213 
but also that the very same species may vary greatly in dif- 
ferent localities. Growing under certain conditions it may ac- 
quire that soft, ‘‘bushy” habit so desirable in material which is 
to be used for surgical dressings, while growing under other 
conditions it will be harsh, stringy, and quite unfit for surgical 
Where does the sphagnum grow? In what kinds of habitats ‘ees 
it occur, and in what sections of the couniry My at develop best? 
When it comes to locating sources of supply for surgical 
sphagnum, obviously it is not enough to be able merely to recog- 
every bit as important to know in what sort of places to isk for 
it, and also what sort of places to steer clear of. 
In general, the sphagnums grow in wet places. Taken as a 
class they are moisture-loving plants. Considering them from 
a geographical point of view, it can be said that they grow best 
in regions where the climate is moist the year round, but especi- 
northern regions that I have just mentioned the seis are 
very bees eaves occurring not only in swamps but to a 
uplands as well. Farther south, in regions 
where the climate is drier and the summers hotter, they are 
mostly confined to swamps. 
ow in this connection, there is one particular type of swamp 
that I want to call attention to, and that is the kind of swamp 
co) 
luxuriantly. Let us consider first the conditions which prevail 
in southern New England, a region in which the bog type is in 
