1897 | OPEN LETTERS 465 
indefinite, and while it may well cover a great variety of forms it does not at 
all delimit the very distinct Botrychium biternatum (Lam.); (2) from his quo- 
tation, or rather translation, of the range given by Pursh: “Auf Triften und 
in lichten Waldern von New York bis Carolina (Pursch);” (3) from his later 
citation of additional localities for the plant from Lake Superior (Macoun) 
and Montreal (Watt) which, as all northern forms were at that time confused 
| under the name Zunartoides, Milde evidently either quoted from some pub- 
lished list or may have received specimens and quoted the current labels; if 
the latter more the pity. There is nothing more certain than that Milde did 
not at all understand the very unique character of the exclusively southern 
plant, and Mr. Davenport's statement, ‘‘I cannot believe it possible for him 
to have been mistaken in any specimens coming under his observation,” 
reminds one more of sentimental hero worship than of a sincere attempt to 
know the truth. The citation of “authority” and “the opinion of the 
fathers” is as obsolete in botany as it is elsewhere. It does not surprise me 
that Mr. Davenport has sought in vain to find anything approaching 
lunarioides in Professor Macoun’s collections. The collections of the past 
sixty years in northern areas has failed to bring it to light, and it is not likely 
that it exists. 
Mr. Davenport's paper well illustrates the dilemma he is in in attempting 
to refer accurately to any one ¢/Aimg in his various references to Botrychium 
Zernatum. At one time he is talking of one thing, and in a later sentence of 
another entirely different. This aggregate consists of several very distinct 
things, 7. ¢., distinct species, and to continue to refer to the aggregate as one 
is both confusing and unscientific. 
In Mr. Davenport's zeal to reduce the species to varietal rank he seemed 
_ to overlook my statement that “the true Botrychium ternatum is compara- 
tively common in central Alabama and produces its spores late in the season 
(August to October), the same as it does farther north+,” and his effort to 
extend the season of the two species so that their extremes will not 
widely separate must excite a smile among persons thoroughly familiar with 
the plants in the field. So far as I can see, the only point that Mr. Daven- 
Pere: bas established is that the bud of some specimens of Botrychium tum biter- 
~ him in regarding the bud character in the genus, which he has formerly made | 
So much of, as a somewhat unreliable one. I still regard the form which — 
: Lamarck first described as Osmunda biternata as distinct a pee of Botry- Sal 
_ Tequest that during the present season observers in all parts of 
‘Rote th n this interesting group and send me material = 
all the’ variations in their Tespective — re 
. *Bor. Goan aa: 408 cee eset 
: stra ing a 
3. rates 
__chium as exists in the country. I am, however, open to ages ae 
