128 BOTANICAL GAZETTE. 
Scirpus maritimus, L., was common around alkaline ponds, 
together with several undetermined species of Eleocharis. i 
erous Carices were observed, mostly differing from Minneso 
species, 
grasses collected. é L 
nly two species of ferns were observed, a Woodsia and P of 
lea atropurpurea., Link., the latter growing in the crevices 0 
the rocky ledges on the summit of the buttes, A few mosses 
were seen, and two species of lichens. 
he arboreal vegetation was, as might be supposed, very 
scanty. Aside from the timber on the Missouri river bole 
only a few stunted willows, cottonwood, box-elder and Jul 
intervals along the streams. _ oe 
A curious feature of the country west of the Missourl, }© — 
yond the limit of the drift, was the great number of fossil tree 
s 
Cretaceous and Tertiary periods he 
is region; and to judge from t 
g, some of the trees must have ee a 
: Many stumps were seen ten feet or more ! 
diameter, and I heard of others stil] larger. ce 
This region will yet prove a mine of wealth to the botanist — 
of lignite, which have been burned, baking the clay above pi! z 
a kind of brown, red, or yellow brick, which shows perfect!¥ 2 
