annotated checklist with artificial keys. This checklist provides 
basic information required in the planning of future projects. 
The floristic survey has concentrated on the areas of Java 
Farm and Ivy Neck, with less comprehensive coverage of Corn Island. 
The reason for this restriction is that the previous owner of the 
island is still in residence there, and much of the vegetation is 
subject to slight disturbance. Part of the island has been land- 
scaped and a grass turf is maintained. The chestnut oak forest 
vegetation on the rest of the island resembles that of Hog Island, 
which is part of Java Farm. 
As background information the physical environment, history of 
land use, and present vegetation at the Center are presented in the 
first part of this introduction. The second part will explain the 
checklist, the format of its keys, and the ecological annotations 
which accompany each entry. 
Physical Environment of the Chesapeake Bay Center 
The physiography of the Center ranges from rolling upland at 
Java Farm to gently south-sloping lowland at Ivy Neck. Java Farm 
has two steep north-south ridges near the headquarters area, of 
which the taller has an elevation of 100 feet. Elsewhere, the elevation 
averages 20 to 60 feet. Moderately steep forested slopes occur in 
all directions. The Farm lies at the mouth of the watershed of 
Muddy Creek, and is drained by the north fork of this creek and by 
