Current Literature. 243 



state, the author presents an interesting historical account of 

 botanical work in the state. The character and peculiar features 

 of the forest flora are then discussed, together with the influences 

 which may have been operative in limiting the ranges of species. 



The author notes that owing to the intermediate position of the 

 state, northern and southern species are here associated. Twenty- 

 two of the eastern oaks and all of the elms are represented. It is 

 noted that all of the ashes probably occur in the state, although 

 pumpkin ash {Fraxinus profunda) has not been found on the 

 Kentucky side of the Mississippi. The statement, however, is not 

 corroborated by the list of species, as Fraxinus caroliniana and 

 its near relative, Fraxinus pauci flora are not mentioned and do 

 not grow in Kentucky, 



Of interest, is the record of Finns palustris in Kentucky, as re- 

 ported by Lafayette De Friese from near Pound Gap. Although 

 this observation was made many years ago and at a time when the 

 forest flora of Kentucky had not been disturbed by farming and 

 lumbering operations, yet the author very properly questions such 

 an unexpected northern range extension of this southern pine. 



It is observed that soil influences appear to have less control 

 on the distribution of Kentucky trees than have climatic influences 

 and means of dispersal. With one exception, the trees all appear 

 to grow on almost any soil, if only climatic conditions are not un- 

 favorable. Chestnut alone appears to be influenced by the char- 

 acter of the soil and is found almost entirely in soils containing 

 sand. It can be transplanted to the clay loams of the Bluegrass 

 Region but does not grow there spontaneously. 



The author presents a list of species, following the arrange- 

 ment of the seventh edition of Gray's Manual. A question mark 

 precedes the names of species w^hose presence is doubtful and the 

 authorities are given for those species reported by other investiga- 

 tors but not observed by the writer. A brief note on special pecul- 

 iarities of the plant is added and a detailed statement of its dis- 

 tribution by counties is included, which constitute a most valuable 

 record. A number of half tones and line drawings of trees are 

 added. In some of these (Bur oak, magnolia, and holly), no ad- 

 vantage has been taken of the great refinement in line which may 

 be secured by drawing for reduction, but they are sufficiently ac- 

 curate to add to the value of the volume. 



On account of the large number of our eastern hardwoods 



