144 rill-: AMI'.RICAX RC^TANIST 



blue-flowered speedwell likewise grew, the first in abundance^ 

 the fast two sparsely, upon some of these fire-swept spaces. 



Among species that were to be found in but one or a few 

 small and isolated patches were false indigo {Baptisia tinc- 

 toria), smooth false loxglove {Dasystoma virginica), louse 

 wort {Pcdicnlaris lanccolata), Indian plantain {Mesadenia 

 artriplicifolia), Painted-cup {Castillcja coccinca), Joe-Pye 

 weed, dogbane, and pokewecd. While not of heavy growth 

 in any particular place, the following were scattered over the 

 entire cleared area: Spiderwort, Lobelia Icptostachys, Stci- 

 roncma ciliatiim, catnip, three-toothed cinquefoil {Potcntilla 

 tridcutata), shrubby cinquefoil {Potcntilla fruticosa), self- 

 heal, wild strawberry, great ragweed and a species of spurge. 

 Chief est among such as were at first rare, but in after years 

 increased greatly in numbers were horse-mint, mountain- 

 mint {Kocllia virginiana) , Starry campion {Silcnc stcUata), 

 Culver's-physic, lamb's-quarters and the common ragweed 

 {Ambrosia artcniisiacfolia). Finally, along an ancient trail 

 came May-weed, or dog-fennel, heralding the advance of a 

 contiuering civilization. 



Such bare cataloguing of species may appear stupid and 

 useless and perhaps it is so, but nevertheless I anticipate with 

 pleasure going over this old hunting-ground of mine at some 

 future time and comparing conditions as they then shall exist 

 with those of the past. It will be good to note what plants, 

 being unfitted to dwell in the open among such a host of com- 

 petitors, has disappeared and likewise to observe what are 

 the predominating forms — the "winners in Life's race." 



