194 TRANSATIONS OF THE [Apr.: 24 
established or even migrating over such unfavorable soil. Care- 
ful search through the various published floras and lists of 
plants covering that region show but a few scattering species of 
those which have been enumerated as pine barren plants.* In 
no instance is there any such colony as we find in Rhode Island 
and southern Massachusetts. Their presence, therefore, in 
southeastern New England cannot be reasonably accounted for 
on the theory of migration by way of the mainland. The only 
other alternative is to admit that the plants have come to their 
present location by way of Long Island, and this supposes 
either a former land connection between that island and the 
New England coast in comparatively recent times—that is to 
say, since the Glacial Epoch--or else that the plants have 
jumped over wide stretches of salt water. In regard to the 
latter supposition it can only be said that it is against our 
previous general observation and experience, and would do 
violence to what has been observed in regard to the dissemina- 
tion of plants. In this special instance, also, the prevailing winds 
and currents are both opposed to such a method of dissemina- 
tion, the currents in particular being east and west, with a 
remarkably predominant westward tendency, as may be seen 
by the wear and tear of the eastern exposures of land and the 
transportation of the eroded material westward, where it 
forms the constantly lengthening spits and barrier beaches, 
* The flora of Connecticut has been poorly worked up compared to that of its 
adjacent States, but the following list will be of value to those who may wish to 
obtain details : ; . 7 
“List of Plants Growing Spontaneously in Litchfield and Its Vicinity.” 
John P. Brace. (Am. Journ. Sci. iv. 69-89 ; 292-309), 1822. 
“Catalogue of Phenogamous Plants and Ferns Growing Without Cultiva- 
tion Within Five Miles of Yale College, Ct.” Dr. Tully. (Appendix to E. Bald- 
win’s “ History of Yale College”). 
‘Catalogue of Phenogamous and Cryptogamous Plants Found Growing in 
Meriden, Conn.” Emily J. Leonard. (Trans. Meridan Sci. Assn. i., 1884, and 
sequel in 1885). 
“A Catalogue of All Phenogamous Plants at Present Known to Grow Without 
Cultivation in the State of Connecticut.” Jas. N. Bishop. 
“ Plants Found Growing in Meriden, Conn. Since Issue of the Catalogue in 
1885.” Mrs. E. B. Kendrick. (Trans. Meriden Sci. Assn. ii., 54-57.) 
‘A List of Forest Trees and Shrubs to be Found in Meriden, Conn.” Chas. 
H.S§. Davis. (Trans. Meriden Sci. Assn. iii., 46-78.) | 
“Notes on the Flora of Southwestern Connecticut.” L. N. Johnson. (Bull. 
Torr. Bot. Club, xix., 88-91.) , 
If to these we add the “ Flora of Westchester Co.” O. R. Willis. 
“Catalogue of the Phaenogamous and Acrogenous Plants Growing Without 
Cultivation Within Five Miles of Pine Plains, Dutchess Co., N. Y.” Lyman H. 
Hoysradt. (Supplement Bull. Torr. Bot. Club, vi-) ; 
“Revised Catalogue of Plants Growing Within Thirty Miles of New York 
City.” (Bull. Torr. Bot. Club, years 1870-1874.) : 
“Preliminary Catalogue of the Anthophyta and Pteridophyta Reported as 
atoning Spontaneously Within 100 Miles of New York City.” Torrey Botanical 
Sub. 
And ‘‘Catalogue of Plants Found in New Jersey.” N. L. Britton. (Vol. ii., 
Part I., Geol. Surv. N. J. (1889, pp. 25-642), a fair idea of the botany of the region 
under discussion may be obtained, 
