BOTANY OF LA SAL,L,E COUNTY. 



19 



Distribution of Plants. From what has been 

 said of the diversity of soils and the physical charac- 

 teristics of La Salle County, the reader will not be 

 surprised when we claim for it a very extensive flora, 

 nor wonder that some plants are confined to a very 

 limited area, for plants have as distinct likes and dis- 

 likes as have human beings, or it may be nearer the 

 truth to say, that some require one element for their 

 support, others another. Some flourish best in a soil 

 rich in lime, others prefer sand, and still others a mix- 

 ture of the two. Some flourish only in wet lands, 

 others in wet regions. Yet making- due allow- 

 ance for all these differences some are not found where 

 we should confidently look for them; while some occur 

 and appear to be vigorous and healthy where one 

 would not expect to meet with them. Many are 

 found but sparingly and several are restricted to very 

 narrow bounds For instance, we have found Orchis 

 Spectablis at only one place and heard of its being- 

 found in another; of Osmunda regalis we have seen 



