N 
1909] Penhallow,— The Habitat of Rhodora 17 
Rhodora is sparingly developed through the central area, but about 
the margin it becomes abundant and thence extends in scattering 
groups, into the adjacent drier areas of the summit. None of the 
specimens are large, with little or no variation in size, and it may be 
said that they conform very well to the general description of one metre 
or less. As one leaves the Cemetery and ascends the opposite slope 
on the summit of which the Algonquin hotel is situated, a noteworthy 
growth of the shrub is encountered at the position of the pumping 
station. The specimens spread over an area of one or more acres. 
The soil in this locality is a loose sand and gravel affording perfect 
drainage. The vegetation consists of poorly developed grasses, mixed 
with mosses and an abundant growth of the mountain cranberry 
(Vaccinium Vitis-idaea, var. minus). On the very summit of this 
ridge, on a dry gravelly bank close to the roadside, there were two 
very fine and vigorous clumps of Rhodora about 6 dm. in height. 
Passing in review, the facts noted, it is to be observed that no locality 
has yet been found in the neighborhood of St. Andrews where Rhodora 
appears to assume the typical bog habit. The only apparent excep- 
tion appears in the occurrence of a single specimen on the edge of a 
bog near Joe's Point, on the road to the Biological Station; and in 
another specimen near the Canadian Pacific Station, which also grows 
on the edge of a small bog. Оп the other hand, it is of interest to note 
that the most frequent occurrence is in well drained areas, and this 
fact is consistent with the occurrence of the plant on the high edges 
of gravel banks in deep railway cuttings, as was frequently noted on 
the line of the Maine Central before reaching Vanceboro, Maine. 
The distribution of this species in the bog at Shelburne, as well as its 
frequent occurrence under typical bog conditions through northern 
Maine, is ample justification for the character usually assigned to it. 
But, that it is not necessarily a bog plant; that it commonly occurs 
in areas which are not at all swampy, and that its unusual height is 
best displayed under the protection of small trees, are facts of interest 
and importance which deserve further study. As, at this writing, the 
foliage is but feebly developed, it is impossible to determine how the 
external morphological features are correlated with the environment, 
but it may be possible to ascertain some facts bearing upon this ques- 
tion at a later date. 
McGILL UNIVERSITY. 
