104 BOTANICAL GAZETTE [AUGUST 
These two perennials add little or nothing to the tone of the aspect, 
as they are of sparse occurrence and decidedly inconspicuous. Ane- 
mone occurs rarely though widely on upper and middle slopes. 
Physalis is of rare occurrence on lower slopes, but would be noticeable — 
except for the pendent inflorescence which hides the yellow flowers 
beneath the leaves. The former rises some 50 to 60°™, with its 
exposed cylindrical head of numerous woolly achenes, which are 
subject to wide dispersal. The immobile fruit of the latter and its 
ventral position cooperate to insure a very restricted dissemination. 
The last days of the third week and early part of the fourth are _ 
marked by the general flowering of three forms, Ratibida columnaris, 
Sym phoricar pus occidentalis, and Verbena stricta, all of primary impot- 
tance. Gaura parviflora, Linwm sulcatum, and Allionia linearis, 
three flowering forms of minor significance, are added at about the 
same time. Linum is an annual some 4o™ high, occurring sparsely 
upon the lower slopes. Its humble place in the floral tone is largely 
due to its limited occurrence, for its yellow flowers (1.5°™ in diameter) 
would otherwise make it a notable element. Gaura is noteworthy — 
mainly as a matter of record, a few specimens only being noted 00 
the middle slope of a northwest exposure. It is an annual and : : 
frequently reaches a height of 1™ or more. Allionia is a perennial 
occurring rarely upon middle slopes. The straw-colored involucre 
incloses one to three small purplish flowers and it is always of minor fe 
prominence. The anthocarpous fruit has little mobility. About 
this time are also added two sod-forming species, Festuca octoflora 
and Aristida purpurea. Aristida is of rare occurrence and com 
tributes little to the floral aspect or plant covering. Festuca, 00 the 
other hand, is a sod-former of some significance upon lower and 
middle slopes, being easily replaced however by Poa, which seems 
to follow it. It is apparently a pioneer form, taking rapid possessiO? 
of available ground in the open association by means of its heavy; 
thick, matlike sod. 
In Ratibida the long yellow ligulate ray-flowers first spread about 
June 20, but it is not until several days later that there is a gene 
display and the tube flowers of the columnar disk begin to open. 
They flower first in a band at the base of the indeterminate head, 
progressing up at the rate of about 3 to 5™™ aday. The plants ar° 
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