180 GEOLOGY OP EASTERN WISCONSIN. 



nus serotina) grows to ampler proportions. The Paper or Canoe 

 Birch {Betula papyracea) is occasionally found in favorable local- 

 ities, but is not strictly a member of the class. The Beech [Fagus 

 ferruginea) is excluded and made characteristic of the following 

 group. 



Of shrubs, the Eound-leaved Cornel ( Cornus oircinata) exceeds all 

 others, and almost entirely excludes the Hazel and Panicled Cornel, 

 the dominant forms in the Oak group. 



The herbaceous vegetation is similarly well characterized, but for 

 the reasons previously assigned, will not be dwelt upon here. This is 

 a well marked group, and its distribution is highly significant. 



Class V-. Maple and Beech Group. This group is essentially 

 the same as the preceding, with the addition of the Beech {Fagus 

 ferruginea). This separate class for a single tree and a few subordi- 

 nate associates is thought to be justified by the fact that the Beech is 

 confined to the lake region,^ and appears to be especially indicative of 

 lake influence, as it occupies different classes of soils and covers dif- 

 ferent geological formations. There is less oak in this than in the 

 preceding class. 



Class VI. The Hardwood and Conifer Group. This class con- 

 sists of a modification of the last, and the important addition of the 

 Conifers. One of the more conspicuous modifications is the more or 

 less complete disappearance of those representatives of the Oak group 

 that have lingered through the foregoing classes. The Ironwood is 

 far less abundant; the Black Walnut and Butternut are rare; the 

 "Witch Hazel (^Hamamelis Yirginioa), and the Mountain Maple 

 {Acer spicatum) appear more prominently among the underbrush. 

 Tlie berry-bearing plants are miiltiplied, as if to compensate for the 

 disappearance of the larger fruit-bearers. These changes are pro- 

 gressive as we penetrate the area occupied by this class. 



Of tlie Conifers, the first to be introduced is the White Pine {Pi- 

 nus stroius), if we except the Arbor Yitse {Thtija occidentalis), which 

 from its proneness to swampy land and other selected localities can 

 scarcely be considered a member of this, as an upland group. Far- 

 ther to the north, the Bed Pine, commonly called Norway Pine (Fi- 

 nns resinosa), becomes somewhat common. The Hemlock (Aiies 

 Canadensis) is one of the most prominent and abundant members of 

 the group. The Balsam Fir {Abies halsamea), although preferring 

 the immediate vicinity of water, mingles somewhat with the group, 

 especially in its northern extension. It is especially abundant on the 

 shores of the Green Bay peninsula. An occasional Spruce {Abies 

 'See article of I. A. Lapham, Trans. Wis. State Agri. Soc, 18o4-j-G-7, p. 236. 



