proceedings: botanical society 257 



V. CoviLLE and himself. The flora, as planned, is to include an intro- 

 duction, a key to the families, keys to the genera of each f amity, keys 

 to the species of each genus, and statements concerning the habitat, 

 abundance, and local distribution of each species, with suitable refer- 

 ences to outside range. Formal descriptions will be omitted, but 

 statements may be given concerning useful or poisonous qualities, 

 economic value, }^cuharities of structure, or other points likely to be 

 of interest to the users of a local flora. The area to be covered by 

 the Flora is approximately a circle of 15 miles radius with the capi- 

 tol as a center, this territory being practically that covered by Ward's 

 Flora of Washington, though it is not intended to exclude from con- 

 sideration localities that lie a short distance outside of the 15 mile 

 circle. The formal list is to include all indigenous and introdu^^ed 

 plants and those that have escaped from cultivation. In addition 

 there will be brief references to the common species of cultivated plants. 

 All the species listed in Ward's Flora or its supplements are to be ac- 

 counted for, even though they can not now be verified by specimens. 



It is proposed to pubhsh in the spring of 1916, if practicable, a pre- 

 hminary edition of the Flora which shall include the flowering plants 

 and ferns. This will allow one intervening collecting season for 

 collating data and confirming previous records. It is hoped that 

 later editions may be published which shall include the cryptogams. 



In 1906 a list of the vascular plants of the District of Columbia and 

 vicinity was compiled by Mr. P. L. Ricker, and copies were struck 

 off by mimeograph. This list was based upon Ward's Flora and its 

 supplements. Mr. Ricker has prepared and placed on file a card 

 index of additions to the above-mentioned fist. At the National 

 Herbarimn the District Flora, consisting of all specimens from the 

 area mentioned, has been segregated and can be readily consulted. 

 There is also accessible a detailed outUne of the plan of the 'Flora and 

 a sample illustrating the form to be followed in preparation of manu- 

 scripts. Man}^ botanists have been consulted in relation to the pro- 

 ject and 29 have signified their wilHngness to contribute manuscript 

 of particular families or genera. 



It is regarded as very desirable also that work should be started this 

 season upon the cryptogams, and it is hoped that as many botanists 

 as possible will cooperate in collecting material or in preparing manu- 

 script for the crj^ptogams to be included in future editions. All per- 

 sons interested in the general project of a District Flora are invited to 

 consult with Mr. Frederick V. Coville at the Department of Agri- 

 culture or with the speaker at the National Herbarium. 



The Society also passed resolutions of regret upon the death of Dr. 

 Charles E. Bessey. 



Perley Spaulding, Corresponding Secretary. 



