Nov., 1918] Recovery of Vegetation at Kodiak 57 



harebell, Campanula lasiocorpa, has come in. Considerable 

 areas were found in 1915 where small seedlings of this species 

 were almost the only plants except for occasional hold-overs. 

 The year following they had matured and were flowering in 

 great profusion. The only other plant which at present gives 

 promise of becoming an effective pioneer is the lupine, which, 

 in 1916 for the first time, appeared in numbers on the mountains 

 as well as on the lowland. There were, to be sure, other areas 

 where a more varied flora has made its appearance, but as there 

 was reason to suspect that these plants are survivals rather 

 than seedlings, they will not be considered here. 



It is confidently expected that, as the development of the 

 mountain heath shall proceed, it will provide a most interesting 

 and instructive insight into the conditions of life of the arctic- 

 alpine flora which is a matter greatly to be desired. 



If, in conclusion, we may attempt to generalize for the 

 benefit of other countries, which might be similarly afflicted, 

 we must recognize that the experience of Kodiak is decidedly 

 reassuring. The damage to vegetation by an eruption is not 

 likely to be as great as at first appears. Where the ash fall 

 is a foot .or less, no permanent injury to agricultural interests 

 is to be expected. It would be very foolish for the people in 

 such a region to abandon their property and go elsewhere, as 

 some were inclined to do at Kodiak. 



