DIVISION OF BOTANY. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE U. S. NATIONAL HERBARIUM. Vol. VI. Issued July 31, 1901. PLANT LIFE OF ALABAMA. AN ACCOUNT OF THE DISTRIBUTION, MODES OF ASSOCIATION, AND LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, DIVISION OF BOTANY, Washington, D. C., January 5, 1900. SIR: Under date of November 8, 1897, a letter was received from Dr. Eugene A. Smith, State Geologist of Alabama, as follows: In connection with the work of the Geological Survey of Alabama, and as a part thereof, Dr. Charles Mohr, of Mobile, has prepared an elaborate account of the plant life in the State. Deeming this work a most important and timely contribution to our knowledge of the Southern flora, as it discusses the character, distribution, and general aspects of plant life in Alabama in a broad and philosophical manner, I believe that it would prove of interest to a larger section of our country than the region to which it is confined by its title. In order to secure, therefore, a more widespread distribution, allow me to suggest the propriety of publishing it as one of the contributions from the United States National Herbarium. I may add that I am induced to offer this valuable manuscript for publication to the National Herbarium because under present financial conditions of the State Survey its publication would probably be delayed for an indefinite time, and thus its immediate usefulness would be impaired. Dr. Mohr is now and has been for several years a special agent of the Division of Forestry of this Department, and there being, therefore, no obstacle in the way of accepting this manuscript, I earnestly recommend compliance with the courteous suggestion of the State geologist of Alabama, Dr. Smith, and I desire to take this opportunity of acknowledging the obligations of this Division, both to Dr. Smith and to Dr. Mohr. The report is in part a complete enumeration of the plants of Alabama and in part a discussion of the various natural belts and areas of vegetation into which the State is divided, with a full description of the vegetative characteristics of each. I have, therefore, the honor to transmit the manuscript for your final approval, and recommend its publication as Volume VI of our series of Contributions. Respectfully, Hon. JAMES WILSON, FREDERICK V. COVILLE, Botanist. Secretary of Agriculture. |