102 BULLETIN OF THE 



withstanding the well known differences in the actual species. In 

 the Gamopetalce, and total Dichlamydece, as also in the Monochla- 

 mydece the difference is very slight, while in the Polypetalce it disap- 

 pears entirely. The Dicotyledons are therefore nearly the same, 

 and we find this true also of the Monocotyledons, and the Gymno- 

 sperms. Whatever slight variations occur in the above named 

 groups, they are so adjusted as nearly to balance each other, so that 

 when we reach the total Phcenogomia, we again have substantial 

 unison, which of course is maintained in the Cryptogamia. 



This harmony is less pronounced in the larger orders, the Com- 

 posited being richer, and the Gramineaz poorer there than here. 

 In the Cyperaceoe, Leguminosce, Scrophidariacece, and Filices, the dif- 

 ference is not great, but in the fiosacece, Labiate, Cruciferce, and 

 Oupuliferoz, the Washington flora is decidedly in advance, and in 

 the Ericacece it is of course in very marked contrast. In the Orchi- 

 dacece, Polygonacece, Umbettiferce, Caryophyllacece, and Polemoniacece, 

 there is substantial, or exact identity. In the Ranunculacece, Ona- 

 gracece, Naiadaceaz, and Liliacece, besides the Composite already 

 mentioned, the Illinois flora leads that of Washington. On the 

 whole there is a remarkable similarity in the facies of these two 

 floras, which may be due to their inland situation, with fluriatile 

 areas, and similar position as to latitude. Considering, however, 

 the marked specific peculiarities of the flora of the flat prairies of 

 the West, we would have naturally looked for a corresponding dis- 

 tinctness in the larger groups and orders. 



The comparisons of our flora, from this point of view, with those 

 of the Northern and Southern States, east of the Mississippi river, 

 and with these two combined, as represented in the next three 

 columns, proves of the highest interest, and will repay somewhat 

 close inspection. It has often been asked, to what extent the flora 

 of Washington is affected by influences of a peculiarly southern 

 character, and while it has generally been conceded that it belongs 

 clearly to the northern section of the country, many facts, such as 

 those previously set forth, relative to autumnal flowering and early 

 flowering, as well as to the number of species, which exhibit more 

 or less green foliage throughout the winter, combine to give it a 

 decidedly southern aspect. In so far as the method of testing such 

 questions which has been here adopted can be relied upon, this 

 southern leaning on the part of the Washington flora is clearly 

 exhibited in this table. In letting the eye follow columns four and 



