1004.] LECTURE. 57 



tinil)('r remains iintouclKMl is hocaiiso of the long distance from 

 a mark(>t. 



It was a satisfaction to sec trees that were not in any way 

 confributino- to the demands of commerce, and 1 niif>;ht add 

 one word more and say that it was just this fact that gave 

 them a special interest. 



Best of all, the ground beneath our feet w^as carpeted with 

 the shining evergreen leaves of Shortia. A sight of this beauti- 

 ful flower in bloom in its native habitat, was the ci'owning 

 feature of our trip, and gave an added zest to the interesting 

 story of its rediscoveiy in this country, after having been lost 

 to scientists from the time of Michaux' visit to America in 

 1785, to the latter part of the last century, a period of nearly 

 a hundred years. I will conclude, hoping I have been able 

 to convey to you some of the interest and enthusiasm I felt 

 myself in these trees, and perhaps to excite a longing to see 

 for yourself some of the wonders of our southern forests. 



(Miss Cummings had numerous slides showing pictures of 

 many of the trees and plants mentioned, as well as views of 

 interesting southern scenery.) 



