The Problems of North American Lichenology

Abstract

Several years ago the writer gave an address, later published,* covering certain phases of the subject of this paper, and he will now attempt to cover other ground. Many of the lichenological problems which should claim some attention from American botanists are not strictly North American problems, but some of these must be considered as well as the problems that are more strictly American. Of problems which may be regarded more strictly ours as American botanists, we wish to consider several, without attempting to include all. A matter of some importance is popularizing American lichenology without degrading it. This has been done for some other portions of our flora, and can be done for the lichens. However, the task is not an easy one, but requires the best effort of a trained botanist, who is at the same time a student of lichens. Such a work, with profusion of illustration and workable keys to families, genera, and species, would no doubt bring to lichenology many workers who could aid in making the flora of various regions known. Careful studies are needed over our whole territory, in order that the lichens may be collected and become well known. Nor is it collecting alone that is wanted, good as that is, but we need workers who will both collect and study. Many have contributed largely by collecting and sending their collections to lichenists for study. Some of these persons have come to possess a fairly good knowledge of lichenology and have become sharp-eyed collectors. Nevertheless, the best collecting is done by persons who are making careful studies of the materials collected. One may, perhaps, be able to collect the larger and more easily distinguishable foliose or fruticose lichens without