510 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 



(460) ; in the valley, Corylus and Sambucus* appear with 

 Clematis (617)* Rosa, and Symphoricarpus ; while the sterile 

 places of the valley bear the spring plants of the Green Moun- 

 tain region abundantly. Passing over the sandy woods and 

 grassy plains, we come to the upper Koos-Kooskee, on whose 

 trap-bound sides we notice again the former leading plants, 

 along with many others. Here reappears, for the first time, 

 the Celtis, since we saw it on the south fork of Platte; 

 it is probably Celtis crassifolia, Pursh, and forms low, scrubby 

 trees ; the berries are gathered by the Indians for food. The 

 shrubby Acer and Hawthorn compose with Rhus and Ribes, 

 thickets, which harbor another species of Rhus (560.) 

 Another Ribes (393) grows here, 15 feet high, with trunks 

 4 inches in diameter. Looking from the crested cote over 

 the herbose plains, with the parrot-coloured Castilleias and 

 large-flowering Phlox, we see a great contrast, as compared 

 with the arid rocky ridge along the river and below in the 

 valley. Blue, purple, and orange alternate or appear mixed 

 confusedly together, each colour, however, prevailing one 

 after the other. First, Brodiea grandiflora, then Clarkia 

 pulchella, and last Collomia elegans. To this general character 

 may be added the more or less showy hues of the following 

 plants, growing in or around the sides of the valley : Eriogo- 

 num (425) with white, straw, and sulphur-yellow flowers; 

 Eriogonum (396) showing afar its cream-white flowers in dense 

 masses, accompanied by the former species ; and the same 

 hues are observable if one looks upwards from the valley 

 to the precipices, where these Eriogona form elegant garlands 

 on the narrow parapets. Mimulus (347), I found adorning a 



* This species of Sambucus is very common in Lower Oregon, and is par- 

 ticularly characterized by its compressed annual shoots and lead-coloured 

 berries. The latter have a far more agreeable taste than our elderberries, 

 and I used to eat them raw daily, by handfuls, without any unpleasant 

 effects. I have succeeded in raising several plants of this fine tree, so that 

 it will not be lost to the gardens, where I consider it may prove a great 

 acquisition. 



