CHEMINEMENTS BOTANIQUES A TRAVERS ANTICOSTI

Abstract

Prior to 1940 the botanical surveys of Anticosti were restricted to the coast and seldom further inland than the lower parts of a few rivers. Following an initial visit to the center of the island in 1940, the author crossed the inland on foot from the mouth of the Vaureal to the mouth of Chaloupe creek in 1942. The present paper first describes the vegetation of the sector surveyed. Then follow a discussion on its economic importance in relation to wildlife, the description of new varieties, forms and hybrids, the complete list of species collected in the surveys of 1940 and 1942,—the main purpose of which was to supplement the documentation amassed by Prof. Marie-Victorin in preparation for his monograph on the Anticosti and Mingan flora,—and the author concludes with views on the phytogeography of Anticosti. Contrary to Prof. Marie-Victorin's hypothesis, no preglacial refuge exists in the center of the island and the presence of arctic and cordilleran relicts there may be postulated by the hypothesis of arctic and alpine outposts.