212 Rhodora [AvcusT 
either work. These records are readily traced to the Gray Manual, 
6th edition, where the range is given as, *throughout the Atlantic 
States" etc. Now in the Revision of the North American Umbelli- 
ferae, Coulter and Rose, published in 1888, it is very clearly shown, 
on page 82, that great confusion has existed in regard to the species 
of Zhaspium and that most herbarium specimens labelled ZZaspzum 
aureum, belong to the apterous fruited plants now included in the 
genus Z/zia. There is not the slightest doubt that in this way 
Thaspium aureum was included in the Gray Manual, and this range 
has been copied into many of our local floras. 
Dr. Britton has seen no New England Zhaspium aureum, and his 
reference to Rhode Island is based upon “ Plants of Rhode Island,” 
J. L. Bennett, Providence, 1888, in which both ZZaspium aureum 
and the variety azropurpureum are credited to the State. Bennett’s 
statement as to the occurrence of the species in Rhode Island is 
doubtless based upon the same misconception, for no specimens from 
the State exist in the Herbarium of Brown University or in any 
private herbaria that I can find. I have examined a great many 
plants of so-called Zhaspium aureum and of Zizia aurea from over 
New England with the kind assistance of Dr. Rose and every plant 
has turned out to be the latter species, Z/z/a aurea, For years past 
I have tried without success to see a New England Zhaspium aureum 
either in the field or in an herbarium, and I feel very safe in saying 
that as far as we know at present the species does not grow with us. 
I trust that no future list will include this species as a New England 
plant unless an authentic specimen exists to prove the statement. I 
have spoken thus at length upon this subject as I think it is impor- 
tant to have a clear understanding as to the position of this species 
in New England, and I hope that it will stimulate an active search 
for Thaspium aureum, especially in the southern and western borders 
of our States. 
Thaspium aureum, var. atropurpureum, Coulter & Rose. This 
form should stand as the earliest correct combination under the genus 
Thaspium, instead of ZZAaspium atropurpureum, Nutt. The sole 
authority for this variety as a New England plant is Bennett's Plants 
of Rhode Island, referred to above, where the plant is credited to 
“Warwick, Olney.” As no trace of Olney's specimen can be found, if 
indeed it ever existed, and as the most diligent search of New England 
botanists has never brought this variety to light either before or since 
