Kansas Academy of Science. 9 



We found also five small tracks somewhat like the above, measuring three- 

 fourths of an inch in length by one and a fourth in breadth. This was not 

 enough to decide the character of the animal. 



On one slab are two prints very much like a mule's foot, or, rather, his 

 shoe. A similar mark has twice been described (in Europe and America), 

 as a footprint ; but recent investigations have decided that it is the impress 

 of a fucoid or marine plant. 



We have here four distinct species, all probably different from those pre- 

 viously discovered, from other parts of the world. They also are valuable 

 from the fact that few footprints are found west of the Alleghany moun- 

 tains. Their geological position down in the coal measures also adds to 

 their scientific value. We have not given so detailed a description of them 

 as is necessary for identification of species, as some of them will go to Yale 

 College, and there be compared with their large collection, and Prof Marsh 

 will then proceed to assign their true paleontological character and name 

 them. I have compared them with known footprints of the Connecticut 

 valley, and have been surprised at their apparent resemblance; yet, when 

 we recollect that those are triassic, while ours are in the middle of the coal 

 measures, it seems most probable that they are generically distinct, and will 

 add new races to the earliest air-breathing animals of our globe. 



REPORT ON THE BOTANY OF KANSAS FOR THE YEAR 1873. 



BY J. H. CARRUTH. 



During the past year I have devoted what time I could spare from other 

 duties to a further examination of the Plants of Kansas, and herewith give 

 the result. Some cases doubtful last year have been solved, and I have 

 become acquainted with twenty or more of those given last year on the 

 authority of Professors Snow and Hall. 



The past year our corps of observers has been much increased. In addition 

 to Pi-of Snow, we have had Prof Wherrell, of Leavenworth ; Dr. Saunders, 

 of Lawrence; Mr. Papineau, of Topeka; and Dr. Watson, of Ellis; to whom 

 the proper credits will be given. The latter gentleman has given thirteen,. 

 none of which are found in Wood's Class Book or Gray's Manual. 



It is sometimes asked. Of what use is botany to a farmer? I have repeat- 

 edly known persons to set out wild grape vines, and look two or three years 

 for fruit, when the blossoms had stamens or male organs only, and could 

 never produce fruit. Some grape vines from seed have perfect blossoms ;. 

 that is, both stamens and pistils, and some have stamens only. But vines 

 from cuttings always have the same kind of blossoms as the vine they were 

 taken from. 



A man once set a large garden full of strawberry plants, nearly all of 

 which had pistils, or female organs only. He had plenty of blossoms, but 



