236 DESCRIPTION OF ASTERS; DIVARICATI 
Asters do not ? — but the similar axiles are broader and more curv- 
ing in A. ardens, and less often truncate-based. Their cauline 
leaves are quite unlike in detail. 
From A. scutiformis, which A. ardens resembles in sometimes 
developing scutiform leaves, it is distinguished by their usually 
fewer number with very different habit p inflorescence surmount- 
ing, with broader more obtuse braets, e 
From A. castaneus, A. ardens ma its broader bracts, thicker 
to leaf-bases, developing often on a single stem all of the types which 
have separately become more fixed and continuous in its various 
congeners. It develops vast numbers of intermediate plants in 
lines of variation tending toward each of the foregoing species. 
Unfortunately the three best localities for it, Hillview Swamp, 
Bryn Mawr Summit Rocks and Split Rocks, have all been invaded 
by the progress of suburban improvement, cutting short my notes 
on its development, though not till eight years’ observations had 
been rescued from oblivion 
Variants include : 33? Sprout-forms show narrower taper-based 
elliptic leaves, low-serrate and often asymmetrical, similar crenated 
ones being developed also as radicals; collected as late as Nov. 3- 
33° Broad-bush form, an altered condition where the plant is 
assuming the attitude of a weed in cultivated ground, and around 
house walls, especially under the eaves. Leaves chiefly of the 
oblong-acuminate wing-based type; few cordate leaves produced ; 
branching beginning near the ground, profusely ramified and pro- 
ducing a hemispherical or almost spherical plant of about 2 ft. 
diameter, with many small imperfect heads and still more numer- 
ous blasted ones. Leaves flaccid when fresh, quite rough when 
dry, surprisingly altered then from their sleek growing condition. 
Abundant near Split Rocks, N. Y., Oc. 1, '98, '99, 1900; a few 
survivors remaining Se. 1903 and 1904-5, though nearly run 
out by stronger weeds. 
33* Small-tangle forms; filling woodland clearings on rocky 
hills ; inflorescence small, sharp- based, forming a somewhat convex 
cyme, usually very irregular and patchy ; ; but glowing beautifully 
in the sun when the golden disks are first opened. Branches 
given off at a very high angle; when much entangled among 
bushes they become prolonged and bracteose. Usually with all 
leaves small, Eo with uniform aquiline teeth; rays 6, 
rarely 8 ; heads but 24 in. broad; disks turning chiefly toa pale 
brown ; many hire er bracts produced. With the type, Bryn 
Mawr Park and Hillview swamp. 
