56 



plants: the splendid oaks, noticeably Quercus niontana, also Q. 

 horealis and Q. velutina; here a brilliant Cornus Amomum or 

 there a Benzoin aestivale about ready to flower, and revealing 

 on careful search the cocoons of the Promethea moth. Further 

 search brought to view a few Cecropias near by. 



Upon reaching the extreme northern limit of Inwood Hill, 

 we passed a number of fine ornamental trees, remnants of 

 another era: Pinus nigra, showing the "scars" of the Yellow- 

 bellied Sapsucker, an interesting Fraxinus excelsior with its 

 black winter buds. Magnolia Soulangeana, and Finns sylvestris. 



Half way over the Hudson we saw Black Ducks on the 

 river, and along with them a few American Mergansers. The 

 golden disks of Fussilago Farfara in great profusion greeted 

 us upon our arrival at the Palisades. Stellaria media in bloom 

 formed carpeted mats in still greater abundance. Elms were in 

 full bloom, flower buds swelling on Acer rubrum and Sassafras 

 variifolium, and every indication of an early Spring was at 

 hand. Those who had come to collect specimens were delighted 

 to find the large stand of Equisetum hyemale var. affine with 

 newly formed strobili. Geranium Roberiianum was freshly 

 green in the interstices of the rocks, and "escapes" told the 

 tale of former habitations: Hemerocallis fulva and Ornithogalum 

 umbellatum pushing their way up; and further along Philadel- 

 phiis coronarius. Viburnum Opulus, probably var. americanum, 

 V. acerifolium, and V. prunifolium still bore last year's fruit. 

 The vivid pistillate flowers of Corylus americana were in their 

 prime, and buds of Staphylea trifolia were showing signs of 

 Spring along with Sambucus racemosa. 



Song sparrows were in heavy migration and caroling from 

 tree and bush at every bend of the trail. Buttermilk Falls of 

 Green Brook made an impressive sight, bordered with ice, and 

 had developed a flourishing colony of Conocephalum conicum 

 on its flank. The Carolina Wren, a permanent resident of the 

 Palisades, was heard at intervals, and Duck Hawks were seen 

 soaring near the rim of the Cliffs. More tulip trees in the rich 

 woods brought to mind again the story of their unique verna- 

 tion. 



It was with regret that we left the scene of our trip, for 

 enthusiasm was still unabated, particularly amongst the large 

 number of young people, the youngest of whom was twelve 



