DENDROLOGY. 295 



and in the upper parts, particularly in the mountainous tracts of 

 the Southern States. It is almost exclusively seen on the 

 borders of creeks and rivers, and is observed to be more 

 multiplied in approaching the Alleghanies, till, in the midst of 

 these ranges, especially in Virginia, it becomes so abundant on 

 the sides of the torrents, as to form impenetrable thickets, in 

 which the bear finds a secure retreat from the pursuit of the dogs 

 and the hunters. Deeply-shaded situations, in the vicinity of 

 cool and crystal waters flowing among rocks, where the 

 atmosphere is laden with vapor, are the most congenial to its 

 growth. Shade and humidity seem indispensable to the growth 

 of this shrub. 



The dwarf rose bay generally presents itself in the form of a 

 shrub, less than 10 feet in height ; but it sometimes attains the 

 height of 20 or 25 feet with a diameter of 4 or 5 inches. When 

 the leaves are beginning to unfold themselves they are rose-colored, 

 and covered with red down ; when fully expanded they are 

 smooth, five or six inches long, of an elongated-oval form, and 

 of a thick, coriaceous texture. They are evergreen, and are 

 partially renewed once in three or four years. It puts forth 

 flowers in the month of June and July, which are commonly 

 rose-colored, with yellow dots on the inside, and sometimes they 

 are perfectly white. They are always collected at the extremity 

 of the branches in beautiful groups, which derive additional lustre 

 from the foliage which surrounds them. The seeds are extremely 

 minute, and are contained in capsules that open in autumn, for 

 their escape. 



The wood is hard, compact and fine-grained ; but it is inferior 

 in these respects to that of the mountain laurel. This wood is 

 appropriated to no particular use in the arts. 



