1893. ] NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. 193 
The occurrence of Magnolia glauca near Cape Ann is however 
so well known that exception would naturally be taken if men- 
tion of this southern species were neglected; but it need only be 
said in this connection that the fact of this tree being native at 
that locality has been questioned by those who are competent 
to express an opinion. John Robinson, who has written and 
published works upon the flora of that region*, says, on page 10 
of “Our Trees” : “Why the Magnolia should be found in 
Gloucester is a mystery. The ‘Hermit,’ a well-known Glou- 
cester character, a student and lover of nature, feels sure that 
it was brought from the South, Virginia, perhaps, and planted 
in some old garden.’’ If, however, the tree be truly native 
there, the fact is of the utmost significance, as will be appre- 
ciated when the geological discussion in the final portion of this 
contribution is considered. 
The question which will now naturally arise is, how did this 
pine barren flora spread to the localities in New England where 
we now findit? It is a southern flora, and is characteristically 
American ; few, if any of the species being known in the old 
world, Its course of migration was from the South, either by 
way of the mainland through New York and Connecticut, or else 
across the salt water from Long Island. If it came by way of 
the mainland we should reasonably expect to find evidences of 
its migration through New York and thence eastward through 
Connecticut. Itmight be urged, however, that these plants are 
mostly sand-loving species and that the soil throughout the re- 
gion mentioned would not be favorable for their growth. Such 
is doubtless the fact and their almost entire absence from the 
region is not surprising. In fact, knowing the plants as we do, 
it would be very difficult to imagine them either becoming 
; 
*- The Flora of Essex Co., Mass.,” cloth, pp- 200. 
“ Our Trees,” paper, pp. 120. 
Thave not thought it necessary to refer any more fully to works upon the 
botany of Massachusetts, but for the convenience of those who may wish to 
continue the comparisons and perhaps note further facts of interest, I have 
concluded to append the following list, from which the principal part of my 
information in regard to the flora was obtained : 
* Flora of Fitchburg and Vicinity,” Fitchburg Agassiz Assn. 
“List of the Plants Growing Naturally in Milton, Mass.” J. R. Churchill. 
‘‘ Flora of Worcester Co., Mass.” Jos. Jackson- 
7 fone Plants Found Growing Wild Within Thirty Miles of Amherst.” 
. A. Cobb. 
““A Catalogue of Plants Growing Without Cultivation Within Thirty Miles 
of Amherst College.” KE. Tuckerman and C. C. Frost. 
“A List of Plants Growing Without Cultivation in Malden and Medford, 
Mass., With Some Contributions to a Flora of Middlesex County.” Middlesex 
Institute. 
Trausactions N. Y. Acad. Sci, Vol. XII. June 20, 1893, 
