PREFACE. VII 



technical, but compact ; (2) by means of tlie illustrations, 

 which must be studied as carefully as the text, as they are 

 only second in importance to the actual material. Espe- 

 cially is this true in reference to the landscapes, many of 

 which cannot be made a part of experience. 



Thanks are due to various members of the botanical 

 staff of the University, who have been of great service in 

 offering suggestions and in preparing illustrations. In 

 this first book I would especially acknowledge the aid of 

 Professor Charles E. Barnes and Dr. Henry C. Cowles. 



The professional botanist who may critically examine 

 this first book knows that Ecology is still a mass of incho- 

 ate facts, concerning which we may be said to be making 

 preliminary guesses. It seems to be true, nevertheless, 

 that these facts represent the things best adapted for pres- 

 entation in elementary work. The author has been com- 

 pelled to depend upon the writings of Warming and of 

 Kerner for this fundamental material. From the work of 

 the latter, and from the recent splendid volume of Schim- 

 per, most useful illustrations have been obtained. The 

 number of original illustrations is large, but those obtained 

 elsewhere are properly credited. John M. Coulter. 



The University of Chicago, May, 1S99. 



PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. 



In" this edition the first eleven chapters remain practi- 

 cally as they were, with the exception of such corrections 

 and additions as could be made upon the plates, and a few 

 changes of illustrations. The remaining chapters, however, 

 dealing with plant societies, are essentially recast both in 

 text and illustrations. Especially is this true of the meso- 

 phyte and halophyte societies. This has been made neces- 

 sary by the recent rapid development of the subject, by a 

 larger field experience, and by the availability of more suit- 

 able illustrations. J. M. C. 

 The University ok Chicago, May, 1901. 



