160 



bcna stricta with sometimes a division into two similar branches 

 was not uncommon during August, 1902. 



A fasciated specimen of ]\-rno)iia angnstifolia is preserved in 

 the Missouri Botanical Garden herbarium. 

 The LuiRARV, Missouri Botanical Garden. 



NOTE ON BOTRYCHIUM VIRGINIANUM (L.) SW. 



Bv Ivar Tidestrom 



The species of Botryc/iiiiin often present interesting modifica- 

 tions of their normal form ; they seem to vary as to form be- 

 tween very wide limits and their variations appear to be independ- 

 ent of climatic or other conditions. This became obvious to me 

 while out on a collecting trip along the western shore of Chesa- 

 peake Bay, some thirty miles east of Washington. Along with 

 typical forms of B. virginiaimm grew the slender form described 

 by Pursh under the name o{ B. gracile [Pursh, Fl. Am. Sept. 2 : 

 656. 1 8 14]. Some very large plants were also found, one of 

 which is nearly 5 dm. high. Plants of this size are often found 

 in the shaded ravines in the Potomac basin, which region appears 

 to be a choice locality for this species. The most interesting 

 form, however, was discovered among a number of normal plants 

 at Chesapeake Beach, Md. It is represented in Fig. i. Only one 

 specimen was discovered ; it proved interesting in having two 

 fertile pinnules on the sterile segment — a case which is rarely 

 met with in this species ; the forking sporophyll and the two 

 normal panicles are also interesting. Mr. Homer D. House 

 informs me that the latter deviation from the normal form is not 

 so rare. 



As this species is very common in low woodlands, it is within 

 easy reach of botanists and is well worthy of study. Some inter- 

 esting data might be gathered and addctl to the history of this, 

 our finest species of Botrychinin. 



Of other species, the following have been recorded as occur- 

 ring within the limits of the Washington P'lora : B. Jicglectum 

 Wood, of which a single plant was discovered by Mrs. F. S. 



