General Considerations

Abstract

The most accurate portrayal of plant communities is obtained by mapping them. This can be done by a variety of methods, each of which has its own peculiar merits and imperfections. It happens occasionally that an inspired author develops a new method of mapping vegetation. In the course of many years, and heeding the advice and criticism of his colleagues, he gradually improves his method until it reaches a high degree of perfection. The author is then convinced that this method is superior to all others. Frequently, he also believes that his method can be employed everywhere with the same degree of success and produce equally good results. It is now well established that such authors are carried away by their enthusiasm.