1087 



river, in thickets of sumachs, hazels, willows, &c., a gigantic species 

 of Solomon's seal, Polygonatum latifolium, was observed ; some of the 

 specimens measured seven feet nine inches in height, with roots four 

 inches in circumference. In several places the ground was so matted 

 over with the stems of the poison oak, Rhus toxicodendron, that the 

 hands of the party were much blistered in endeavouring to extiicate 

 themselves. July 16. — Having procured a canoe, the party proceeded 

 about two miles down the river ; during this short voyage they ob- 

 served vast quantities of the shells of the fresh-water muscle, covering 

 the little sandy hills by the river's edge, which had been collected by 

 the musk-rats, with which the banks everywhere abound. At this 

 place the rapidity of the stream, which had hitherto prevented the 

 growth of aquatic plants, became much diminished, and they now ob- 

 ser\^ed large portions of its surface covered with Nuphar Kalmiana 

 and advena, together with Nymphaea rosea, all beautifully in flower, 

 and growing from a depth of eight feet. Overhanging the banks on 

 both sides of the river, Salix petiolaris was in fine condition, its broad, 

 lunate stipules adding much to the beauty and singularity of its ap- 

 pearance ; here also, some fine specimens of the Virginian poplar 

 {Populus monilifera) were seen, the largest stems measured were nine 

 feet in circumference, and about seventy feet in height. 



Leaving Stillwater, the party proceeded by canal to Whitehall. On 

 the banks of the canal, and extending over the neglected fields, such 

 quantities of the great mullein ( Verhascum Thapsus) were observed, 

 as to give the idea of its having been sown for a crop. The fact of 

 its growing on the soil which had recently been thrown out of the ca- 

 nal, as well as on the sloping banks, convinced them that the seed 

 must have lain buried in the earth, probably for a long series of years, 

 and that, therefore, it is not likely, as has been generally supposed, 

 that this plant has been introduced by the emigrants, but rather that 

 it is indigenous to the country. The common St. John's wort [Hyperi- 

 cum perforatum) was also extremely abundant in this district, although 

 sparingly seen before, and is described by Mr. M'Nab as one of the 

 greatest evils the American farmer has to contend with, being sup- 

 posed to be highly injurious to cattle, especially horses, causing blind- 

 ness, which prevailed in many parts to a fearful extent. 



On reaching Whitehall, situated at the southern extremity of Lake 

 Champlain, two remarkable species of ferns were observed for the first 

 time ; namely, Asplenium rhizophyllum and Aspidiura bulbiferum : 

 the former growing on the surfaces of moist rocks, where it throws out 

 its fronds, which take root at their extremities ; while the latter bears 



