245 
was comparatively dry, the spots where the moss grew being 
elevated several feet above the level of the adjoining swamp. 
When first observed, the growing capsules were green, small, 
and quite soft to the touch. I visited the locality at intervals of 
about two weeks, but found little change in the condition of the 
capsules until the beginning of spring, when they became swollen 
and began to assume a pretty purplish hue. 
On the 19th of April they appeared to be perfectly devel- 
oped. W. E. SAFFORD. 
Examination of Pine-Seed Wings. 
In connection with the recent discussion as to the identity or 
non-identity of Pinus edulis and P. monophylla, I would sug- 
gest a microscopic examination of the cellular structure of the 
wings of the seed as a valuable means of specific differentiation. 
These cells, no less by their general shape than by their contour, 
are so characteristic, that by them alone the species to which a 
given specimen belongs can be determined with tolerable cer- 
tainty. Such at least is the result of my observation with a lim- 
ited number of species. Further investigation is necessary to de- 
cide as to its general applicability. 
The examination is quite easy, as the wings are translucent, 
and a low power, from 80 to 100 diameters, suffices. 
G. ON, BEST. 
Insular Floras. 
By JOHN: H. REDFIELD. 
The outer islands lying off the coast of Maine have a flora of 
a triple character. The wooded portions have the trees of the 
mainland, mostly spruces, firs and birches, and under their shelter 
grow the characteristic smaller plants of the northern flora, and 
where the ground is swampy, a great variety of species find a 
home. But the cleared portions, which have been cultivated or 
used for sheep pastures, are often extensive, and these harbor a 
great number of species which may be called “ tramps ”—some- 
times as unwelcome as human tramps—while, lastly, the rocky 
coasts and stony beaches give a legitimate place to many strictly 
-maritime species. Some of these islands have an extensive area, 
\and furnish a flora too large to enumerate here. . In the BULLETIN 
