FOREWORD 



It is difficult to write a suitable foreword to such a notable book. 



In his "Flora of Indiana" Dr. Deam has set new standards of excel- 

 lence in many lines. 



The most casual examination shows that it was based upon painstaking- 

 field studies — field studies covering years of time and involving thousands 

 of miles of travel. While local lists were carefully studied no plant was 

 admitted to the Flora upon their authority, it was admitted only as these 

 field studies proved its presence in the state, or it could be verified by 

 actual specimens in accessible herbaria. I know of no other State Flora 

 based upon long continued field studies and in which every plant admitted 

 is based upon an actual and accessible specimen. 



The work is notable because of its accuracy. Dr. Deam, not content to 

 rest upon his own taxonomic acumen, has referred every critical genus 

 and species to specialists for their confirmation or correction. Scores of 

 shipments of such specimens to these specialists were made up to the 

 very date of publication. It is safe to say that in no other regional Flora 

 has such meticulous care been taken to secure absolute accuracy in de- 

 termination, as well as the very latest word in these special studies. The 

 Flora of Indiana is accurate and up to date in an unusual degree. 



The clearness of the floral picture is increased by a series of unique dis- 

 tribution maps showing not only location but the time of the occurrence 

 of various seasonal phases. 



Perhaps as illuminating as any single feature of the Flora are the 

 incidental ecological notes that appear on almost every page. From the 

 unity of treatment that characterizes the text, plant associations stand out 

 with amazing distinctness. It adds greatly to the value of the book that 

 while no attempt is made to emphasize these features, they take their 

 place in the picture of the flora of the state and aid in its interpretation, 

 as into this book has entered the experience of former taxonomic work 

 by the author. His Trees of Indiana, Shrubs of Indiana, and Grasses of 

 Indiana are models of what such reports should be as to completeness, 

 accuracy, and widespread utility. 



The canvas is of course larger in Flora of Indiana but there has been 

 no sacrifice of accuracy, no lessening of the purpose lying back of all these 

 books — that they should be useful to citizens of Indiana. 



The Flora of Indiana will be a treasure trove to education from the sec- 

 ondary schools to the university. It will be a stimulus and guide to nature 

 lovers; it will be of immense practical value to every agriculturist and 

 horticulturist. It will have its place in libraries, and it is a great book by 

 an author whom I have been proud to claim as a personal friend for 

 nearly half a century. 



Stanley Coulter, 



Dean (Emeritus) School of Science, 

 Purdue University. 



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