KERN: BERBERIS VULGARIS IN PENNSYLVANIA 269 
conditions. Residual soils, whether formed from sandstone and 
shale, limestone, or igneous and metamorphic rocks, seem to be 
favorable. Glacial soil seems to be equally favorable although 
its drainage is poor compared with the residual soils. In thickets 
along streams, along roadsides, in open pastures, or half-wooded 
hillsides this plant seems to be at home. The seeds germinate 
readily and the seedlings are vigorous. Birds and browsing cattle 
are agents of seed dispersal. Observations on the dissemination 
of the barberry have been embodied in a separate paper (Ecology, 
July, 1921). The fact must be kept in mind that in North America 
Berberis vulgaris was first a cultivated plant which has escaped. 
It is without doubt now more widely distributed than it is generally 
supposed to be. It is a fateful plant on account of its connection 
with the black stem rust of cereals and grasses and information 
concerning its presence as a part of our wild flora is of value. 
_DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY, 
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE COLLEGE 
