Schizaea pusilla in Its Natural Surroundings

Abstract

The plant shown in the plate was found last July near the Toms River, New Jersey. The species had been found there before, and the writer was guided in his search by the careful directions of one of the earlier visitors to the locality. One discrepancy between the locality as described and as found last summer was discovered when it was found that according to the directions, the route lay through a pond of some acres extent on which no boat was available. As was learned later, this pond is a temporary affair, and is filled or emptied according to the exigencies of cranberry culture. The important landmark, according to the directions, was a railroad embankment. This was visible the other end of the pond, and was reached finally after a considerable detour. For the benefit of those who may wish to hunt for Schizaea, let me describe in some detail the actual surroundings under which it grew at that particular locality. The pond lay in a hollow only a little lower than the adjoining tract. Along two sides, the ground was at that time very dry and covered with blueberries and scrub oak. Along the railroad embankment, the marginal ground was very moist, with scattered patches of sphag-