the seed
parent. These 28 will be carried through the plant during 1s
growth, each cell having thus 14 pairs of them, one of each of
which will enter into its pollen grains or ovules. Each chromosome
18 assumed to be carried along intact from parent to offspring, €x-
cept in such cases as may arise when chromosomes get tangled up
during cell division, and portions of one pair may be exchanged.
his is assumed to take place when there is crossing over, and sev-
ering of characteristics which are normally linked together. = eins
are also numbers of other complications that occur in inheritance.

, i

Previously reported by me in THE GrapioLus REVIEW 4: 17. 1927.

: ilmorin, R. De, and Tt Susonek Nombre des chromosomes dans les
genres Lobelia, Linum et chez quelques autres espèces véget
x lol. Paris 96: 166-8. Cited by Gaiser, L. O. Chromosome num
perms II. Bibliographica Genetica 6: 462. 1930.

es. >
bers in angio-

68

All of these tend to add to rather than to subtract from the varia-
bility in inheritance. The simplest situation may be assumed to be
that in which each character is determined by a single chromo-
some. So let us study the possibilities in the gladiolus on that basis,

If we take two strains or two species of gladiolus such that
each breeds true for one of a pair of alternative characters, such as
ruffled and plain petalled, and cross them, then the first genera-
tion will have in its constitution the tendencies for both characters.
If, further, this trait is determined by a single factor, or gene,
carried in one pair of chromosomes, then the hybrid will have
the gene for ruffled in one chromosome, for plain-petalled in its
mate. But when this hybrid produces pollen grains and ovules,
and reduction takes place, only one of these chromosomes can en-
ter into the male nucleus of each pollen grain or the egg cell of the
ovule, so that each such reproductive cell can carry either the gene
for plain-petalled or the gene for ruffled, not both. And so, if
this hybrid is self-fertilized (or two sister hybrid plants are
crossed, for hybrid gladioli are frequently self-incompatible), the
offspring of the second generation may have each two chromo-
somes each carrying ruffled, or one ruffled and one plain-petalled
or two plain-petalled. So there are three possibilities : ruffled, half-
ruffled and plain-petalled.

If we now assume that the above two strains differ further
in two other independent traits, as hooded and open flowered,
then considering both these traits, the possibilities in the second
generation are: Ruffled hooded, ruffled open, ruffled half-hooded,
half-ruffled hooded, half-ruffled open, half-ruffled half-hooded,
plain hooded, plain open and plain half-hooded. Thus there are
9 possibilities for two independent characters, or 32. Similarly, for
three independent pairs of characters, there are 27, or 3° possi-
bilities,

Since there are 14 pairs of chromosomes in the gladiolus w€
may assume that our two strains may differ by as many as eas
dependent pairs of characters. :

_ Of course, there can be only a limited number of combina-
tions possible with twenty-eight different chromosomes, in four-
teen pairs. If we designate the first pair of chromosomes as 4 and
A, the second pair as b and B, and so forth, then we get the fo
lowing set of chromosome units in the first generation hybrids:

69
hevbrid abcdefgh ye tae
, ABCDEFGHIJKLMN

Since either a or A can enter into any pollen grain or ovule,
combined with b or B, c or C, and so forth to n or N, as already
stated, the possible kinds of reproductive cells possible in this first
generation hybrid X are 2** = 16,384. But when two such re-
productive cells unite, in fertilization, then the twenty-eight re-
sulting chromosomes entering into the seed, and so carried into
the second generation, may consist of a and a (aa), a and A (aA),
A and a (Aa), or A and A (AA). Since aA and Aa are made up
of the same constituents, they will be the same in result, so there
are really three possibilities for the first or a chromosomes: aa,
aA and AA. Similarly for the second or b chromosomes there are
three possibilities, bb, bB, and BB, and so on for all of the others.

the number of possibilities of different combinations of twenty-
eight chromosomes made up from two each of the fourteen sets
of two, is (3)1*, or 4,792,869.

This means there are 4,792,869 possible different seedlings
that might arise in the second generation from a cross between
two different gladiolus species, if the two species differ from each
other in at least fourteen characters, at least one of which is car-
ried by each of the fourteen chromosomes. Whether any two
species differ from one another to this degree is not easily proven,
but garden hybrids seem to, so the 4,792,869 different progeny
from a single cross are entirely reasonable.

If we go one step further, and, instead of intercrossing the
seedlings of one interspecific cross among themselves, we cross
two interspecific hybrids, each from entirely distinct species, SO
that in all, four distinct species enter into the heritage of the sec-
ond generation, then the situation may be depicted by represent-
ing the chromosomes of the first second interspecific hybrid by
letters and by numerals thus:
Se bt diet eg ey Ee o
\ncpERGHiI}eueN
mg t' 23 45678 9 10 11 12 13 14

tr IL III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV

70

In this case, the 16,384 possible reproductive cells (pollen
grains or ovules) of hybrid X may be assumed to differ from each
of the 16,384 possible reproductive cells in hybrid Y. This would
make the case more complicated, for then in the cross between
X and Y the possible combinations would be for the first chromo-
some aa, aA, AA, al, Al, al, AI, 11, 11, II, or a total of ten, the same
number of combinations for the second, and so forth, making the
possible number of different kinds of seedlings resulting from a hy-
brid made up from four such species 10** or 100,000,000,000,000.
Whether we would ever find four gladioli as radically different as
is here assumed, and still find it possible to intercross them is not
sure. So this is a purely hypothetical case—but even so the calcu-
lated results seem rather astounding—and just show what sur-
prising possibilities there are along these lines. This computation
takes account only of the different seedlings that might arise with
a normal segregation of chromosomes. If chromosomes split ab-
normally, causing “crossing over” of characters normally linked
on one chromosome then the numbers of possible combinations
might be indefinitely increased. Of course, in genetical studies of
gladioli or other plants nobody has attempted thus far to follow
through as many as fourteen independent heritable characters 1m
the manner indicated ; no one garden or force of scientific workers
would be large enough to make it practicable. At most, breeders
work with two, three, or four characters of their plants, and even
so they must grow thousands of seedlings before they can estab-
lish the manner of inheritance of these few traits.

The possibilities of different kinds of gladioli among seedlings,
though, are so numerous that the tens of thousands of different
seedlings raised each year by breeders are only a small fraction of
the variations that may be expected among the modern hybri
strains, descended, not from four different species, but from at
least ten. Nor is that the end ; there are fully one hundred mor?
gladiolus species that certainly have not yet been used in breeding:
There may not be as many as 100,000,000,000,000 possibilities
from any one set of hybrids, involving four species, because the
Species may be more nearly alike than was assumed in this calcu-
lation. But with so many different species that will readily inter”
cross, the possibilities in hybrids are far greater than have ye
been attained.

New York BOTANICAL GARDEN

Vaccinium Ashei sp. nov.
J. M. READE
Description —Frutex V. fuscato valde affinis, differt tamen
floribus albis minoribusque, foliis serratis et baccis saepe pruino-
sis. Ramuli villosiusculi vel glabri, parum compressi vel teretes.
Folia alterna, lato-ovata vel ovata, 3.4-5.7 cm. longa, 2-4.3 cm.

rounded at the apex, finely and sharply serrulate, especially above
the middle, the teeth with gland-tipped, inturned points, often
finely ciliate toward the base, petioles short, puberulent, 1-3 mm.

as long as thick, 8-10 mm. long, rarely 4.5 mm. thick, much con-
stricted at the mouth. Calyx glabrous, about a third the length

lar] : 2 20-30
y from the end of May to the middle of July. Seeds ,
chestnut brown, pitted, about 1.5 by 1 mm.
The Proposed species is common in western Florida and the
acent portions of Georgia, especially near the coast, and extends
West to Pearl River County, Mississippi, and as far east as Baker
County, Florida. It grows in sandy or mucky soiled swamps, es-
ely Swamps of clear-water streams usually associated with
mater gum of small size, with slash pine, white bay, holly, tit,
Wax myrtle and azaleas. Near Pensacola it is being cultivated un-

71

adj

72

der the name of “rabbit-eye huckleberry.” On account of the
large size of the fruit and its fine flavor it seems to be a most de-
sirable sort for cultivation on the sandy soils of the coastal plains
region. The fruit ripens somewhat irregularly, however.

This plant is most closely related to Vaccinium fuscatum, Ait.
(Hort. Kew. I, 2:11. 1789) of the same general region, from
which it may be separated when in flower by the white corolla
with narrower tube much constricted at the mouth, and when in
foliage by the serrulate leaves usually less pubescent, while in win-
ter the flattened twigs nearly or quite glabrous are distinctive. The
flowers of V. fuscatum are decidedly red or reddish; its leaves
are essentially entire and as a rule much more pubescent. Its fruit
is acid. In West Florida it is known as sourberry.

The type material collected by W. W. Ashe near Niceville,
Okaloosa County, Fla., consisting of both flowers, March 26,
1927, and fruit, June 2, 1929, from the same plant, is in the Ashe
herbarium, Co-type specimens in fruit are being deposited in the
herbarium of the University of Georgia and in the National her-
barium.

We are indebted to Mr. W. W. Ashe for the recognition and
delineation of this species. His well preserved specimens and care-
ful field notes are made from abundant material. Additional speci-
mens examined—all collected by him—are as follows:

Florida—Niceville, Juniper Bayou, June 10, 1929; Lightwood-
knot Ck., Okaloosa Co., June 8, 1929: Rocky Run, Walton Co.
March 23, 1927 and June 7, 1929; Walton Co., March 26, 1927
and June 7, 1929; Camp Walton, Okaloosa Co., March 25, 1927
and June 8, 1929; Hollyhead, Santa Rosa Co., June 8, 1929;
near Valparaiso, Okaloosa Co., 1927; Alaqua Ck., Walton Co.,
March 26, 1927 and June 7, 1929; near Pensacola, Escambia
Co., March 27, 1927 ; near Taylor, Baker Co., February 19, 1929
and May 11, 1929,

_ Mississippi—McNeill, May 8, 1930; near Poplarville, Pearl
River County, May 8, 1930.
ATHENS, GEORGIA

A New Variety of Koeberlinia
E. R. Bocuscu

Field studies of Koeberlinia spinosa Zuccarini have revealed
variations unmentioned in literature. The author’s attention has
repeatedly been drawn to a decidedly slender form that differs
from the species by its more diffuse habit and greater ramifica-
tion of branchlets. Numerous intergradations have been encoun-
tered, and because of ecologic as well as taxonomic considera-
tions these variations seem justly to be considered as stable.

Dr. Asa Gray was evidently acquainted with a few of these
forms. Although he does not specifically mention these variations
in his Synoptical Flora when he describes Zuccarini’s species, the
description is, nevertheless, broad enough to be inclusive of some
variability. To a certain extent this is also true of Small’s descrip-
tion in the Flora of the Southeastern United States.

The botanist in the field, working in the region in which this
Species occurs, may be surprised that such active collectors as
Wright, Nealley, Palmer, and Rose failed to account for these
odd forms. However, the wide geographical range of the species,
the seasonal differences in time of flowering, the lack of compara-
tive herbarium material, and the physical difficulties involved in
such field work serve to satisfactorily explain this apparent dis-
crepancy,

The plant upon which Zuccarini evidently based his species is
widely distributed through western and southern Texas, New
Mexico, and Mexico. It flowers uniformly from June to August,
the period being locally dependent upon summer rainfall.

The variety here proposed as new, seems to flower only a
March and April and then very sparingly. It has been the writer’s
good fortune to be able to actually cover much of the natural
range of the species. However, until the fall of 1930, he was un-
aware of the existence of flowering material, for usually the field
Work was undertaken after the end of May. In the course of work-
mg over a collection made by Mr. Fred Warren along the Rio

rande River while he was with the U. S. Biological Survey, a
mature flowering specimen was discovered. í

This new variety cannot be considered as a mere ecad. Its in-
dependence of environmental factors is too pronounced; also it
may be found on open hills as well as in dense chaparral, freely
mingling with the species. Likewise, it is not a distinct species,
°F with a little diligent search every intergradation between the

73

74

two extremes may be found. The frequency of occurrence seems
to justify an individual name.

Ficure-1. The specimen on the left represents the average form, while
that on the right is apparently the extreme limit of variability.

Koeberlinia spinosa Zuccarini var. verniflora Bogusch, vať.
nov. A thorny leafless shrub up to 2 meters high; branches
bright green, attenuated, 3-5 cm. long, sometimes only 1.5 cm.
long in extreme cases, tapering gradually to the apical thorn;
vesture of unicellular puberulence, more common near E
florescence ; flowers in o pen fascicles, rarely umbellate; fruit as ™
the species. Flowers in March and April. A

Frutices, aphylli, subglandulosi, ramosissimi, graciles; rami
teretes, ramuli spinosi, viriduli, 1.5-5 cm. longi. Flores albi, parv!
fasciculati sub ramulorum apicibus. Pedunculi fructiferi sub-
glandulosi.

Co-type: Fred Warren 1049, “Dry gravelly soil, Rio Grande
City, Texas.” ”
Type: Bogusch & Molby 4365, “Pasture near Weslaco, Texas.
STATE COLLEGE oF WASHINGTON
PULLMAN, WASHINGTON

A Wild Flower Pilgrimage
GEORGE T. HASTINGS

The early spring flowers of the desert and semi-desert regions
of southern California make a remarkable display. Equally re-
markable is the interest they arouse in the residents of the region.
From the middle of March to the middle of April thousands of
people make auto trips of from one hundred and fifty to two hun-
dred and fifty miles just to see the flowers. This spring on sev-
eral consecutive Sundays as many as five thousand cars were es-
timated to have gone over the Ridge Route from Los Angeles and
Pasadena to the San Joaquin Valley to see the lupines. It is cer-
tainly no exaggeration to say that one hundred thousand people
Came from various directions during the three weeks that the
flowers were at their best. For some weeks previously the news-
papers carried articles as to the outlook for a good show of flow-
ers and directions as to where and when to go. The Automobile
Association of Southern California did much to arouse interest.
Filling stations on the roads to the valley hung out signs “Wild

ower Information” and sometimes had bunches of the different
flowers in bottles to show what could be looked for. In some sta-
tions the flowers were named, in others the proprietors had but
the haziest idea as to what the flowers were, but all could direct
autoists to the best fields of bloom.

When we stopped at a little plateau on the Grapevine, the last
Section of the Ridge Route as it leads down into the valley, we
looked out over an inspiring sight. Possibly five hundred feet be-
low and a mile away was a lake of brilliant blue and violet extend-
ing along the base of the mountain in a belt of from half a mile to
over a mile wide. Scores of other cars were parked by us with
hundreds of people enjoying the sight. Descending to the valley
floor we found the ground so thickly carpeted with lupines, mostly
Lupinus nanus, that one could not step among them without
crushing some flowers. The dense covering of blue stretched for
miles in both directions. Close at hand other flowers could be
Sm with the lupines. A yellow evening primrose, ie

r campestris, only four or five inches high, formed hig :
t aad the taller lupines. Blue and white flowers of a gia, p
ricolor, Pink heads of owl clover, Orthocarpus purpurascens, an
nty cream cups, Platystemon californicus, were abundant but
kA Y hidden by the taller plants. Blue dicks, Brodiaea cap Bae
a cluster of purple-blue flowers on a slender stalk, were SC

75

à 76

tered through the fields. As we traveled further out into the val-
ley the lupines became less numerous and the fields took on a
yellow tinge from the primroses. Still further the lupines and
yellow evening primroses were left behind and the ground was
flecked with patches of white or pale pink from a large flowered
Oenothera, O. caespitosa, the flowers two to two and a half inches
in diameter, spread flat on the ground. With it there were a few
wiry grasses and dwarfed plants of crane’s bill, Erodium cicu-
tarium, probably the commonest weed in this part of the state.
These plants did not cover the ground completely, but let the soil
show between everywhere. As we drove along somewhat parallel
to the base of the mountains we found an area dominated by a
peculiar plant that strongly resembled a very woolly thistle. From
a rosette of white, spiny-toothed leaves grew a stem a foot to a
foot and a half high, bearing from two to four globular flower
clusters each surrounded by a circle of spiny bracts. The two-
lipped flowers were violet or light blue, an inch long, with the
lower lip delicately fringed. The odor of sage at once suggested
the common name—thistle sage—which in the scientific form be-
comes Salvia carduacea. Further along the lupines became abun-
dant again but with them were two composites of the Cicho-
riaceae with attractive large flower heads. One of these, Mala-
cothrix californica, frequently grew in such quantities as to form
large yellow blotches in the sea of blue.

Il the flowers mentioned, except the Brodiaea, which grows
from bulbs, are annuals. If there are sufficient rains in January
and February they develop and cover the ground with the dense
carpet of blue, violet, yellow or pink as we had seen it. In a few
weeks seeds mature, the plants die and the region is a desert un-
til the following spring. If rainfall has been scanty, but few plants
develop and they flower and set seed when only a few inches
high.

In the notices in the papers it had been suggested that flow-
ers should be picked in moderation. Most of the people we =
had picked flowers, but none had large bunches, and though the
total number picked must have run into hundreds of thousands
on a single Sunday, no thinning of the masses was noticeable.

A few weeks later in other regions there were equally por!
ful displays of California poppies that other thousands from =
cities visited. It is inspiring to find such interest in and love !°
the flowers and note that the idea of conservation has such 4
‘strong hold on the people.

BOOK REVIEW
Johnson’s Taxonomy of Flowering Plants

No matter what may be said to the contrary, a knowledge of
the names of plants and of their proper place in classification re-
mains a basic essential of botanical knowledge and botanical re-
search. The few who might deny this fail to realize that their
own use of names permeates all their botanical study and that
they rely on the work of others in this line even though they do
not contribute to it themselves. Of late years, actual instruction
in systematic botany in America has been considerably reduced,
until there has become a pretty well developed appreciation of the
deficiency and a desire often expressed for more and better teach-
ing of the subject. One hindrance to this has been the lack of a
Suitable textbook, another the lack of experienced teachers. We can
not expect a teacher without experience in systematics to be the
best teacher of the subject, nor to teach it at all without a text-
book to serve as a guide, while a person who has a personal
knowledge of the subject can teach it without a text. Experience
with plant classification usually begins with acquiring a knowledge
of the local flora, and our modern Ph.D. mills neglect that phase
of education to a lamentable extent. So the desire to extend the
knowledge of systematic botany through the younger generation
has largely failed for lack of suitable teachers and suitable texts.

In the past three years three textbooks of systematic botany
have appeared in this country, and it is with the latest of these

at we are now concerned.

Dr. Johnson brought to his task of preparing this large volume
the experiences gleaned through several years of teaching the
subject. During this time he learned to distinguish between one
body of facts which are of direct use to the student in acquiring
a general knowledge of the subject and another body which repre-
sents the end to be attained. The first includes the principles on
which classification is based, the preliminary information, mostly
morphological, necessary to its comprehension, and the methods
by which a plant may be placed in its proper category in the gen-
eral scheme. The second includes the morphological characteristics

_ Johnson, Avtar Monrad. Taxonomy of the flowering plants. pP-
ita, er 478 figures. The Century Company: New York and London,

77

78

of the various groups and the more important plants contained
in them. The first represents information which the successful stu-
dent should carry with him permanently; the second a mass of
statistics which are best carried in a conveniently available book
of reference rather than in the student’s memory. We all realize
that it is beyond the power of any person to know all the hun-
dred and fifty thousand species of flowering plants, or the thou-
sands of genera, and we doubt if even such men as Hooker or
Engler could place any plant into its proper family at sight. With
most of us, lack of contact with possibly half of the three hun-
dred families soon dims them in our memory, but every botanist
should recognize at sight at least twenty-five of the larger families,
excepting of course the aberrant members, which often baffle even
the specialist. But if he has the general principles well in mind,
and has access to a proper reference book, he should soon be able
to locate any other plant in its proper group. This seems to be the
goal which Dr. Johnson would reach in his teaching, and with it
we are heartily in accord.

We have no doubt that one of his students will recognize with-
out difficulty a composite, an umbellifer, a crucifer, or members
of many other families at sight, no matter where he finds them,
but we wonder whether that recognition will come as a result of
the application of the general principles presented in the book, or
by comparison of the flower with the recollection of other flowers
which he has seen in his field or laboratory work in Dr. Johnson's
class. For example, if a student traveling in South Africa is at
tracted by a handsome tree with silvery foliage, will an examina-
tion of the flower convince him that he is dealing with the Pro-
teaceae, having a specimen of Leucodendron before him? As a
still more difficult case, consider the family Flacourtiaceae, which
contains a remarkably diverse assemblage of plants. According to
Dr. Johnson, the flowers may be hypogynous, perigynous, OF
epigynous ; the sepals 2 to 15; the petals none to 10 or more, the
stamens few to many, free or united in bundles; the carpels 2 to
10. We wonder if a student can place a plant in this family ac-
curately, or even in the order to which it belongs, and if he should
guess the family, whether he can verify his guess by reference t0
any information about it which Dr. Johnson gives. Reference t0
his chart on page 150 indicates that the Parietales, to which the
Flacourtiaceae belong, have sepals and separate petals. How can

79

the student be expected to place into this order an apetalous fla-
court, of which there are many:

However, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and we
_ trust that a study of the textbook will give a student a more gen-
eral familiarity with plant families than we have indicated by these
two possible exceptions, although there are many more of the
same sort which might be enumerated.

More than half of the book, 537 pages, to be exact, is devoted
to a general description of the groups of angiosperms. A con-
densed description is given of each order, followed by a list of the
families and a key to the more important ones which an Ameri-
can student is likely to meet. Then each family is discussed in
turn, with a statement of its characters, the number of genera and
species, mention of the more important genera, and often special
mention of particular species. The amount of space assigned to
each family is in general proportionate to its importance, meas-
ured by its size, its representation among the economic plants of
the world, and its development in America. This assignment is
largely a matter of opinion and deserves no criticism : personally
we should not have devoted half a page to the three genera Didi-
tlis, Rotala, and Decodon and the same amount to such an im-
portant family as the Dipterocarpaceae.

There is no doubt that the use of such a book will be chiefly in
the United States, and that there is good reason for discussing the
native families in more detail than those exclusively tropical. The
mere fact, however, that many tropical families will be known to
the average student only through the printed description is an ex-
cellent reason for demanding absolute accuracy of statement about

em. Let us take for example the large and important family
Malpighiaceae, which is very properly included in the author's
€y to the principal families” under the order Geraniales on page
322, There the family is keyed out as having regular flowers and
‘arpels splitting apart at maturity ; it is spelled “Malphigiaceae ,
which scarcely does credit to the book. Now a great many plants
of the family have irregular flowers and two of the large genera
Byr Sonima and Bunchosia) as well as many smaller ones have
fruits which do not separate at maturity. The matter is stated cor-
rectly, to be sure, in the discussion of the family on page 335, but
the key ig invalidated by such an error and the student should not

Fequired to check the accuracy of each statement by reference

80

to another part of the book. Turning next to page 410 and 411,
we find that the Melastomataceae are very properly placed in two
sections of the key, but in the latter citation are said to have usu-
ally a corona between the petals and stamens. We have dissected
flowers of some hundreds of species of this family, representing
practically all American genera, and do not know of a single one
with a corona. Possibly the author has good authority for his
statement, but a greater familiarity with the group would not have
encouraged him to use the word usually, to say the least. We turn
on to page 610, where a key to the orders of monocotyledons is
presented. Such a key may serve either or both of two purposes,
to give a general conspectus of the orders, or to aid the student
in placing a plant. In both cases it fails. The orders Helobiae and
Triuridales are placed together at the end of the dichotomy and
characterized as follows: “Stamens and carpels numerous to one.
Helobieae.” “Stamens 3-6. Carpels indefinite. Perianth of 3-8 seg-
ments. Triuridales.” On the same page two other important or-
ders are Separated in this wise: “Stamens varying from one to
six. Carpels 1, 2, 3, or several. Farinosae.” “Stamens 6 or 3. Car-
pels 3, rarely fewer or more. Liliiflorae.” These certainly impress
one as a distinction without a difference. In the latter case, the
orders are actually separated chiefly by the nature of the endo-
sperm, and I doubt if any one character which is not more or less
recondite in nature can be found to divide the two. The Farinosae
are keyed out on page 654, where four families are characterized
by having 3 carpels and contrasted with two others which have
carpels 2 or 3. Such a statement does not show why the families
are distinguished by taxonomists nor can it help the student 1m
locating a plant. Such examples could be multiplied considerably,
but there is no use in mentioning others.
No less than 55 pages are assigned to a bibliography, including
probably nearly a thousand titles, and divided into several sec-
tions according to subject. Full of errors in citation, omitting
many important works, including many unimportant ones, this
part of the book is certàinly fearfully and wonderfully made. In
the first place, it is unbalanced. A list which includes such books
as Eaton’s Manual, now of historical importance only, should "o
tainly include other books of equal importance but now similarly
antiquated. Some such works can be found but by no means all
of the most important, If Ledebour’s Flora Altaica and Flora

81

Rossica are included, why not such a monumental work as Bois-
siers Flora Orientalis? And if the Prodromus is mentioned, why
not its continuation as the Monographiae? Then there is the mat-
ter of omissions. We fail to find any of Small’s minor works on
the flora of Florida, nor even the North American Flora, except
an individual reference to a portion of one number, by Rydberg.
The remainder of that one part was filled by a contribution of
the reviewer ; possibly that is a reason why we criticize the whole
bibliography, but we still believe Ascherson and Graebner’s
Synopsis should have been at least mentioned. Neither do we find
any mention of the Index Kewensis, except a citation of the fifth
supplement alone, nor of the Index Londinensis. Furthermore,
the list is simply brimming with errors, although every botanist
is or should be taught that correctness of citation is always essen-
tial. Thus we find Leroy Abrams, instead of LeRoy; N. J. An-
derson instead of Andersson; W. P. O. Barton, instead of W. P.
C. Barton (credited with the authorship of the Flora C estrica!),
Walter Dean instead of Deane; Stephen Elliot instead of Elliott ;
W. U. Fawcett instead of W. Fawcett; S. F. Gray’s Natural Ar-
rangement of British Plants published in 1921 instead of 1821;
G. J. Hooker instead of W. J. Hooker ; Micheaux instead of
Michaux; F. S. Milspaugh instead of C. F. Millspaugh; P. O.
Standley instead of P., C. Standley; J. T. Buckholtz instead of
Buchholz ; Marong instead of Morong; C. C. Dean instead of
Deam; Marriam instead of Merriam; even the senior botanist of
the author’s own university will find his name misspelled Setchel.
The reader of this review must not understand that these are all
the errors: anyone can find more, some exasperating, some merely
amusing. H. S. Pepoon is given the authorship of Synopsis Plan-
farum in 1805, and possibly the climax is reached when we find
that Species Plantarum was written by L. Linnaeus!

Who is to blame for such an extraordinary series of errors?
One would think that every botanist could give Linnaeus the
Proper initial and therefore would wish to put the responsibility
on the printer, But surely someone read proof and let these er-
rors go through. Even my friend Robert W. Hegner, editor of the
series, can not entirely escape responsibility. One sighs for the
Pen of a Fernald, to give these evidences of carelessness proper
attention,

The actual information which the student needs to grasp the

82

classification of plants is brought together on pages 19 to 147,
which read much like the old Structural Botany of Gray, which
many botanists will still remember from their youth. It includes
the external morphology and terminology of the flower, the fruit,
the inflorescence, and the various vegetative organs. If these struc-
tures and organs are the sole basis of classification, then sys-
tematic botany becomes an ‘elementary subject, adapted to fresh-
men, while the experience of the reviewer is that it is an advanced
subject which requires considerable previous botanical training for
its appreciation. Identification of plants and recognition of fami-
lies or species are the elementary parts of the science and may be
learned in high school, while an understanding of the whys and
wherefores of classification demand much more preparation. One
finds in this book nothing about the discoveries in paleobotany
which throw light on modern classification, nothing about the
general nature. of evolution, nothing about the contribution of
plant anatomy to an understanding of plant relationships.

This is not derogatory to the inclusion of so much text on
gross morphology. That subject is now seldom or poorly taught
in secondary schools and usually neglected completely in college;
it must be presented somewhere to the student in taxonomy.
Armed with such information a student can identify a plant and
can understand the great number of terms used in describing it
But he can not appreciate classification unless the rudiments, at
least, of all the diverse body of botanical knowledge used in de-
veloping our modern classification are known to him. He may
Properly acquire such information in other courses, but its ap-
plication to taxonomy should be presented in the taxonomy course
itself. That the author is fully aware of this situation may be
seen at once from his statements on page 17.

