1907] Notes on the Genus Vaccinium. 115 



if not more so, the berries being often quite crowded. This 

 species does not seem to thrive in British Columbia as in the east, 

 and appears to be dwarf-Hke in every particular. 



V. parvifolimn was collected along the Se^^mour River 

 running into Seymour Arm at the northern end of Shuswap 

 Lake. The shrub grows about the height of V . ovalifolium, but 

 more erect, often producing the appearance of a small cherry 

 tree. It grows at the lowest altittide of any of the species, being 

 common on the shores of the lake, which is about 1,100 feet 

 above the sea. Our trip up Seymour River was for about 20 

 miles, and ended at nearly 7,000 feet. V. parvifolhim began at 

 the lake shore and at about 10 miles up V. ovalijolium began, 

 followed soon after by V . membranaceum. At one time for two 

 or three miles we had the three together, but the species dropped 

 out in the order named as we proceeded. All disappeared at 

 4,500 feet. The fruit was beginning to ripen at this date, July 

 24-27, and the appearance of the three shades of color was quite 

 interesting. V. parvijoUum was, however, in advance of the 

 others. Its fruit production is in about the same ratio as that of 

 V . ovalifolhtm, perhaps less scattered on the branches. 



The fruit production of the blueberry does not seem to be 

 so certain in British Columbia as in eastern Canada, there being 

 many off seasons, or it may be abundant in one locality and very 

 scarce in others. The early springs of British Columbia may be 

 one cause of this, combined with a light snowfall. When the 

 snowfall is light the plants get an early start in the spring, and 

 often are in bloom early in May, or even the last week in April. 

 If a heavy frost comes at this season, as it often does, the result 

 is a light crop of fruit. This may account for a better fruit pro- 

 duction at over 3,000 feet, as the altitude retards the spring 

 growth as well as being less subject to late frosts. 



It can readily be seen in British Columbia that Vaccinium 

 delights in a moderately damp climate, since it disappears 

 altogether in the dry parts, except in rare situations at high 

 altitudes. 



