86 BIG SPRING PRAIRIE. 



surface covering of weeds and sedges swept over the 

 greater portion of this thicket. In ] 900, it was noted that 

 less than half of the seedlings had succumbed to the 

 flames. The remainder were still in a fair growing condi- 

 tion, while on the bare spots many tree seedlings sprang 

 up during this season. In 1901, this area was b;ought 

 under cultivation, and thus ended any further observa- 

 tions. The herbaceous vegetation in this thicket con- 

 sisted chiefly of Urtica gracilis (Slender Nettle); Am- 

 brosia trifida (Horse weed); Bidens (various species 

 (Spanish needles); and Polygonum (various species) 

 (Smartweeds); making a rank vegetation for the flames 

 to act upon, and yet only a portion of the young trees 

 were destroyed. 



On area B, of Map II, several trees from 8 to 12 in. 

 in diameter were burned down in 1897, but in 1899 tree 

 seedlings were already taking possession of portions of 

 this area. In 1900, it was brought under cultivation, 

 and no further stages could be noted. 



On Map I, other detatched areas of varying extent 

 are indicated. Each case, upon examination, reveals 

 the fact that destruction of sod is the potent factor in 

 the introduction of weeds and tree seedlings upon Big 

 Spring Prairie, and probably upon any of the eastern 

 type of prairies. 



BURIED FORESTS. 



While some workmen were digging ditches on the 

 H. B. Phelps Celery and Onion Farm just north of the 

 woods showing settling of soil by the prominent roots, 

 indicated on Map I, numerous trunks of trees were en- 

 countered. The diameters of these trees vary from 6 

 inches to about 3 feet. Near the Brown Ditch the tree 

 remains occur near the surface, while further away 

 the tree trunks were found at a depth of 2 to 4 feet. 

 When this find occurred, the writer surmised that it 

 might be a buried tamarack forest, but a microscopic 