Chapter II presents in five pages all that the author considers
necessary on such important subjects as nomenclature, the com
cept of the genus and species, and phylogeny, and Chapter I m
eleven pages sketches the historical development of classification.
Both of these chapters might be considerably extended with bene-
fit to the student.

Lastly, we come to the introduction, which goes far toward
explaining the general motive of the author. Laboratory drawing

€ says, is generally vastly overdone in college work. We agre®
with him. The field-trip should be a dignified part of the course

83

We agree thoroughly. The technical terminology of taxonomy
can not be eliminated. That is correct. But “phylogeny should not
be made a fetish.” There, in our opinion, lies the fundamental
difference between an elementary course in taxonomy, suitable
for students without previous botanical experience, and an ad-
vanced course. Since 1859, phylogeny has been the sole basis of
every system of classification proposed. Every system is intended
to represent its author’s idea of the course of evolution in plants.
Every person who describes a new species or a new genus does
so because he wishes to express an idea of plant relationships and
hence of their phylogeny. Every botanist who changes the location
of a family to a new position in the general scheme does so to
demonstrate his idea of its phylogeny. When Engler began his
system with the Pandanaceae and Typhaceae, he did so because he
thought those families stood nearest the bottom of the phylo-
genetic tree, and said so definitely in his summary of general
principles. The whole subject consists of just two parts: first, the
extension of knowledge by the discovery of hitherto unrecognized
forms of plants, the “new species” of the world’s flora, and second,
the arrangement of all plants into an orderly sequence. The first
subject is not discussed by the author at all; the second is clearly
recognized by him on page 3. Theophrastus’ classification into
trees, shrubs, and herbs was orderly ; Linnaeus’ sexual system was
very orderly, but neither of them is satisfactory today. The
Order which we seek is an expression of evolution, of phylogeny.
This the author also recognizes on page 6, even though he previ-
ously deprecates it on page xi.

The system of classification which he accepts is that of Engler,
with the comparatively few changes introduced by Engler and
Gilg in the last edition of the Syllabus. He summarizes the scheme
for the Dicotyledons on page 150, Turning back to page 31, we
find that he also presents in tabular form the “direction of evolu-
tion in flowers” followed by the “characters of a primitive flower.
Neither he nor anyone else can reconcile the position of the
Piperales at the bottom of the classification with these statements ;
that is, he deliberately rejects a scheme based on his own ideas of
Phylogeny in favor of one which is not phylogenetic according
to his own standards. His system is of course orderly and there-
fore satisfies his own definition, but as far as being phylogenetic
is concerned, he might almost as well have followed Linnacus.

84

It is not a question of a difference in opinion between the
author and the reviewer on the course of angiospermous evolu-
tion, in which we seem to agree. It is merely a question of the im-
portance of phylogeny in teaching. The author says that phylogeny
is overdone (p. xi), that the system which begins with the Mag-
nolias and their relatives, standing at the bottom of the series
according to the author’s own statements, “has the disadvantage
of being rather involved and rendering it difficult to place quickly
in its proper category any plant that may be in hand” (p. 11),
and that “we shall find little difficulty in placing a flower” in the
categories which he adopts (p. 151). The reviewer says, after
teaching nineteen classes in taxonomy, that phylogeny is the ulti-
mate end of all classification, that emphasis on phylogeny furn-
ishes a motive to the course and lends zeal to the student, and that
the principles of the Besseyan system are so easily grasped by the
student that he finds relatively little difficulty in placing a plant
in its proper category.

We admit that a plant can be identified with some degree of
completeness by any system of classification. If that is the sole
aim of a textbook, let us use the Linnaean sexual system. We
maintain that phylogeny is the aim of a course in taxonomy and
the basis of classification. If our contention is true, then the book
before us has failed in its purpose.

H. A. GLEASON

FIELD TRIPS OF THE CLUB
Fietp Trip oF SuNnpAy, Marcu 15

Snow lingered on the northern slopes of the hillsides in the
Ramapo Section of the Harriman State Park, on the field ex-
cursion of Sunday, March 15, and although the elm and maple
buds were swelling, the alder catkins turning a lighter hue, and
the willow twigs bright yellow, floral signs of spring were lack-
ing. Not even a skunk cabbage spathe could be found. Spring
comes a week or two later in these hills, a thousand feet above the
sea level, than on Long Island. So botanizing turned to the mosses
and liverworts, some of which displayed plenty of persistent cap-
sules, ripened the previous autumn, and some showed the be-
ginnings of new growth, especially on the brooks on southern
slopes. Georgia pellucida, Brachythecium plumosum, Pogonatum
brevicaule and Webera sessilis showed plenty of capsules. An in-
teresting species, without capsules, but identifiable by the leaves,
was Fissidens taxifolius, a tiny member of this genus, with leaves
under the hand lens quite suggestive of the yew. Two liverworts,
Conocephalum and Plagiochilia, though submerged by the brooks
high with melting snow, showed bright new growth. A dozen
members of the Torrey Botanical Club were joined, for part of the
walk, by twenty members of the Trail Campers of America, from
their camp on Stony Brook, near Sloatsburg.

| Raymond H. TorREY

Frecp Trip or Sunpay, Marcu 22

Spring was obviously nearer, but not quite definitely declared,
on the excursion on Sunday, March 22, to Cushetunk Mountain,
in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, led by Mrs. Gladys P. An-
derson, A few green things, grasses along the brooks, chickweed
in the plowed fields, and red maple buds soon to blossom, gave
Promise of spring, in spite of the raw, cloudy day. But, as the
excursion was primarily for lichens, it did not matter: they were
easy to observe, on rocks, trees and earth. Mrs. Anderson, who

85

86

species were found readily, especially various cladonias, with
differing forms of apothecia ; physcias, with their tiny black spore
disks, on tree bark; peltigeras, and others. She explained the
. characteristics of the lichens, which, to her, seem particularly
interesting, because they are so primitive, and yet adaptive to
various environments; flexible and plastic and not so fixed in
their habits as the higher, flowering plants, which have adopted
definite forms and keep to them; the lichens are still experi-
menting in their methods of subsistence and reproduction, and are
capable of renewal by cell divisions, or by casting off parts of
their thalli (soredia) which grow into new individuals when con-
ditions may not encourage, even for many years, the production
of spore bearing organs. Mrs. Anderson pointed out that certain
species favor one kind of rocks, and others another, and as the
region around Cushetunk Mountain is remarkably varied in geo-
logical formations, quite different species are found sometimes
exclusively on one kind of rock and not on the others. Cushetunk
Mountain is a horse-shoe shaped ridge of basalt rock, similar
in nature to that of the Palisades, enclosing a sandstone valley
(Brunswick shale phase of the Newark formation). The same
sandstone is found on the south flank of the horseshoe, then an-
other narrow ridge of basalt, and to the west, are successively,
limestone, gneiss, limestone, quartzite and sandstone (Stockton
formation), each sustaining characteristic lichen forms. The re-
gion would be interesting to study to see if the higher plants show
differences based on the differing rocks. Two large limestone quar-
ries were interesting, and a solitary plant of the lime-loving
maidenhair spleenwort had established itself in a crevice left
when one of the openings was abandoned, at least fifty years ago-

Extraordinarily large and long branched plants of the night-
shade, Solanum Dulcamara, grew on the walls. Another Solanum,
S. carolinense, was found with persistent yellow berries from the
previous fall, in abandoned plowland, underlaid by the Kittatiny
limestone, north of the quarries. (Does this genus prefer lime-
Stone soils?) Some algae and lichens had become established =
the raw limerock. Notable mineral features were incipient stalactit-
ic formations, deposited by water creeping down an overhanging
wall, into oddly lobed and fluted buff-colored smooth-surfaced
masses; and a bright bluish coloring on some of the rock, poss
ibly due to a small amount of manganese. On the farmhouse 0?

87

the quarry property were several large and ancient box shrubs,
at least a century old. The party crossed the various formations
rather sharply defined on the surface by fault boundaries, one of
which, between the gneiss and sandstone and limestone, is the
great fault, the Logan Line, which crosses New Jersey at the
eastern border of the older rocks, but noted no apparent differ-
ences in tree flora, although it was obvious that the farmers had
chosen the limestone areas for their plowlands, and left the forest
on the gneiss and quartzite; or else that the trees had retaken
the older rocks while the limestone areas remained in fields and
pasture. Mrs. Anderson promises a field excursion for the club
sometime to be devoted to ecological effects of geological forma-
tions on the occurrence of lichen species. The party made the trip,
which was held jointly with the New York section of the Green
Mountain Club, in automobiles, ten cars, with about forty persons,
ten members of the Torrey Botanical Club, seventeen of the
Green Mountain Club and the rest guests of both. One interesting
and beautiful moss was noted, Bartramia pomiformis, with cap-
sules persistent from the previous season, dry and withered, but
still showing the pretty fluted urn shape.
Raymonp H. TORREY

FreLD Trip oF SUNDAY, MARCH 29
The special quest of this early spring outing into the heart of
the New Jersey Pine Barrens was to find Conrad’s broom crow-
berry in blossom. The particular location chosen to find this rare
plant was the place discovered by Dr. John Torrey about ninety
years ago. Subsequently the stand was lost, and rediscovered by
r. N. L. Britton and Witmer Stone fifty years later. In an article
Published in the N. Y. Evening Post, describing this crowberry,
Mr. Raymond H. Torrey states “A strange location for such a
sub-arctic plant, a relic of the last ice period, thriving in these hot
sands 40,000 years after the glaciers that drove it south melted
away. Not beautiful, except under the hand lens, but a sturdy
Survivor of ancient plant associations, many of the former ele-
ments of which have migrated northward and no longer exist ın
the region,”
The crowberry was not in general flower, the season being
about one week later than usual, but a few sprays were found in
lower. Arbutus and the characteristic Pine Barrens plant pyxt¢

88

(Pyxidanthera barbulata) were abundantly found in bud, but not
in open flower. Other plants found which are abundant in the re-
gion were:

Cassandra (Chamaedaphne calyculata)

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Pine barrens Heather (Hudsonia ericoides)

Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia)

Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)

Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida)

White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides)

Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea)

Cranberry (Oxycoccus macrocarpon

Forty members and guests made the West Plains Pine Barrens
trip, motoring from Newark and New York.

Wm. Gavin TAYLOR

FIELD Trip oF SUNDAY, APRIL 5

Forty members and guests of the club visited the region on
the east side of the Hudson River, opposite Bear Mountain Park,
including Anthony’s Nose, Sunday, April 5. Spring flowers were
delayed in bloom, owing to cool weather, only a few hepatica
blossoms appearing, while arbutus was still in bud. Spring fruiting
mosses were in good condition, with plentiful fresh capsules, on
Pohlia nutans, Ceratodon purpureus and Mnium cuspidatum. A
few spears of Veratrum viride showed along the brooks. After
visiting the Nature Trails at Bear Mountain the party crossed the
bridge and first inspected the stand of southern bald cypress,
Taxodium distichum, at the edge of the cattail swamp, east 0
Manitou station on the New York Central Railroad. This occur:
rence, the farthest north outside of cultivation known to the writer,
awaits explanation, as to whether it was established as a pioneet
northern stand, possibly seeded by migrating birds; or by branch-
lets dropped from trees somewhere nearby in cultivation and caf-
ried to the spot by the waters of the Hudson, and into this back-
water by some extremely high tide through an opening in a
railroad tracks one mile south of the spot, which drains the swamp.
No cultivated Taxodium is to be found about the houses on the

89

slope above, and the nearest one known to the writer stands on
a street in Highland Falls, three miles up the Hudson and on the
opposite bank, far from the river.

There are seven trees in the stand; two probably about thirty
or forty years old; three about twenty years old, and two ten
years old or younger ; the younger ones evidently the progeny of
some of the older of the group. One of the older trees is in an
unhealthy state, with a long bark wound, possibly due to a light-
ning stroke. The others are apparently quite healthy. No seedlings,
or specimens younger than the ten year olds were seen. They
grow along a brook descending from the upland and entering the
cattail swamp. The older ones stand among a group of gray
birches; the younger are more in the open, among willows and
cattails. The brackish water from the Hudson reaches them rarely
if at all, as the location is two or three feet above high tide level.
There is no sign of knees about them, but the butts of the older
ones have the characteristic pyramidal swelling and fluting.

Lemna was found in plentiful development at this early date
ina pool near the old abandoned mine in a pyrrhotite deposit which
was worked years ago for its sulphur content. An interesting fea-
ture of the regions south of Anthony’s Nose, in the northern part
of the territory of Camp Smith, was the system of trails marked
by Colonel William R. Wright, Chief of Staff of the New York
National Guard, named, in part, for places in Belgium and northern
France, where the Twenty-seventh New York Division fought
under British general command, in the breaking of the Hinden-
burg Line in the autumn of 1918. The pond dammed at the head
of Broccy Kill, and the rills entering it, are good places for the
study of wet woods flora.

Raymonp H. TORREY

FIELD Trip or SUNDAY, APRIL 12

A party of fifty, consisting of members and guests of the Tor-
rey Botanical Club, and the Westchester Trails Association, ram-
bled over Dunderberg Mountain, on Sunday, April 12, going from
Tomkins Cove to Timp Pass, up the Six Chins Trail and over
Bockberg, Baldberg and Dunderberg and down the old railroad
Stade to the river. He patica triloba was in abundant bloom in many
x ades ; but there seems to be no rule about this variation 1n colora-
tion from white to deep purple, as to degrees of light and shade.

90

Arbutus was in bloom, and fairly frequent in occurrence. Poison
poke, Veratrum viride, was plentiful and well advanced. The
deep red pistillate flowers of the beaked hazel, C orylus rostrata,
were admired under the hand lens. The mosses found on April
5 were plentiful and farther advanced, and in addition was found
the quaintly beautiful apple moss, Bartramia pomiformis, with its
globular capsules. Some attention was paid to the lichens of the
genus Cladonia, the species pyxidata, cristatella, and fimbriata be-
ing common. Fresh beaver workings were observed in a swamp
south of the Timp. They obviously prefer the aspen, Populus tre-
muloides, for food and building material where they can get it, but
in one case had felled a blue beech, C arpinus caroliniana, four
inches in diameter, which must have been tough going even for
their strong teeth. The purple early leaves of the wood betony,
Pedicularis canadensis, were striking in hue. It was noted that
some of the capsules of mosses which fruit in autumn and which
persisted through the winter, were still holding spores, which were
discharged by brushing them lightly ; this was true of Catharinea,
and Dicranella, Another pretty moss was Polytrichum piliferum,
with its narrow capsules, distinctly lance-like at this season.
Raymonp H. Torrey

Fietp Trip or Sunpay, APRIL 19

On April 19 a joint excursion of the Torrey Club and the
Metropolitan Council of Geography Teachers was led by the writer
and R. C. Geist, members of the respective associations. Thirty-
two members and guests were present.

The day was ideal, and the route lay along Pelham Road until
just beyond the City Island cross road, where a by-path was fol-
lowed, detouring around the very considerable auto traffic on the
main road. Here were found the yellow adder’s tongue or fawn
lily, the grape hyacinth, which Gray says is a garden escape, and
the crinkle-root or toothwort, Dentaria diphylla.

ZAIDA NICHOLSON

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CLUB
MEETING oF Marcu 3, 1931

The meeting was called to order by President Sinnott at 8:15
P.M. at Columbia University, Schermerhorn Extension, with 125
members present.

An invitation was extended to the Torrey Club to meet at the
Brooklyn Botanic Garden on Wednesday afternoon, March 18.
The invitation was accepted by the club.

A special program of exhibits of educational material and
demonstrations of research work in progress had been arranged
by Dr. R. C. Benedict and others in the various laboratories of
Schermerhorn Extension and in the Greenhouse. For the sake of
a record, as well as to show the great latitude of subjects presented,
the list is given herewith in full.

EXHIBITS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

l. Teaching devices and helps :

. A laboratory study of variation. R. C. Benedict.
B. Common vegetables in the classroom. R. C. Benedict.
C. Models made by pupils. Frances Schiller.
D. Diagrams for testing and drilling. Gertrude R. Twomey.
E. Collections of cereals. G. M. Reed.
F. Exhibit of a model of mitosis. Olga Hingsburg.
Experiments with the cabbage group. R. C. Benedict.
Histological differentiation among species. J. E. Adams.
Demonstration of some brine-loving algae. T. E. Hazen.
Forcing pitcher plants for class work. T. E. Hazen.
Demonstration of the importance of oxygen for plant growth.
Barnard College Department of Botany. f
Bryophyllum crenatum for study of vegetative reproduction.
Barnard College Department of Botany.
Grafting Coleus as a laboratory exercise. Barnard College,
Department of Botany. ;

pening fern sporangia by means of glycerine. S. C. Bausor.
10. Stone cells in fruits. S. C. Bausor.

l. Thallus variations in Marchantia. Irene Hackett. _
12. A and bud formation in moss protonema. Mildred Mc-

usland.
13, Theoretical considerations of cell shapes. E. B. Matzke.

4. Flower Variations in the chickweed, Stellaria. E. B. Matzke.
15, Demonstrations in general elementary botany. E. B. Matzke.

- Slime mould sporangia.
B. Pilobolus and its light response.

91

an PY Se & Po

jm

—s

| mel
Sa

—
=~

18.
19.

20.
41,

N
N

23

> ea 3. A 9,
Ss Nr

: es a ie calcium and potassium nitrates. R

92

C. Aspergillus—cultures differing in color

D. Monilia sitophila—habit and spore formation.

E. Rusts—demonstrations and models.

F. Root pressure in Fuchsia.

Wood and leaf specimens of Haematorxylon compe
from which haematoxylin was formerly obtained. W. C.

Genes of Achras zapota from which chicle is obtained,
blocks of chicle, machetes and gouges employed in tapping in
British Honduras, together with Pestalozzia diseases. J. S.
Karling and Estelle M. Hazard.

Demonstration of ilieraically simulated organisms. Illo Hein.
Demonstration of various smuts of cereal grains. Laura
Kolk.

Demonstration of mosaic disease of tobacco. Bessie Goldstein.
Cryptogamic Laboratory: frieze of the Fox paintings of
mushrooms with the Gibson collection of original drawings
hanging beneath; also, a simple Wardian case for laboratory
plants and an algal aquarium.

. Exhibit of fungi parasitic on man. Laboratory of Medical

Mycology and n of Dermatology, College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons.

ae Variations in r TE iciin RA. Har

arper
ee as applied to high school teaching. C. A.

. Cultures of the fungus C ae which parasitizes Or-

chids in the tropics. Sylvia O. Se

. Cultures of bacteria which cause Back Zot of cabbage and in-

fected cabbage specimens. Dorothy

. Demonstrations of fixed and stained aoe) preparations by the

members of the Cytology Class. G. M. ——

. Dissected conifer embryos. G. M. Watkin :
. Formation of starch grains from body of ‘chiorepiae in Pel-

lionia. G. S. Avery.

: Anatomy of the tobacco stem. G. S. Be

. Anatomy of grain seedlings. G. S. Ave

- Demonstration of fern prothallia. i 1. Perry.
. Exhibit of Polygonaceae. J. T. Perr

Battery of water stills with quartz condensers. Man L. Mann.

. Zinc stimulation of Aspergillus. Mar L
‘ ce unessential for growth of Aspergillus ie
an

. Fluctuation of leaf temperature with changing light intensity:

Harold H. Clum

- Relative effects of red and blue light on phototropic bending:

Robertson Pra bert-
o

son Prat

5

4l.
42.
43.

iy

R

93
Influence of calcium on root-hair production. Robertson
Pratt.

Protoplasmic streaming in cells of Elodea. Jennie Glazer.
Separation of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. Dora E. Marcy.
Sorghum seedlings as material for the demonstration of Men-
del’s law of heredity. Dora

. Marcy
p oore: absorption spectrum at chlorophyll. Ronald
Bamford.

. Bloodred fluorescence of chlorophyll. Ronald Bamford.
Growth of wheat as influenced by boron. Helen S. Morris.
47.

Growth of wheat roots in relation to hydrogen-ion concentra-

„ tion of culture solution. Helen S. Morris.

do

. Incubator for germination of seeds. Helen S. Mor

ae chamber with rotating table and AE: ens

ease.

. Auto- -irrigators. E. H. Fullin
E i variation in Coleus. A. B: Sto
E thesis and respiration of at plants. J. J. Cope-

; of temperature on locomotion of Beggiatoa. J. J. Cope-
d.

58. one hot spring sulphur bacteria from Wyoming. J. J. Cope-

59, Cytological modifications resulting from culture solutions.
Ronald Bamfor

60. Germination of wheat seeds for solution culture experiments.
Ronald Bamford.

61. Corn seedlings in solution culture. S. F. Trelease

62 esium injury of wheat. S. F. Trelea

63. Soil points for measuring water-supplying power of soils

64. Porous cup atmometer for measuring evaporation as a cli-

6s matic factor.

BL

70.

committee, Respectfully _—
For

Synchronous motor time switch.
Rotating tables for asera prone exposure of cultures to en-
vironmental conditio

nedict
. Difference in es between iiid pa “collected in New

Jersey and in Florida. R. A. Harp
Abutilon Thompsoni: variegated aed healthy form
At t 10 o’clock refreshments were served by the Be

N T. McLean, Secretary

s

94
MEETING oF Marcu 18, 1931

The meeting was called to order by President Sinnott at 3:30
p.M. at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with 20 members present.
In the absence of Dr. McLean the president appointed Dr. Graves
secretary pro tem. The minutes of the meetings of February 18
and March 3 were read and approved.

The following candidates were unanimously elected to mem-
bership in the Club:

Dr. Anne H. Blinks, 447 E. 65th St., New York, N.Y.; Prof.
William S. Cooper, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Mign.;
Dr. George B. Cummins, Agric. Expt. Sta., Purdue University,
Lafayette, Indiana; Miss Evelyn I. Fernald, Boyce Thompson
Institute, Yonkers, N.Y.; Miss Sarah E. Hawthorne, 1021 Trinity
Ave., New York, N.Y.; Dr. Wm. A. Kuntz, Citrus Experiment
Station, Box 6, Lake Alfred, Florida; Miss Mildred C. McAus-
land, 114-35 148th Street, Jamaica, L.I., N.Y.; Dr. Fredda Doris
Reed, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Mass.; Dr. R. E.
Stone, Ontario Agric. College, Guelph, Ont. ; Dr. Alexander V.
Tolstoouhov, 24 Arden Street, New York, N.Y.; Dr. Winona N.
Welch, Dept. of Botany, DePauw University, 25 South Vine
Street, Greencastle, Indiana; Prof. Wm. H. Weston, Jr., Farlow
Herbarium, 20 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, Mass. :

For the scientific part of the meeting Mr. R. Bamford of
Columbia University presented a paper entitled “Cytological Stud-
ies of Sterile Violet Hybrids.” An abstract, kindly furnished by
Mr. Bamford, follows. :

A detailed description was given of morphological characters,
pollen, chromosome numbers, and meiotic divisions preceding
microspore formation of four sterile F, violet hybrids produced
by cross pollinations. The hybrids are as follows:

V. incognita Brainerd, x lanceolata L.

V. pallens (Banks) Brainerd x cucullata Ait.

V. silvatica Fries x striata Ait.

V. elatior Fries x striata Ait.

(female parent given first in each case)

The results indicate that chromosome numbers per $° bgt
merely an accompanying feature of the phenomena of fertility
and sterility. The cell as the fundamental, vital unit is stressed,

+

95

rather than the conception of homologous chromosomes, as being
the solution to the incompatibility problem.
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR H. Graves, Secretary pro tem

MEETING oF APRIL 7, 1931

The meeting was called to order by President Sinnott at 8:30
P.M. at the American Museum of Natural History with fifty mem-
bers present.
= The following candidates were unanimously elected to mem-
bership in the club: Mr. Hubert Vecchierello, O.F.M., St. Bona-
venture’s College, St. Bonaventure, N.Y. ; Dr. Paul M. Patterson,
University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina; Dr.
Flora A. Haas, A.S.T.C., Normal Station, Conway, Arkansas;
Mr. Robert Stratton, 320 Hester Street, Stillwater, Oklahoma ; Dr.
Grace L. Clapp, Milwaukee Downer College, Milwaukee, Wiscon-
sin, -

Dr. William Crocker of the Boyce Thompson Institute gave
an interesting talk on “Gas Injury To Plants,” an abstract of which
ollows

All of the work, both on plants and animals, indicates that
ethylene is an anaesthetic par excellence and has a very low de-
gree of toxicity. In plants, in general it acts as a stimulant, 1n-
ducing growth in certain regions of the plant or accelerating 1t in

other regions where growth is already occurring. It also hastens

96

respiration and accelerates the decomposition of chlorophyll in
some fruits and leaves. Ethylene injury to plants can be distin-
guished from the injury caused by such toxic gases as sulphur
dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, and ammonia. The latter gases cause
the rapid killing of tissue, while ethylene causes injury largely by
stimulating growth, or metabolism, and never shows quick killing
or burning of the tissue. It stimulates growth of the abscission
layers which produce the fall of petals or leaves or the extra
growth on the upper side of the petioles of many plants which
leads to epinastic response. It causes the development of in-
tumescent growth on some stems and roots. In the rose, gardenia,

Doctors Zimmerman, Hitchcock and Crocker have made a
study of more than 100 species and varieties of plants commonly

in pure air. It will also stimulate the fall of the cherry in a oa
culiar way, that is, by developing an abscission layer in the pedun

g of

97

the cherry due to old age leaves the peduncle on the plant. With
long exposure (3 to 6 days) to illuminating gas, the rose is also
sensitive to relatively low concentrations. The leaves are more sen-
sitive than the flower buds and in low concentrations show the
gradual yellowing of the leaflets along the main rib and the side
veins, finally leading to leaf and leaflet fall. This response will
take place in dilutions of ethylene as high as one part in one mil-
lion to one part in two millions of air with sufficient time of ex-
posure. The lilies are somewhat less sensitive and show a killing of
the bud but no injury to the foliage, especially in the higher dilu-
tions. It has often been claimed for lilies, tulips, narcissi, and
other liliaceous forms that the gas causes a distortion of the
eaves. This is not true in any liliaceous forms studied except the

,, Considerable damage has been claimed by various florists from
illuminating gas. This work puts into the hands of the florist the
best way of determining whether gas is present in the greenhouse
at any time and thereby protects him against a continual period of
injury from gas. It has also emphasized to the gas companies the
“Xtreme danger of injury to greenhouses from leaks in their mains
in the neighborhood of greenhouses and is leading them to adopt
Precautionary measures commensurate with the danger.
The meeting adjourned for refreshments at 9:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Forman T. McLean, Secretary

NEWS NOTES

Dr. Ratpu C. BENEDICT, at present chairman of the depart-
ment of sciences at Haaren High School, New York City, has ac-
cepted the appointment of Associate Professor of Biology at
Brooklyn College. Dr. Benedict will enter upon his new duties with
the beginning of the fall term. He will continue to serve as Resident
Investigator at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a position he has held
since 1916.

Dr. L. O. KuNnxKEL, pathologist at the Boyce Thompson In-
stitute at Yonkers, has accepted an appointment by the Rocke-
feller Institute for Medical Research to head a new division of
plant pathology to be established in connection with its department
of animal pathology located near Princeton, New Jersey. The
combined laboratories will hereafter be known as the Department
of Animal and Plant Pathology of the Rockefeller Institute.

Dr. R. H. CHENey, Professor of Biology at Long Island Uni-
versity, has been appointed Resident Investigator at the Brooklyn
Botanic Garden. This appointment is in line with the reciprocal
relations recently established between the Brooklyn Botanic Gar-
den and Long Island University, whereby students registered in
accepted courses at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and meeting the
admission requirements of the University can receive undergradu-
ate credit at the University.

A trust fund for botanical research has been established at
the University of Minnesota as the result of a request made by the
late Dr. J. Arthur Harris a year ago on his deathbed. He asked
that nothing be spent on flowers for his funeral, but that the money
be put into a trust fund for research in botany. The fund, con-
tributed by university staff members and others, now tota
$1,066.21. Dr. Harris was head of the Botany Department at Mr
nesota and was also connected with the Agricultural Experiment
Station at the University. He was an authority on biometrics, and
one of the four authors of “The Measurement of Man,” a study
in that field adopted by the Scientific Book Club last sun:
From The University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, Minn.

