^ Current Literature 297 



degree from that in the types lower down in the developmental 

 scale. 



All through the bulletin one is impressed with the importance 

 of vegetation in increasing the water content of the dry situations 

 and in ultimately decreasing the water content of wet situations, 

 and in both, of increasing the fertility of the soil. The sig- 

 nificance of this is brought to a head under the caption : The status 

 of New York vegetation under cultural conditions. When one 

 considers how large a percentage of the soil of the State is not 

 at present producing anything of value, or at least a reasonable 

 interest return, or worse, not in a position even to become really 

 productive, he is impressed by the fact that the plant-producing 

 capacity of the land has been grievously abused by the advance of 

 man's dominion over it. The great problem in the State of New 

 York, as in most other regions occupied by highly developed 

 industrial peoples is to rectify this condition, or perhaps better, to 

 educate public opinion so it will appreciate the economic losses 

 which such a condition of affairs entails. Although the author 

 does not mention it, the magnitude of the problem in this particu- 

 lar State is indicated by the fact that the people have several 

 times exhibited their determination to let rot on the ground the 

 interest accrued by the annual growth of the forest in the State 

 forest reservation. 



Several illustrations may be given to show the author's method 

 of treatment of his subject. For example, under the topic: Zonal 

 relations of the Netv York flora, he makes the following subdivi- 

 sions : Zone of IVillozv oak, Sweet gum and Persimmon, in which 

 the indicator species, besides those mentioned, are Shortleaf pine. 

 Black-jack oak. Laurel magnolia and Hop-tree. The growing 

 period is from 190 to 200 days. This zone is confined to Staten 

 Island, the southern portion of Long Island, and along the Sound 

 contiguous to the Connecticut coast. Zone of Dominance of 

 Oaks, Hickories, Chestnut and Tulip tree, in which there are 

 eleven species of oak and six species of hickory, besides Black 

 walnut, Butternut, Hackberry, Kentucky Cofifee-tree, Honey lo- 

 cust. Sassafras, Red-bud and Flowering dogwood. The growing 

 season is from 160 to 180 days. This zone occupies the Hudson 

 valley and its adjacent highlands nearly as far north as Lake 

 George, a belt along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, the Fin- 



