214 The Philippine Journal of Science 1917 
DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES 
For convenience of reference we have brought together in 
Table IV data on the relative abundance, the method of distribu- 
tion, and the geographic origin and distribution of all the species 
that have been found on Volcano Island since the eruption in 
1911. ° 
The relative abundance of the individual species is merely 
approximate, as no exact counts were taken. Under ‘‘very rare” 
are listed those species observed only in one or two localities, 
and represented by a single or very few specimens; “rare or 
local” indicates those species which, while more abundant than 
the above, are not conspicuous and are usually confined to a 
limited area; “fairly common” includes those of general distribu- 
tion that are not dominant; by “very common” are indicated 
the comparatively few species that are widely distributed and 
dominant. — 
In listing the methods of distribution of seeds we have con- 
sidered only those means by which they are carried to a con- 
siderable distance and have left out of account those devices, 
such as explosive pods which can distribute the seeds only a 
few meters. Very few actual experiments have been performed 
to determine the possible methods of distribution so that we have 
relied on inferences drawn from the character of the fruits, 
supplemented, in many cases, by direct observation. While the 
data cannot threfore be regarded as exact, they should be suf- 
ficiently accurate to allow general conclusions to be drawn from 
them. 
Under the heading “eaten by birds” are placed most of the 
species with fleshy fruits as well as some species with dry fruits 
that are known to be distributed by birds, 
The heading “wind” includes those seeds with definite wings, 
pappus, or other appendages adapted to aérial dispersal; also 
the minute, dust-like seeds of the Orchidaceae and the spores 
of ferns. : 
Under “water” are placed those species that have manifest 
adaptations for dispersal by means of fioating seeds or fruits. 
Some species whose fruits are not specially suited for this method 
of dissemination have reached Volcano Island by floating as the 
distance from the shore of the mainland to the island is not great. 
Viable seeds of Samanea saman, Cucurbita maxima, and Citrullus 
vulgaris were found in the drift on the beach. Even more con- 
spicuous was a large fleshy fruit of Artocarpus integrifolia with 
the fruit as well as the seeds in perfect condition. None of 
