— 8o— 



radicans Sm. and Cystopteris fragilis. The latter was seen in 

 only one station near sea-level, growing on the banks of a 

 gravelly lake about the roots of oak trees, though common 

 enough in the mountains. On Fidalgo Island, at no greater 

 altitude than 800 feet, grew Pellaea densa, golden fern (Gym- 

 no gramma triangularis) and parsley fern. These are also said 

 to grow on the San Juan Islands, not far distant. This region 

 has much less rain than the average for western Washington 

 and the soil is poor and rocky. This latter fact accounts for 

 the presence of ferns usually confined to the higher mountains. 



The high peaks of the Cascade Mountains are quite similar to 

 those of the Olympic Mountains as far as the fern flora is con- 

 cerned. Pellaea densa, golden fern, green spleenwort, Poly- 

 s tic hum Mohroides, P. Calif ornicum, P. aculeatum and Nephro- 

 dium montanum must be added to those mentioned for the 

 higher peaks of the Olympics. Doubtless some of the above will 

 yet be found in the Olympics. 



Eastern Washington has an average rainfall of about 14 

 inches. The Blue Mountains cut across the southeastern corner, 

 while the northern part is generally mountainous. Here again 

 we have a variety of ecological conditions. The country is more 

 open and dry and has more sunshine than the western part, 

 hence the ferns do not flourish as luxuriantly. Many species of 

 western Washington are also found here in favorable situations, 

 and some not found west of the Cascades occur, among which 

 are Woodsia Oregona, W . scopulina and Cheilanthes lanuginosa. 

 The fern flora of the mountains in the northeastern part is 

 similar to that of the mountains already mentioned. Doubtless, 

 less is known of this region than any other part of the State. 



There is a transition area in passing from the lowlands of 

 western Washington to the mountains in which the oak fern 

 is very abundant and also very beautiful, not having that rusty 

 appearance which often mars its beauty in the East. Here also 

 are the haunts of several of the Botrychia and the hy cop odiums. 

 /,. clavatum is very abundant and is brought to this city about 

 Christmas time and sold for decorative purposes. No society 

 is needed for its protection here, for the supply is ample. 



