INTRODUCTION. 27 



are naturalized on this continent from Europe; two are 

 introduced from other parts of North America ; two more, 

 as appears from circumstantial evidence, may also have 

 been so introduced; leaving only four species that are 

 indigenous in the common sense. This would seem to 

 prove that at Mt. Desert there was some obstacle besides 

 climate which leguminous plants found it difficult to 

 surmount. That it is not some hostile condition at the 

 present time appears from the fact that when northern 

 species of this family are introduced on the Island they 

 flourish as well there as elsewhere. 



Further instances are the genera Asclepias and Gen- 

 tiana, and many others, — of which no representative 

 whatever is found, — and a number of species belonging 

 to different genera, which are found northward on the 

 mainland, but not on Mt. Desert. It may be that some 

 day many of these missing plants will reach the Island, 

 but at present their absence seems as unmistakable as 

 it is unaccountable. 



For its disappointments, however, the flora makes am- 

 ple compensation. For so limited and circumscribed an 

 area our territory possesses many plants interesting to 

 any lover of our New England flora, and has contributed 

 some forms that are of interest to the general botanist as 

 well. Even its most common flowers take new and unex- 

 pected deepness of color from the cool sea air, and are a 

 constant delight both to botanist and mere flower-lover. 

 Our work has been a labor of love, the fruit of happy days, 

 and the source of pleasant memories. If this Catalogue 

 proves a help to those for whom it is intended, and en- 

 ables them to share the pleasure we have gained on this 

 wonderful island of Mt. Desert, we shall be more than 

 satisfied. 



