2S0 



ing knowlcdi^c in this dircxtion, \vc arc compelled to admit that 

 there arc certain species that still must be considered as local in 

 tlicir distribution, and of this class is Phlox bifida. 



' lam inclined to think this species more limited in its geo- 

 graphical range than has been generally supposed. 



F 



In fact, I feel justified in concluding that this very distinct 

 Phlox is confined to Illinois. The writer would be glad to receive 

 any information that would support or destroy such conclusion. 



In Gray's '* Flora of North America/* its habitat is given as 



** Prairies of Illinois and Missouri;" but I am inclined to think 

 the Missouri habitat very questionable. 



\ 



In Tracy's ** Catalogue of Plants of Missouri,'* Phlox bifida 

 is included, but no locality is mentioned, and it is inserted on the 

 ground of the Missouri habitat in *' Gray's Manual, fifth edition.*' 



From the fact that the species was named by Prof Beck, who 

 collected in the neighborhood of St. Louis, Mo., at one time, I 

 was led to address Prof Trelease of that city, with the idea of 

 ascertaining, if possible, its existence in that locality. In answer- 

 ing, he said, in looking over Dr. Engelmann's check-list of Mis- 

 souri plants, he could find no mention of it, nor was it in 

 Riehl's herbarium of Missouri plants at Shaw's Garden. 



It would hardly seem possible that such an enthusiastic and 

 accurate btHanist as Dr. Engelmann, with the opportunities of 

 his many years residence in St. Louis, would have overlooked it 

 if native in that vicinity. Though a rare plant in Illinois, it is 

 found in several widely separated localities. Patterson's cata- 

 logue gives the following localities: ''Common on lake shore, 

 south of Chicago, Babcock ; Kankakee County, Hill; Peoria, 

 Brendel; Mason and Cass, Mead; Menard, Hall; Union, For- 

 bes.'' The lake shore habitat makes it possible that it might 

 extend along the shore either into Indiana or Wisconsin. 



It is very abundant In a deep, rocky defile known as *' Rocky 

 Glen," about two miles distant from Peoria. It is a profuse 

 bloomer, and in May the steep sides are clothed with the delicate 

 star-like flowers. About a mile distant from this locality it grows 

 more sparingly on a steep, sandy bank. As neither locality Is 

 susceptible of cultivation, it would appear as if destined to exist 



here forever. 



Frank McDonald, 



