48 
IOWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE 
Pammel and Buchanan published in 1905 9 a short list of algae 
collected in the northeastern part of Iowa. 
Dr. Bruce Fink in 1905 s published an account of the algae which 
he has studied in Iowa during a period of years. This is one of the 
most extended of the lists, twenty-eight species being noted for the 
first time. Most of the collections described were made in the vi- 
cinity of Fayette and of Grinnell . 
Object of Study. Iowa is pre-eminently a prairie state, streams 
and lakes form but a very small proportion of her area. For this 
reason, perhaps, the algal flora of the state has been neglected, short 
lists and brief notes only of some of the species have been pub- 
lished at various times. It was deemed of interest, therefore, to 
undertake a study of the distribution of these forms in the state, 
as extended as time and facilities would permit. It was considered 
especially necessary that as extended a list of additions as possible 
might be made to this flora, as a contribution toward a complete 
list of these forms to be found within the borders of the state. 
Class material for demonstration in high school and college is often 
difficult to procure, hence a study of the habitat of some of the 
various forms may have a practical significance to many instructors 
and teachers. 
From an economic standpoint, furthermore, some of our species 
are of importance inasmuch as they are frequently found polluting 
water supplies, especially those drawn from natural reservoirs. 
The so-called working of our lakes, and consequent production of 
foul odors and tastes have at various times caused not a little trouble 
and some destruction of property. 
The study was undertaken at the instigation of Dr. Pammel, and 
the writer’s thanks are due him for his many kindnesses. 
The list of algae that is appended here makes no pretence of 
being at all complete ; as a matter of fact, not more than one-quarter 
of the material collected has been worked over. A little more time 
would certainly result in the addition of much larger number of 
species to the flora of the state. 
Source of Material Studied. During the years 1904-5 various 
collections of algae were made in different parts of the state, aggre- 
gating perhaps one hundred fifty. The general localities are as 
follows: Spirit Lake, East and West Okoboji Lakes, Upper and 
Lower Gar Lakes, Lake Minnewashta, ponds and marshes in 
Wright, Story, Polk, Linn, Webster, Hamilton, Humboldt counties, 
about Cedar Falls in the Cedar and tributaries, at the Ledges near 
