131 
EXPLOEATIONS IN WESTERN CANADA, ETC. 
7 and 8), the variations in the one point, the number of anal rays for each locality where 
a sufficient number of specimens were obtained. It will be seen that Avhile the cuiwes 
for different localities in some cases resemble each other closely, there are no two 
which are exactly alike. In other words, each locality has its own Auariety, which iu 
the aggregate is dilierent from the variety iu every other locality. 
In order to have these curves give exact results an equal number of specimens 
ought to have been taken from ea<;h locality, but this Avas impossible, and the cxtrves 
are therefore based on different numbers of specimens. The highest point A\muld 
probably in no case be moved either to the right or to the left by an examination of a 
larger number of specimens, but the AAudth of the curve A\muhl probably be greater 
ami the height along the different perpendicular lines might be greater or less. In 
other AA'ortls, the smaller the number of specimens the higher and narrower AA'ill be the 
curve. 
There are presented three curv'es for three localities AA’ith different altitudes on the 
Fraser system (plate 7). The number of specimens Avas, respectively, 79, 58, and 14; 
tlje elevation 1, 1,300, and 1,900 feet. The AUiriation is seen to be much greater in the 
lowest locality, a fact which can not be entirely attributed to the greater number of 
specimens examined, for the variation from the normal, Avhich is 19 rays, to a higher 
number of rays, is as great as the entire Amriation for the next locality. 
In the second locality a much larger per cent haA^e tlie normal number of rays, 
but the normal number has been decreased to 17. The specimens from this locality, 
with tA\m exceptions, I have identified as L. Jateralis. Those from the first locality, 
Mission, represent L, balteatu.s. 
The third list is interesting from the fact that the normal number of rays is again 
moved tAvo rays to the left. In otliei’ words, the higher the altitude the fewer the 
number of rays and the narrower the limits of variation. Moreover, the curves are 
not symmetrical for any of the three localities, but in the aggregate the more gradual 
slope is on the side of an increased number of rays, a condition which, considering 
the general Amriatiou of rays on the Pacific Slope, seems to indicate that the number 
of rays of the species of tins genus iu the Fraser system is increasing and that the 
increase is progressing from loAA'er to higher altitudes. 
The curves for the Columbia system (plate 8) are not so unanimous in their indica- 
tions. It AAdll, lioweA'^er, be noticed that, AAuth one exception, they sIioav that the 
number of rays decreases AAuth the increase of the altitude, the highest point examined, 
Idaho Falls, haAung the fewest rays. These specimens represent L. ht/drophlox^ Avffiich, 
with montanus, does not descent! from the mountains or high plateaus. 
The greatest variation iu this system Avas not at the lowest altitude, but at an ele- 
vation of 2,372 feet. INone of the curves are symmetrical, but the asymmetry is again, 
as in the Fraser system, greater on the right than on the left. The Auxriation is again 
greater toAA’ard the higher number of rays than toAvard tlie loAAmr. 
I am not aAvare that a similar attempt has been made before to represent Amria- 
tions between localities. While the curves here given Avill no doubt vary slightly 
with every additional specimen examined, the nature of the curve Avill probably not 
be greatly changed. Certainly the important point, that each locality has a variety 
which iu the aggregate is different from the Amiiety of every other locality, can not be 
gainsaid; nor are additional specimens likely to overthrow the generalization that 
the number of I'ays iu the species considerexl decreases Avith the altitude. 