98

99

Dr. J. S. KARLING, Professor of Botany at Columbia Univer-
sity and physiologist of the Tropical Plant Research Foundation,
Washington, D.C., sailed on May 21 for British Honduras to con-
tinue his studies and tapping experiments on Achras zapota and
other gum yielding species. This is the fifth expedition to the
tropics undertaken jointly by the Tropical Plant Research Foun-
dation and the Botany Department of Columbia University for
American gum companies, to investigate the source of chicle and
the possibility of plantation culture. An experiment station and
plantation consisting of approximately 45,000 acres has been es-
tablished at Honey Camp in the Orange Walk District.

At the University of Michigan, Professor C. H. Kauffman has
been made Professor Emeritus of Botany and Emeritus Director
of the University Herbarium. Professor Kauffman has not re-
covered from the stroke of paralysis which he suffered in Febru-
ary, 1930. Although he has shown some improvement he is still an
invalid confined to his bed. Professor E. B. Mains, formerly of
Purdue University, was appointed last September Professor of
Botany and Acting Director of the University Herbarium. He be-
came Director on Professor Kauffman’s retirement in February of
this year. Dr. William Randolph Taylor came to the University last
October as Professor of Botany and Curator of Algae in the Uni-
versity Herbarium. The staff of the Herbarium have been busy
this past winter working over the collections made on Isle Royal, in
Lake Superior, last summer. About 2600 cryptogams were collected
by Dr. A. H. Povah and J. L. Lowe, and 1100 phanerogams and
ferns by C. A. Brown and J. B. McFarlin. The last named has spent
the winter in central Florida making a study of the flora of that
Tegion. Since January, Professor H. H. Bartlett has been in British
Honduras and Guatemala as the botanist of the party from the
University Museum working in coöperation with the Carnegie In-
stitution of Washington with headquarters at Uaxactun.

TORRES

Vol. 31 July-August, 1931 | No. 4

Some notes on vegetational change
ROBERT R. HUMPHREY

During the winter of 1928, while looking through “The
Plant Life of Maryland,” (1) I ran acrossa statement by Dr. For-
rest Shreve in which he says, ‘Where extensive clearings exist
and scarcely any areas of virgin forest remain, as is the case in
Maryland, itis extremely difficult to reconstruct a picture of the
virgin vegetation, and equally difficult to draw wholly satis-
factory conclusions as to the relation between natural vegeta-
tion and the physical conditions. Particularly is the character of
the forests changed by clearing.” The statements did not seem
to me to be entirely justified, so at my first opportunity, which
happened to be the following summer, I spent some little time
unearthing what records I could find at the Library of Con-
gress which bore any references to the early vegetation of Mary-
land or adjacent territory. While there is undoubtedly some
literature there which I did not find, and some elsewhere which
was not available to me at the time, I was able to uncover a
number of references to the flora of that region at approximately
the time of the first European settlements there. While these
writings do not entirely fulfill my original purpose in making the
study, they do throw some light on the vegetation of the region
at an early date. It has been necessary to cut the quotations
down to include only those which give the most information on
the points in question, a proceeding which has eliminated many
of the most interesting passages.

Among the passages which follow will be found some con-
cerning the country as far north as the New England States and
as far south as the Carolinas: these have been included because
they fall within the same vegetational area as Maryland and
Virginia, and because the entire eastern portion of the country
has been subjected to much the same processes of lumbering and
cultivation. The numbers in black type refer to the literature
Citations at the end of the paper. :

2: 218-219. “The products of Virginia and Maryland differ

101

102

considerably from those of Pennsylvania, from their nearer
neighborhood to the sun. As to timber and wood, they have all
the sorts that are found upon the continent; many sorts of oaks,
cedars, firs, cyprus, elm, ash and wallnut; some of their oaks
are said to measure two feet square and sixty feet in height.
They have also, beech, poplar, hazel, besides sassafras, sarsapa-
rilla, and other dying woods. The unsettled country is all a
forest of these trees, without underwood, and not standing so
close but they may anywhere be rode through. Near the coast
the lowlands are all swamps from which grow cedars, pines, and
cypresses.”’

2: 270-271. ‘There is the greatest reason to suppose that
vineyards would thrive here advantageously, from the uncom-
mon plenty of wild vines found in the woods, through all the
back country.”’

3: 50-56. “Filberd, both with hairy husks upon the Nuts,
and setting hollow from the Nut, and filled with a kind of water
of an astringent taste ... The Kernals are seldom without mag-
ots in them. Walnut; the nuts differ much from ours in Europe,
they being smooth, much like a nutmeg in shape, and not much
bigger; some three cornered; all of them but thinly replenished
with kernels.

“Chestnuts; very sweet in taste and may be (as they usually
are) eaten raw; the Indians sell them to the English for twelve
pence the bushel.

“Beech, Ash, Quick-beam or wild ash. Birch, white and
black, ... Poplar, but differing in leaf. Plumb Tree, several
kinds, bearing some long, round, white, yellow, red, and black
Plums; all differing in their fruit from those in England.”

3: 30. “Oak of Hierusalem. Oak of Cappadocia. Wild cherry,
they grow in clusters like grapes, of the same bigness, blackish,
red when ripe, and of harsh taste.

“Board Pine, is a very large tree two or three fadom about.
It yields a very sovereign turpentine for the curing of desperate
wounds.

“Firr tree or Pitch tree. ... :

“The Larch Tree, which is the only Tree of all the Pines,
that sheds its leaves before winter. ae

“Spruce is a goodly tree of which they make masts for ships,
and Sail Yards ..., many of them (trees) being three fathom
about and of great length.

103

“ ,. Green Spruce .... Hemlock tree, a kind of Spruce.

“Sassafras, or ague tree.”

meee, UImus i 25.”

4:41. “Acer, leaves angular palmate, flowers almost apeta-
lous, sessile, fruit peduncled corymbose.

“Acer virginianum, leaves large, silvery beneath, shiny
green above.

“Acer, red flowered, leaves large, green above, shining sil-
very beneath.

“Plantano, exudes an odoriferous gum. (Sweet gum.)”’

4:58. ‘‘Tilia—leaves large, mucronate.”

4:60. “Liriodendron. Tulipifera arbor virginiana.”

4:115. “Alnus communis Clayt. Betula ... twigs pliant,
lenticels. Quercus ..., leaves lanceolate, entire, (Willow oak).
Quercus alba (White oak). Quercus—cuneate trilobate, decid-
uous (Water oak). Quercus—with chestnut leaves, (Chestnut
oak). Quercus—(Red oak). Juglans nigra. Juglans alba. Fagus
with leaves lanceolate to acute ovate, serrate... . Castanea
pumila (chinquapin bush). Fagus vulgaris Clayt. Corylus with a
round and hard kernel, Clayt. Castanea with a sweet fruit Clayt.
Carpinus .... Platanus occidentalis.”

4: 119. “Pinus, with cones arising in clusters, leaves long,
three from each sheath. Clayt. (Cluster pine). Pinus... with
smaller cones less clustered together Clayt. (Spruce pine). Cu-
. pressus virginiana.”

121. “Nyssa with a many flowered peduncle. Nyssa with
a one flowered peduncle. Morus with small leaves. Fraxinus
With entire leaflets.”

:5. “It is an excellent country for Dying-Stuff and curious
simples, as also for several other curious woods used in wains-
Coating and cabinet, such as cedar, cypress, sassafras, blackwal-
nut etc.”

6': 11. “Cupressus americana. The cypress, (except the
tulip tree) is the tallest and largest in these parts of the world.
‘ear the ground some of ‘em measure 30 foot in circumference,
"sing pyramidally six foot, where it is about two thirds less;
rom which to the limbs, is usually 60 or 70 foot, it grows 1n pro-
Portion of other trees.”

6': 18. “The Chestnut Oak. This oak grows only in low and
very good land, and is the tallest and largest of the oaks in these
Parts of the world... .”

104

6': 19. “Quercus (forte) marylandica. The Black Oak. Usu-
ally grows on the poorest land and is small.”

6': 21. “Quercus Alba Virginiana Park. The white oak. This
nearest resembles our common English Oak in the shape of it’s
leaves, acorns and manner of growing; .... It grows on all
kinds of land, but most on high barren ground amongst Pine
trees.

“There is another kind of white oak which in Virginia is
called the Scaly White Oak . . . . They grow on rich land both
high and low:

“Quercus caroliniensis. The White Oak with Pointed Not-
ches. The leaves of this oak are notched, and have sharp points.”

6': 23. “Quercus .... The Red Oak. The leaves of this oak
retain no certain form . . . . They grow on high land.”
6': 34. “Populus nigra leaves large... . The Black Poplar

of Carolina. They are large and very tall.”

6': 38. “Nux Juglans alba virginiensis Park. The Hiccory
tree. This is usually a tall tree and usually grows to a large bulk,
the Body usually being from two to three feet diameter. Nux
Juglans Caroliniensis with a small fruit . . . . The Pignut. The
White Walnut. Another walnut remains to be observed which I
never saw but in Virginia and is there called the white walnut.
The tree is usually small... .”

6°: 41. “A tree growing in water, leaves wide accuminate
and not dentate. Fruit smaller than the Eleagnus. The Tupelo
Tree. This tree usually grows large and spreading... - The
grain of the wood is curled and very tough. They grow usually
in moist places, in Virginia, Maryland, and Carolina.”

61:48. Arbor T. ulipifera Virginiana with three parted
maple shaped leaves. This tree grows to a very large size, some
of them being thirty foot in circumference . . . . These trees are
found in most parts of the northern continent of America, and
generally on very good land.”

6': 56. “Platanus occidentalis. The Western Plane Tree.
This tree usually grows very large and tall.... In Virginia
they are plentifully found in all the lower parts of the country,
but in Carolina there are few except in the hilly parts, particu-
larly on the banks of Savanna River.”

6': 60. “A tree growing in water wide accuminate dentate
leaves fruit larger than the Eleagnus. The Water Tupelo. Ths
tree has a large trunk, especially near the ground, and grows

105

very tall. These trees always grow in wet places and usually in
the shallow parts of rivers and in swamps.”

6!: 62. “Acer virginianum, large leaves, silvery beneath,
strongly shining above. The Red Flowering Maple. These trees
grow to a considerable height, but their truncs are not very
large.”

61: 67. “Nux Juglans nigra Virginiensis Park. The Black
walnut. Most parts of the Northern Continent of America
abound with these trees, particularly Virginia and Maryland,
toward the Heads of the Rivers where in rich low Land they
grow in great Plenty and to a vast size.”

6!: 63. “Amelanchier virginiana .... The fringe tree. On
banks of Rivulets and running Streams this Shrub is most com-
monly found.”

6: 65. “Liquid-Amber Tree. The Sweet Gum Tree.”

6?: 76. ‘‘Guajacona. These trees grow plentifully in Caro-
lina, Virginia and most of the Northern Colonies in America.”
(Evidently persimmon.)

6: XXII. “There are in Carolina, four kinds of Pine trees
which are there distinguished by the names of Pitch Pine, Rich
land Pine, Short leav’d Pine, Swamp Pine. The Pitch Pine is the
largest of all the Pine trees and mounts to greater height than
any of them . . . . These trees grow mostly on the poorest land.
The Rich land Pine is not so large a tree;... they grow In
better land than the Pitch Pine. The Short leav’d Pine is usu-
ally a small tree with short leaves and small cones. It delights in
middling land and usually grow mixed with oaks. Swamp Pine
grows on barren wet land; they are generally tall and large . ie
There is also in Carolina a fir which is called Spruce-Pine.

7:11. “There is near Cumberland and within ten or twelve
miles of the river (Potomac) a tract of country that abounds
with very large white pine trees, suitable for masts of ships;
some of these trees are from five to six feet in diametre and run
Up one hundred feet without a branch.”

. 8:16. “The woods for the most part are free from under-
Wood, so that a man may travel on horsebacke, almost any-
where, or hunt for his recreation.” ‘

8:18. “The timber of these parts is very good and in
aboundance . . . ; the white Oake is good Mae P pe praves, Pe
ted Oake for wainsot. There is also Walnut, Cedar, Pine, and
Cypresse, Chestnut, Elme, Ashe, and Poplar, all of which are

106

for building and Husbandry. Also there are divers sorts of fruit
trees, as Mulberries, Persimmons, with several other kind of
Plummes, and Vines in great aboundance.’

: 22. “To goe yet a little further, I know no one countree
yielding without art or industry so manie fruites sure I am Eng-
land doth not; wild grapes in abundance all the woods over, their
juice sweet and pleasant in taste, some of them wee haue re-
planted in a vineyard adioyning to Henrico, the quantity of
three or four Akres which were this year very plentifully laden
.... Cherries little inferior to ours, which if we planted may
prooue as much better as now they are worse. Pissmienplums in
bygnes and fashion like a Medlar like to a slipticke quality,
other sorts of plums like to our wheat plums and in goodness
answerable: great fields and woods abounding with strawberries
much fairer and more sweet than ours, Mulberries of much big-
nesse, and about the Bermuda Cittie Hundirds thereunto be-
longing great store thereof , Moricocks of the fashion of a Lem-
mon whose blossome may admit comparisome with our most de-
lightsome and bewtifull flowers, and the fruit exceedingly pleas-
ant and tasteful; chestnut-trees towards the fals as many as
oakes, and as fertile, many goodly groves of Chincomen Trees
with a huske like unto a chesnut, raw or boyled, luscious and
harty meate; walnuts of three or four sorts; . . . some filberds
have I seen; crabbes great store, lesse but not so sower as ours.”

10: 35. “The whole country is a perfect forest except where
the woods are cleared for Plantations, and old fields, and where
have been formerly Indian towns, and Poisoned fields and Mead-
ows where the Timber has been burnt down in Fire-Hunting or
otherwise; and about the creeks and rivers are large rank mor-
asses Or marshes and up the country are poor Savannahs.”

10: 38. “As for timber they abound with excellent good;
having about eight sorts of oak, several kinds of walnut tives
and Hickory and Pignut, Pine, Cedar, Cypress for shingles . - --

10: 128. “Then as for oak, no country has finer or more
plenty; ...andI question if Gottenburgh or any other port of
Europe can afford us better pines for Masts and Yards. --
than what grow in Virginia in several places in very great
plenty; ..”

: 10: 141. “Thus suppose we should have more of the follow-
ing things than our own use requires ... , such as timber for
Ship and House Car penters, and Cabinet makers, Joyners etc

107

such as Oak, Deal, Walnut, Hickory, Cedar, Cypress, Locust
and the like... .”

11: 27—28. ‘‘Whereas that part of America or North Vir-
ginia lying about 39 degrees on Delaware Bay called the Prov-
ince of New Albion, ...and replenished with the goodliest
woods of oaks . . . , mulberries, sweet cypress, cedars, pines and
firres, 4 sorts of grapes for wine and raisons.”

11: 28-30. “... and the woods bestrewed many moneths
with chestnuts, wall-nuts and mast of several sorts to feed them
(sheep). There the barren grounds have four kinds of grapes and
many mulberries with ash elms and the tallest and greatest
pines and pitch trees that I have seen. There are cedars, cy-
presse and sassafras with wilde fruits, pears, wilde cherries,
Pineapples and the dainty Parsemenas.”’

12: 3. “The names of those streets (of Philadelphia) are
mostly taken from the things that spontaneously grow in the
country, as Vine-Street, Mullberry-Street, Chesnut-Street,
Wallnut-Street, Strawberry-Street, Cranberry-Street, Plumb-
Street, Hickory-Street, Pine-Street, Oake-Street, Beech-Street,
Poplar-Street and the like.”

13: 73. “Thee need not collect any more Tulip Cones,
Swamp Laurel Cones, Hickory, Black Walnut, Sassafras or
Dogwood, Sweet gum, White Oak Acorns, Swamp Spanish Oak,
nor Red Cedar berries; but all other sorts of acorns, Firs, Pines,
Black Gum, or Black Haw, Judas Tree, Persimmon, Cherries,
Plums, Services, Hop Tree, Benjamin, or allspice; All the sorts
of Ash, Sugar Tree, Wild Roses, Black Beech, or Hornbeam; all
sorts of flowering and berry bearing shrubs, Honey Locust, Lime
Tree, Arrow Wood, a particular Locust, Guelder Rose, not any-
thing can come amiss to thy friend and in particular to thy
true friend. —P. Collinson.”

13:75. “I am informed that the Jerseys is noted for pro-
ducing abundance of Firs and Pines.”

13:79. “Friend John, June 17, 1736.

I have now a very curious account before me, sent by Paul
Dudley from his house in Roxbury, New England, Oct. 24,
1735, who very ingeniously describes the evergreens of New
England, in two sheets of paper. This is his catalogue— :

‘White Pine. Pitch Pine. Saplin or Pople Pine. Apple Pine.
Hemlock, a small fir. Spruce tree, distinguished into white,

108

black and red, from the color of the bark and leaf. White Cedar,
Red Cedar. Savin. Juniper. Ivy, a shrub. Box.’ ”

13: 82. “We have raised a pretty many fine plants from
the tree in the Jerseys. It is a real Lotus or Nettle Tree (Celtis
occidentalis L.), and is a native of your part of the world; is
found in Virginia and in other parts.”

13: 110. “I had the pleasure of thine from Maryland....
the Laurels are perfectly fine. That and the white cedar are
very acceptable.”

13: 194. “A journey to the Katskill Mountains, 1753. We
set out on the first of September, and travelled forty miles; the
next day we travelled near fifty and the next day crossed the
South Chains, being three ridges of our Blue Mountains, on
Jersey side, where we stayed ... to rest ourselves, and observe
the vegetables that grew thereon; which were Mountain Chest-
nut oak, Mountain or Champagne Red Oak, and some Spanish
Oak, Sassafras, Chestnut and Maple; Ash, black and white,
Wild Cherry, Persimmon, and three leaved pine. Shrubs, sweet
fern, and in swampy places, Prinos; and very good Fox Grapes.
tae (Alnus incana) which is plentiful in this part of the coun-
try.”

13: 232. “I have sent thee seeds of almost every tree and
shrub from Nova Scotia to Carolina; very few are wanting,
and from the sea across the continent to the lakes. J. Bartram.

RESUME

While the quotations just given do not give us a complete
picture of the former vegetation, they do enable one to draw
some conclusions as to its character. The woods were apparently
freer from underbrush than is the case at present, a condition
which may be attributed directly to the absence of man and his
improvements via the axe, plow and fire. The large size at-
tained by many of the trees is further evidence that there was
little or no disturbance and the forests consequently largely
closed. In undisturbed stands of timber at the present time this
condition is sometimes met with, though it is by no means com-

In a number of the references there seems to be some confu-
n as to certain of the species of conifers, a condition which
may probably be corrected by substituting Hemlock for Spruce
and Fir where these are given occurring south of their present

sio

109

range. The stand of white pine described near Cumberland,
Maryland is, however, quite possibly correct, since the present
range of the white pine includes that region. According to Dr.
Shreve, however, there is no such forest near there at the pres-
ent time.

CONCLUSIONS

From the evidence given, we may say with reasonable
certainty :

1. That the woods were once much more open and many of
the trees a great deal larger than they are at present.

2. That the composition of the forests may have been differ-
ent from that of today, but if it was, we have no evidence for
assuming that the difference was very pronounced.

I wish to thank Dr. Forrest Shreve for his reading and
criticism of this paper.

DESERT LABORATORY
Tucson, ARIZONA

Literature cited

1. Shreve, Forrest, M. A. Chrysler, F. H. Blodgett, and F. W. Besley.
The plant life of Maryland. Johns Hopkins Press, Baltimore. 1910.
2. An American. (Anonymous) American Husbandry. Vols. I and II.
London, 1775.
- Josselyn, John. New England rarities, etc. London. 1672.
4. Gronovius, J. F., and John Clayton. Flora virginica. London. 1739.
5. Hartwell, Blair, Chilton, The present state of Virginia and the College.
ay $727.
6. Catesby, Mark. Natural history of Do Florida, and the Bahama
Islands, etc. Vols. I and II. London. 1731-
ear, Tobias. Observations on pps river J Poona the country adjacent,

io A Hugh. Present state of Virginia. London. 1724
11. Smith, Samuel. The his zi of the colony of Nova- Caesaria or New
Jersey, etc. Bodiugton. New Jerse 65.
. Penn, William. A further ae of the province of Pennsylvania.

k 3. Darlington, William. Memorials of John Bartram and Humphrey
SA Philadelphia. 1849.

Extension of range of downy poplar
FRED R. CLARK

The writer wishes to report an extension of the range of the
downy poplar, Populus heterophylla L. A good sized specimen of
this tree was found growing in a swamp about three miles south-
west of the city of Ann Arbor, Michigan. This specimen was
approximately thirty-five feet in height and measured about
eight inches in diameter, breast high. It was well developed in
every way as far as could be observed. Attention was first called
to it by one of the writer’s students who was attracted by the
large, downy leaves scattered over the ground. After careful
examination the species was determined to be Populus hetero-
bhylla L. As far as the writer can find out from a search of the
literature this tree has been reported from the state only once
before, namely from Cass County by J. H. Roy.* Gray’s
Manual gives the range as “Borders of river swamps, Ct. to
Ga.; also from O. to Ark. and La.” It is not listed in Otis’
“Michigan Trees,” but is recorded in Deam’s “Trees of Indiana”
as growing in swamps in the northern counties of Indiana. It is
likely that the tree could be found growing in other parts of
Michigan if careful search were made for it.

SOUTHEASTERN TEACHERS COLLEGE
DURANT, OKLAHOMA

* Beal, W. J., Michigan Flora. Rept. Mich. Acad. Sci. 5: 68. 1903.

110

Further anent “frost flowers”
An explanation of frost crystals on dried plant stems
H. M. JENNISON

In Mr. Raymond H. Torrey’s article published in TORREYA,
for Jan.-Feb., 1931, we found a very interesting and accurate
account of a phenomenon not uncommonly observed in the
vicinity of Knoxville, Tennessee. At least six of my colleagues
and students have seen and speculated on the formation of
similar ice ribbons. With us, such ice ribbons have been ob-
served on the lower internodes of the main stem of such coarse
herbs as Verbesina occidentalis, V. virginica, and Pluchea peti-
olata. Mr. Torrey concludes with the intriguing question, ‘Can
anyone offer an explanation as to the mechanics of this phen-
omenon?”

The following explanation of the phenomenon in question
has developed as a result of the observations made at times dur-
ing the past three years. No opportunity has been available for
experiments, and I do not suppose that this offering can with-
stand the critical gaze of a physico-mechanical engineer. Per-
haps, however, it may be sufficiently reasonable to satisfy the
average naturalist-observer.

In the first place, it is important to note that phenomena
similar to the one described by Mr. Torrey, as seen by us, occur
during the late fall and mid-winter months. By that time suc-
cessive frosts have defoliated the vegetation and cut down the
tender twigs. When and wherever we have found these fantastic
ice-crystal ribbons they were of considerable size and occurred
near the base of the stem. We have observed them in actual
Process of development. With few exceptions the phenomena
have been noted early in the day, or if later, only on north slopes
where the plants were shaded until late in the afternoon. Up to
the dates of observation, the temperature had not been low
“nough to cut down the stout stems of such coarse herbs as those
-amed above, much less kill the roots. Nor was the ground
frozen, In fact, except in the surface layers the soil was moist
sal warm enough for biological activity. Under the cise
nvironmental conditions, the root systems of these pianis w

still functioning quite vigorously and a considerable root-

111

112

pressure” was forcing water through the larger branches of the
root and up the stems. No leaves, and few if any living cells,
remained above ground to utilize the water being carried up in
the essentially uninjured vessels of the outermost layers of the
xylem. The ascending stream of considerable volume was rather
quickly chilled and the water frozen soon after it reached a
point in the stem slightly above ground. The water, upon being
frozen, expanded and ruptured the cortical tissues appearing as
the beginning of a short ribbon of ice. The first-formed ice is
forced on by the transpiration stream, which freezes as it comes
to the surface and is exposed to sub-freezing temperatures.

The ice masses are thin, fragile, and quite flexible, so that
extensive ribbons or bands, result. We have observed three-inch
wide ice ribbon bands developing to become four or five inches
long. Also, I have observed that the ribbons were faintly cor-
rugated and take this as an indication of the fact that the water
was frozen and was crystallized somewhat before it had emerged
from the tissues of the stem.

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE.

‘*Frost flowers” in Florida
Rotanp M. HARPER

Mr. Raymond H. Torrey’s note on frost crystals on Cunila
in northern New Jersey, in the Jan.-Feb. number of TORREYA,
reminds me of a similar phenomenon that I observed on the
same day about eleven degrees farther south. On the morning of
Nov. 27, 1930 (Thanksgiving Day), I went with Dr. John K.
Small and Dr. Herman Kurz to Wakulla County, Florida, to
show Dr. Small a certain plant he was looking for. In Tallahas-
see, 18 miles north of the locality to be cited, the weather had
been cloudy and rainy most of the month (much more than usual
for November), but that day was clear, and there had been a
killing frost the night before.

In flat pine woods underlaid by limestone, in the Gulf Ham-
mock region, about half way between Wakulla and St. Mar k's,
we noticed around a cypress pond, on many dead stems of
Pluchea foetida (formerly known as P. bifrons), a few inches from
the ground, delicate excrescences of ice almost exactly like that
figured by Mr. Torr ey; something that none of us had ever seen

113

in Florida before, though it may not be infrequent when the
right combination of weather conditions occurs.

That this phenomenon is comparatively rare is suggested by
the fact that it has been considered worth writing up by several —
different people in the past, some of whom seem to have just en-
countered it for the first time. None of the papers on the sub-
ject is accessible to me at this writing, but I believe some are
earlier than the reference cited by Mr. Torrey. Some of the best
accounts are by MacDougal."

My last previous experience with ‘“‘frost flowers,” as nearly
as I can remember, was nearly 25 years before, in Tuscaloosa
County, Alabama. There I found the same sort of crystals,
though somewhat differently shaped, exuding from the stems of
Verbesina occidentalis, on December 5, 1905, a day when there
was frost in shady places all day.’

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

1 MacDougal, D. T., Science 22: 351-352. 1893. Bot. Gaz. 19: 120-121.
1894. Bot. Gaz. 27: 69-71. 1899. References supplied by Editor.
? Harper, R. M. Plant World 9: 1906.

EES iat amine ie oer aT

Additional notes

For the benefit of our readers and to give evidence of the
ancient lineage of this question we quote in part herewith the
short article in the Botanical Gazette (19: 120-121) by Dr. Mac-
Dougal referred to by Dr. Harper. It appears from this that the
observations of this phenomenon go back over 100 years.

a Frost Plants.—Prof. Lester F. Ward’s observations on (7e
frost. freaks of the dittany,’ in the GAZETTE for April, ,

c
bifrons (now Pluchea

of .
Stephen Elliot on the stem of Conyza formation on the

bifrons). Sir John Herschel noticed a similar
(Quarterly Bulletin of the University of Minnesota 2: 30. 1894.
: Flora Cestrica p. 350. 1837. ; 322. 1824.
Sketch of the botany of South Carolina and Georgia. P- 442

114
stalks of heliotrope and thistle. Prof. John Leconte made an
extended study of the frost crystals of Pluchea camphorata and
P. bifrons, in 1848, along the coast of South Carolina and
Georgia.” Prillieux in his investigations on freezing in intercell-
ular spaces described the formation of radial ice plates by herb-
aceous plants.* These observations were duplicated by Trecul at
the same time, and Sachs has given some matter bearing upon

the frost freaks of the dittany are a matter of common informa-
tion in the locality in which his observations were made.”

In these accounts there are two points which seem signifi-
cant. First, the occurrence of the phenomenon was either in the
late fall when it is quite possible that the lower or root portions
were not entirely dead; or, if later in the winter, they were re-
ported from the southern states, where there is still a chance
that the roots might be living. The second point (if we refer
to the broad plates) is the remarkable restriction of the phe-
nomenon to only a few kinds of plants. Cunila, Pluchea, and
Verbesina, in whatever part of the country they may be, are
almost the unanimous choice of the “frost flowers.” It is cer-
tainly significant that with the thousands of herbaceous plants
available these should be the ones selected.

