25 



loblolly bay (Gordonia lasianthus) , large gallberry (Ilex hicida), 

 swamp azalea (Azalea viscosa), swamp wax myrtle (Myrica caro- 

 linensis), and the two 'possum haws (Viburnum nudum and 

 Viburnum cassinoides) . On the other hand the two Zenobias and 

 cat briar (Smilax rotundi 'folia) are found in the flatwoods, but 

 are generally absent from the alluvial bay. There is the further 

 difference in the Hartsville area of the dominance of the pond 

 pine in the drained bay and of the loblolly pine in the flatwoods 

 bay. 



In the bay north-east of the old Lucas Place through which the 

 road passes there may be seen a beautiful example of transition 

 from bay to savanna conditions. On the south side of the road 

 near the center of this area the vegetation of the bay circles about 

 and encloses a pretty little savanna of about a quarter acre in 

 extent, where four or five cypress trees are standing on a grassy 

 floor. This sudden change from the bay vegetation is due to a 

 depression in the surface and an increase in the dampness of the 

 soil in consequence. 



The Savannas. 



There are all gradations between the level flatwoods and the 

 savanna formations, and there are savannas of every size from 

 an acre or less to a number of square miles. 



The savanna is a wet, undrained prairie or meadow with a 

 scattered open cover of cypress and pond pine trees. There is 

 practically no shrubby growth. In late spring and summer these 

 savannas show the most conspicuous display of attractive flowers 

 of any of our plant societies. In May and June the two species of 

 swamp iris or blue flag (Iris versicola and Iris prismatica) are 

 conspicuous and beautiful with flowers showing all shades of 

 color from deep blue and lilac to light blue. 



The most extensive savanna in Darlington County is the Big 

 Savanna east of Auburn about six miles from Hartsville. The 

 Atlantic Coast Line road runs directly across it. I have not had 

 an opportunity to study this particular savanna, but from the 

 train it seems to have the same sort of vegetation as the others 

 1 am more familiar with. However, on account of its large size, 

 it is quite probable that it will show some peculiarities on closer 

 acquaintance and I hope some day to make it a more extended 

 visit. The savanna most studied was the one on the back part of 

 Maj. J. L. Coker's plantation, called "Plantation Savanna" in 



