260 HITCHCOCK: STUDY OF THE LOCAL FLORA 



groups and there is no hesitation in pronouncing them distinct 

 species. But there will be many cases where the groups are 

 not distinct. There will be a segregation of dots at different 

 points, a greater density of grouping, but the groups will not 

 be definitely separated by blank areas. Lying between are 

 scattered dots representing individuals which cannot be as- 

 signed definitely to any of the surrounding groups. The in- 

 vestigator must decide whether these indefinite but denser 

 aggregations of dots represent species or whether the larger 

 group which can be definitely separated from its surroundings 

 shall be called a polymorphous species. Evidently we have to 

 do here with species in the making and we may expect to find 

 stages in the process. The decision as to the limitation of 

 species must in some cases be arbitrary, no matter what stand- 

 ard for comparison be chosen, and may often be dictated by 

 convenience or expediency. The sorely perplexed taxonomist 

 can at least take comfort in the thought that he is not respon- 

 sible for the vagaries of the plants and that it is not necessary 

 for him to force the plants to conform to a concept. As some 

 great philosopher has said, When in doubt tell the truth. We 

 seek the truth, not the vindication of a theory. As stated above 

 the taxonomic judgment is based chiefly upon experience. The 

 worker determines the amount of variation in groups which the 

 concensus of botanical opinion recognizes as species. One who 

 is investigating asters should at the same time extend his obser- 

 vations to other groups of plants if he has not already accumu- 

 lated a taxonomic experience. An inability to assign individuals 

 to established species may not mean that the specimens are 

 intermediates nor that the species are invalid. It may mean 

 lack of knowledge on the part of the investigator. 



After a worker has completed an investigation he should 

 place the results on record for the benefit of science. The in- 

 vestigation has trained the worker and developed his judgment, 

 but the results are lost to science unless they are published. 

 Publication of results is a training in itself which adds greatly 

 to a young man's efficiency. The points chiefly to be considered 

 in preparing manuscript for publication are clearness, concise- 