In view of these facts one would think that, as Professor
Jennison says, the roots are still alive and functioning (a matter
that could be easily verified by microscopical examination) and
secondly, that these particular genera, in addition to possessing
roots tenacious of their vitality, have stems which are peculiarly
brittle, splitting easily in a vertical or length-wise direction,
perhaps coincident with some corresponding arrangement of the
xylem, so that the water forced up the stem, on reaching the
Outer portions, freezes and splits the bark, the ice thus formed
being pushed out by newer ice layers formed within, essentially
as Prof. Jennison explains it. Anatomical and microscopic
studies could doubtless clear up the whole question, if indeed,
this has not already been done.

A. H. GRAVES

ë London and Edinburgh Phil. Mag. —: 110. 1833.

7 Proc. sA. 9. 1880.

* Compt. Rend. 70: 405. 1870.

* Lehrbuch. 2 Aufl. p. 614,

° Bot. Gaz. 19: 40, 1894,

BOOK REVIEWS
Nature rambles—spring!

Those members of the Torrey Botanical Club who have had
the good fortune to listen to the lectures of Professor Medsger,
who is, by the way, a member of the club of long standing, have
doubtless been impressed by the peculiarly unique way in which
he weaves in little interesting bits of information and deductions
he has made from his observations of natural objects—plants,
birds, trees, insects, stones, etc. For more than twenty-five
years he has taught natural history in high school and college
and for some fifteen years he was a nature leader in summer
camps. This book, which was written at the request of the pub-
lishers, has, throughout, the same quality, and, moreover, is
written in plain, straightforward language, easily understood by
boys and girls. It is also pervaded throughout by an enthusiasm
for and a poetic appreciation of the out-of-doors which is ir-
resistible and contagious.

Looking it over brought back the days of my boyhood. What
a joy it would have been to have owned such book then! But
it is written also, as Dr. Fisher says in the foreword, ‘‘for adults
who have not stopped learning.” Professor Medsger writes me
that three other volumes are to follow—one for each season,
and we shall look forward to the pleasure of seeing them.

ARTHUR H. GRAVES

A field key to the genera of wild and cultivated trees?

Miss Barrett, another well known member of the club, and
formerly a teacher at the State Normal School and the State
Teachers’ College at Montclair, New Jersey, has prepared this
excellent key for those who wish to identify trees when they are
in leaf. A page of drawings in explanation of the most important
characters is added, as well as several pages of explanation of

. _ Barrett, Mary Franklin, A field key to the genera of the wild and cul-
tivated hardy trees of the Northeastern States and Canada., 40 pp. Published
by the author ; 64 Park Avenue, Bloomfield, N. J. 1931. Price, $.35.

15

116

terms used, and an index. We say it is an excellent key, because
we have tried it for several genera, and have found that it
“works.” An especially valuable feature is the inclusion of cul-
tivated genera such as Buxus, Torreya, Cercidiphyllum, Shep-
herdia, Acanthopanax, Eucommia, Gordonia, Buddleia, Cory-
lopsis, Maackia, Koelreuteria, and many others, which to a
beginner are insurmountable stumbling blocks, since they are
not included in most keys; and yet they do occur, some of them
very commonly, in the parks and estates of the Northeast.

ARTHUR H. GRAVES

FIELD IRIPS OF THE CLUB
FIELD Trip oF SuNDAY, May 17

Our party of ten left the shores of Greenwood Lake at Lake-
side, which lies at 620 feet elevation, the objective being Sur-
prise Lake nestling above, to the westward, in a steep-sided de-
pression, slightly over 1300 feet above sea level. Ascending the
trail up the mountainside by easy stages, we paused halfway at
the never-failing spring presided over by the three tupelos
(Nyssa sylvatica) and then headed for Lookout Rock. An ideal
day gave fine visibility from this vantage point, and the ex-
tended panorama of rolling hills in all directions was indeed an
inspiring sight. It was possible to discern several of the Catskill
mountains far to the north, and in this way to orient the
members of our group, most of whom were visiting the region for
the first time.

The forest rang with bird songs, the peak of the spring
migration having been reached by this date. Many of the birds
are, however, permanent residents of the region, notably the
golden-winged warbler and the pileated woodpecker. Along the
trail and in bloom were such members of the spring flower troupe
as one‘commonly encounters over these hills—viz:—Pedicularts
canadensis, Zizia aurea, Polygala paucifolia, Panax trifolium,
Arisaema triphyllum, Aralia nudicaulis, Aquilegia canadensts,
Trientalis americana, Smilacina racemosa, and also the much
rarer Smilacina stellata. ;

It is gratifying to note the steady increase of Cypripedtum
acaule over the Bearfort, although but a few plants were actu-

117

ally in full bloom, another week being needed for the perfection
of their rich and showy beauty. Along the same rocky ledges
with the moccasin flower was also found in bloom the sturdy
though fragile-looking Corydalis sempervirens, and this plant
was of fairly common occurrence throughout the day. On the
summit of the long, rocky ridges was much of the black choke-
berry, Pyrus melanocarpa. In full bloom, it arrested attention

i FIGURE 1. Trillium undulatum Willd. Painted Trillium. Found on trip e
The Unknown Pond,” Bearfort Mountain, N. J. May 17, 1931. Photo by
Louis W, Anderson.

and was cause for comment, both for its delicate beauty and
manner of thriving in the interstices of the rocks.
Everywhere as we progressed over the tops of th
the showy, full blown, though small trees of Prunus pennsyl-
vanica were much in evidence. Upon reaching Surprise Lake,
we came upon a large colony of Woodwardia virginica, while
bordering the lake was Chamaedaphne calyculata in full bloom.

e ridges,

118

Springing up over a good-sized area was Aralia hispida, which
was interesting to note, being of uncommon occurrence in this
part of the country. But the most interesting find of the Sur-
prise Lake section was one plant of the rare Clematis verticillaris
bearing two full blown flowers.

Striking out through somewhat rough country we finally
reached, at an altitude of about 1280 feet, the Unknown Pond,
or the “Unnamed Pond” as it is termed in “The New York
Walk Book.” Hereabouts was found another station of the
somewhat rare Virginia chain fern; and Ilex laevigata, the smooth
winterberry, was another interesting addition to our list.

The “high spot” of the day, however, was the discovery of
the painted trillium, Trillium undulatum: five perfect flowers
were counted. We believe this to be a new locality for the species,
although it has long been recorded from Passaic County, and
from Sussex and Orange Counties. In his column in the New
York Evening Post of May 22, Mr. Torrey suggests re-naming
the Unknown Pond “Painted Trillium Pond” in honor of this
unusual and beautiful species. (Figure 1.)

We recommend this somewhat inaccessible spot, hemmed in
by rhododendron jungles and hidden by black spruce, for
further and more intensive study.

HELENE LUNT

BRANCHVILLE NATURE CONFERENCE
May 22-24

The annual outing for nature students, sponsored by the
Torrey Botanical Club, and led by Mr. and Mrs. William Gavin
Taylor, was held at ‘‘The Pines,” Branchville, New Jersey,
May 22-24 inclusive. Ninety-eight members and friends from
various clubs attended. A large number of the party reached
the inn Friday afternoon in time to do justice to an excellent
dinner, and enjoy a reunion and bird concert. In the evening we
gathered in the recreation hall and listened to an illustrated talk
by Dr. Henry S. Kiimmel, State Geologist of New Jersey, who
outlined some geological features of the surrounding country,
which he planned to visit with a group the following day. _

Mrs. A. Tennyson Beals explained the process of banding
and recording birds, as carried out by licensed co-operators with
the U. S. Biological Survey. She showed unique and interesting

119

lantern slides, and also exhibited and explained the apparatus
used. Mrs. Beals has the only official bird-banding station in
New York City.

Mr. C. H. Curran of the Department of Entomology, Ameri-
can Museum of Natural History, gave an illuminating talk on
insect life, stressing the point that a very small percentage of
insects is harmful, and that many species are beneficial to man.
He also explained that one often could not get any nearer than
the family in identifying this large division of life, and that any
student might expect to find unrecorded forms.

Very early Saturday morning bird study groups were led by
Dr. and Mrs. Chubb, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Nichols, Miss Helen
Saunders and Miss Ellen Steele. Later, Dr. Kümmel led an ex-
cursion by automobile to points of particular geological interest
in northwestern New Jersey, with the last objective at Ham-
burg, where he pointed out the base of the Cambrian resting on
eroded gneiss, a land surface about 700,000,000 years old. This
group returned to the inn for luncheon. In the afternoon they
took a trip through Sussex to High Point, the highest spot in the
state, where many structural features were pointed out—thence
to Port Jervis and Culver’s Gap, with several stops for instruc-
tion and observation. Between High Point and Port Jervis a
very interesting fossil deposit was visited.

Mr. Curran led a group in the morning and another m me
afternoon, pointing out the varied and fascinating insect life to
be found near the inn. Bird study groups were formed for further
study in the morning and again in the late afternoon.

On Saturday evening in the recreation hall three very in-
structive and entertaining talks were given. The first was by
Dr. Chubb on “Nesting Fish Hawks,” with amusing and educa-
tional slides made by the speaker in Southern New Jersey and
at Gardiner’s Island. Mr. Raymond H. Torrey told of the
history and development of the Appalachian Trail,
reference to its plant life. Mr. A. Tennyson Beals ppoxe po
mosses, showing many slides depicting the mosses highly me
fied, and explaining their elaborate structure, their habitats a
the distinctions between the various groups. He also showed a
fine collection of mosses gathered in the vicinity. Miss Margaret

cKenny, author of a recent book on mushrooms, exhibited a
8enerous number of her original photographs of mushrooms.

120

On Sunday morning, despite a cold drizzle, the zealous
sought birds again. Another leader, Mr. H. C. Hasbrouck, who
arrived Saturday evening, led one of the groups. The rain
dwindled to occasional slight showers. While the insects refused
to come and be observed, various students found birds, flowers,
ferns, mosses and lichens in the neighborhood of the inn. A
group led by Raymond H. Torrey took cars to High Point and
hiked over a section of the Appalachian Trail, returning for
dinner.

Mrs. Chubb reported 56 species of birds, seen or heard by
authorized observers in the various parties.

Regarding the mosses Mr. Beals makes the following state-
ment: “No new or unusual mosses were observed at Branchville
this year, either about the hotel or on the trip to Pine Swamp,
except the Thelia which was noted on the base of oak trees in
woods along the old wood road that we travelled just before
reaching Pine Swamp. Sixty-five species were listed, but this
number could probably be increased to at least 200 with careful
work, in three or four days, within five miles of Pine Hill. Per-
haps the most frequent moss seen along the rocks back of the
hotel is Ammonodon rostratus, of a yellow-green color: it forms
a mat of yellow-green velvet on moist limestone rocks and
about bases of trees in limestone regions. In the pasture to the
north there were great beds of Polytrichum commune L. and
P. juniperinum Willd., while in nearby woods there was an
occasional small patch of P. ohioense Ren. and Gard.—all three
in fine immature fruit. These are all common mosses and are
found in New Jersey wherever suitable conditions exist in the
hill country.”

The fern and flowering plant life in this region is very rich.
A few of the more interesting species are reported by Mr. Ray-
mond H. Torrey:

The most interesting plant discovery of the Branchville
week-end was that made by Mr. Beals in the swamp nort
Mashipicong Pond, namely, Arceuthobium pusillum, the dwarf
mistletoe, parasitic on spruces and larches. It occurred on the

121

causes on the spruce boughs. Other interesting species in this
swamp were Kalmia polifolia, rare in northern New Jersey;
Smilacina trifolia, equally uncommon in this latitude; and Tril-
lium undulatum, one of probably not more than half a dozen
stands in the New Jersey highlands.

A striking plant, which seems locally common on the western
slope of the Kittatinys, and is also found in the cemetery near
the hotel, but does not occur in eastern New Jersey or the lower
Hudson valley, was the Painted Cup, Castilleja coccinea, a splen-
did thing with the scarlet leaves at the top of the stem, below
the small and inconspicuous flowers.

Another handsome display in mass was afforded by dense
colonies of Corydalis semervirens on open ledges on the Appala-
chian Trail, in the Stokes State Forest, their pink-purple bloom
being extraordinarily copious. Cypripedium acaule, pubescens
and parviflorum were found on this trail. Krigia virginica made
pretty little colonies of orange bloom on the thin soil on ledges.

mmense colonies of May-apple, Podophyllum peltatum,
covered old pastures on both east and west slopes of Kittatiny
Mountain. Hound’s Tongue, Cynoglossum officinale, in old pas-
tures, and a somewhat unusual geranium, Geranium carolin-
tanum, were interesting species. i

The sole stand in New Jersey of the Three Toothed Cinque-
foil, Potentilla tridentata, on the summit of High Point, was
visited, and if there is no further disturbance of the natural
conditions incident to the construction of the war monument

Mary P. TAYLOR

CATSKILL Trip, May 30-31
_ A climb of Balsam Cap, 3700 feet, one of the summits in the
line running south from Wittenberg and Cornell, between the
Esopus and Rondout Valleys, from the head of Maltby Hol-
low, on Memorial Day, disclosed the succession backward, from
farly summer flowers in the lowlands to early spring blooms
above 3500 feet, which is always an interesting phenomenon
about the end of May in the Catskills. White daisies and the
king devil, Hieracium florentinum, were in bloom in the fields
West of the Ashokan’ Reservoir. As the climb was started from

122

the Moon Haw Club, three miles west of West Shokan, Tiarella
cordifolia was conspicuous. Trillium erectum was in fruit at 1200
feet, but at 2500 feet it was just coming into bloom and there
was joined by Trillium undulatum, in fine flower. Streptopus,
both roseus and amplexifolius, with their dainty, nodding, con-
cealed flowers, were numerous at from about 1500 to 3500 feet.
Clintonia borealis was past bloom at 1500 feet, but in prime
flowering condition at 3000. Viburnum alnifolium had likewise
passed blooming at lower levels but the showy outside flowers
were handsome at 3000 feet. A curious phenomenon was noted
in this shrub. Several showed only one pair of leaves, at the end
of the stems, and they were abnormally large, ten inches in
diameter, whereas the usual size is about half that. Examination
showed that the winter leaf- and flower-buds, which are fat and
juicy, had been nipped off by deer, and that the pair of leaves
at the ends of the stems or branches had developed from auxili-
ary buds which had appeared just back of the terminal ones.
All of the energy of the rising sap had poured into the two leaves
at the end, accounting for their extraordinary size.

An interesting find was a single plant of Habenaria Hookeri,
with great round leaves flat on the ground, not yet in bloom. No
Cypripediums were found in the beech and maple woods above
1500 feet, but Cypripedium acaule was numerous in oak woods
on the south side of High Point, at about 800 feet. Near the top
of Balsam Cap, a large slide, 1400 feet long and 100 feet wide,
which occurred in 1930, showed a great scar in the forest cover.
Spruces and yellow birches of large size were overwhelmed in the
slide, which was apparently due to saturation of the loose rocks
and earth by a three days’ storm, on a slope where the cover
was barely in repose, and was partly held in place by the roots of

two mosses, a fern that looked like Woodsia obtusa, and seedling
beeches and maples. A handsome colony of the orange aethalia

ated Point. Its range, as reported in manuals of twenty years
ago, is from Wisconsin and northern Illinois westward, but here

123

it was at the foot of the Catskills. It is suggested that it may
have been established there as an immigrant, the seeds of which
were brought east mixed with grass seed or perhaps in the great
quantities of baled hay, food for the horses used in the construc-
tion of the Ashokan Reservoir and dam, before the days of
automobile tractors.

A large and handsome colony of the oak fern, Phegopteris
Dryopteris, was found at the top of Wagon Wheel Gap, on the
east slope of High Point, the course of a glacial stream with
large “fossil” cataracts, which drained the Esopus Valley, when
the eastern opening was blocked by thick ice. The deeply piled
rock fragments in this cool, shaded notch keep the winter ice
from melting until midsummer; and the low temperature, a
sharp contrast to that outside, was apparently favorable to the
oak fern, a species common farther north.

On the way up, a splendid purple display in a grass field east
of Middletown proved to be the ragged robin, Lychnis Flos-
cuculli, covering acres, the largest assemblage of the plant I

ave ever seen. Silene noctiflora was also numerous and con-
spicuous in the twilight along the roads in western Orange and
southern Ulster counties.

Raymonp H. TORREY

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CLUB
MEETING OF APRIL 15, 1931

The meeting was called to order by President Sinnott at
3:30 P.M. at the New York Botanical Garden with twenty-four
members present. Minutes of the meetings of March 18 and
April 7 were read and approved.

Correspondence between Dr. Jamestown of the University
of Tennessee and Mr. R. H. Torrey was presented and discussed,
proposing the establishment of a southern branch of the Torrey
Botanical Club at Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Sinnott appointed
a committee of three to consider this matter.

Dr. M. Demerec of the Carnegie Institution of Washington
at Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y. gave an interesting talk on
‘Variegation Studies with Delphinium Ajacis,” an abstract of
which follows:

By using for illustration chlorophyll variegation of Del-
phinium and unstable characters of Drosophila piri evidence

.

was presented which indicates that unstability of genes. 1s

the mutation occurred; and by assuming that on the average
each cell generation doubles the size of a spot, it is possible to
determine the frequency of mutability of the gene during sever

by the gene being composed of smaller independent units

_ Attention was called to the fact that variegations follow cell
lineage and could therefore be used to advantage in studying the
development of organs on which they are visible.

The meeting adjourned at 5 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Forman T. McLean, Secretary
4

125
MEETING OF May 5, 1931

The meeting was called to order by President Sinnott at
8:30 P.M. at the American Museum of Natural History with
fifty-nine members present.

Mr. Carl E. Bliss, 55 Randolph Place, South Orange, N. J.,
was unanimously elected to membership in the Club.

A vote of thanks was given to Dr. S. Fosdick Jones for his
contribution of twenty-five dollars to the Lucien Marcus Under-
‘wood Fund.

Dr. Clyde Fisher gave a most interesting talk on his recent
trip to Iceland and to Arctic Lapland, illustrated by a fine col-
lection of colored lantern slides showing both the people, the
country and the plant life. The interest was considerably in-
creased by the presence of three young ladies dressed in Lap-
pish costumes and fully equipped with the average Laplander’s
utensils.

The meeting adjourned at 9:45, after which refreshments
were served by the entertainment committee in the Hall of
Birds.

Respectfully submitted,
ForMAN T. McLean, Secretary

MEETING oF May 20, 1931

The meeting was called to order by President Sinnott at
3:30 P.M. at The New York Botanical Garden with thirty mem-
bers present. Minutes of the meetings of April 15 and May 5
were read by Dr. Dodge who acted as Secretary in Dr. Mc-

ean’s absence.

Prof. J. J. Copeland, City College, New York, N. Y. and
Mr. Samuel Hirschberg, 359 Lenox Road, Brooklyn, N. Y. were
unanimously elected to membership in the club. :

The request of the Permanent Secretary of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science that the Torrey
Botanical Club express the preference as to the places of meet-
ing of the Association for the years from 1931 to 1940 was read
and the President was empowered to act with the Executive
Committee in selecting places favored by the club.

For the committee appointed to consider the establishment
of local chapters, Professer Harper reported the following res-
olution:

126

Resolved: That the Torrey Botanical Club welcomes the
suggestion that local chapters be established in various parts
of the United States outside the limits of the New York local
flora region. The club authorizes President Sinnott to open
negotiations with Professor Jennison on the following general
basis. (1) Chapters are to bear the name of the locality where
organized. (2) Membership is to consist of at least three regular
members of the parent society. (3) Other members of the chapter
are to receive TORREYA on the payment of $1.00 per year to the
parent society. (4) The chapter may have one representative
on the editorial board, to be nominated by the chapter. It is
understood that the pages of TORREYA are open to the members
of the chapter with such limitations as to space as now exist.
(5) These relations may be terminated after one year’s notice by
either organization.

Dr. B. O. Dodge addressed the club on ‘‘A Further Study of
the Morphology and Life History of Rose Black Spot Fungus,”
as follows.

half were left without protection. Both mildew and black spot
were prevalent on the untreated plants during the summer, and
they showed a great deal of defoliation during September and
October. The protected plants bloomed freely until November

127

Wolf has worked on the life history of the black spot fungus,
Diplocarpon rosae, and has stated that there are two kinds of
mycelium. The first kind is more or less superficial, lying just
beneath the cuticle, and from this mycelium subcuticular
acervuli develop. The second kind is more deep-seated and lies
within the mesophyll tissues. Connecting the two sorts are
hyphal strands which pass down not only between the epider-
mal cells and between the palisade cells but also directly through
them, so that we have intracellular as well as intercellular hy-
h

long haustoria extending down within the cells.
L showi ntered out doors in

In absence of Dr. Arthur Hollick, who was scheduled to
Speak, Miss Marjorie Swift, Assistant Pathologist of the New
York Botanical Garden, gave a talk on “‘Penicillium and Asper-
gillus in Odd Situations.” This talk is published in full in the
July, 1931 number of the Journal of The New York Botanical
Garden. The meeting adjourned at 5:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Forman T. McLean, Secretary

NEWS NOTES

Dr. C. H. KaurrMan, Emeritus Professor of Botany and
Emeritus Director of the University Herbarium of the Univer-
sity of Michigan, died at his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on
the morning of June 14 after an illness of sixteen months as a
result of a paralytic stroke in February, 1930. He was sixty-two
years of age.

Dr. Per AXEL RYDBERG, Curator of the Herbarium of
the New York Botanical Garden, died at the age of seventy-
one years, on July 25th, at his home in the Bronx, New York
City. Although an American citizen, Dr. Rydberg was a native
of Sweden. He had been a member of the club for many years.

Dr. GEORGE SHERMAN AVERY JR., who during the past
year has been on leave from Duke University and has held a
National Research Fellowship in botany at Columbia Univer-
sity, has resigned his position as Assistant Professor of Botany
at Duke and accepted the appointment to a professorship of
botany at Connecticut College, New London, Conn. Miss Julia
Best, Barnard College, 1931, has been appointed instructor in
botany at the same institution.

ACCORDING to a recent ruling of the Board of Examiners for
the New York City schools, those who wish to obtain teaching
licenses in biology in the New York City schools must give evr
dence of an acquaintance with the common trees, shrubs, herbs,
birds and other animals of the region about New York. A list
of the common trees and shrubs of Greater New York has been
prepared by Dr. A. H. Graves, and a list of the common her-
baceous plants by Dr. H. K. Svenson—each list appearing as
an issue of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden LEAFLETS. These lists
may be obtained on application to the Secretary, Brooklyn
Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, and are
‘mailed free to teachers in Greater New York.

128

TORRE.

Vol. 31 September-October No. 5

Modelling the orthic tetrakaidecahedron
Epwin B. MATZKE

One of the most fascinating pages in the history of science is
that which relates the discovery of the planet Neptune. After
long and involved mathematical computations, Adams in Eng-
land and Leverrier in France explained the movement of Uranus
by the existence of a previously unknown planet, and they de-
termined its approximate position. On the basis of Leverrier’s
calculations, Galle, in Berlin, was able almost immediately to
locate the new planet.

Less spectacular, perhaps, less heralded, but no less scien-
tific has been the investigation of cell shapes in the organic
world by Kelvin and Lewis. As far back as 1887 Kelvin pub-
lished an essay ‘‘On the division of space with minimum parti-
tional area,” in which he described a fourteen-sided figure that
he called a tetrakaidecahedron. A similar figure had been known
to the crystallographers even before Kelvin’s publication. In
contrast to the search for Neptune, which went on with almost
feverish haste after the supposed orbit had been approximately
determined, Kelvin’s suggestion lay fallow for thirty-six years;
it was only in 1923 that Lewis showed that cells of elder pith
tend to be fourteen-sided, and at times show an alternation of
hexagonal and square faces suggestive of Kelvin’s figure. Lewis
(1925, 1928) has since extended his observations, and gives data
showing the primarily tetrakaidecahedral form of such diverse
tissues as the stellate cells of Juncus, cells of human adipose and
oral epithelial tissues, and cork cells, while Hein (1930 a, b)
comes to similar conclusions in studying sclerotial tissue of the
fungi. From a mathematical standpoint the orthic tetrakaideca-
oy has been considered in a previous publication (Matzke

27). i

Kelvin apparently arrived at his tetrakaidecahedron from
studying the cubic skeleton frame of Plateau (1873). This ey 1
Produced in figure 1—the frame being shown by the heavy lines.

129

130

If this frame is dipped into a soap solution and then withdrawn,
the soap films form a quadrilateral face in the center, and each
of the four sides of the quadrilateral also forms a side of a half-
hexagon. This relationship is similar to a quadrilateral face of
Kelvin’s tetrakaidecahedron, which is surrounded by four hex-
agonal faces (as shown in figure 3). The limits of the three half-
hexagons of figure 1 are represented by dotted lines in figure 3.
The region enclosed by the dotted lines in figure 3 thus corre-
sponds to the dotted portion of figure 1. Kelvin objected to the
rhombic dodecahedron as a form for the partitioning of space

ae
l! I
AN X
f. Tag
Zz x

1
GURE 1. Cubic skeleton frame of Plateau with soap films, a quadri-
lateral face and four half-hexagonal faces of Figure 3 shown by dotted
lines

FIGURE 2. Skeleton frame of a rectangular prism, to show the slipping
of the soap films; it should be removed from the soap solution as. indicated
by the arrow.

because of its tetrahedral angles which, as he said, are essenti-
ally unstable. By blowing gently on the edge of the quadri-
lateral face in figure 1, that is by blowing parallel with its sur-
face, that face will decrease in size, one side of the half-hexagonal
faces (which are also quadrilaterals) thus becoming smaller and
smaller. However, as Kelvin pointed out, this quadrilateral
face cannot be made to disappear completely, for just as it ap-
proaches the vanishing point there is a readjustment of the soap
films, and a new quadrilateral face is formed, its surface being
perpendicular to the surface of the first.

A similar slipping or readjustment of the soap films can be
demonstrated by using instead of the cubic skeleton frame, the

131

frame of a rectangular prism (figure 2). If this is dipped into a
thick soap solution, and then removed, the direction of removal
being parallel to the long axis of the frame (as indicated by the
arrow in figure 2), there will be a quadrilateral face in the center
which grows smaller and smaller; just as it vanishes a new face
appears at right angles to the original one. This is easily demon-
strable, the films slipping slowly, if the solution is dense enough.
As known to Plateau and others, a soap solution to which glyc-
erine has been added gives satisfactory results.

l

a

i FIGURE 3, Photograph of an orthic tetrakaidecahedron, showing a square
= bordered by four hexagonal faces. The four half-hexagonal faces of Figure
are limited by the dotted lines.

The orthic tetrakaidecahedron may be modelled in various
Ways. Kelvin (1894) suggested soldering together thirty-six
Pieces of wire. Figure 4 shows a layout for a paper model ; this,
Printed on stiff paper, can be cut out, and folded on the heavy
lines and glued by means of the flaps. It can be enlarged by
means of the photostat. It is obvious that this is by no pera

€ only arrangement possible for a paper model, but it is the
most convenient. By using thin sheet meta
and making the model in two parts, as indicated

mold can be made; then by soldering the edges of each half of this

>

132

mold, and temporarily fastening the two halves together, a
form in which wax models can be poured is obtained.

The study of cell shapes in three dimensions is still in its in-
fancy; only a few tissues have been investigated—largely, with-
out doubt, because of the difficulty of making accurate determi-
nations. In addition to the form of the mature cells, the Stras-
burgers of the future will unfold, step by step, the changes that
the cells undergo, from the time of their origin, usually at the
growing apex, to the time that they are fully differentiated. Isit
too sanguine to hope that this process will not merely be traced,
but understood in terms of the mechanics by which it is under-
lain

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
NEw YORK

Literature cited

Hein, I. 1930a. Liesegang phenomena in fungi. Amer. Jour. Bot. 17: 143-
51.

——. 1930b. The tetrakaidecahedron in pseudoparenchyma. Bull.
Torrey Club 57: 59-62.
Kelvin, Lord. 1887. On the division of space with minimum partitional area.
Phil. Mag. 5s. Fe 503-514
i — 4. On the iooni division of space. Roy. Soc. Proc. 55:
-16
Lewis, F. T. 1923. The typical shape of polyhedral cells in vegetable PA
chyma and the Sppe of that shape following cell division. Proc. Am
Acad. Arts pee Sci. 58: 537-552.
925. A Ce study of the polyhedral shapes of cells. I. T w
stellate calls r Juncus effusus. II. Cells of human adipose tissue. II. Stratified
cells of human oral epithelium. Proc. Amer. Acad. Arts and Sci. 61: 1-34.
» 1928. bg ahape of cork cee: a simple demonstration that they are

Matzke, E. B. 1927. An tice of the orthic tetrakaidécahedron. Bull.
Torrey Club 54: 341-348

Plateau, J. 1873. Statijuė expérimentale et théorique des liquides soumis
aux seules forces moléculaires. Paris.

