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when spores are most abundant in lichens, but this problem also needs care- 
ful observation. Not all the problems of interest can be worked out in a 
single place, and the writer has begun work similar to that at Beechwood 
camp, on the forest reserve of Berea College, in the foothills of the Cumber- 
land mountains, in Kentucky. In the mountains, certain conditions and 
plants not found in Ohio can be studied. Neither the matter of periodicity 
in spore production, nor the ecologic work begun in Kentucky will be consid- 
ered in this paper; but it may be suggested that studies in spore production 
is a matter easily handled, and one that would give results of value. 
In all the ecologic studies begun at Beechwood camp, the dates of study 
are recorded and the location of each study carefully noted. However, these 
data are of no value in presentation and will be omitted. The first study 
undertaken is as follows: A rectangle eight centimeters square was marked 
in a patch of Cladonia fimbriata , covering a decorticate log. A tack was 
driven into the log at each corner of the area, and small twine was run 
around the tacks to enclose the area. The horizontal thallus appeared young, 
having scattered squamules, covering perhaps one-sixth of the area enclosed, 
and many of them so small as to be visible only under a hand lens. There 
were no podetia within the area, though they were plentiful on other portions 
of the same log. The second study is very similar, being the same species 
on the same log, with the horizontal thallus better developed and much 
more thickly disposed upon the substratum, but still no podetia. The pur- 
pose in both is to watch rate of development. The conditions as position 
on the log and resulting amounts of light and moisture received, etc., are 
all carefully noted. 
Studies number three to seven inclusive are all being conducted to 
ascertain the rate of growth and fruit production in certain lichens. The 
positions with reference to light and moisture are all noted carefully as well 
as the present size of the plants and condition as to fruiting. Small twine is 
stretched and fastened to small nails in such a way as to lie directly over the 
edges of the thalli at certain points, so that a more certain way may be had 
for noting growth and its direction, than mere measurements. The plants 
under observation are Parmelia caperata , Parmelia Borreri , Parmelia 
saxatilis , and Graphis scripta in various conditions of development. 
Study number eight is as follows: A levee of limestone fragments of 
various sizes was laid along a stream about thirty years age, and is now 
covered with the crustose lichens which commonly grow upon such rocks 
near the soil in exposed places. A section of the levee seventy c.m. long, 
was removed and replaced by similar limestone fragments, taken from the 
bed of the stream and devoid of lichens. On either side of the portion 
removed the lichens are growing in profusion on the rocks of the levee, and 
the rate of invasion and ecesis* in the new portion of the levee and the succes- 
sions following first establishment may easily be followed. The levee is on 
low ground and not over a half meter high at any point. Therefore the rate 
of invasion, ecesis* and succession will doubtless be as rapid as'could be ex- 
pected on such rocks anywhere, except, perhaps in a shaded place, the levee 
being in an open field. 
*Ecesis— from the Greek word meaning k- The act of coming to be at home.” Referr- 
ing to the germination and establishment of plant invaders. 
