Ecology of the Cincinnati Region 
167 
spring beauty, Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra CucuUaria), and patches 
of the bladder fern (Cystopteris fragilis). 
The flat does not continue long, for the ravine heads to the east. 
The north slope toward this ravine, is as steep as the south slope toward 
the river. It is somewhat comparable to north river bluffs, though more 
protected by the other ravine slopes, and therefore more mesophytic. 
The differences in vegetation on the two slopes of this hill are due 
Fig. 34. Red oak and hop hornbeam at the edge of the cliff; early saxifrage and 
spring beauty beneath them. 
directly and indirectly, to differences of exposure, and the contrast be¬ 
tween them is marked. Mesophytes form a large proportion of the 
forest. Redbud is entirely absent; the more mesophytic sweet buckeye 
(Aesciilns octandra) replaces the Ohio buckeye (A. glabra); sugar maple 
and wild black cherry are common. Almost no xerophytes are found 
among the saplings. The herbaceous vegetation is mesophytic, consisting 
of Dice^itra canandensis, Corydalis davula, Cystopteris fragilis, Hydro- 
phyllum appendiculatum, and Stylophorum diphyllmn (Celandine poppy). 