-uoIpayeo prege} syo 34}

jo ppow jaded e 10} ueq ‘p ANADIA

135

“UOIPaYyBoaPleA L149} IYHO IYI Jo pjour [eau L 10} uL[g ‘S AUNOIY

“Right Angle” Trees
Grace Corr MELENEY

The Island of Martha’s Vineyard, off the coast of Massa-
chusetts, presents many features of interest to scientific ob-
servers. A state road runs east and west the length of the island
for about twenty-five miles. It is along this much travelled high-
way that rows of strange trees are to be seen. For many years
we have called them “right angle” trees, for they are bent over
parallel to the ground and later take a new lease of life, ap-
parently, and straighten up again. Some appear to have grown
that way naturally, and at first thought it would seem that the
main shoot had died and a branch had taken its place, but along
this highway there are too many such trees to lend probability
to this hypothesis. Furthermore, their trunks or branches are
usually bent in the direction in which the road runs. In fact,
many of the more modern wire fences have become embedded
in the trunks.

Next, it was supposed that the prevailing wind might have
been the cause of the malformation. However, these trees are
surrounded by others that are straight, and they are well pro-
tected from the wind except in one locality. At West Chop, the
northwest point of Vineyard Haven Harbor and directly across
from Woods Hole, the winds sweep across Vineyard Sound so
fiercely at times that by continued blasts for many years, the

famous wind-blown cedars have been produced. Near these

trees are “right angle” oaks, but here again, the bent trunks are
more often parallel with the road than with the direction of the
wind.

There are always city people in a summer colony who are so
endowed with imagination that Indians play a prominent part
in their ideas of the country. Indians, we were told, bent these
trees over to mark their trails. But this idea had to be discarded
because some of these bent trees almost touch their bent
neighbors,

Some of the great whalers of the world have been natives of

artha’s Vineyard. Consequently, another explanation was set
forth from the mariner’s point of view: these trees were bent
over by the early settlers to produce natural right angle joints

137

`

138

to be used in making “‘ships’ knees.” These are the parts of a
boat where the deck beams are fastened to the ribs of the hull,
and, again, where the keel is attached to the ribs. This idea
seemed plausible enough until it was noticed that the bent trees
along the state road to Gay Head were on the north side almost
exclusively. If they had been bent to produce “‘ships’ knees”
they could have been grown on either side of the road equally
well or in wide groups rather than in rows so often parallel to
the road.

It was not until we consulted an all-year-round resident of
the island that we learned the true history of these trees. They
are the remains of the old “‘lop fences” which he had seen his
grandfather make. These fences were to mark ownership of
cleared land or woodlot or to keep sheep in a pasture. This latter
use accounts for the fact that in a large majority of these trees
the transverse portions are between twenty and forty inches
from the ground. But in some cases the cross bars are almost
hidden in the ground and in others they are shoulder high. Very
few of the fences stand now as they did originally, for individual
trees have grown larger and others have rotted to the ground or
disappeared entirely, leaving wide gaps. |

The height at which the cross bars were made probably
varied with each fence builder, because these trees found near
together usually have the bars at the same height. The trans-
verse bar was made by cutting a notch in a sapling at the proper
height and bending it over to the ground or fastening it down
with a weight or rope. Some of these first notches were cut S0
deeply that the tree was never able to heal the wound and the
splinters stick out like broken bones through flesh.

Branches from the transverse bar would sometimes grow UP
straight to form the new main trunk of the tree. If this was not
likely to occur, a second notch and bend would be made in order
that the original main trunk could again fulfill its duty of reach-
ing skyward. So many scrub oaks in their natural condition have
branches coming out at right angles fairly near the ground, that
it is probable that in some cases where trees were to be used a
fences, the main trunk was cut off entirely in order that a sturdy
branch at right angles could take its place. In a few cases the
branches on both sides of the main trunk were utilized as bars,
giving an appearance of a candelabrum. However, most of the

139

trees were bent over or lopped to one side,—hence the name
“lop fence.”’

In only one instance have we found trees other than oaks
used. In that case a clump of beech trees was in the direct path
of the fence and instead of cutting them out, the fence builder
added them in a crude manner, some of the smaller trunks being
slashed to the ground. These, however, had died, forming a
tangle of dead wood. This gives an explanation of the fact that
lop fences were made almost exclusively of oaks, for oaks are the
only trees in the region that can withstand this harsh treat-
ment.

These right-angle trees on the main highway caused so much
family and neighborhood discussion that various exploration

Figure 1. Example of right angle tree at Martha’s Vineyard.

trips were made throughout the island on old country roads,
confirming the fact that the lop fence had at one time been in
common use.

When we discovered this fact, we naturally believed that
such fences could be found in other parts of the East where the
same sort of scrub oak and pine with their ever-accompanying
blueberry bushes are dominant features. We were therefore not
surprised to find remains of lop fences on Cape Cod between
Plymouth and Sagamore, near the Cape Cod Canal. Doubtless
the early settlers of Plymouth and Duxbury learned to make
fences in as quick a way as possible by using growing trees in-
stead of split rails.

On Long Island, the Middle Island Road which stretches for
miles and miles through scrub growth of pine and oak, wild
tapevines and berry bushes, makes any lover of Martha's

140

Vineyard feel quite at home. On approaching this road east
from Huntington, Long Island, we saw our first right angle tree
—quite isolated from any other such trees and bent at an angle
toward the state road. This tree was very slender, only four
inches in diameter, and was surrounded by other small trees, all
straight. Between this point and Smithtown, Long Island, we
came upon the trail of many old bent trees (figure 2). The

FicureE 2. Right angle tree near Smithtown, L. I.

greatest find was a row of at least fifty-two trees near Cen-
tereach, Long Island. They looked very old, were lopped over
quite near the ground, and stood close to one another. This row,
at an angle of 60° to the Middle Island Road, stood out clearly
against the landscape because of the cleared fields on either
side. This particular lop fence is the best example we have ever
found. Rumors of others in Pennsylvania and Ohio have as
yet not been confirmed by the writer.

WHITE Piarins, N. Y.

Notes on Trinidad plants
Epw. H. GRAHAM

In the fall of 1924, on his return to the States from a sojourn
and collecting trip in the vicinity of Kartabo, British Guiana,
the writer spent a few days at the island of Trinidad, British
West Indies. August 17th and 18th, 1924, were spent in visiting
points in the northern part of the island, with headquarters at
Port-of-Spain. Plants were collected at four localities as follows:
(1) vicinity of Blue Basin, 6 miles north of Port-of-Spain; (2)
Valencia, 20 miles due east of Port-of-Spain; (3) 6 miles north-
east of Sangre Grande along the Toco road; and (4) Balandra
Bay on the rocky exposed east coast about 10 miles from the
northeast extremity of the island. All of these localities are in
the northern quarter of the island and as the present notes rep-
resent a hasty collection from the region they may best serve as
a list of the plants collected and an indication of the most con-
spicuous and common plants to be met there. The specimens,
representing 46 species, are now in the Herbarium of the Car-
negie Museum at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Trinidad is the most southerly of the West Indian Islands,
with a flora, fauna, and geology closely allied to that of northern
South America, from which it is separated by the Gulf of Paria,
the marginal extensions of Trinidad being less than 20 miles
from Venezuelan shores, with which there was at one time a
Probable connection. The island is situated between 10° 3’ and
10° 50’ North Latitude and 60° 55’ and 61° 56’ West Longi-
tude.! Its average length from north to south is about 69 miles,
its breadth 54 miles. Three parallel mountain ranges traverse
the island from east to west, the highest being that in the north,
composed mostly of pre-Tertiary, metamorphosed, sedimen-
tary rocks rising to more than 3000 feet. To the south lies an
undulating blanket of Tertiary and Recent sediments with in-
iers of Cretaceous age. Igneous rock is found only at one place
on the north coast near Toco. In the center of the islands is a
range of mountains running diagonally from the southwest to
the northeast rising to 1000 feet, and in the south there 1s a
broad belt of low mountains seldom rising above 100 feet in

"For a general description of Trinidad see Handbook of Trinidad and
Tobago. Port-of-Spain, 1924.

141

142

elevation. The hills of the northern and southern ranges are
densely wooded.

The climate is tropical and two seasons are evident, one a
dry season from January to the middle of May, with an average
rainfall of 3 inches per month, and the other a wet season from
June to December, with an average rainfall of 8 inches per
month. A short dry season of four weeks, called ‘Indian sum-
mer,” occurs in October. The mean annual rainfall is 63.22
inches, although that of 1921 reached 85.13 inches. The coolest
period is from December to April. The average temperature is
80° F., the mean diurnal temperature being 84° F., the mean
nocturnal 74° F.

Three mosses, representing three families, were collected
near Sangre Grande. Leucobryum martianum (Hornsch.) Hampe
and Calymperes donnellit Austin were found thriving on a sand-
gravel bank while Rhaphidorrhynchium subsimplex (Hedw.)
Brotherus grew both on the bank and on several dead logs in the
vicinity. The latter is apparently a very common moss here, and
of South American affinity. The writer collected it abundantly
in the rain-forest of British Guiana.

Near Blue Basin we visited a cacao grove where cacao,
Theobroma cacao L. and coffee, Coffea arabica L. were being cul-
tivated. On the floor of the cacao grove, where there was con-
siderable shade and comparatively few plants, the ferns Dry-
opteris poiteana (Bory) Urban and Dryopteris tetragona (Sw.)
Urban seemed very much at home. With the ferns occurred
Amaranthus spinosus L., a species of eastern United States,
which seemed strangely out of place. On the branches of the
trees in the grove Polypodium incanum (Sw.) and Polypodium
lycopodioides L. were densely matted, in some instances com-
pletely covering the limbs. Other ferns frequently noted were
Pityrogramma calomelanos L., the “Silver fern,” so called be-
cause of the white powder on the under side of the fruiting
frond; Dryopteris parasitica O. Ktze., which was collected in the
gutter along the road; and Alsophila microdonta Desv., an
enormous fern over 10 feet in height which also was collected in
the Guiana rain-forest. Near Blue Basin a specimen of Jum-
perus lucayana Britton was found. It has been introduced, how-
ever, as there are no native conifers on the island. The striking
lobelia, Centropogon cornutus (L.) Druce, which was also foun

143

in Guiana, occurred here as well as at Sangre Grande and here
the composite, Clibadium surinamense L. grew to a height of
more than 6 feet, together with the shrubby Hamelia erecta
Jacq.

Along the roads of the island were frequently observed the
canna, Canna coccinea Ait.; the musaceous Bihat psittacorum
(L.f.) Kuntze, with conspicuous orange flowers and large, reed-
like stems; Sida carpinifolia L.f., a widely distributed tropical
weed; the verbena, Valerianodes cayennense (L. C. Rich.)
Kuntze; and the two madders, Borreria laevis (Lam.) Griseb.
and Borreria verticillata (L.) Meyer. The delicate Tussacia pul-
chella (Donn) Reichenb., a member of the Gesneriaceae, is found
here along roadsides, with Physalis angulata L.

Near Valencia, on gravelly soil, occurred the sedge, Rhyn-
chospora cephalotes (L.) Vahl. Here were also collected Clusia
martini Sagot, with remarkable, smooth, thick, obovate leaves,
and the South American melastoms, Miconia ciliata (L. C.
Rich.) DC. and Pterolepis glomerata (Rottb.) Miq. Not far from
these shrubs grew the gentian, Chelonanthus chelonoides (L.f.)
Gilg, as well as Achetaria scutellariodes (Benth.) Kuntze, and,
trailing over the ground, the tropical American Mandevilla
tomentosa (Vahl) Kuntze.

About some of the plantations specimens were collected of
nutmeg, Myristica fragrans Houtt, extensively cultivated in the
neighboring island of Grenada; the avocado pear, Persea Der sea
(L.) Cockerell, in fruit; the orange, Citrus aurantium sinensis
L.; and the grapefruit, Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck. Trailing oa
the sandy soil were escaped squashes, Cucurbita maxima Du-
chesne. The flame tree, Poinciana pulcherrima L. was abundant
asan ornamental, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (L.), a mallow with
great, red flowers, was here used extensively for hedges, as 1t 1s
in all tropical countries. ;

At Balandra Bay where the rocky coast 1s exposed to y
open sweep of winds from the sea, and where the spray from t 7
high dashing waves reaches it, there is a beautiful example o
wind-pruned vegetation on the brink of the cliff, and the plants
constituting this mat of woody growth were very interesting.
Among them were Randia mitis L.; Coccolobis uvifera (L.) Jacq.,
the sea-side grape; and the mangrove, Rhizophora mangle L.,
Which grows here as a dwarfed shrub. Over the rocks on the top

144

of the cliff was found a climbing milkweed, Metastelma decais-
neanum Schlechter, and on the top of a nearby hill were found
the calabash, Crescentia cujete L., and two members of the
madder family, the tree-like Isertia parviflora Vahl, and the
trailing Tontanea guianensis Aublet.

While many of the plants observed were obviously of South
American affinity, a detailed study of the flora of the island may
well show other relationships, as is indicated by the occurrence
here of Tussacia pulchella (Donn) Reichenb., a species from
Panama and Jamaica, and the fact that Hitchcock? reports very
few of the grasses of the West Indies occuring also in British
Guiana. Further study of Trinidad plants will furnish not only
pleasant botanizing but profitable results as well, particularly
from a distributional standpoint.

CARNEGIE MUSEUM
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

* Hitchcock, A. S. Floral aspects of British Guiana. Ann. Rep. Smithsonian
Inst. 1919: 301. 1921,

BRIEFER NOTES

A freak flower of the Chinese sacred lily
LeRoy K. HENRY

Among a normal cluster of flowers upon a Chinese sacred
lily (Narcissus Tazetta, var. orientalis) growing in a bowl of
water, there appeared twin flowers on one of the peduncles.
Normally each peduncle bears a single flower, but this one was
broadened at the tip and bore two distinct flowers. These flowers
were entirely separate, even to the ovaries, which were merely
held together by the common epidermal covering. The tube of

Ficure 1. Twin flower of Chinese Sacred Lily.
(Narcissus Tazetta var. Orientalis.)
the one flower was larger than that of the other and, in growth
had split longitudinally half of its length; also there seven sta-
mens instead of the normal number of six. According to Wors-
ig “Principles of Plant Teratology,” this phenomenon Is
called floral fasciation. Fasciation varies in all degrees from
flowers with abnormal number of floral parts, such as increase
: stamens, calyx, corolla, or all three, to separation into two
distinct flowers. For the plant in question, I have found no re-
Port of this type of fasciation in which there are two cong
flowers, Often there is one flower with increased number O
Petals or sepals and two distinct ovaries, or one with a common

145

146

calyx and the remaining floral organs separate. This condition
of the twin flowers evidentally arose from the longitudinal di-
vision of the primordial initial cell, which gave rise to two dis-
tinct ovaries with their accessory parts in place of the customary
ovary.

CARNEGIE MUSEUM
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

Another Catskill occurrence of Potentilla tridentata
RAYMOND H. Torrey

At least two occurrences, in the Catskill Mountains, of the
Three-Toothed Cinquefoil, Potentilla (Sibbaldiopsis) tridentata,
may now be recorded, where previously. there had been no record
of the species in any catalogue of the flora of that region. Some
time ago I stated in this journal that I had not found it on about
twenty of the higher Catskills summits, although it is found on
lower elevations in the same latitude or even farther south, such
as Mount Beacon, 1640 feet on the Hudson opposite Newburgh,
and on High Point, on Kittatiny Mountain, 1807 feet, in New
Jersey; and at elevations of 4000 feet or higher, in Virginia and
North Carolina. An occurrence at 4000 feet was also reported by
Dr. R. L. Harper, I think, in Georgia.

After my statement appeared, Mr. William Gavin Taylor,
of Arlington, New Jersey, found the plant in 1930 on the top of
the cliffs of Overlook Mountain, on the eastern front of the
Catskills in Ulster County, northwest of Kingston, New York.
It is a bleak, exposed place, such as the species likes, and it ap-
peared that it flourished there, at about 3000 feet, even though
not found as then supposed on other Catskill summits, a thou-
sand feet higher, in the interior of the mountains, which are
clothed with dense sub-alpine fir and spruce, and are more pro-
tected than the Overlook cliffs.

On Aug. 30, 1931, I found plenty of it, at several points, on
the ledges along the trail north of the Catskill Mountain House,
in Greene County, at elevations from 2000 to 2400 feet. With it,
on one ledge was associated a large bed of Bearberry, Arctos-
taphyllos uva-ursi, which is extremely rare in the Catskills, at
least in the higher parts, where I have never seen it. Norman
Taylor, in his catalogue of the flora of the vicinity of New York,

a EREE

147

mentions Bearberry as found in Greene County, and this oc-
curence north of the Catskill Mountain House may be the basis
of that report, as it can easily be reached on the trail from the
hotel and would be noticed by anyone acquainted with it.

The beds of Potentilla tridentata on these ledges are dense and
flourishing. Their elevation is about the same as the colonies of
the plant on Alander and Brace Mountains and Mount Everett,
on the Taconic Plateau about 40 miles eastward of the Catskill
location.

Since it appears from Mr. William Gavin Taylor’s and my
own report that Potentilla tridentata occurs on the exposed outer
front of the Catskills, a search of ledges atop the cliffs north and
south of Kaaterskill Clove, especially toward the Blackhead
Range, where several high cliffs are visible, may disclose still
other stands, which I hope to find.

Damsel Flies captured by Drosera
RayMonp H. TORREY

I have seen during the past summer, several examples, and
heard of another, of the capture by species of Drosera, of Damsel
Flies, which seemed to me rather large and powerful insects to
be taken by these insectivorous plants. At Little Cedar Pond,
east of Greenwood Lake, in June, with the class in regional
science of Teachers College, Columbia University, I saw a dozen
blue damsel flies enmeshed on the leaves of Drosera rotundifolia.

n some cases more than one plant, in a dense bed of them on
the quaking bog that borders the pond, had seized a single in-
sect; and the exudation from the hairs was increasing and the
hairs were bending about the body of the insect, in the same
manner as they inclose and digest smaller insects. The combina-
tion of the bright red hairs with their shining digestive fluid and
the bright blue insect was very striking. ;

Mr. Max A. Elwert, a member of the Torrey Botanical Club,
reported to me on Sept. 8, that he found a damsel fly caught on
the leaves of Drosera longifolia, in a bog along the Davenport
branch of Tom’s River, in Ocean County, New Jersey. The
Capture of so large an insect, more than an inch long, by the
Narrower-leaved D. longifolia seems quite a remarkable per-
formance.

148
Frost Flowers reported 100 years ago
RayMonp H. Torrey

Since the reports in TorREYA, of ‘frost flowers” on Cunila,
made by me, and the interesting comments and similar reports
on them in the last number by Professor H. M. Jennison, of the
University of Tennessee and by Dr. R. L. Harper of Tallahas-
see, Fla., reporting similar occurrences on Verbesina and Plu-
chea, I have received from the Missouri Botanical Garden,
St. Louis, a copy of its bulletin, for October, 1924, with an
article on the subject, containing photographs of large numbers
of such ice crystals, in the Garden, on Verbesina virginica. The
writer of the article says that a hundred years ago Stephen
Elliott in “A Sketch of the Botany of South Carolina and
Georgia,” wrote of the marsh fleabane, Pluchea, that on cold
frosty mornings, crystalline fibers nearly an inch in length shoot
out in every direction from the base of the stem. “It would ap-
pear,” he says, “as if the remnant of the sap or water, absorbed
by the decayed stem, had congealed and had burst in this man-
ner through the pores of the bark. Does this proceed from any
essential, quality of the plant or from its structure?”

The Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin also notes that Sir

149

this phenomenon, on any other plant but the Frostweed, Heli-
anthemum canadense, which receives its popular name from the
occurrence. A definite and complete list of plants displaying
such crystals would be interesting and might throw more light
on the physical reasons therefor.

BOOK REVIEWS

Johnston’s monograph of the genus Cordia in
Southeastern South America

Under the modest title ‘‘Observations,’’ this accomplished
specialist in the family Boraginaceae contributes a paper (Con-
trib. Gray Herbarium X CII) which well sustains the reputation
of that institution for comprehensive and accurate work. The
keys to the several sections of the genus, the citations of publi-
cation and synonomy and the descriptions of new species are all
excellent, as well as the citation of the specimen examined, but
the most striking and valuable part of the work is in the ex-
tended discussions of the composition of the species. It is a la-
mentable fact that the taxonimist is usually unable to reach
very positive conclusion as to identity from the majority of
descriptions, without referring to type specimens, but it would
be rather difficult for any careful analyst to be in doubt regard-
ing the identity of his specimen after reading Dr. Johnston’s
discussion of its essential characters and variations.

Every student of tropical American plants must have been
puzzled in his attempts to identify specimens of the difficult
genus Cordia, even when he has good material for comparison.
Dr. Johnston’s ‘“‘observations” regarding variations in the num-
erous specimens examined should contribute much toward ac-
curacy in future publications of this genus. We cannot help
regretting that the author should take so comprehensive a view
of the limits of this genus. To the present writer, it seems that
the generic distinction between groups which Dr. Johnston re-
gards as sub-genera are greater than those which separate
Cordia from its relatives. Both accuracy and convenience would
seem to dictate the separation of Cordia, as here treated, intoa
number of genera.

H. H. RusBy

150
Ferns and flowering plants of Hawaii National Park*

The author states that the purpose of the book “is to meet
the need of visitors to Hawaii National Park who have had
little or no formal botanical training, yet who wish to know the
most interesting facts about local ferns and flowering plants,
particularly in relationship to ancient Hawaiian customs.” Fol-
lowing a very brief geological history is a short account of the
origin of the Hawaiian flora, emphasizing the tragic results of
the introduction of domestic animals and the escape of intro-
duced plants. Most of the book is taken up with the description
of the more common and striking plants of the park or of the
roadsides leading to it, from the lycopodiums up. The de-
scriptions are accompanied by excellent full page cuts. With
the descriptions are accounts of the uses made of the plants by
the people in olden times—of the making of grass huts and out-
rigger canoes, of mats and tapa cloth, of poi and candle-nut oil,
of ceremonies connected with the hula, of kapus and legends. In
addition there are good accounts of the sugar, coffee and pine-
apple industries. The book should add greatly to the interest
and profit of a visit to the park by both botanists and those with
no botanical training.

G. T. HASTINGS

* Ferns and flowering plants of Hawaii National Park, Otto Degener
XV +308 pages. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 1930, $4.00.

FIELD TRIPS OF THE CLUB
Trip OF SUNDAY, JULY 19

The trip of July 19 afforded the 34 participants an oppor-
tunity to observe the chief features of the vegetation of Sandy
Hook. This region, within such easy reach of New York City,
presents a sample of largely unaltered ‘‘beach” vegetation, with
the unusual spectacle of a maple-holly forest. The party first
made observations on the vegetation of the Navesink High-
lands, finding oaks and hickories to be the dominant trees, with
a number of interesting introduced trees and shrubs.

After devoting an hour to lunch, the party gathered at the
entrance to Sandy Hook, where they were admitted through the
courtesy of the Commanding officer of Fort Hancock. By calling
into use all available cars, the party was carried several miles up
the Hook to headquarters, where an officer was provided to con-
duct them through the reservation. This arrangement proved
to have double value, for it not only enabled the members to €x-
plore certain forbidden regions, but also made possible a closeup
view of such non-botanical exhibits as disappearing guns, am-
munition stacks, and other features of the coast defenses. It was
pointed out that the lighthouse, now si
south-east of the tip of the Hook,
over a hundred years ago.

Among the plant communities
established dune of the low type W
coast. Here were seen the red cedar, black cherry, beach plum,
bayberry, and several species of Rhus, which dominate such
areas, together with Hudsonia tomentosa, Lechea marituma and
Opuntia vulgaris. When one enterprising bot
discovery of a couple of belated flowers of this cactus, 4 scramble
ensued, for all wished to see the large yellow double flowers of
our eastern prickly-pear. In spite of the leader s op ig a ve
investigators got first-hand knowledge of the tiny glocnids
which abound on the joints of the opuntia—another form of

“coast defenses.” . ‘sida which con
After glancing at the little grouP of Pinus rigida which coi-

stitute the only pines On the peninsula, the party examined the

remarkable community in which red maple and holly are domi-

151

visited by the party was an
hich is typical of the Jersey

152

nant. The large size of the latter (a foot or more in diameter),
the abundant mantle of climbers such as Psedera, Menisper-
mum, Vitis and Rhus Toxicodendron, the luxuriance of the un-
dergrowth, including such a delicate plant as Geranium Rober-
tianum, give one a rather false idea of the seemingly mesophytic
nature of the region.! The difference between this forest and the
oak-hickory combination seen in the adjacent Navesink High-
lands was striking.

A third and very different plant community was the last one
visited, namely, the salt-marsh on the west side of the Hook.
Spartina glabra was seen to be the outlier, while Iva oraria
formed a close second. Two species of Salicornia occurred in
depressions, accompanied by Suaeda linearis and Spergularia
marina. On higher ground were found the usual beach plants
among which Salsola kali and Euphorbia polygonifolia at-
tracted most attention. After some search, specimens of mars
rosemary (Limonium) were located, thus completing the list of
exhibits.

The day was unusually favorable for field work, also for
salt-water bathing, which concluded the program for some
members of the party.

M. A. CHRYSLER

TRIP oF JuLy 25

Cedarhurst, Long, Island, July 25. The wooded area owned
by the Long Island Water Corporation, west of Cedarhurst
and Hewlett, and south of Gibson and Valley Stream, at the
base of the Rockaway Peninsula, which was visited by the club
on Saturday afternoon, July 25, is a region lately discovered by
the chairman of the field committee, which merrits more at-
tention by botanists. It appears to be a remnant of the older
patches of low land forest on the south shore of Long Island,
having been preserved because it is used for the water supply
through driven wells, of neighboring communities. It is closed to
general public use, but permission was kindly given to the club
by the water company for scientific field study. The timber,
though it was perhaps cut in early days, is excellent dense

* The probable origin of this community has been discussed in a recent
paper by the leader, Bull. Tor. Bot. Club. Vol. 57, No. 3; March 1930.

153

second growth, if not original in some spots. It is only a few
feet above high tide, and on the western border is a fresh meadow,
gradually becoming salty toward the creek which enters the
western end of Jamaica Bay. The moist conditions of the
meadow and the sides of a still brook which meanders through
it and out to the marsh encourage many herbaceous plants
loving wet spots.

The largest colony of the narrow-leaved Chain Fern Wood-
wardia areolata, which the writer has ever seen occurs in the
forest, being the commonest fern present. It is as thick as the
Sensitive Fern is usually in such places. Just outside the woods
grows the other Chain Fern, Woodwardia virginica, in abundance
among the marsh grasses, with Royal Fern.

Two beautifully fruiting Slime Moulds, Conatrichia ty-
phoides and Didymium melanospermum were common in the
shaded woods. In the fresh meadow were large colonies of many
flowered specimens of Lilium superbum. The Great Burnet,
Sanguisorba canadensis, was found in large stands. Polygala
cruciata was very common on the sandy meadow soil, partly
hidden by grasses and sedges. The change from fresh water
species, such as pickerel weed and water arum in the brook, to
brackish and salt water species is interesting as one follows the
marsh west toward the head of the bay.

This region promises to remain unaltered, because it is too
low for real estate development and is protected because of its
water supply uses. It is worth frequent visits at various seasons,
for its plant associations are apparently unchanged since earlier
days. :
Trip oF AUGUST 2

Doodletown Valley, Bear Mountain Park, Aug. 2. An in-
teresting feature of an excursion of the club in the eastern part
of the Bear Mountain Park was the discovery of another
flourishing colony of the Prickly Pear Cactus, Opuntia Opuntia,
on one of the granite knobs in the midst of the meadows back of
lona Island. The cactus colony scheduled to be seen on this
walk, on the northern knob, was observed and the party de-
cided to look over the southern knob and see if the species oc-
curred there too. It was promptly found, on the pegmatite dike
of which these knobs are mostly composed. Utricularia vul-
garis was in plentiful bloom in the stagnant pools along the

154

road to Iona Island. The lower part of Doodletown Brook,
climbing from the State Highway, proved interesting, with
many mosses and liverworts. Conocephallum and Pellia were
plentiful and a leathery brown plant which looked like a liver-
wort proved to be the lichen Dermatocarpon miniatum aquati-
cum. The Purple Loosestrife and the Rose Mallow were in gor-
geous bloom in the marshes. The former shows every year more
development at higher levels, climbing up the brooks above its
original stands in the salt marshes.

