FRUITS AND SHRUBS OF PRIEST RIVER VALLEY. 245 



Its cousin (Spirara betuli folia, var. rosea) is a shrub locally 

 known as the hardback. It is somewhat smaller, growing from 2-8 

 feet high. Unlike its relative, it inhabits and dominates the 

 smaller swamps, and forms almost impenetrable thickets along 

 the borders of the larger ones. Consequently we never loved it 

 like its cousin, the fair maiden of the hills. Its pretty, rose-colored 

 blossoms are borne in a thyrse, or dense oblong cluster, about 

 half as large as the looser panicles of H. discolor. Occasionally 

 a thyrse presents a partly upright sub-cluster. The small leaves 

 are ovate-lanceolate to lance-shaped, with the upper half serrate. 



The alder {Alniis incaiia var. viresccns) is found in considerable 

 numbers as a shrub and small tree to 20 feet high, following brooks 

 and edges of swamps. The leaves are 2 by 3 inches in size, 

 smooth, oval, doubly toothed and feather-veined, which is promi- 

 nent beneath. The catkins are ^-i inch in length and ^ inch 

 thick. 



The only species of maple occurring in the basin is the Acer 

 glabruiu. It is a shrub and small, straggling tree occasionally 

 reaching the maximum height of the alder. Its diameter is never 

 more than 5 inches. Its leaves are either 3- or 5-lobed, circular 

 in outline, thin, and horizontally placed. The twigs and leaf- 

 stalks are of pink or reddish tinge. It inhabits somewhat sparingly 

 moist spots and " draws " on the higher slopes. 



The elder {Samhucns racemosa) occurs sparingly in moist 

 spots at altitudes of 4-5,000 feet, in company with the maple. Its 

 compound leaves and bright compound cymes of scarlet fruit are 

 ornamental wherever seen. 



The buckthorn {Rhammis Purshiana) is a shrub and small tree 

 to 15 feet in height, and somewhat scarce, occurring in low places. 

 Leaves 2 by 3 inches, oval, acuminate and serrate. The inedible, 

 black fruit is 3^ inch in diameter, and of unpleasant bitterness. 



The snowberry is probably either Symphoricarpos racemosus or 

 6^. oreophilns. It is a small shrub to 2 feet tall, quite abundant 

 in a few places. The leaves are ^-i inch in length, thin, smooth, 

 oval, and borne on whitish stems. It bears white, watery, inedible 

 fruit of huckleberry size, placed in the axils. 



