72 PRETZ: FLorRA OF LEHIGH CoUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 
species is very variable in the cutting of the pinnae, and the 
varieties Schweinitzii and crispum occur with the type. 
PTERIDIUM AQUILINUM (L.) Kuhn 
In the vicinity of the mountains in open situations but not 
infrequently in woods in shade. Usually abundant over large 
areas. In favorable habitats as high as 1 m. but usually lower, 
especially in drier, less open situations. Has been collected heavily 
fruited on July 4. Herbaceous but lasting well into fall, the dried 
plants persistent into winter. 
It is not unusual to find that ‘‘common” species like this are 
slighted in observations. When the writer began this list he found 
he had taken a number of records for this species, but they were 
all of the mountains where sandy soil formation are the rule. It 
was too late to follow up the particular observation that suggested 
itself and which the reader will suspect. The writer does not 
believe in presuming too strongly on observations so he will ask 
the question: Does this species prefer sandy soil formations and 
does it avoid any others? Since this question has arisen in the 
writer's mind he has tramped for miles in shale and limestone 
country in the county and has found the brake absent from 
numerous favorable habitats. He has found it sparingly at two 
places on shale. None was seen for miles along the upper Jordan 
Creek. Does the soil have anything to do with the relative fre- 
quency and abundance of this species? 
Woopsia ILvensis (L.) R. Br. 
This species was collected in 1878 by Dr. A. F. K. Krout, 
near Kernsville, on shale outcrops along the Jordan. On a trip 
undertaken to confirm this record, for which a specimen exists, 
this species was found fairly abundant on the outcrops 14 mile 
northwest of Kernsville, May 9, 1909, 1763, and since then it has 
been found still further up stream 11g miles northwest of Kerns- 
ville, November 6, 1910, 3098. The outcrops are shaded, at 
least in part, and the species, which is fairly abundant, is inclined 
to luxuriance beyond the average. Fronds 1.9 dm. (0.7+1.2) 
long and 3 cm. wide are little above average luxuriance. Collected 
heavily fruited on June 26, Herbaceous, but green fronds have 
been collected as late as November 6. 