(The writer found another colony of Prickly Pear Cactus, in
dune sand, east of Sunken Meadow State Park, at Kings Park.
ET, August 8.)

RAYMOND H. TORREY

TRIP oF AuGusT 22-29

Fifteen, in addition to the leaders (Dr. Gundersen and my-
self), appeared for the week’s exploration of the Catskills, and
were duly installed in three farmhouses in the village of Maple-
crest, in Windham Township. Demands of summer visitors have
resulted in a replacement of the local and botanically more in-
spiring name of Big Hollow (still on the topographic map) by
the elevated name, Maplecrest. The hollow is some ten miles in
length, hemmed in on the south by Thomas Cole, Black Dome
and Blackhead Mts. and on the east and north by Acra Point,
Windham High Peak, and Elm Ridge. These mountains are 1n
general 3000-4000 feet high, rising from the valley which is at
1700-2000 feet.

The excursion combined both scenic and botanical interests.
The itinerary began on Monday with the ascent of Hunter Mt.,
altitude approximately 4000 feet, lying about eight miles south
of Windham. In sugar maple groves at the base were found two
species of Botrychium—B. lanceolatum var. angustifolium and B.
ramosum always to be looked for and not at all uncommon 1n
such places. The common members of this genus, B. virg-
ianum and B. ternatum, were also found in this region. Proceed-
ing upward Viola rotundifolia conspicuously occupies the gr ound
for an interval of about 300 feet with occasional V. canadensis

155

and V. renifoiia. The brooks are lined with silver birches
(B. lutea), mountain maple (Acer spicatum) and moosewood
(A. pennsylvanicum) and in the brook bed itself grows Impatiens
pallida. At the uppermost limit of the V. rotundifolia belt where
the rocky ledges of the mountain begin to be apparent, Poly-
stichum Braunii is abundant along the pathway (elevation be-
tween 2500 and 3000 feet), the only locality at which this
northern fern was noted during the week. The rocky declivities
are draped with Ribes lacustre and R. triste var. albinervium,
the latter species so far as I know, not recorded as far south in
New York State. Festuca nutans is here a common grass. Passing
beyond this point the woods take on the general aspect of the
Canadian forest—a monotonous repetition of few species which
occur in picturesque abundance, Picea rubra, Abies balsamea,
Betula papyrifera var. cordifolia, with a ground covering of

xalis americana (O. acetosella of American auths.), Aster
acuminatus, A. macrophyllus, Clintonia borealis, Streptopus
roseus and predominantly the broad-leaved mountain repre-
sentative of the shield-fern, Thelypteris spinulosa var. dilatata.
The wand-like inflorescences of Solidago macrophylla brighten
up these forests where flowers are conspicuously lacking at this
season of the year. An exposed area along'a spring-fed brook at
about 3000 feet gave an unusual display of Rudbeckia laciniata
and Chelone glabra. Near the summit the spruce woods become
thicker and the ground almost boggy and here Trillium un-
dulatum, Cornus canadensis and Coptis trifolia make their ap-
pearance, also Conioselinum chinense. Exposed places at the
summit are occupied by the hair-grass, Deschampsia flexuosa
and by Cinna latifolia. The view from the steel fire-tower covers
the Catskills to all points of the compass and to the north extends
far beyond the mountains.

August 25, Tuesday. Various members spent the morning
working on material collected the previous day or joined in a
short exploration, interrupted by rain, of the pastures and lower
wooded slopes of Windham Peak. These yielded the same Botry-
chium found at Hunter, a single specimen of Microstylis uni-
folia, Carex Deweyana, and in the crevices of an exposed ledge,
Woodsia ilvensis and Asplenium platyneuron.

August 26, Wednesday. The day was occupied in a visit to
Overlook Mt., which occupies the southeast angle of the Cat-

156

skills and looks out upon the Hudson Valley. Rain set in before
the summit was reached. Miss Rusk, Miss Vilkomerson and I
remained somewhat behind the rest of the party and never did
reach the top. Judging from the plants encountered, the region
adjacent to the abandoned sandstone quarries toward the sum-
mit has a well-marked acid soil. The most interesting plant
along this trail is Ilex monticola, bushes up to seven feet in
height, which I had never previously seen here. Kalmia latifolia,
Viburnum cassinoides, Gaultheria procumbens, Quercus velutina,
Myrica asplenifolia, Epigaea repens. Vaccinium pennsylvanicum
and V. canadense were abundant. The evening was spent by va-
rious members in passing buckets of water at a neighborhood
fire. A small part of the water reached its destination.

August 27, Thursday. So far we had enjoyed only one clear
day and Thursday was no exception to the generally rainy
weather. In a let-up Dr. Ryder and I, under the guidance of one
of the boys on the farm, searched ineffectually for a “cranberry
meadow” in which pitcher plants were said to grow. We cut
twice through an alder swamp overgrown with grass and at
noontime returned for more and better directions. In the after-
noon Mr. Irish, with whom I was staying, offered to lead the
way. This time a first-class bog was uncovered. Pitcher plants
(Sarracenia purpurea) were there in abundance, but of more in-
terest was an open space of about an acre thickly carpeted
with Carex pauciflora. The small cranberry (Vaccinium Oxycoc-
cus), and tufts of Eriophorum spissum Fernald? (E. callitrix of
most auths.) and Kalmia polifolia were intermixed. At the
margins of the bog, shaded by Picea rubra and Abies balsamea
were a few clumps of Carex paupercula, another sedge rare S°
far to the southward. Although Carex pauciflora, C. pauper
cula, and Eriophorum spissum range southward to Pennsylvania
on the Pocono Plateau, none of them have béen definitely re-
ported from the area within New York State covered by Tay-
lor’s “Flora of the Vicinity of New York,” (1915) which in-
cludes the Catskills, nor has House? listed these species from
within this area with the exception of C. pauciflora which 1s

* Rhodora xxvii, 208 (1925). ’

* Bull. N. Y. State Museum No. 254 (1924). It is here assumed that House $
report of Carex paupercula in Dutchess County (p. 138) is based on the
doubtful citation by Taylor (l.c. p. 204).

157

said to extend to Delaware County. Linnaea borealis var.
americana and Chiogenes hispidula were abundant in hemlock
and spruce thickets surrounding the bog.

An informal meeting at Dr. Gundersen’s concluded the day’s
program. Here we were visited by a terrific thunder storm, the
lightning flashes disclosing the peaks of the Catskills as in day-
light.

August 28, Friday. A second visit to the bog for the benefit
of those who had not previously seen it, was followed by the as-
cent of Blackhead Mt. from the north. This mountain is much
steeper than Hunter or Overlook and the vegetation of the
slope has a more northerly aspect. For example, 7 rilium un-
dulatum occurs down almost to the base of the mountain; on the
other hand Polystichum Braunii did not make an appearance.
Streptopus amplexifolius in a deep ravine and Amelanchier Bar-
tramiana on exposed rock were perhaps the most interesting
species on the north slope of Blackhead Mt. Linnaea borealis
var. americana, occurring in patches on the summit, seems to be
comparatively rare in the Catskills.

H. K. SVENSON
Brooklyn Botanic Garden

NEWS NOTES

THE FIRST number of a new botanical journal has recently
appeared—Sunyatsenia,—from the Botanical Institute of the
College of Agriculture of Sun Yatsen University, Canton, China.
In this number there are two articles: On Miquel’s Kwantung
species as based on Krone’s collection by E. D. Merrill and Con-
tributions to the knowledge of Kwantung Flora by E. D. Merrill
and Woon-Young Chun. i

IN A CAMPAIGN to rid the farms of weeds the following ad-
vertisement appeared in some Ontario papers this past spring:
“To the rate payers of Ameliasburg Township—kindly take
notice that the following weeds are proclaimed noxious under
the Weed Control Act and that it is in your interest to plan
your rotation and spring seeding so that you can eliminate some
of them this year. Bladder Campion, Ox Eye Daisy, Sow This-
tle, Canada Thistle, Blue Weed, Chicory, Docks, Ragweed,
Ribgrass, Stinkweed, Tumbling Mustard, Wild Carrot, Bur-
docks, Hawkweeds, Wild Lettuce.

Sow Clean Seed, Cultivate and Rotate.”

Dr. RUSSELL A. OAKLEY, Senior Agronimist, U. S. Depart-
ment of Agriculture, died on August 6 at Monrovia, California,
where he had gone about a year and a half ago in the hope of
regaining his health. He was well known among professional and
amateur golfers for his interest in the improvement of fine turf
grasses, He was co-author with Dr. C. V. Piper of Turf for
Golf Courses.

Dr. W. E. Tottincuay, of the University of Wisconsin, was
recently elected president and Dr. R. B. Harvey, of the ue
versity of Minnesota, vice-president of the American Society of
Plant Physiologists. Dr. M. A. Gardner will continue as secre-
tary for another year. (SCIENCE)

Dr. L. O. OVERHOLTs, of the Department of Botany of Penn-
sylvania State College, has been granted a five months leave of
absence to study timber diseases in the forests of Louisiana
for the federal government.

158

159

ProFEessor H. L. BoLLEY, dean of biology of the North
Dakota Agricultural College, has returned from a year’s leave
of absence spent in the more temperate regions of South
America. He brought with him some specially selected seeds,
particularly from the flax crops of Argentina and Uruguay.

BULLETIN 1338-F of the U. S. Department of Agriculture
describes two recent wilt-resistant varieties of tomato,—Mar-
globe and Break o’Day, The bulletin includes recent informa-
tion on growing, gathering and preparing tomatoes for market.
Tomatoes are our third most important truck crop, about
32,000 cars of early or intermediate tomatoes being shipped an-
nually.

On SEPTEMBER first Mr. James T. Jardin, formerly director
of the Oregon Experiment Station, become head of the Office of
Experiment Stations in the Department of Agriculture. His
work is the correlation of research at the state and insular ex-
periment stations. At present 53 stations are carrying forward
approximately 9,500 such projects. Director Jardine is a brother
of former Secretary of Agriculture, William M. Jardine, now
Minister to Egypt.

AN IDEAL insect powder, deadly to insects but harmless to
humans and animals, is described in a press notice of the depart-
ment of Agriculture. This is rotenone, procured from the roots of
several tropical plants, especially “cube” (pronounced coo-bay)
in South America and derris in the East Indies. Native people
have prepared fish poisons that stupefy fish without making
them poisonous from these plants. Rotenonenotonly kills insects
that eat leaves sprayed with it but also kills insects on which it
IS sprayed. There appears to be an unlimited supply of raw ma-
terial, as cube is found in practically all parts of the upper
ale basin and derris root is now being cultiated in the East

ndies,

Ricnarp W. Woopwarp, a former member of the club, and a
graduate of Yale 1867, died on May 15, 1931, at the age of
eighty-four years. For a time Mr. Woodward was in the United
States government service as chemist for the explorations made

160

for the fortieth parallel geological survey, under Clarence King.
He was much interested in systematic botany, and devoted
much of his time to collecting plants. He was recognized as an
authority on Connecticut plants and was a co-author of Bulletin
No. 48, Conn. State Geological and Natural History Survey,
entitled ‘‘Additions to the Flora of Connecticut.” In addition
to his membership in the Torrey Botanical Club he was a mem-
ber of Skull and Bones at Yale, Phi Beta Kappa, the Connecti-
cut Historical Society, the New England Botanical Club, and
other scientific organizations.

Tue Division of Geology and Geography of the National
Research Council has issued a Report of the Committee on
Paleobotany as an appendix of the annual report of the council.
This report, prepared under the direction of Dr. David White,
lists the years important discoveries and the papers published,
with notes on the work being done by students throughout the
country. The material of the report is arranged according to
geological periods. Copies of the report can be secured from the
division at Washington, D. C.

Tue AGRICULTURAL and Mechanical College of Texas has is-
sued Bulletin No. 5, Vol. 2 of the Fourth Series on the Paleo-
botany of the Eocene of Texas by Dr. O. M. Ball. All the plants
known of this period from Texas are described and many of
them are illustrated in the nearly fifty plates.

Tue NORTHEASTERN Forest Experiment Station, with head-
quarters at Amherst, Mass., received an increase in appropri
ation from Congress at the last session and is expanding its wor k
in the study of forest planting and the growth and yield of hard-
woods in New England and New York. In New York there are
over 4,000,000 acres of idle land that should be replanted to
forests and some 250,000 additional acres of sub-marginal farm
land is being abandoned each year. In New England there are
some 8,000,000 acres of farm land which have been abandoned
in the past fifty years.

TORREY A

Vol. 31 November-December, 1931 No. 6

A trip to the White Mountains of New England
Harotp N. MoLpENKE

During the latter part of August, 1927, I was privileged to
make a short botanizing tour to the New England States, in-
cluding a trip through the White Mountains of Vermont and
New Hampshire.

Starting our trip in the Carolinian life-zone of New Jersey
we soon entered the Alleghanian, and the transition was most
surprisingly noticeable. Among the most interesting plants ob-
served along the way were the purple loosestrife (Lythrum sal-
icaria) or ‘‘willow-weed”’ of Tennyson’s “The Brook’’—a plant
whose exquisite beauty I never appreciated until I saw it in
great purple colonies in New York marshes and meadows, and
the birdfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) which was often ex-
tremely abundant along the roadsides and showed the usual var-
jation in the color of the corollas. The tall coneflower (Rud-
beckia laciniata) was abundant and later on, in northern New
York, we were charmed by the sudden appearance of J uniperus
sibirica. This beautiful little evergreen grows in a most char-
acteristic manner—forming a large closed circle with the rooting
ends of the stems inward and the branches all growing outward,
leaving what is often an open center several feet in diameter.
The leaves are white above and green beneath, causing these
colonies to be quite conspicuous features of the landscape. In
connection with these dwarf junipers we found that we were
also in one of the territories of the American larch (Larix lari-
cina), which was easily distinguished from the many other spe-
cies of evergreens by its very irregular growth, crooked branches,
and short clustered needles. :

After exploring the wonders of Ausable Chasm and taking in
the sights of the large Silver Fox Farm there, we crossed the
shimmering expanse of Lake Champlain and soon found our-
Selves in the heart of the majestic, never-to-be-forgotten White
Mountains, which cover practically the entire States of Ver-
mont and New Hampshire. The scenery here was the most won-

161

162

derful which I have yet seen—graceful, symmetrical, mountains
towering up on all sides. Viewed from one of those summits,
seemingly illimitable forests stretch in all directions as far as the
eye can reach. The trees which were the most conspicuous be-
cause of their abundance in these vast woods were the gray birch
(Betula populifolia), the sweet birch (B. lenta), the blue birch
(B. coerulea), and, above all, the paper birch (B. papyrifera).
Looking off to the west we could discern the towering heights of
the Presidential Range, culminating in the majestic Mt. Wash-
ington.

Sunday, August 28, was destined to be the red-letter day of

our trip. After an early breakfast in Crawford N otch, my father,
who has climbed many of the highest and most famous moun-
tains of the Old World, and I, decided to climb Mt. Washington,
the highest mountain peak in northeastern North America. We
were informed that the distance from Crawford House, where
we started, to the Tiptop House on the summit of the mountain
was 83 miles. Perhaps it was, but, if so, those were the longest
and most difficult 8} miles that either of us had traveled for
many a day! The trip took us 73 hours and in a number of spots
my father said the climb reminded him of the ascent of some of
the Swiss Alps which he climbed in his younger days. We follow-
ed the so-called Crawford Bridle Path which led us over Mt.
Clinton, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Franklin, and Mt. Monroe before
we arrived at Mt. Washington proper—like gigantic stepping
stones leading up to the monster ahead!

The trail started out through a dense woods—cool, damp,
and reeking with all the rain of that summer. It was narrow and
slippery, but well-defined. In these woods the following trees
and shrubs were noted as most abundant: Betula papyrifera, B.
populifolia, Viburnum alnifolium, Acer spicatum, and A. ru-
brum. In the moist black woodland soil beneath I found verita-
ble beds of white woodsorrel (Oxalis Acetosella) and mountain
clubmoss (Lycopodium annotinum var. pungens). Along the
sides of the trail were loads of Aster acuminatus, Carex Asa-
Grayi, Galeopsis T etrahit, Nabalus altissimus, and Solidago squar-
rosa. The latter grew in such profusion in some places as to make
the dark woods fairly agleam with its golden splendor.

Coming in due course of time to a fork in the trail, we deter-
mined to keep to the right, and in so doing soon found ourselves

SS nara er eee à

Ea a a aaa

163

in a little hollow along the side of Mt. Clinton. Here we found a
delightful little spring known as the Mizpah Spring, surrounded
by an extensive bog filled with large and showy fern-mosses and
knights-plume moss, and interspersed with straggling but abun-
dant specimens of Ribes glandulosum, which differs pro-
nouncedly from ordinary wild currants in that it is practically
a trailing or, at least, a procumbent shrub. At the spring (alti-
tude 3800 ft.) we found the first of the series of Appalachian
Mountain Club’s huts. A few feet away I was delighted to find
several beautiful specimens of the tall white bog-orchis (Lim-
norchis dilatata).

After leaving the spring we ascended an almost perpendic-
ular slope for 475 feet, to the very topmost point of Mt. Clin-
ton (altitude 4275 ft.). At the beginning of this, our steepest as-
cent, we found ourselves still in primarily deciduous woods, but
in a very short time passed on into the zone of Abies balsamea,
Picea rubens, and Picea mariana. The balsam fir with its deli-
cious aromatic tang was particularly welcome, and its char-
acteristically arranged cones (which were in erect clusters at the
tips of the branches) of conspicuous pinkish-red were extremely
interesting.

As we went on up and up and up these evergreens became
lower and lower in stature and always more straggling, while
the common birches, viburnums, and maples of the base dis-
appeared altogether. After we had ascended about 300 feet we
found ourselves in the clouds which surrounded us as a dense,
white, penetrating mist, which rendered the climbing exceed-
ingly difficult and our clothes exceedingly wet. During this climb
we passed out of the Alleghanian life-zone and entered the
Canadian. As we neared the top of Clinton we advanced above
the level of the clouds and were again in bright sunshine.

The top of Mt. Clinton was a veritable paradise for the bot-
anist. We were far above the timber line now and the wind blew
With unceasing violence, sweeping over the top of Clinton and
almost lifting us off our feet. It is little wonder that timber or
any variety of tall plant growth is unable to exist there. Still,
the entire top was covered by a matting of lichens and mosses,
the tallest and densest growth of this kind that I have ever seen.
In walking, one’s feet sank into this carpet of vegetation as into
Some magnificent Persian carpet.

164

Not only did these cryptogamic forms of plant life flourish
here, but also a number of species of phanerogamic plants as
well. The top of Mt. Clinton, in the Canadian life-zone, fur-
nished me with more new specimens of flowering plants for my
herbarium than any other one spot on the ascent of Mt. Wash-
ington. Growing in the midst of the lichens and mosses we found
beds of the great bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), and these,
happily, were loaded down with delicious fruit upon which we
feasted. Along with them there were hundreds of little bushes,
only about 6 or 7 inches tall, in full bloom—each with 3 or 4
pretty red gamopetalous flowers. These proved to be the moun-
tain rose-bay (Rhododendron lapponicum). Compared with the
R. maximum as seen, for instance, in the damp valleys of the
Pocono Mountains in northern Pennsylvania where it some-
times attains a height of 40 feet, this little alpine cousin, in full
bloom when only from 2 to 7 inches tall, furnished an instructive
lesson in the effect of environmental conditions on plants of the
same genus!

Scattered along the trail and amongst the bilberries we
found also groups of labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum)—said
to be the phanerogamous plant which approaches closest to
the North Pole. Close by were scores of cloudberries (Rubus
Chamaemorus), named thus because of being the only member
of the genus to regularly grow above the level of the clouds. It
is not a vine or trailer as are most of its low-lying relatives, but
rather a little shrub, 3 to 10 inches tall, with only 1 or 2 leaves
and a single terminal flower.

A few feet farther on, where the trail was a little wider and
the ground drier and more exposed, were found nine more spe-
cies of rare alpine plants. First was discovered the mountain
Azalea (Chamaecistus procumbens); then two alpine rushes
(Juncus filiformis and J. trifidus); then the three-seeded sedge
(Carex trisperma) and the tufted club-rush (Scirpus caespitosus).
Soon thereafter were found hundreds of little colonies of D14-
pensia lapponica, which grew in more or less circular clumps $°
dense and tightly appressed to the ground (in order to resist the
dreadful wintry blasts which seek to tear everything off the
more exposed portions of the mountain) that it required con-
siderable effort to even penetrate these solid mats with a knife
in order to procure specimens!

165

All through the region from Clinton to the top of Washing-
ton we found hundreds of thousands of clumps of mountain
sandwort (Arenaria groenlandica)—whose pretty little clusters
of white flowers, in solid mats no more than 4 inches tall, were
crowded, it seemed, into almost every nook and cranny between
the boulders, and gave a delightfully unexpected local color to
the landscape. Here and there were to be found specimens of the
black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) in fruit, and in several
places large beds of three-toothed cinquefoil (Szbbaldiopsis tri-
dentata) in full bloom.

Reluctantly leaving Mt. Clinton after a brief period of rest,
during which time I pressed in my portable portfolio all the
specimens which had been collected thus far, we descended a
short way, getting back into the upper limits of the timber zone,
and then started up the slope of Mt. Pleasant, which is 500 feet
higher than Clinton. Just before leaving the final reaches of the
timber zone we went through a little hollow in whose center lay
a small sphagnum bog. Here we discovered the rare northern
bog orchis (Lysiella obtusata) and feasted our eyes upon hundred
of specimens of that most delicate and lovely of all flowers—
Linnaea americana.

Mt. Franklin is 145 feet higher than Pleasant and the trail
up its summit was now beginning to become rough and rugged.
Amongst the massive boulders which were found here in great
profusion grew an infinite number of scrub birches (Betula glan-
dulosa) and mountain alders (Alnus alnobetula). Not wishing to
make the unnecessary trip over the very summit of Franklin,
we skirted it on a narrow, and exceedingly slippery path, where
one misstep might have hurled us over the edge. Nevertheless,
€ven in such a position we were still able to observe and collect
some specimens of Calamagrostis canadensis and Houstonia
caerulea.

The transition from Mt. Franklin to Mt. Monroe was mark-
ed by a long straight ridge or saddle, not more than ten feet
wide; and by leaving the trail for a few feet in either direction
one was able to look down upon the verdant forest almost 4000
feet below. Our outlook at this point extended almost 50 miles
in either direction, in which immense area we were able to dis-
cern only two human habitations, although others, of course,
were hidden by the forest. We saw regions where the rain was

166

falling and others where the sun was shining brightly. In fact,
being up so high, we were able to follow the course of a rain-
storm far in the distance, noting how it advanced, and how on
either side the sun was shining.

Mt. Monroe is 670 feet higher than Mt. Franklin—its alti-
tude being 5590 feet—and coming down from its summit we
were surprised and delighted to see ahead of us, in the hollow
between Monroe and Washington, at an altitude of over 5000
feet, about a dozen small lakes. These are appropriately known
as the Lakes of the Clouds. Along the margin of one of these
lakes we discovered another very rare species—perhaps the rar-
est of the entire trip—a plant found only on the summits of the
Presidential Range and on Mt. Kineo, Me. This was the yellow
mountain avens (Sieversia Peckii), and in full bloom !—truly a
sight to make the heart of a tired and very footsore botanist re-
joice!

Leaving the charming Lakes of the Clouds and the welcome
Appalachian Mountain Club shelter there, we saw ahead of us
the towering height of Mt. Washington, whose summit was still
1290 feet above us. Looking at it from below it appeared to be
one mass of gigantic boulders piled in hopeless confusion upon
one another. There was not a tree or shrub or bush in the whole
expanse of our view, and the path was but faintly discernible
over and among the boulders! A botanical portfolio filled with
large botanical driers, when soaked with moisture, has a way of
becoming unbelievably heavy and burdensome—but our sev-
eral hundred plant collections had to be carried along in spite of
the inconvenience. Attempting to travel up this last and steep-
est ascent, juggling a water-soaked portfolio in one hand and a
pair of binoculars in the other—over gigantic boulders covered
in many places with wet Umbilicaria lichens—was a task not
without its humorous incidents which, however, were not fully
appreciated at the time!

During this final ascent of 1290 feet up Washington's slope
we observed only six species of plants—three of which we had
passed already on the slopes of preceding peaks, the Umbilicarta
lichen, the mountain sandwort, and the scrub birch; and three
which were seen here for the first time. These latter we found
when about half-way up Mt. Washington where we came upon
a broad expanse of meadow land lying most surprisingly among

Se a ee

maha

167

the rocks and boulders which had completely hidden it from our
view below. This alpine meadow covered about 5 or more acres
and bears the name of ‘‘Bigelow’s Lawns”. In these “lawns” we
found growing the rare alpine sedge known as Bigelow’s sedge
(Carex concolor), in fact the meadow was made up almost exclus-
ively of this sedge. Scattered here and there among the sedges
we found a number of specimens of low rattlesnake-root (Naba-
lus nanus) and Cutler’s alpine goldenrod (Solidago Cutleri),
neither of which attained a height of more than 3 or 4 inches and
were yet perfectly normal and matured plants in full anthesis!

From Bigelow’s Lawns to the summit of Washington was
the most difficult section of our ascent. We eventually arrived
at the very summit of Mt. Washington (altitude 6293 feet) in a
state that was pretty close to exhaustion. We reached the Sum-
mit House (or ‘‘Tiptop House”, as it used to be called) at 5:15
P.M., and certainly were thankful to find a dry room and sup-
per and bed awaiting us.

The next morning was spent roaming about on the top of
Mt. Washington, enjoying the wonderful view. One could see
points in five States and Canada, and could gaze east to the
Atlantic Ocean, west to Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks,
south to Lake Winnipesaukee, and north to the misty outlines
of Lake Memphremagog.

About 10 A.M. the cog railroad train puffed up to the sum-
mit, discharging a crowd of passengers who had come from
Many parts of the United States and Canada to see this sight,
but who chose the easy and comfortable method of ascent. Sever-
al thousand tourists are brought up by this train every season.

Our return trip was by train, 2} hours from the Summit
House to the Base Station (at the very base of the mountain
but still 10 miles from Crawford House).

It was particularly interesting to note as we descended how
gradually we left the zone of rocks and boulders and entered the
zone of low herbs and flowers; then the region of dwarfed shrubs
and bushes; and on into the timber zone. The upper margin of
this timber zone was marked by most wonderful examples of the
tenacity of living organisms in combating the elements. The
trees were stunted and bedraggled in appearance, draped from
top to bottom with epiphytic lichens and mosses, with not a
Single bud on the northern side developed so that each tree

168

looked as though some giant had come with a monstrous knife
and had sliced off all the branches which protruded toward the
north! Eventually we descended again into the zone of forests
and noted with a sigh of relief the great increase in forms of wild
life. The fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium), the red-berried
elder (Sambucus racemosus), the American mountain-ash (Sor-
bus americana), the American larch (Larix laricina), the tall
flat-topped white aster (Doellingeria umbellata), and the pearly
everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) were the most abundant
plants observed.

New YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

The relation of the flora of the New Jersey Pine Barrens to the
geological history of the region*

Raymond H. Torrey

The relation of the peculiar flora of the Pine Barren region
of southern New Jersey to the geological formations of the re-
gion, and to the history of their origin and various modifications
by submergence and erosion, has long been a subject of interest
to botanists, ecologists and geologists. Some correlation between
the remarkable and unusual plants found in the Pine Barrens
within rather well defined limits, and the nature of the surface
formations has been sought and a number of interpretations
have been offered. The matter is still unsettled and a subject for
amicable debate, but some of the probabilities which have been
suggested by various authorities are here summarized.

