10 



In this report account is taken of the field observations and material 

 obtained during the three trips into the region. The material secured 

 during the first trip was miscellaneous in its character, all plants then 

 in condition for collection being included. On the later trips onl}^ such 

 plants as were of known or possible forage value were collected. 



ITINERARY. 



In order to gain an adequate idea of the flora of the desert as related 

 to the stock interests of the State one must know something of the sum- 

 mer pasture as well as the winter range. On this account the field 

 work was extended into the hills and mountains of the southern border 

 of the State, both east and west from the desert. 



To examine in (k'tail all this vast region in one season is evidently 

 an impossibility, nor is it probable that such a comprehensive survey 

 would prove profitable, for within the desert can be found certain dis- 

 tinctive areas, a knowledge of which will give a fair idea of the whole. 



On account of the limited time at command for the first trip (ten days 

 in the latter part of May and early June), observations and collections 

 had to be confined to areas adjacent to the railroad stations. Though 

 the trip was extended as far west as Evanston, most of the time was 

 spent within the Eed Desert proper, at Green River, Point of liocks, 

 Bitter Creek, Eed Desert Station, Wamsutter, and Fort Steele. 



While working under the commission above referred to, places in the 

 desert were explored more or less thoroughly durijig July and again 

 during the latter part of August and early September. Creston, 

 Wamsutter, Bitter Creek, Point of Rocks, Rock Springs, and Green 

 River served as bases from Avhich contiguous territory was investi- 

 gated, and together they gave a representative series of the forage 

 plants on an east and west line. To obtain an equally representative 

 series on a north and south line two expeditions Avere made. The north- 

 ern part of the desert was investigated by a Journey from Point of 

 Rocks to South Butte, Fifteen Mile Springs, and Black Rock Butte. 

 As at each of these platjes there are s[)rings, whde the intervening 

 country is typical of the plains portion, these collections are fairly rep- 

 resentalive of the northern portion of the region. 



To similarly investigate the southern half of the desert, a Journey was 

 made from Rock Si)rings by way of Cooper's ranch to Rife's ranch on 

 North Vermilion Creek, the location of a former post-ottice called Ver- 

 milion. This is about 5J miles fnmi Rock S])rings, aiul between the 

 two places there is no usable water except at the Cooi)er ranch, which 

 serves as the "halfway place" in making the Journey. Mr. Rife's 

 ranch is located just on the border of tiie desert in the foothills of 

 Pine IMountain, on either side of which stand tlie low, wooded, Bishop 

 and DiaTnond mountains. 



While making the ranch headquarters a few days were spent inves- 

 tigating the forage plants of the adjacent hills and mountains, extend- 



