1912] Field Excursions of New England Botanical Club 75 
Although in our backward and sterile coastal areas there is little 
good botanizing as early as May 11, the experience of those who have 
been in the Greenfield region at that date justifies us in announcing 
that the following, besides many less attractive species, are in flower 
or fruit early in May: Equisetum pratense, Cryptogamma Stelleri, 
Carex plantaginea, Luzula saltuensis, Alnus mollis, Asarum canadense, 
Clematis verticillaris, Hepatica acutiloba, Caulophyllum thalictroides, 
Dicentra canadensis and D. Cucullaria, Dentaria laciniata and D. 
diphylla, Mitella diphylla, Waldsteinia fragarioides, Dirca palustris, 
Lonicera canadensis, Viburnum alnifolium and Tussilago Farfara. 
What more could be asked by the man weary of city life and longing 
for a real taste of spring? 
As above stated the practice of last year will be continued of divid- 
ing the party into several squads operating independently within 
different areas. By this means much more can be accomplished 
than if the entire party goes to one place. More territory can be 
explored and the number of plants collected increased as many times 
as there are parties. Every plant in recognizable condition (whether 
lichen, moss, fern or flowering plant), especially the common things, 
should be taken (whether in flower or not). -Itis not necessary that the 
collectors determine the material. All that is asked is that each party 
make as complete a collection as possible in the region assigned keep- 
ing mental note of habitats and relative abundance and after pressing 
and drying the plants send them to the curators accompanied by labels 
(which the Curators will supply) with a record of habitat and relative 
abundance. 
Here is a grand opportunity for every member to show his loyalty 
to the Club and his zeal for field-work. Let each of us, then, consider 
the excursions personal obligations and at comparatively small cost 
or inconvenience join this undertaking and enjoy a trip afield when 
Nature most invites us, and at the same time be of practical service 
to the Club in building up the collections upon which our detailed 
studies must inevitably depend. 
The expense of the Greenfield trip for those who stay through 
Saturday and Sunday will be well under $10.00. 
Members owning automobiles can render invaluable service by plac- 
ing their cars at the disposal of the Committee. Several machines 
can be used to advantage. 
The committee desires to know as early as possible how many are 