The source of the material which makes up hundreds of feet
of sand, with some pebbly and clayey layers in the more arid
portions of the Barrens, was unquestionably in the highlands in
northern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. These strata
are composed mostly of detritus from ancient pre-Cambrian
rocks, the principal minerals of which in the order of their fre-
.quency, are quartz, feldspar, mica, magnetite, and hornblende.
Detritus of all sizes was worn off these highlands, formerly much
higher than now, and was carried by swift streams, probably fol-
lowing more or less the same valley lines as are now followed by
the Schuylkill, Lehigh, Delaware, Musconetcong, the upper
waters of the Raritan, the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers. With
interruptions due to repeated submergences of the continental
shelf sometimes extending far back to the highlands, the general
course of erosion was to carry off the waste of the uplands and
lay it down in shallow water on the ocean front, from the Rari-
tan Bay to Cape May. More than a thousand feet of material
was thus laid down to make what is now south Jersey. The
marl, or greensand formations along the western and northern
borders of the Barrens were laid down in shallow water swarm-
ing with marine life, at times cut off from the ocean, by the
Sandy islands then existing between the Delaware and the ocean,
in a broad inland strait something like Long Island Sound of to-

ay.

* Prepared for the week end field trip of the club on Sept. 25-27.
169

170

At the beginning of the long glacial period in the Pleistocene
Epoch, the outlines of South Jersey and its elevation above sea
level were probably very much like they are today. The ice did
not reach South Jersey, for the terminal moraine extended from
Perth Amboy, northwest over the Watchungs at Summit and
westward to the Delaware at Belvidere. Some glacial material
was carried down the southward trending valleys of the Rari-
tan and Musconetcong, but it affected the composition of the
soils of the Pine Barrens very little. It would not have changed
them much, anyway, for the source of glacial material was the
same as that of the detritus of the earlier stream erosion.

Of the mineral matter carried off the highlands into the
ocean, or its arms as they may have existed from time to time
in South Jersey, the quartz was the most resistant, and it makes
up ninety per cent or more of the material of the Barrens today.
The softer feldspar tended to break down into muds and clays.
The magnetite was dissolved by vegetable acids and trans-
formed into bog iron ore or clay iron stones. The other minerals
left little trace. The Barrens therefore, when modern plants took
possession of them in the Cretaceous Period, had a highly sili-
cious soil, on which humus was slow in forming, except along
the streams where more sustained moisture and plant decay
provided narrow strips for a richer flora. Fires were probably
frequent in the forests established thereon, from lightning, and
have repeatedly burned over the area from long before the white
man or the red man, although the former added much to the
fire hazards, and still does so.

The advance of the ice in the Pleistocene may not have
caused so much change in the flora of the Pine Barrens as might
be imagined. The ice was approaching a line at which the
warmth of the more southern latitudes balanced the cold which
caused it, and this balance wavered, as shown by frequent re-
treats, some small, some great. The Barrens were thirty to sev-
enty miles south of the greatest advance, and it is quite possible
that most of the species held their ground. Some species which
are usually regarded as northern ones driven south before the
ice, like the Bearberry and Broom Crowberry probably mi-
grated into the region at that time and one of the most inter-
esting facts about the flora is that they still remain here.

After the white man came there was considerable disturb-

171

ance of original plant conditions by attempts at cultivation
and the consequent introduction of adventive weeds, but so re-
sistant have been the Barrens to wholesale modification by agri-
culture and horticulture, that large blocks of them retain their
original and peculiar species.

Dr. Witmer Stone, in his monumental work on the Plants of
Southern New Jersey, is unwilling to state any positive conclu-
sions as to correlation of existing conditions of plant distribu-
tion in the Barrens with geologic changes. He thinks that hy-
potheses on this line are purely conjectural. He does point out
these facts. The coastal plain, including what is now the Bar-
rens, was submerged when the elevated Piedmont region to the
west must have been covered with vegetation; and the region
north of the terminal moraine, including most of the highlands
of north Jersey, was almost wholly without plant life while it
was covered by the ice sheets. The area between the coastal
plain and the moraine, comprising some part of west Jersey and
eastern Pennsylvania, must have been continuously covered
with plants longer than the submerged plain and the glaciated
region. When the coastal plain rose above sea it must have re-
ceived its flora from the higher country to the west and south-
west. The partial submergences and emergences of the coastal
plain may have resulted in invasions of plants from outside and
changes in the general character of the flora.

Dr. Stone points out that the plant life of the eastern United
States includes two elements, a boreal, more or less identical
with the flora of northern Europe, and an austral, peculiarly
American. If the austral or American flora covered the Pied-
mont area at the time the coastal plain was elevated, it would
have spread into the new territory, and the species best adapted
to the sandy, dry Barrens, would have persisted there. If an in-
vasion of the boreal species over the Piedmont area followed,
from the southward migration forced by the advancing ice, “we
should probably have,” he says, “exactly the conditions we find
today, the survival of an earlier flora in the bogs and sandy areas
and its disappearance where better soil has developed,” in the
western part of the State, where later submergence in Pensau-
ken time and formation of alluvial deposits by the Delaware,
made a richer soil and perhaps led to the destruction of the Pine
Barren elements and confined them to the arid interior of South

112

Jersey. Dr. Stone concludes that “it would seem, therefore, that
we have in the New Jersey and North Carolina Pine Barrens
the sand and bog elements of a wide-spread American austral
flora, which has been largely superseded by a more advanced
element of similar origin over the rest of the coastal plain, both
elements being richer the farther south we go, while along the
western edge of the coastal plain, more especially to the north-
ward, a boreal element has spread down over the fall line to a
greater or less degree.”

But Norman Taylor, in his “Flora of the Vicinity of New
York,” expresses his firm conviction that a geological explana-
tion of the character of the plants in the Pine Barrens is the only
one that will elucidate the peculiarly local nature of the flora.

He quotes Dr. Arthur Hollick and Dr. J. W. Harshberger in
partial support of his belief. He refers to the Miocene sinking,
when great quantities of material washed off the highlands were
laid down to form the Beacon Hill formation, now found capping
the higher parts of the Barrens. After uplift and erosion, the re-
gion was again submerged in Pensauken time, so that every-
thing but the remnants of the Beacon Hill formation was under
water. He stresses the point that this Beacon Hill formation has
been out of water since upper Miocene time, and several times
partly or entirely surrounded by the sea, making a large island
extending from Farmingdale to Bridgeton, with smaller islands
northward, including Atlantic Highlands and Beacon Hill. This
Beacon Hill formation was the oldest in southern New Jersey
that could have been continuously covered with vegetation.
“This, it would seem,” he says, “is why the Beacon Hill forma-
tion is the controlling factor in the origin and present distribu-
tion of the Pine Barrens. The area of the pine-barrens is not €x-
actly coextensive with Beacon Hill but the differences are so
slight that recent and local erosion of the formation would ac-
count for the failure of the two regions to superimpose, as it
were.”

He concludes, therefore, that the “New Jersey pine-barrens
exist exclusively on this Beacon Hill formation, an area isolated
by geological processes, and maintaining a relict or climax flora,
the antiquity of which greatly antedates any of the rest of our
vegetation hereabouts, so far as permanency of position and
phytogeographical isolation are concerned.”’

173

This flora was modified by the effect of the last great glacia-
tion which drove many northern species southward into this
Beacon Hill or pine-barren area, in which some still persist, no-
tably the Bearberry and Broom Crowberry.

Another interesting explanation of the character of the pine-
barren flora is suggested by Professor M. L. Fernald of Harvard,
in an article in Rhodora, the journal of the New England Botan-
ical Club, for February, 1931, entitled “Specific Segregations
and Identities in Some Floras of Eastern North America and
the Old World.” By means of paleogeographic maps, after
Schuchert, Professor Fernald shows land connections between
North America and northern Europe and Asia, which may ac-
count for the likenesses in many plants common to these con-
tinents. He points out the occurrence in the high mountains of
eastern Tennessee of a number of species also found in the New
Jersey pine-barrens. He supposes that these species were once
numerous in east Tennessee when the region was a low, nearly
base-levelled peneplane, in the Cretaceous Period. When it was
later uplifted, species from the north, deriving from northern
Europe and northern Asia, moved south, into the new high-
lands and the members of the groups of tropical and sub-tropi-
cal forms, once contented in the peneplaned lowland, were
forced out into conditions more to their liking in the emerging
coastal plain where acid savannahs, bogs, shallow pools and dry
sands supplied the conditions which permitted them to survive.
The occurrences of what we regard as typically pine-barren spe-
cies in the Great Smokies are therefore probably dying remnants
of a much larger distribution, migrants from which spread east-
ward and downward to conditions like those which existed in
East Tennessee before the post-Cretaceous uplift.

These interesting attempts to interpret our pine-barren
flora probably all have some measure of truth, but their authors
would doubtless admit that they may have to be changed by
later discoveries. That botanists of note may differ is indicated
in Dr. Stone’s footnote on Corema, Professor Fernald regarding
it as a Coastal Plain plant pushing north to Newfoundland,
while Dr. Stone had always looked upon itasa northern species
ranging south to New Jersey.

Hollis, N. Y.

A *‘shell-hole flora” as a result of the World War
WALTER SCHWARZ

Who can ever forget the impression of senselessly destroyed
life in the Argonne forests? For long stretches there were stand-
ing only tree stumps splintered by shells. Here and there some
little green leaf showed itself. One could not get rid of the sad
impression created by a pine-wood destroyed by poison gas,
where the needles, brown and dry, hung on the branches. But
scarcely were the ruined woods out of the direct fire zone, than
a quite novel kind of flora suddenly sprang up. Here grew the
delicate red blossoms of the Rosebay (Epilobium angustifolium)
the tiny yellow heads of the Groundsel (Senecio sylvaticus) and
other sun loving plants which are ordinarily only found in places
where the trees have been felled. Here they got the upperhand,
as the shade giving tree tops had disappeared. Even the deep
shell-holes, soon after their formation, became the home of a
new plant world. Splendid green algae flourished in the water
collected in the bottoms. The sides immediately above the water
surface were covered with moss. Higher up towards the edges
flowering plants appeared. The conspicuous thing about these
plants was that they were not previously found in the imme-
diate neighbourhood. A plant society peculiar to these holes
had been formed, a shell-hole flora. The conditions of life for the
plants in the holes were quite different from those outside. Here
there was greater moisture and changed light conditions. Only
such plants could develop as were adapted to the new con-
ditions. A natural selection in miniature had taken place. Even
inside a single hole differences in colonization showed them-
selves. The side exposed to the morning sun was overgrown
with plants different from those on the flank enjoying the after-
noon sun,

Particularly interesting were the conditions where arable
land had been ploughed through by shells. After the fighting
zone had shifted, a new vegetation cover developed. Then the
superiority of the wild flowers over those cultivated by man
with so much care, showed itself. Everything was overgrown
with magnificent red poppy, with luxuriant white Chamomile
(Matricaria inodora and M. discoides) and red thistle (Cirsium
arvense). Only here and there could there be found traces of the

174

ce ee S E SN

175

former cultivated plants—a few stalks of rye, wheat and oats.
Free nature was at work winning back from man territory taken
from her.

At the Russian front an additional factor presented itself:
the bringing in of plants foreign to the territory before the war.
(For the exact study of this peculiarity we have to thank the
naturalist Kupffer of Riga.) There, in the neighbourhood of the
former Russian camps and places where there had been enclo-
sures for horses were to be found a large number of plants whose
home is in the southern steppes of Russia: the beautiful Orien-
tal Larkspur (Delphinium orientale), the catchfly (Silene Otites)
and many others. How did these growths come to the Baltic?
The troops got the fodder for their horses from the interior of
Russia. Numerous seeds of weeds were brought along and
thrown away as refuse, or fell in the unloading. They then
sprang up. In most cases they did not appear in succeeding
years, as, in the unaccustomed climate, the seeds did not ripen.
Conspicuous also was the quantity of sunflower appearing in
the vicinity of the Russian positions. The sunflower is grown
only occasionally in gardens in the Baltic provinces. It is not
found wild or in extensive culture at all. In order to explain its
appearance during the war, it is only necessary to bear in mind
the habit of most Russians of chewing sunflower seeds. The
soldiers always had their pockets full of them. How often it
must have happened that seeds fell out and germinated. The
red poppy, also not at home in Baltic regions, was brought
_ thither, but this time by German soldiers, who everywhere in
front of their blockhouses dug little gardens and ornamented
their temporary homes with flowers. Among other growths for-
eign to the land they cultivated poppies, which spread from the
gardens and became wild.

These are only a few ikaaples One could observe similar
phenomena in many other cases. But one thing had proved it-
self everywhere: the creatures of nature can fight together to
the point of mutual destruction, but nature herself is always
creative, building up unceasingly.

GERMAN UNIVERSITY OF PRAGUE

A case of sprout formation from adventitious buds
on the roots of cabbage
R. B. DEARBORN

This unusual type of growth was found near South Weare,
N. H., two plants out of some 100 exhibiting the type of growth
shown in the photograph.

The two plants had solid heads, approximately four pounds
in weight, and there was no evidence of injury or disease on any
part of the plants. The plant pictured had only one sprout,
formed on a secondary root about two inches from the main
root. The mass of tissue formed was very much like the head
tissue in color, taste, and general appearance.

The other plant was dissected and had many sprouts, nine
on secondary roots and one from the main root, about three
inches below the surface of the ground. The sprouts on this
plant had not been formed as long as the one pictured as they
all had the compact rounded appearance of cabbage heads,
varying in size from half an inch to two inches in diameter.

UNIVERSITY oF NEw HAMPSHIRE
DURHAM, N. H.

176

FIELD TRIPS OF THE CLUB
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Croton Point, extending into the Hudson from Harmon, and
dividing the Tappan Zee from Haverstraw Bay, proved a new
and interesting objective for the club on the field meeting of
Saturday afternoon, Sept. 12. The rounded and lobate contours
of this recessional moraine, the dump of the Pleistocene ice
sheets when they had decayed back from their farthest south
at New York Bay, and had halted for a time 30 miles up the
river, are quite similar to the kettle moraines of Long Island.
The wooded areas, comprising about half the area, are of second
growth deciduous trees, including some fine black oaks at the
east end, red and white oaks elsewhere, beeches, gray birches,
red maples and some fine copses of sassafras. The point was
once under cultivation for fields and vineyards and the mansion,
wine cellars and other buildings of the estates formerly occupied
there, are interesting relics of former years. The Point is now
preserved as one of the units of the Westchester County Park
system, which has, so far, modified the conditions found upon
acquisition very little, and it would seem as if further develop-
ment might retain much of the area without artificial changes.

The salt marshes bordering the point and occupying the
lowlands between the moraine lobes, are filled with purple
loosestrife, rose mallow, both broad and narrow leaved cat-
tails, Phragmites communis, and water arum, and the seaside
goldenrod was coming into bloom. An interesting but irritating
plant was the bur-grass, Cenchrus tribuloides, with its spiny
seeds suggestive, as the specific name indicates, of the tribuli of
the Romans, caltrops of medieval military usage, spiked globes
thrown before horses to break up a cavalry charge. Dense beds
of the partridge pea, Cassia Chamaecrista, with the leaflets
folding back upon the midrib at a touch, were frequent. Brack-
ish ponds on the south shore, emptying by rills across the beach
at low tide, contain Ceratophyllum and Zostera. A colony of the
great lobelia offered a fine touch of color.

Two large gingkos, part of the early ornamental planting of
the estate, offered a strange contrast beside a copse of sassafras.
The English hawthorn has escaped from early planting and was
in dense fruit on the south side. The water hemp, Acnida can-

177

178

nabina, develops unusually large individuals, eight feet high and
an inch through at the base. A colony of the great horsetail,
Equisetum hyemale, borders what appears to be a kettle hole
depression.

The boulder beaches are interesting, with a variety of ice
worn fragments from far and near, diabase from the ridge of the
Tors, opposite; norites from the Blue Mountain region, granites
and gneisses from the Highlands of the Hudson and quartzite
cobbles from just beyond, slates and limestones from the middle
Hudson, Catskill sandstones and conglomerates, and Taconic

hists.
papae R.H. TORREY
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

The trip to Fresh Kills, Staten Island, partly on account of
the fact that the route taken was slightly different from that of
last year, yielded several species not found before. A new sta-
tion was located for Robinia viscosa Vent., the clammy locust,
namely at the foot of the hill opposite the church, near the start
of the trip at Richmond. The route was rich in polygonums, P.
hydropiperoides, arifolium, and sagittatum being found in the
brook at the beginning of the trip, and nearby also the rarer P.
Muhlenbergit, with P. pennsylvanicum of course common in
many places throughout the day. Besides these, P. scandens the
climbing false buckwheat was seen, and, toward the end of the
day, what appeared to be P. orientale, the prince’s feather.
Other noteworthy plants collected were Angelica villosa, Eupa-
torium verbenaefolium, Panicum virgatum and Tridens flava,
Acnida cannabina, the water hemp, and Aster tenuifolius and
subulatus. The last two are salt marsh asters and are very simi-
lar, but the former is perennial, while the latter is annual, with
much smaller flowers than in tenuifolius. Only a few plants of
Sabatia stellaris, the beautiful sea pink, were found in flower,but
Pluchea cam phorata, the salt marsh fleabane, was present in fair
abundance. Iva and Baccharis were plentiful and in flower as
usual. Eighteen members and guests comprised the party.

i ARTHUR H. GRAVES

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

A group of over thirty was led by Dr. Alfred Gundersen
along the top of the Palisades north from the Dyckman Street

w
4

179

ferry, and then back through the woods to the west. The object
of the trip was the study of goldenrods. Specimens of all the
varieties found were collected as the party went along. After
eight or nine species had been found, the group sat down under
the trees to determine them with the aid of a simplified key Dr.
Gundersen had mimeographed for distribution. It was thus
found comparatively easy to distinguish the species found with
the exception of Solidago altissima and S. rugosa. Many plants
found seemed to be intermediate in various degrees as to leaf
and flower head characters between these two species. A large
oak noticed by the party was apparently a hybrid between
the red and black oaks, the leaves and large acorns resembling
the red oak, but the cups in shape and loose scales resembling
the black. In the definite objective which was followed to the
exclusion of more general botanizing the trip was an unqualified
success. G 1-H;

WEEK END OF SEPTEMBER 25-27

Over 70 members of the Torrey Club, the American Fern
Society and the Philadelphia Botanical Society registered at
the Pig’n Whistle Inn at Brown’s Mills in the Pine Barrens of
New Jersey. The leaders, Mr. and Mrs. William Gavin Taylor
had made all arrangements for the entertainment of the party
and had planned a most interesting program and itinerary. De-
spite an intermittent rain on the Saturday, the party covered a
large amount of ground by autos, visiting West Plains, where
cars were left while all walked for a mile or more through a
dwarf forest of pines (Pinus rigida) and scrub oaks (Quercus
marilandica and Q. ilicifolia), the trees mostly less then four
feet high. Below the trees were the heath-like broom crowberry
(Corema Conradii), Hudsonia (Hudsonia ericoides) and sand
myrtle (Letophyllum buxifolium), the last with a few belated
flowers. A few plants of the pine barrens gentian (Gentiana Por-
phyrio) were found but the blossoms were only half open be-
cause of the lack of sunshine. In an abandoned cranberry bog,
reached after another drive and a walk through the scrub,
growth, the curly-grass fern (Schizaea pusilla) was found grow-
ing on the edges of what, at one time, had been a small drainage
ditch. Near it grew the thread-leaved and round-leaved sun-
dews (Drosera filiformis and D. rotundifolia) the plants bearing

180

ripe capsules and a club moss (Lycopodium alopecuroides). The
bog here was grown up with white cedars (Chamaecyparis thy-
oides). Another drive through miles of pine forest, here trees
thirty feet or more in height, brought the group to a station for
the climbing fern (Lygodium palmatum). In a meadow that had
been mowed earlier in the season the fern was growing abun-

CURLY-GRASS FERN
Fertile leaves above; curled, sterile leaves in the moss below.

dantly, but the plants were not over four or five inches high.
Further on in the woods the plants climbed to a height of two
or three feet among the bushes. Another drive, and the party
hunted for the Massachusetts fern (Aspidium simulatum) in a
boggy place. With it was found the Virginia chain fern ( Wood-
wardia virginica). In another place the two species of Wood-
wardia (virginica and areolata) were found, growing together
near a brook. The Virginia chain fern—as pointed out by Dr.
Wherry—often becomes a troublesome weed in the cranberry
bogs, almost the only fern of our region to become troublesome
in any way.

181

After dinner there was an evening program of talks in the
dining hall of the inn. Mr. Torrey’s talk is printed elsewhere in
this issue. Dr. Edgar T. Wherry spoke on the soil characters of
the region as they affect the flora. He said the sandy soil had
had all the bases leached out resulting in a soil so acid that al-
most no bacteria could grow in it, even the coffee-colored
streams of the region are almost free of bacteria. The acid con-
dition of the soil is responsible for the stunted growth of pine
and oak trees which may be only three feet high, though over
a hundred years old. The amount of endemism in the pine bar-
` rens flora is too little to warrant the idea of extreme age. Mr.
A. Tennyson Beals spoke briefly on the mosses of the region,
stating that sphagnums are the most characteristic mosses of
the bogs of the region, 23 species of the genus being found. Mrs.
Gladys P. Anderson spoke of the lichens and showed specimens
she had collected. Mrs. Anderson also distributed some mounted
specimens with mimeographed keys and had those present de-
termine the species. Dr. William S. Thomas spoke of the mush-
rooms, noting that some species seemed to develop unusual
shapes and colors under the peculiar conditions of the barrens.
The program was concluded by a talk by Dr. M. A. Chrysler,
illustrated by lantern slides made by natural color photography
of characteristic flowers and ferns of the region.

Sunday morning the party visited the home of Miss Eliza-
beth White. In her garden were seen many of the uncommon
plants of the barrens, large numbers of the pine barrens gentian
in bloom attracting most attention. Several Franklinia trees
(Gordonia Altamaha) with their large white flowers, were of es-
pecial interest. The party also saw the nursery beds where Miss
White is growing several thousand cuttings of Franklinia.
Thrifty pitcher plants (Sarracenia purpurea) with matured
fruit and the Venus fly trap (Dionaea muscipula) were also
seen in the garden. Miss White conducted the party through
some of her extensive plantings of giant blueberries and de-
scribed the methods of selecting and hybridizing by which she
had secured several varieties in which the berries average over
three fourths of an inch in diameter. Cranberry bogs in various
stages of development were also seem. The party returned for
a late dinner at the inn. The success of the trip was in large

182

measure due to the careful planning and graciousness of Mr.
and Mrs. Taylor.
GEORGE T. HASTINGS

Monpay, OCTOBER 12

A small party was led by Mrs. Gladys P. Anderson to Long-
wood Valley and Green Pond fora study of lichens. Mrs. Ander-
son had prepared a mimeographed leaflet for those on the trip,
describing about sixty of the more common lichens, with a key
for determining them. Some twenty species, exclusive of a vari-
ety of crustose forms, were found and studied. The little peltate
forms of Dermatocarpon growing on the rocks, resembling mini-
ature rock tripe, were especially interesting. The wooly Crocynia -
was abundant on the cliffs, beautiful plants of Parmelia rudecta
and caperata were growing on the tree trunks with several spe-
cies of Physcia. A number of species of Cladonia and the related
Baeomyces roseus were found. The limestone ridges were rich in
ferns—extensive patches of the walking fern, Camptosaurus
rhizophyllus, scattered plants of the cliff brake, Pellaea atropur-
purea, and the dainty wall spleenwort, Asplenium Ruta-muraria
with an abundance of the maiden-hair spleenwort, Asplenium
Trichomanes, as well as many of the more common species.
The party examined several books on lichens that Mrs. Ander-
son had brought during lunch time while waiting for the coffee
to percolate. In spite of its double wrapping of brown and wax
paper the coffee was finally done, its unusual method of prep-
aration adding to the zest with which it was finally consumed.

G. T. H.

PRICKLY PEAR ON BEARFORT MOUNTAIN

The most notable discovery of the field trip on Sunday,
October 25, on Bearfort Mountain, west of Greenwood Lake,
was a large patch of the prickly pear cactus, Opuntia vulgaris,
which the writer had not found before on this ridge, although it
occurs on Carris Hill ten miles south in the Wyanokie Plateau.
This Bearfort Mountain stand is the farthest one the writer
knows, from the seacoast, in this vicinity, being about 40 miles
in a direct line, northwest of New York harbor. It is also the
highest of record in this Vicinity at about 1350 feet, exceeding
in elevation the more meager patch on Bear Mountain in the

183

Palisades Interstate Park at 1300 feet. It seems evident that
the species has no special preference as to the kind of soil it
likes; it was here growing upon the Devonian conglomerate
(Green Pond formation). It occurs, in the writer’s observation,
on granite, gneiss, basalt, diabase, dune sand, glacial outwash on
Long Island Pine Barren sand, Cretaceous formations in Mon-
mouth County, N. J. (marly sand), and the only nearby forma-
tions on which it has not been seen by the writer, are the Tri-
assic sandstones, in New Jersey and Rockland Co. N. Y. or the
Hudson Valley limestones and slates, and in Norman Taylor’s
catalogue it is reported presumably on the latter in Dutchess
and Greene Counties.

Another stand of the red spruce was found, in a swamp on
the west side of the outer ridge of Bearfort Mountain. It occurs
in other swamps on this mountain, but this locality was a new
one to the writer.

Lichens were in good condition, especially the cladonias, in
fine plump state after a rain and with their apothecia in bright
hues. A very large patch of the dog lichen, Peltigera canina,
covered three square yards. Several small wet spots were dense-
ly filled with the virginian chain fern, Woodwardia virginica,
which appears common on this conglomerate ridge, though
much less so east of Greenwood Lake, within the granite-gneiss

area. RHAFF

LICHEN COLLECTING IN WAWAYANDA
SWAMP—-NOVEMBER 3

The field trip to the region west of Greenwood Lake, on
Election Day, was promptly turned into a lichen collecting ex-
cursion when Mrs. Gladys P. Anderson of Rahway, N. J., ap-
peared, for those who know her ardent interest and wide knowl-
edge in that subject yield at once to her leadership. Most of the
day was spent in collecting lichens in the rhododendron and
southern white cedar swamp on Wawayanda Mountain, along
the Appalachian Trail. Mrs. Anderson found the region very
rich in lichens and discovered some unusual species. :

To beginners in the subject, the commoner species were in-
teresting, such as the beautiful bluish gray Lecidea albo-caeru-
lescens, in broad circular thalli on smooth rocks; the golden
Cetraria juniperina pinastri on the cedars, a handsome black

184

were found by Mrs. Anderson, also Leptogium chloromelum and
Parmeliopsis aleuritis.

On the way home, the party went back to Devonian botan-
izing, in the Pequanac shale on the Mount Peter Road, where

of Greenwood Lake. RAEI
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8

A party of over sixty rambled over the gneiss ridge. north-
east of Nepera Park noting the tree and shrub growth and look-
ing for belated flowers. Along the road an abundance of the
stalks of the plantain lily (Funkia) were covered with capsules.
Witch hazel bushes were covered with flowers, though a few of
them seemed to have been touched by the freeze of the night
before and had all the blossoms withered, possibly only those
most exposed or in the path of air drainage from the hill above
had suffered in this way. Three species of aster (A. cordifolius,
paniculatus and ericoides) were found in some abundance still in
blossom. Three goldenrods (Solidago latifolia, caesia and speci-
osa) were found in flower, though only a few individual plants
of hundreds of each species found had flowers remaining. In a
small brook a colony of lizard tail, Saururus cernuus, was found
in fruit. A few plants of the giant hyssop, Agastache nepetoides,
attracted attention. As one object of the trip, the study of seeds
and fruits had been announced. Of the class of fruits adapted to
cling to clothing an abundance was collected—without intent—
by the party. These represented several species of tick trefoil,
black snakeroot, sweet cicely, agrimony, Virginia knotweed,
burdock and cocklebur. Most of the party spent considerable
time on the homeward ride on the trolley picking off these seeds.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CLUB
MEETING OF OCTOBER 6, 1931

The meeting was called to order by President Sinnott at
8:40 P.M. at the American Museum of Natural History with
thirty-five members present.

