Opors 35 
other Biotian species. Those of Solidago species generally possess 
the same in a still higher degree; Aralia racemosa still more. 
6. A very subtle saccharine fragrance is discernible from foliage 
of many individuals among the Divaricati when growing rapidly 
as in June, on approaching within an inch or two. The same 
leaves will be found slightly viscid and glistening (above; and 
perhaps beneath?) with a colorless exudation of saccharine sap 
(honey-dew). I have found no diagnostic character in this, but 
attribute it to conditions of individual growth. Perhaps similar 
conditions produce greasiness of many leaves of A. macrophyllus 
pinguifolius—which is however unaccompanied by odor or sac- 
charine feel, and persists late, even till yellowing in October. 
SIZE 
After allowing for difference of nutrition, light and moisture, 
each species is found to have a somewhat uniform characteristic 
size. Aster nobilis and A. tostemma reach 5 feet; A. excelsior I 
have seen 414 feet in Niagara gorge and at the time thought it 
the highest of its section. Each species or variety has usually 
quite a range of variation in this regard; A. excelsior averages 
very high, however, perhaps 314 feet when growing undisturbed. 
These Biotian species are surpassed sometimes in the undulatus 
group, where I have measured 7% feet; the cordifolius group, 7 
feet; the paniculatus group, 6 feet; and in A. Carolinianus, which 
clambers over bushes in ponds for 12 and sometimes 20 feet. 
These examples are of course extreme instances and an ordinary 
aster height, whether in the Biotian or other groups, is 2 to 3 
feet. 
Largest leaves measured are perhaps of 4. macrophyllus 
pinguifolius, 12 x 8 inches, with about 12-inch petioles, from 
Niagara gorge. 
Larger heads (and fewer) characterize most glandular species 
as compared with the non-glandular ; reaching 1 17 inches diameter. 
Cultivation, and accidental loosening of soil in the wild state, 
is known to double the size of a leaf or head in a season, as in case 
of A. biformis. 
Size of flower-head is also influenced by number; among the 
plants of a single colony of the Divaricati, an occasional plant may 
