THE AQUATIC QUILLWORTS. 223 



be inclined to call this a distinct species and to name it 

 Isoeics truncata. 



In 1888 Underwood described anew species from speci- 

 mens collected on Vancouver Island, to which he gave 

 the name of Isoctcs viaritinia. This, Mr. Eaton is con- 

 vinced, is but a variety of Isoetes ecliiiwspora. When it 

 was described it was supposed to be a terrestrial species, 

 and the resemblance of its megaspores was not considered 

 important ; but inquiries of the collector having since 

 shown that it is regularly inundated by the tide, Mr. 

 Eaton seems warranted in calling it Isoctcs ecliinospora 

 maritima. It is described as having from eight to twelve 

 rigid leaves one to two inches long. The megaspores 

 are covered with rather thick, bluntish spines. 



In many lakes and ponds Isoetes ecliinospora and its 

 varieties form an almost unbroken carpet over large 

 areas, the width depending upon the rate with which 

 the water deepens, being widest in shallow ponds and 

 ending usually when depths of three or more feet arij 

 reached. It grows either in sand or mud, though it is 

 said to prefer mud, and is most luxuriant where exposed 

 to the sunlight. It appears to be also fairly abundant in 

 certain rivers, usually only where it is covered with 

 water most of the time. Until one has become accus- 

 tomed to its appearance it is often likely to be mistaken 

 for the other water plants with which it grows. Should 

 our common plant ever be considered distinct from tiie 

 European species it would have to have a new name, 

 since Brannii is preoccupied as a specific name. Braun 

 has suggested that in this event it be called Isoetes ain- 

 bigiia. The crisp bulbs of this species are favourite mor- 

 sels with muskrats, and cattle are said to feed upon the 

 leaves of any species that are accessible. 



