MOFFATT ILLINOIS PRAIRIE FLOWERS 309 



vation all the available prairie, the land owners tiimed their 

 attention to draining the lakes, ponds and small streams. In- 

 num.erable ditches were cut and tile drains laid. The effect 

 has been to lower the water-table several feet and to crowd out 

 all the native moisture-loving plants. 



Among the minor causes of the disappearance of the native 

 flora is the state law providing that weeds shall not be allowed 

 to seed along highways and railroads. Cutting the weeds of 

 course takes the flowering plants also. Along the railroads, 

 however, there are a few low-growing species that escape the 

 scythe. Among these are the wild strawberry, bluets, Polygalas 

 and the violets. 



The establishment of forest preserves near large cities is some- 

 what recent, and has not yet received from flower-lovers the 

 attention that it deserves. The forest preserve idea is an admir- 

 able one, insuring as it does the conservation of some of our 

 finest tracts of woodland. But the effect of the tramping of many 

 feet over these grounds has been overlooked. The 1920 report 

 of the president of the Cook County (Illinois) preserves shows 

 that 3,115,000 persons visited them during the year; that 714,000 

 of these visits were made during the month of August. If these 

 preserves are kept open to the public, the choicest areas, in a few 

 years will have become as barren of vegetation as a school play- 

 ground or a baseball park. 



Obviously, our wild-flower lovers are suffering from^an over- 

 production of people. 



The Bulb to Alice 



Yes, you may bury me, put me away, 



Think I am dead, but I'll rise some day, 



Rise from the darkness into the light, 



Though I slumbered long through the Winter night, 



Fragrant and lovely my flowers shall be 



And my joy in life shall be joy to thee; 



To cherish me now in my duller days, 



Hope with my hope to win the praise 



Of all who, living upon this earth 



Are bom again with the Spring's new birth. 



T. D. A. COCKERELL 



