THE VEGETATION AND RETROGRESSIVE CHANGES OF PEAT AREAS ("MUSKEGS") IN CENTRAL ALBERTA.

The article describes the plant communities and certain retrogressive changes on small well-defined peat areas in the Edmonton district in Alberta. The term "muskeg" in Canada is applied to areas of peat covered with a certain type of vegetation. A brief description of the topography and meteorology of the district is offered. The main features of muskeg distribution over larger contiguous areas are discussed as well. Distinct stages in retrogression and the type of vegetation due to climactic factors and fire are examined.