398 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [NOVEMBER 
point towards S. sericea, as do the mostly round lenticels, the 
pointed stipules, the brittleness, the lithe twigs, the unfolding of 
the leaves towards the tip of the spray, and the leaf galls men- 
tioned above. The instinct of the insect does not fail to detect 
the close alliance. I found this variety growing over the county 
wherever I collected: at Allenton and Valley Park belonging to 
the Meramec basin (trees 40* high); north of Clayton, at the 
River Des Peres (trees 35* high); near Fergusson, on upland 
ravine emptying into Moline creek (tree 30* high and 7” in 
diameter). It can no longer be said, therefore, that it is con- 
fined to the rich bottom lands of the Missouri. 1 deem it 
unnecessary to say more on this point, as a reference to the sum- 
mary will bear out the claims here made. It will be observed 
that having set down the variations of a character relating to 
specimen the totals of such character will exceed the number of 
plants represented in that group. 
In the comparison presented of S. sericea.with S. cordata it is 
believed that a tolerably fair exhibit is given, at least sufficient 
to make evident the strong contrast between the two. Yet the 
writer has to confess the wish that his knowledge of S. cordata 
were more definite, and hopes that some one who has it in his 
power to secure sufficient material will undertake the task of a 
thorough review of this species remarkable for its free miscege- 
nating proclivities, for besides S. sericea it also hybridizes with 
S. petiolaris, S. candida, S. adenophylla, S. incana, and S. discolor 
none of which grow in this vicinity. I am under special obliga” 
tions for specimens loaned by the following gentlemen: seed 
fessor J. Fowler, Canada; Mr. E. P. Sheldon, Minnesota; 
Professor F. D. Kelsey, Ohio; Professor L. H. Pammel, Iowa; 
Dr. William Trelease, Missouri Botanical Garden. 
COMPARISON OF THE CHARACTERS OF SALIX SERICEA ANP 
S$. CORDATA. 
S. sericea. S. cordata. 
Usually small shrub, with slender Larger, tending to the tree form. 
stems, not over 15 feet high. 
