FOSSIL FLORA. 775 



of Alnus, 7 of Salix, 2 of Populus, 1 of Acer, 4 of Vaccinium, 5 of the 

 order Caprifoliacese, 2 of Cornacese, 2 of the Rosacese, etc. Perhaps 

 the most conspicuous tree is the quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). The 

 cottonwoocl (P. angustifolia) is rare, being found only along Cache Creek. 

 Several of the willows are abundant, as is also the common birch (Betula 

 glandulosa), and the June berry (Amelanchier alnifolia). The other shrubs 

 are rare, or are confined to few localities. 



The fossil flora, on the other hand, was especially rich in deciduous 

 leaved vegetation. Thus the Juglandacese was represented by 5 species 

 of Juglans and 4 species of Hicoria (Carya), a number of which were very 

 abundant. The genus Populus was especially rich, there being no fewer 

 than 7 species. Certain of these, as Populus speciosa, P. daphnogenoides, and 

 P. glandulifera, were in great abundance, and the stratum in which they 

 occur consists of a perfect mat of these leaves. Something like 100 examples 

 of 1 species were obtained. 



Another striking feature was the presence of numerous magnificent 

 magnolias. Of these, 4 species have been described from the leaves and 



1 from the thick petals of the flower. The species described as Magnolia 

 spectdbilis is represented by a great number of leaves in a fine state of 

 preservation. It appears to be more closely related to the living M. gran- 

 diflora (M. fostida of later authors) than any one previously described. 



The sycamores were also an important element in this flora, Of the 



2 species described from the leaves and 1 from the wood, the one known 

 as Platamis guiUehnce was especially abundant. It is found in nearly all 

 the Tertiary beds in the Park and is represented in the collections by nearly 

 200 examples. The species described as Plataninium haydeni is based upon 

 a trunk or branch 6 inches in diameter. It is most closely related to the 

 living Platanus occidentalis. 



Another important group is formed by 4 species of Aralia, Of these, 

 Aralia notata was evidently one of the most abundant and imposing trees 

 of the whole flora. The collections contain over 100 examples, none of 

 which are entire, however, as some of the leaves must have been fully 



3 feet in length and more than 2 feet in width. A small leaf and one of 

 medium size are figured on the plates. Aralia whitneyi, a species common 

 to the Auriferous gravels of California, had striking 5 to 7 lobed leaves, 

 often 1 foot in length. This species was not so abundant, judging from 