The following people were unanimously elected to member-
ship in the club: Miss Anna Hennedy, South Weymouth, Mass.;
Miss Eleanor Utter, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Mr. Fred R. Clark,
Southeastern Teachers College, Durant, Okla.; Mr. Ralph
Hyams, New York, N. Y.; Mrs. Minnie G. Douglis, Brooklyn,
N. Y.; Miss Estelle Feld, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Mr. Julius Jacobs,
Brooklyn, N. Y.; Mr. James Murphy, New York, N. Y.; Mr.
Milton O. Pozdena, Winfield Jc., Long Island, N. Y.; Dr. Gil-
bert L. Stout, State Department of Agriculture, Office of Plant
Pathology, Sacramento, Cal.

Dr. C. Stuart Gager of Brooklyn Botanic Garden exhibited
specimens of green roses from their rose garden. Dr. Gager re-
ported that Gordonia altamaha has blossomed freely there this
summer.

Mr. George T. Hastings and Dr. Tracy Hazen commented
on the Western Meeting of the American Association at Pasa-
dena this summer.

Dr. Edmund W. Sinnott reported on the summer meeting
at the Pennsylvania State College.

Dr. Arthur H. Graves told about his hybridizing experi-
ments with the Japanese and American chestnuts and showed
a bur of the Japanese chestnut with very large fruit.

Professor Copeland gave an interesting report on the algae
found in the Hot Springs of the Rocky Mountains, particularly
of the Yellowstone, and reported that he found blue green
algae at a temperature of eighty-four degrees centigrade. The
species of Conjugatae are found only at very much lower tem-
perature, less than fifty degrees. He showed some fine preserved
specimens of the Hot Spring algae.

Mr. Raymond H. Torrey reported on the summer meetings
and stated that the last one had brought out an unusual large
attendance of one hundred people.

Dr. Forman T. McLean also announced that The New York
Botanical Garden had recently received from Captain Bob

185

186

Bartlett an interesting collection of living plants from Green-
land, collected during the Norcross-Bartlett Expedition last
summer.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 for refreshments in the Bird
Hall by the Refreshment Committee and there Mr. Elwert had
a most instructive exhibit from the Pine Barrens which he
collected this summer at Toms River.

canst ipac
AN T. McLEAN
geie

NEWS NOTES

AN AMENDMENT to the constitution of New York, passed
this November, has for its purpose the reforesting of much of
this abandoned land, both in the state parks and outside them.
Much is being done at present in this regard, approximately
38,000,000 trees having been planted in 1931. Of these about
half were planted on state land, 7,000,000 were planted by
counties, 8,000,000 by individual land owners and the remainder
by various clubs and organizations.

Tuer SAVE-THE-REDWoops LEAGUE reports that the purchase
of the Del Norte Coast State Park has been completed. About
2,500 acres has been secured at a cost of over $400,000. More
than 1,000 acres of redwoods have been secured in other tracts
through the activities of the league and work is being continued
to secure other stands along the Redwood Highway. All these
forests will be maintained in their natural state.

AT THE END of December a party sailed from Boston under
the leadership of Dr. Ralph W. Chaney to search in the jungles
of South and Central America for plants similar to those known
in fossil form from the Eocene deposits in California and Ore-
gon. A reconnaissance trip to Central America by Dr. Chaney
last year made it seem probable that such plants will be found
in considerable numbers.

GRowunp was broken on November 9 for the Division of Plant
Pathology at the Princeton branch of the Rockefeller Institute
for Medical Research. The new buildings will consist of a labo-
ratory, eight green house units and a potting shed. Dr. Louis O.

187

Kunkel, of the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research,
will be in charge of the new division. (Science)

THE NEw York Botanical Garden within the past year has
arranged for certain field work in China, the codperating insti-
tutions in that country being Nanking University, Sun Yatsen
University, and Lingnan University. The Nanking University
plan, in which the Arnold Arboretum is also codperating, in-
volves explorations in various provinces in Central China over
a term of several years and a very successful season’s work has
just been consummated in Kweichow Province. The work with
Sun Yatsen University involves botanical explorations in Hai-
nan, and that with Lingnan University field work in Kwangtung
Province. The New York Botanical Garden was enabled to un-
dertake this work on the basis of a special gift from Mr. Henry
W. de Forest.

DATES OF PUBLICATION OF TORREYA, VOLUME 31, 1931

No. 1 January-February February 20
2 March-April April 17
3 May-June June 15
4 July-August August 18
5 September-October October 30
6 November-December December 28

INDEX TO VOLUME 31

Names of species and varieties described as new are in black face type.

Abies balsamea, 155, 163

Abutilon avicennae, 35

Acer pennsylvanicum, 155; Lane
56, 162; saccharum, 56; spic

m, 155, 162

Acerates viridiflora, 34

Achetaria scutellarioides, 143

Achillea asplenifolia, 32; millefolium,
32

Acnida se ome LT Lis
Acorus calamus
Agalinis purpur ae

Albizzia Julibrissin, 6

Alnus alnobetula, 165

Alsima subcordatum, 35

Alsophila microdonta, 142

Amaranthus spinosus, 142

Amelanchier Bartramiana, 156

Ammocallis, 49

Ammonodon rostratus, 120

Anaphalis margaritacea, 35, 168

Anderson, Gladys P., 85, 182

Andrews, Eliza Frances, 62

Andropogon argyraeus, 2; scoparius,
2

Anemone cylindrica, 35

Angelica villosa, 34, 178

Aquilegia canadensis, 116

Aralia hispida, 118; nudicaulis, 116;
spinosa, 34, 55

Arceuthobium pusillum, 120

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, 88, 146

Arcyria, 43

Arenaria groenlandica, 165

Arisaema triphyllum, 116

Asclepias pulchra, 34; purpurascens,
34; quadrifolia, 34; rubra, 34;

, Notes on Magnolia and
Other Woody Plants, 37

Aspidium cristatum var. Clintonian-
21; Goldianum, 121; simu-
atum, 180
Asplenium platyneuron, 155; Ruta-
muraria, 121, 182; Trichomanes,
1, 182
Aster acuminatus, 155, 162; cordi-
folius, 35, 184; ericoides, 35, 184;
pen 35; lateriflorus, 35; macro-
phyllus, 155; novaeangliae, 35;
aniculatus, 184; puniceus, 35;
ea 178; nia, 178;
undulatus, 35; lowrieanus, 35
Athyrium E 35
Aulacomnium heterostichum, 16
Avery, George Sherman, 59, 128
Azalea japonica, 31; nudiflora, 35

Baccharis, 178

Badhamia magna, 43

A roseus, 182
160

a

Benedict, Ralph C., 98

Benzoin aestivale, 35

Berberis Thunbergii, 30

Berteroa incana, 35

Betula coerulea, 162; glandulosa, 165;
lenta, 56, 162; lutea, 155; papy-
rifera, 162; papyrifera var. cordi-
folia, 155; populifolia, 162

Bihai paitticorui, 143

Blephariglottis lacera, 35

Blinks, Anne H., 94

Bliss, Carl E., 125

Bogusch, E. R., A New Variety of
Koelberlinia, 73

Bolley, H. L., 159

Book Reviews: Barrett, A Field Key
to the Genera of Wild and Culti-
vated Trees 115; Degener, Ferns

188

189

and Flowering Plants of Hawaii
National Park, 150; Gundersen,
Illustrations of Flowering Plants,
52; Harger and others, Additions
to the Flora of Connecticut, 52;
Johnson, Taxonomy of Flower-
ing Plants, 77; Johnson, Mono-
graph of the Genus Cordia in
Southeastern South America,
149; Medsger, Nature Rambles,
Spring, 115; St. John, Flora of
Mount Baker, 15

Borreria laevis, 143; AoA 143

e

ternatum, 154; virginianum, 154
Brachythecium plumosum, 85
Brodiaea capitata, 75
Broomall, Laura, 20
Brown, C. A.

Bryum caespitosum, 16
Buxbaumia aphylla, 16

Calamagrostis canadensis, 165

Calymperes donnellii, 142

Camptosorus rhizophyllus, 121, 182

Canna coccinea, 143

Capriola Dactylon, 2

Carex asa-grayi, 162; concolor, 167;
crinita, 35; Deweyana, 155
pauciflora, 156; paupercula, 156;
trisperma

Carpinus jarolniana: 56, 90

Cassia Chamaecrista, wet Tora, 2

Castilleja coccinea, “ge

Catharinea undulata,

Catskill Occurrence x Potentilla
tridentata, Another, Raymond
H. Torrey, 145

Ceanothus americanus, 34

Cedrus atlantica, 56

Cenchrus echinatus, 2; tribuloides,
177

Centropogon cornutus, 142

Sra occidentalis, 57
todon purpureus, 16, 88

Cetak lati, 17

Cetraria juniperina pinastri, 183

Chamaecistus procumbens, 164
Chamaecyparis thyoides, 9, 88, 180
Chamaecyparis thyoides in Orange
York,

Chamaedaphne calyculata, 88, 117

Chamaenerion angustifolium, 168

Chamberlain, C. J

Chelonanthus chelonoides, 143

Chelone glabra, 35, 155

Cheney ., 98

ENA bop Adii 157

Chrysler, M. A., 152, 181

Cinna latifolia, 155

Circaea lutetiana, 35

Citrus aurantium var. sinensis, 143;
grandis, 143

Cladonia cristatella, 90; fimbriata, 90;

1

Clapp, Grace L., 95

Clark, Fred R., 185; Extension of
nge of Downy Poplar, 110

Clematis verticillata, 118; virginiana,

Clethra alnifolia, 88

Clibadium surinamense, 143

Climacium Americanum, 16

Clintonia borealis, 122, 155

Clusia martini, 143

Coccolobis uvifera, 143

Cockerell, T. D. A., Some Matters of
Nomenclature, 13

Collinsonia canadensis, 35

Colton, Marjorie, 59

Comatricha nigra, 43

Conatrichia typhoides, 153

Conioselinum chinense, 155

Conyza bifrons, 113

Cooper, William S., 94

Copeland, J. J., 125

Coptis trifolia, 155

Core, Earl L., 61

Corema Conradii, 179

Coreopsis grandiflora, 32; tinctoria, 32

Cornus canadensis, 155; florida, 56;
paniculata, 34

190

Corydalis sempervirens, 117; 121
Corylus rostrata, 90

Crescentia lere, 144

Cribraria, 43

Seat William, 95

Croc 2

Coki sagittalis, 35
Cryptomeria japonica, 56
Cucurbita maxima, 143; pepo, 19
Cummings, George B., 94
Cunila origanoides, 10, 113, 148

2
Cypripedium acaule, 29, 116, 121.
eh ; parviflorum, 121; couicdcens:
121

Dasystephana ada 35

Dearborn, R. B., A Case of Sprout
nesin Meat fon Adventitious
Buds on the Roots of Cabbage,
176

Delphinium orientale, 175
Demerec, M., 124
Drentata dinkvile 90
Deringa canadensis, 35
Dermatocarpon, 182; miniatum aqua-
ticum, 154

Deschampsia flexuosa, 155

1

Dionaea muscipula, 1
Diospyros virginiana, 56
Ditrichum tortile, 16
Dodge, B. O., 126
Doellingeria murhafiche. 35, 168
Douglis, Minnie G., 185
Downer, William J.,
Prosi filiformis, 179;
7;

A7 + 56.95
147; tOlla,

longifolia,
179

Dryopteris parasitioa’ 142; porteana,
142; tetragona, 142

Ecological Observations of Colorado
yxomycetes, Ernest C. Smith,

Elaeagnus umbellata, 30

Elwert, Max A., 56, 186

Empetrum nigrum, 165

Epigaea repens, 156

Epilobium angustifolium, 174; colora-
m,

Equisetum aquaticum, 184; hyemale,
178

Erigeron pulchellus, 35

Eriophorum spissum, 156

Erodium cicutarium, 76

Eupatorium compositifolium, 2; per-
foliatum, 35; purpureum, 35;
urticaefolium, 35; verbenaefo-
ium, 17

Euphorbia polygonifolia, 152

snr Plants in Forests, Supplemen-

tary Note, Roland M. Harper, 48

Explanation of Frost Crystals on
dried plant stems, An, H. M.
Jennison, 111

Extension of Range of Downy Poplar,
Fred R. Clark, 110

sheeted Frost Crystals on Dried
_ of Dittany, Raymond H.
rey, 10
Farr, Wanda Kol
Feld, Estelle, 185
Ferguson, William Cashman,
n Taylor, 50
Fernald, oe 94
Festuca nutans, 155
Field Trips of the Club, 16, 54, 85,
116, 151, 1
Fisher, Clyde, 125
Fissidens taxifolius, 85
Francis, Dorothy S., 58
Freak F lower aa jr Chinese Sacred
y K. Henry, 145
Frost Coad: on rota Plant Stems,
An Explanation of, H. M. Jen-

Nor-

nison, 1
Frost Flowers, Additional Notes, A.
Graves, 113

BET Co

191

Frost Flowers in Florida, Roland M.
Frost Flowers reported 100 years ago,
Raymond H. Torrey, 148

Gager, C. Stuart, 185

Galeopsis Tetrahit, 162

Gaultheria procumbens, 35, 156

Gentiana crinita, 36; Porphyrio, 179

Georgia pellucida, 85

Geranium carolinianum, 121; Rober-
tianum, 152

Geum canadense, 35; strictum, 35

Gilia tricolor, 7

Gilman, M. French, 61

Ginkgo biloba, 5

Gladiolus, Inheritance of Chromo-

ber in, Forman T.

€

Gleason, H. A., Johnson’s Taxonomy
of F T Plants, review, 77

Goethart, J. W. C., 61

Gordonia Pies. 181

Graham , Notes on Trini-
dad Plants, 141

Graves, Arthur H., 28, 57, 178; Addi-
tional Notes on Frost Flowers,
113; Additions to the Flora of
Connecticut, review, 52; Meds-
ger’s Nature Rambles, review, 115

Grout, Abel 2

Gryophora Dilleni, 17

Gundersen, Alfred, 178

Haas, Flora A., 95

112; Persistence of Exotic Plants
Under Forest Conditions, 1

Harris, J. Arthur, 98

Hastings, George T., 61, 182, 184, 185,
A Wild Flower Pilgrimage, 75;
Degener’s Ferns and Flower-
ing Plants of Hawaiian National
Park, review, 150

Hawthorne, Sarah E., 94

Hazen, Tracy, 185

ewer Ee 113; canadense, 10,

49; majus, 10

Hemerocallis ae 35

Hennedy, Anne, 185

Henry, LeRoy K., A Freak Flower of
the Chinese Sacred Lily, 145

Hepatica americana, 35; triloba, 89

Hesperis matronalis, 32

Heterotheca subaxillaris, 2

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, 143

Hicoria alba, 7; ovalis var. mollis, 41

Hieracium aurantiacum, 34; florenti-

m, 121; murorum, 33; panicu-

latum, 34; pratense, 34; scabrum,
34; venosum, 34

Houstonia coerulea, 165

Howe, Marshall A., 61

Hudsonia ericoides, 88, 179; tomen-
tosa,

Humphrey, Robert R., Some Notes

n Vegetational Change, 101

Hyams, Ralph, 185

Hydrangea arborescens, 35

Hylocomnium proliferum, 16

Hypericum virginicum, 57

Hypnum recurvans, 16

Ibidium cernuum, 35

Ilex glabra, 88; laevigata, 11 18

Impatiens biflora, 35; pallida, 155

Interesting Plant Collections from
Somerset County, N. J., Harold
Moldenke, 29

Iris pseudacorus, 35

Iseitia parviflora, 144

Isnardia palustris, 35

Isopappus divaricatus, 2

Iva, 178; monticola, 156; oraria, 152

Jackson, H. S., 62

Jacobs, Julius, 185

Jacquemontia tamnifolia, 2

Jardin, James T.,

Jennison, H. M., An explanation of
frost covainls on dried plant
stems, 11

192

suite A. M., Taxonomy of Flower-
Plants, review
ee filiformis, 164; U N 164
Juniperus lucayana, 142; sibirica, 161;
virginiana, 6, 88

Kalmia angustifolia, 88; latifolia, 56,
, 156; polifolia, 121, 156

Ruins, Jess; 99

Kaufman, Calvin H., 26, 99, 128

Kelley, Arthur Farn, Occurrence of
Pinus pungens on the Atlantic
Coastal Plain, 8

Koch, Minna, 19

Koeberlinia, A new Variety of, E. R.
Bogusch, 73

Koeberlinia spinosa var. verniflora,
74

Krigia virginica, 121
Kunkel, L. O., 98, 186
Kuntz, William A., 94

Lacinaria spicata, 35

Lagerstroemia Indica, 3

Larix laricina, 9, 161

Lechea maritima, 151

Spei albo-coerulescens, 183

oenlandicum, 164

Peat yihaeh oe 179

Lepidium cam T35

Lepidodendron, iiba 17, 184

Leptandra virginica, 35

Leptogium ooe 184

Lespedeza capitata, a striata, 2;
stuvei, 35: virgini

Leucobryum Be, pri martian-
um

Ligustrum ibota, 31; ovalifolium, 31;

vulgare,
Lilium philadelphicum, 35; super-
133

Limnorchis dilatata, 163
Linnaea americana, 157, 165
Liquidambar Styraciflua, 30, 56
Liriodendron Tulipifera, 56
Lobelia cardinalis, 3

Lochnera, 49

Lonicera japonica, 4, 32

Lotus corniculatus, 161
Lowe, D:
Ludwigia pine a 34
Lupinus m 5
Lychnis alii 123
Lycogala epidendrum,
fuscum,
oe alopecuroides, 180; an-
tin complanatum, 36;

122: flavo-

i ,

Lysimachia quadrifolia, 35
Lythrum salicaria, 18, 161

Magnolia and Other Woody Plants,

sis, 37; australis, 37; foetida var.
ta foetida var.

Malachodendron pentagynum var.
grandiflorum, 4

Malacothrix californica, 76

Mandevilla lomentosa, 143

Matricaria discoidea, 174; inodora,
174

Matzke, Edwin B., Modelling the
Orthic Tetrakaidecahedron, 129

McdAusland, Mildred, C., 94

McLean, Forman a. 26, 62, 185; In-
heritance and Chromosome Num-
ber in Gladiolus, 65

Medsger, Oliver P., Nature Rambles,

ring, m 11

Meier, Dorothy, 1

Meleney, Grace Bake Right Angle
Trees, 137

Melia pena 3

Menispermum canadense, 35

Merrill, Elmer D., 20, 158

Metastelma decaisneanum, 143

Microstylis unifolia, 155

193

Mimulus ringens, 34

Mitchella repens, 35, 56

Mnium cuspidatum, 88

Modelling the orthic tetrakaidecahed-

Moldenke, Interesting
Plant Collections from Somerset
County, N. J., 29; A Trip to the
White Mountains of New Eng-
land, 161

Monarda fistulosa, 35

Monotropa uniflora, 30

Muchemore, Kathleen, 19

Mucilago spongiosa var. solida, 43

Chamaecyparis

Mount Baker, review, 15
Murphy, James, 185
Myosotis palustris, 35
Myrica asplenifolia, 156; carolinensis,
34

Myristica fragrans, 143

Nabalus altissimus, 162; nanus, 167;
trifoliatus,

Narcissus Tazetta var. orientalis, 145

Nature Rambles, sag Oliver P
Medsger, review,

News Notes, =; hae ih ane 158, 186

Nichols, G. E

Nomenclature’ pa Matters of, T.

D. A. Cockerell, 13

Nyssa sylvatica, 55

>

Oakley, Russell A., 158

Oenothera caespitosa,
campestris, 75

Opuntia, 182; vulgaris, 151, 153

Ornstein, Rebecca, 20

Orthocarpus purpurasens, 75

Overholts, L. O., 158

Oxalis Acetols 162; americana, 155

Oxycoccus macrocarpon, 88

76; dentata

Panax trifolium, 116
Panicum virgatum, 178
Parmelia caperata, 182; cons
184; physodes, 184; rudecta, 182

~

Parmeliopsis. aap 184

Parsonia peti ,3

Pastinaca aie: 34

entenda Paul M., 95

densis, 30, 90, 116

Deltas atropurpurea, 121, 182

Peltigera canina, 183

Penthorum sedoides, 35

Pentstemon laevigatus, 35

Perry, John T., 60

Persea persea, 143

Persistence of Exotic Plants under
orest Conditions, Roland M.

Harper,
Phegopteris meee 122

Physarum didermoides var. lividum,
44

Physcia, 182; speciosa, 184

Picea mariana, 9, 20, 163; rubens,
163; rubra, 155

Pine Barrens, The Relation of the
Flora of—to the Geological His-
tory, Raymond H. Torrey, 169

Pinus Banksiana, 55; Cembra, 55;
densiflora, 55; edulis, 55; nigra,
55; pungens, 8, 55; rigida, 8, 55,57,
88, 151, 179; ponderosa, 55;
Strobus, 55; sylvestris, 55; Thun-
bergii, 55; virginiana, 55, 57

Pinus pungens on the Atlantic Coastal
Pla Occurrence of, Arthur
Pierson Kelly, 8

Pityrogramma calomelanos, 142

Placodium aurantiacum, 184

Platystemon californicus, 75

Pluchea camphorata, 178; foetida,

in,

Pogonatum brevicaule, 85

Pohlia nutans, 88

Poinciana pulcherrima, 143

Polygala cruciata, 153; paucifolia,
116; verticillata, 35

194

Polygonum arifolium, 178; hydro-
piperoides, 178; Muhlenbergii,
178; orientale, 178; ennsyl-

Polypodium incanum, 142; lycopodi-
oides, 142

Polystichum Braunii, 155

Polytrichum commune, 120; juniperi-
num, 120; ohioense, 16, 120;

piliferum, 90
Populus heterophylla, 110; tremul-
oides, 90

Potentilla tridentata, 121, 146
Povah, A. H., 99

Pozdena, Milton O.,

Proceedings of the iae 19, 58, 91,

Prunus angustifolia, 2; avium, 3, 32;
caroliniana, 6; ennsylvanica,
117; serotina, 6; virginiana, 55

Psedera, 152

Pterolepis glomerata, 143

Pyrola rotundifolia, 35

Pyrus melanocarpa, 117

Pyxidanthera barbulata, 88

Quercus alba, 56; ilicifolia, 179;
macrocarpa, 55; marilandica, 179;
Mississippiensis, 39; velutina,

156

Quisumbing, E., Water Glass as a
Medium for Permanently Mount-
ing Dissections of Herbarium
Material, 45

Randia mitis, 143

Ranunculus acris, 55; re pens, 35

Reade, J. M. Ve. Ashei, 71

Reed, Fredda Doris, 94

Reimer, Marie, 62

Rhapidorrhynchium oe 142

Rhizocarpon petraeum, 1

Rhizophora mangli, 143

ye lapponicum,
maximum, 9, 164; viscosum, 57

Rhus Toxkendaidion, 1

Ribes glandulosum, 163; lacustre, 155;
triste var. albineryium, 155

Richardia scabra,
Right Angle Trees, peek Coit Mele-

ney, 13
Robinia hispida, 33; Pseudo-acacia,
6; viscosa,
Romanoff, H. M., 59
Rosa carolina, 3
Rubus argutus, 34; chamaemorus,
164; cuneifolius, 2; nigrobaccus,

Rudbeckia hirta, 34; laciniata, 34,
155, 161; triloba, 34

ea ha South America, re-

Ta a Axel, 128
Rynchospora cephalotes, 143

Sabatia angularis, 35; stellaris, 178
Salicornia, 152

Salsola kali, 152

Salvia carduaca, 76

Sambucus racemosus, 168
Sanguinaria canadensis, 35
Sanguisorba canadensis, 153 i
Sanicula canadensis, 35; trifoliata, 35
Sarothra gentianoides, 35
Sarracenia purpurea, 88, 156, 181

te:

Schwarz, Walter, A Shell Hole Flora
s a Result of the World War,

74

Sciadopitys verticillata, 56
Scirpus caespitosus
Scutellaria integrifolia, 35; pilosa, 35
Segall, Sylvia O., 6
Senecio aureus, 35; sylvaticus, 174
Shell Hole Flora as a Result of the

War, Walter Schwarz, 174
Sibbaldiopsis tridentata, 165
Sida carpinifolia, 143
Sieversia Peckii, 166
Silene noctiflora, 123; Otites, 175
Sinnott, Edmund W., 19, 26, 185
Smilacina racemosa, 116; trifolia, 121
Smilax herbacea, 30; lanceolata, 7

ee a ee pe eee

:
:
.
|
:
1

195

Smith, Ernest C., Ecological seine
vations on Colorado Myxom
cetes, 42

Solanum carolinense, 86; Dulcamara,
86

Solidago altissima, 35, 179; bicolor,
35; caesia, 35, 184; canadensis,
35; Cale, 167; juncea, 35; lati-
folia, 184; macrophylla, 155;

sa, 35, 179; speciosa, 184;

squarrosa, 162

Some Notes on Vegetational Change,
Robert R. Humphrey, 101

Somerset County, N. J., Interesting
Plant Collections from, Harold
N. Moldenke, 29

Sorbus americana, 168

Sparganium androcladium, 35

Spergularia mariana, 152

Spiraea billiardii, 32; tomentosa, 32

Sprout Formation from Adventitious
Buds on the Roots of Cabbage,
R. B. Dearborn, 176

St. John, Harold and Edith Hardin,
Flora of Mount Baker, review, 15

Steironema ciliatum, 35; lanceolatum,
34

Stemonites fusca, 43

Stone, R. E., 94

Stout, Gilbert ba iss

Stratton, Robert, 95

Streptopus amplexifolius, 122, 157;
roseus, 122, 155

Suaeda linearis, 152

Svenson, Henry Knute, 24, 157
Senior. Albert R., 58

Swift, Marjorie, 127
Syndesmon thalictroides, 35
Syntherisma sanguinalis, 2

Tagetes erecta, 49
Taxodium distichum, 88
Taylor, Norman, William Cashman

erguson,
Taylor, William Gavin, 88, 179
Taylor, William Randolph, 99
Thalesia uniflora, 35
Thelia hirtella, 16

Thelypteris spinulosa var. dilatata,
155

Theobroma cacao, 142

Thompson, f

Tiarella cordifolia, 122

Tilia caroliniana var. lata, 39; leuco-
carpa var. cocksii, 39

Tiniaria convolvulus, 35; scandens, 35

Tolstoouhov, Alexander V.,

Tontanea guianensis, 144

Torrey, Raymond, 16, 54, 87, 89, 90,
178, 183, 185; Another Catskill
Occurrence of Potentilla triden-
tata, 146; Damsel Flies captured
by Drosera, 147; Fantastic Frost
Crystals on dried stems of Dit-
tany, 10; Frost Flowers reported
100 years ago, 148; The Relation
of the Flora of the New Jersey
Pine Barrens to the Geological
History of the Region, 169

Tottingham, W. E., 158

Tovara virginiana, 35

Tracaulon sagittatum, 35

Trichia decipiens, 43

Tridens flava, 178

Trientalis americana, 116

Trillium erectum, 122; undulatum,
118, 121, 155, 157

Trinidad Plants, Notes on, Edw. H.
Graham, 144

Tsuga canadensis, 56

Tussacia pulchella, 143

Ulmus americana, 55; fulva, 7

Utricularia vulgaris, 153
Utter, Eleanor, 185
Uvularia sessilifolia, 35

Vaccinium Ashei, sp. nov., J. M.
eade, 71
Vaccinium corymbosum, 57; fusca-
tum, 72; Oxycoccus, 156; penn-
sylvanicum, 156; uliginosum, 164
Valerianodes cayennense, 143

196

Vecchierello, Hubert, 95

Veratrum viride, 30, 88, 90

Verbascum Blattaria, 35; Thapsus, 35

Verbesinia occidentalis, 111, 113; vir-
ginica, 111, 148

Vernonia noveboracensis, 35

Viburnum alnifolium, 122, 162; cas-
sinoides, 156

Vinca major, 4, 49; minor, 4, 32, 49;
rosea, 49

Viola canadensis, 154; renifolia, 155;
rotundifolia, 154

Water Glass as a Medium for Perma-
nently Mounting Dissections of
Herbarium Material, E. Quisum-

bing, 45
Waterman, W. G., 59

Webera sessilis, 16, 85

White, David, 160

White Mountains of New England, A
Trip to, Harold N. Moldenke,
61

1

Wild Flower Pilgrimage, A. George T.
Hastings, 75

Woodsia ilvensis, 155; obtusa, 122

Woodward, R. W.,

Woodwardia areolata, 153, 180; vir-
ginica, 117, 153, 180

Xolisma ligustrina, 35

Zizia aurea, 116
Zostera, 177