The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-20

all sphagnum moss. The fora OF up
land acid soils is made up of similar
species, though the plants Of the two
regions are rarely interchangeable. In
the latter region are found other spe-
wintergreen, laurel, azalia. pipsissewa
and pink lady slipper. The trees are
mostly pines and oaks.
When brought under cultivation up
land soils often retain their acidity
and a new set Of plants indicate the
fact. Among the species regarded as
indicating acid conditions are the
horse sorrel (Rumex). the bird foot
violet and the beard grass (Andro-
pogon). The presence OF moss on
lawns and in pastures is also an indi-
cation Of sour soils.
Many ferns are noted for their pref
erence for alkaline or at least neutral
soils. The walking fern, the cliff
brake and the hart's tongue are re-
sarded, though enormously. as being
restricted to limestone formations, and
In a similar way the dwarf club moss
(Selagtnella rupestris) Is supposed to
grow only on gneiss and schists. The
curly grass (Schiz@a), the smallest
and rarest OF our ferns, is found only
in acid soils along the Atlantic sea-
board Eastern ferns generally inhabit
moist soils. though few OF them grow
under acid conditions. The chain ferns
(Woodwafdia) and the Towering ferns
(Osmunda) may be found in acid soils.
Acid soils are most frequently neu-
tralized by the application of lime
stone. In regions where the underly
ing rock Is of this nature there is a
noticeable absence Of peat boys and
other areas of acid soil. The men,
bers Of the heath family especially are
seem to prefer them. and this family
Of plants. containing the arbutus, the
huckleberry. the laurel and the cram
berry, Is usually absent from limestone
soils. It is also difficult to make such
plants succeed under cultivation in
limestone regions. Keeping the soil in
which they are growing in an acid
condition is essential to success.
Most legumes are as intolerant of
acid soils as heaths are tolerant of
! them. The clover, alfalfa, peas, beans,
vetches and the like must be grown in
neutral soils in order to thrive. An ap-
plication Of mari or limestone TO one
end of a row Of peas growing in acid
soil will cause that end to outstrip the
other in productiveness. Some legumes
however. appear to thrive in acid soils
Sandy soils are usually acid, and yet
they may support luxuriant crop OF
lupines. partridge pea, baptisia and
other legumes.
Very frequently two different types
of soils are found side by side, their
fioras making q line of demarcatior
that is very distinct. Thus a sand
dune or moraine. with its character
isuc fora, may adjoin peat bog
Though both may be acid, their fioras
are quite different. A sandy area may
border on a limestone region, and In
crossing from one to another the trav-
eller may find an almost complete
change In the fora in the course of 9
few miles. The flora of a hillside and
a valley may also present marked con-
trasts. On the hillside we may find
laurel. arbutus, huckleberry and other
acid loving plants in the shelter OF
pines and oaks, and in the valley q
forest OF Eastwood. maple and ash, with
phlox. bloodroot, mandrake and Can,
ada ginger on tho forest floor.
WILLARD N. CLUTE-