selves to cultivated ground and what must confine themselves to strictly- 

 wild lands. 



These facts should be noted not only in reference to the indigenous 

 plants, but so far as they are applicable to introduced plants also. In 

 reference to this latter class, the following points ought to be noted in 

 addition: (1.) The time and circumstances of introduction so far as this 

 can be ascertained. Many of our most notable weeds have long been 

 under the observation of farmers and it is often possible to obtain from 

 them valuable information as to the invasion of certain weeds. (2.) The 

 vigor of introduced plants as compared with native plants ought always 

 to be noted. This, of course, will involve an investigation as to what for- 

 eigners have been able to successfully make their way against what na- 

 tives. (3.) Under the head of economic importance, the introduced plants 

 are to be considered in relation to their injury to crops. 



In Indiana not only should these general features of native and intro- 

 duced plants be studied, but also certain special problems which belong to 

 the state in its relation to other states and to the general topography of 

 the Mississippi valley. The biological survey should have in view some 

 of these special problems whose answer will probably contribute more to 

 real botanical knowledge than the more general study of the state flora. 

 Certain problems are here suggested to which many more may be added : 



(1.) The eastward extension of the prairie flora. 



(2.) The southern extension of the flora of the Great Lakes. 



(3.) The northern extension of the southern flora. 



(4.) The "Knob" flora. 



(5.) Flora of the limestone clifis. 



(6.) The floras of various soils. 



Under the last head Dr. Scovell suggested the "sand-bar flora" along 

 large streams, and W. P. Shannon suggested the flora of the "white clays." 



THE PHANEROGAMIC FLORA OF INDIANA. 

 By Stanley Coulter. 

 The knowledge of the phanerogamic flora of Indiana while somewhat 

 extended is far from satisfactory. Many excellent and some few note- 

 worthy regional lists have been published as well as a provisional state 

 catalogue, yet all leave much to be desired. It is unnecessary in this con- 

 nection to deal in detail with the bibliography, since it is treated in an 

 13 



