in thB Distrihution qf VegetaUe Forms. 
tions of the several families, whenever any of the numbers sdem 
doubtful. The quotients of the topics are modified in suOh a 
manner that they are proportioned to region^ whose nlean tena- 
perature is from S8° to 20°, (torn the level of the sda to 750 
toises of height). The quotients of the temperate zone are adapt- 
ed to the central part of that Zone, between 13° and 10° of mean 
temperature. In the frigid zone, the mean temperature is from 
0° to 1°. To this table of quotients or fractions, which indicate 
the proportions of each family to the total mass of phaenoga- 
mous plants, might be added another, in which the absolute 
number of species might be compared. We here presetit a ftag- 
ment which comptehends only the temperate and frigid zonCs. 
France. 
North America, 
Lapland. 
Glumace^e, 
460 
365 
124 
Composite, 
490 
454 
38 
LEGUMINOSiE, 
230 
148 
14 
Crucifers, 
190 
46 
22 
Umbellifer^, 
170 
50 
9 
Caryopheelee, 
165 
40 
29 
Labiat^e, - - “ 
149 
78 
7 
RniNANTHEiE, ? 
147 
79 
17 
Amentace^e, 
69 
113 
23 
These absolute numbers are taken from the works Of Messrs 
Decandolle, Pursh, and Wahlenberg. The mass of plants de- 
scribed in France is to that of North America in the proportion 
of 1| : 1 ; to that of Lapland m the proportion of 7 : 1 
• A series of additional observatiohs on this subject, so highly interesting to 
the philosophical botanist and the geologist, atlso by Baron! Humboldt, will appear 
in our next Number. 
