98 THE AxAlERlCAN BOTANIST. 



Others have crept up along the Atlantic coast as far as Virginia. 

 One of the handsomest of the prairie species of the Middle 

 West is the subject of our illustration, the smooth or meadow 

 phlox {Phlox glaberrima). The species extends into Wis- 

 consin in suitable locations and is everywhere one of our show- 

 iest wildflowers. This showiness is due quite as much to its 

 profuse blooming as it is to its form and color. Unlike 

 many another choice wilding it does not have to be sought in 

 secluded glens, deep forests and other out-of-the-way places 

 but spreads away in brilliant masses over meadow and prairie 

 as far as the eye can reach, the most conspicuous plant in the 

 landscape. The structure of the plant also contributes con- 

 siderably to the effective display of its blossoms. The stems 

 are slender, wand-like and long enough to lift the truss of 

 flowers well above the grasses amidst which it grows, while 

 the narrow leaves are, as it were, kept in the background and 

 do not obscure the beauty of the plant by leafiness. As our il- 

 lustration shows it is exceedingly abundant in favorable places. 

 During its season of bloom few plants can surpass it. 



NOVEMBER WAIFS. 



IBy Dr. W. W. Bailey. 



THE latest plant to bloom in our region, is the witch-hazel, 

 ( Hamamelis) .Isis-ny weeds, not native, linger longer — even 

 at times into December. They cannot legitimately be said to 

 dispute the claim of witch-hazel ; they know no better. It 

 seems queer that the experience of some two centuries has not 

 convinced them of the dangers and caprices of our climate. We 

 might, indeed, inquire if, in that long time, they have not be- 

 come acclimated, or acquired special mean to resist adverse con- 

 ditions. Nothing can be more interesting than the study of en- 

 vironment. It is, as every one now knows, a potent factor in 

 evolution. 



But to return to Hainainclis. Its odd yellow flowers may still 



