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local in Rhode Island, and does not make itself at home as in 
Eastern Massachussetts. It is, with its large, deep-blue heads, a 
highly ornamental nuisance. I saw but one Lobelia, the common 
Indian tobacco, L. inflata. Among Primulacez I was glad to find 
a fine bed of Samolus. It grows in the sand near the Great Salt 
Pond. 
The Labiatze were represented by eleven genera and thirteen 
species—a good showing—among them was Melissa officinalis. 
Polygonum was another genus with full ranks. We recorded eight 
species. The surprising height of some plants was noticeable; 
thus some Sparganiums and Sagittarias were the giants of their 
race. I havea list of 28 grasses, and am sure that a number 
more might be found. Both Mr. Collins and .myself rigorously 
excluded everything from our catalogue of which we had any 
lingering doubt. 
I found myself speculating much, and perhaps wildly, as to the 
origin and remote history of these insular plants. How came 
they here? Are they in some cases descendants of old conti- 
nental forms existing while yet Block Island was part of the main- 
land? On the other hand, did birds, winds, tide-currents, or the 
operations of man introduce them? Of course we can account for 
the presence of grasses and weeds. But how about the endemic 
Species? The flora seems to me pretty full for the situation. 
Those who consult the following list will be struck by its length 
and by the curious lacune. 
A List of Plants found on Block Island, R.!., in July and August. 
By W. W. BAILEY AND J. F. CoLvins. 
(From July 19th to end of August, 1892.) 
RANUNCULACE&. 
1. Ranunculus Cyméalaria, Pursh. Abundant about the Great Salt Pond,Aug. 
2, Ranunculus repens, L. 
3. Ranunculus acris, L. 
NYMPH AACE. 
4. Castalia odorata (Dryand.) Woody. and Wood. Extremely abundant in 
nearly all the numerous fresh water ponds. Flowers in some instances measur- 
ing from 7 to 9 inches in diameter. Occasionally pink. 
5- Vymphea advena (Soland.), Greene. Quite common. 
