66 MADRONO [Vol. 1, 



fibers by the series of physical obstacles which it places in their path- 

 way. If the hypothesis be true, and be correctly applied to the condi- 

 tions actually present in the tamrae pine, a right-hand leaf -spiral, 

 as shown in the diagram, should give a left-hand fiber-twist; and 

 conversely, a left-hand leaf-spiral should give a right-hand fiber- 

 twist. This discussion therefore adds a second question for the pros- 

 pective explorer in this field, namely: Are these hypothetical re- 

 sults borne out by the results of actual observation ? An affirmative 

 answer here, following an affirmative answer to the first question, 

 would be an important step toward confirming the theory here sug- 

 gested. 



If the line of experiment here suggested does not at once consign 

 this theory to the limbo where all its predecessors have gone, there 

 is still left an enormous field of investigation to be covered before 

 what may be established for this particular tree or for this particu- 

 lar leaf-pattern can be applied to exogenous tree-growth in general. 1 

 Science, as well Art, is long indeed — and Life alas is short for either ! 



FIELD NOTES ON ERICACEAE OF THE TAHOE REGION 



Viola B. Baird 



The field covered by these notes I have explored quite thoroughly 

 during five consecutive summers. It includes both banks of the 

 Truckee River from Lake Tahoe to Bear Creek, the valleys of Bear 

 Creek and Squaw Creek, with the uplands between the sources of 

 these two streams and Five Lakes Creek. The altitude ranges be- 

 tween 6100 feet at the mouth of Squaw Creek to 7540 feet at the 

 Five Lakes. Within this area is a great variety of situations and 

 conditions: alpine meadows, swamps, barren cliffs, and forests of 

 fir and pine. It is hoped that these notes may prove to be some slight 

 contribution to the general knowledge of these interesting and love- 

 ly plants. 



1. Pyrola asari folia. In colonies, where a streamlet flows through 

 a growth of willows or alders. It has a large round basal leaf, and 

 flowers which in odor and appearance resemble those of the lily-of- 

 the-valley, save that the corolla is tipped with rose. In bloom from 

 middle to late July. Found on both sides of the Truckee River from 

 the Lake to Deer Park station. 



1 Since the above was placed in the editor's hands, my attention has been 

 called to a note in the American Breeder's Magazine, vol. 1, p. 262, to the effect 

 that experiments with seedlings of Pinus ponderosa show "a decided twist of 

 fibers from the time of germination," that is, before there could be any physical 

 obstacles to determine its direction. And I also had recalled the remarkable 

 cabling of the great roots of Sequoia gigantea, where the same thing would be 

 true. 



