THE NOKTHEEN SH0EE3 OF AMEEICA. 209 



A. — Date of spriug-budding in case of shrubs, and sprouting or appearance of new 

 shoots from the rhizomes of herbaceous plants. 



B. — Date when plant was found in leaf, i.e., when leaves of the season were fairly 

 developed. 



C. — When first found in flower. 



D. — When specimens were found with ripe seeds. 



E. — Autumn withering of foliage, or defoliation. 



F. — Particulars as to the nature of the habitat of each species, or spot where found 

 growing — especially with respect to proximity to, or distance from, the sea-shore, eleva- 

 tion above sea-level, whether in exposed hilly situations, or sheltered, or protected 

 amougst rocks or in water-courses, etc. ; general character of soil, whether gravelly, 

 sandy, compact, or peaty, and whether moist or dry, etc. Northern plants have a special 

 tendency to assume luxuriant forms when grown in sheltered spots where the air is kept 

 moist by waterfalls, rapid streams, or even rocky brooks. 



Corresponding observations of these several phenomena in the same species of plants 

 in any other locality or country vi ill enable a comparison to be made of its climate, so 

 far as it affects vegetation, with that of Cape Prince of Wales. The variations of seasons 

 in different years in the same locality may also be determined from siich observations. 



The names of all the species were determined from a careful examination by myself 

 of Mr. Payne's specimens. The condition of the plants, as to progress of seasonal growth 

 at the several dates, as noted by Mr. Payne at the time, was also ratified in each case by 

 examination of the specimens. The abundant ripening of seeds is one of the features of 

 Mr. Payne's collection, showing a marked difference from some of the collections taken to 

 England by exploring expeditions. In less hospitable regions, although plants grow even 

 luxuriantly, they are not knowm to ripen seeds sufficiently for germination. This has led 

 to the belief that within the Arctic circle the permanent continuance of vegetation is 

 dependent upon fertile seeds ripened farther south and transported to the belt of the 

 Arctic flora. However this may be, it is interesting to note that in all the specimens 

 from Cape Prince of Wales that were sufficiently advanced, the seeds were plump and 

 perfect. 



Additional collections have been received, but too late to be included in this paper. 

 The results of an examination of these, as well as the consideration of some general 

 questions regarding the northern shore flora, must consequently be deferred. 



Sec. iv, 1887. 27. 



