63 



DRUPACEiE. 



Prunus demissa Walp. (Western Wild Cherry).— A shrub or small tree, vary- 

 ing greatly iu size in different situations. In the desert it occurs only below 

 the brow of some of the steeper hills, where the winter snows become piled and 

 remain late in the season. Observed in a few localities and collected at The 

 Gap, south of Kock Springs, July 25 (3599). 



PAPILIONACEiE. 



Lupinus argenteus Pursh. (Silvery lupine).— A perennial, bushy, branched plant, 

 1 to 2 feet high, bearing long, dense spilces of purple flowers ; pods, silvery, silky, 

 and containing only a lew large seeds. In some of the grassy draws among 

 the hills. Creston, August 29 (4428) The lupines set'iii to thrive in the desert, 

 and if it could be shown that they have any economic value they could undoubt- 

 edly be cultivated. 

 Lupinus leucophyllus Dougl.— Somewhat similar to the i>receding, but occupying 

 drier situations. The driest bluffs and ridges do not seem to be unsuited to 

 it. It is by far the commonest lupine in the desert, and great crops of it were 

 observed even on the suniuiits of the white Green River bluffs. Green River, 

 May 30 (3023) ; Bitter Creek, June 3 (3109) ; Fifteen-Mile Spring, July 13 (3729). 



Astragalus grayii Parry (Gray's Milk-vetch).— A small, erect form, 8 to 12 inches, 

 with yellowish-white flowers iu a rather short raceme. Scattering and rare. 

 Bitter Creek, June 3 (3115) and July 12 (3.530). 



Astragalus haydenianus uevadeusis Jones.— This form was collected and noted 

 in several places. Of unknown forage value. Bitter Creek, June 3 and July 12 

 (3116 and 3711). 



Astragalus hypoglottis L. (Purple Milk-vetch).— A low, spreading plant, only a 

 few inches high, but often forming compact beds. It has the appearance of 

 making excellent pasture, and looks as if it might be a good substitute for 

 clover. Stock graze it down in some localities, and it is said that as an ingre- 

 dient of hay, sheep pick this out flrst. It thrives on saline soil even where 

 there is an excess of alkali, as for example on the low banks of Bitter Creek. 

 There is no reason to think that it would be more difficult to secure a crop of 

 this than of many other plants that are used for forage. The question that 

 remains to be settled is. Are the plants of this genus nutritious and safe? Some 

 of the species have reputed poisonous qualities; for example, A. mollinsimnH, one 

 of the "locos.'' It is yet to be determined which are the valuable and safe 

 species. Bitter Creek, July 12 (3688). 



Astragalus megacarpus Gray (Large Bladder-pod Vetch).— A spreading succu- 

 lent plant with large, thin, inflated pods and small seeds. This also thrives iu 

 saline soil, forming large, green mats on the alkaline flats of Bitter Creek ; June 

 3 (3113). 



Astragalus sp. — An erect, slender-stemmed and slender-leafed form, found in the 

 sandy slopes of the Bitter Creek hills. Point of Rocks, June 1 (3081). 



Vicia dissitifolia Greem- (American Vetch),- A slender-stemmed, vine-like plant, 

 climbing over other plants among Avhich it is growing; vines 2 to 3 feet in 

 length; accounted most excellent forage. On several occasions stockmen have 

 brought specimens saying "If you can tell us how to secure enough of this we 

 will be satisfied; we want nothing better." It makes excellent hay; sheep 

 especially do well upon it. It is widely distributed, but rarely forms anything 

 like a full crop of forage. The possibilities under cultivation are yet to be 

 determined. Bitter Creek, July 12 (3703). 



Vicia linearis Greene (Narkow-leafed American Vetch).— Very similar to the 

 preceding, but smaller iu every way, with very narrow leaves. Equally valu- 

 able as forage, but not abundant. Bitter Creek, June 2 (3104). 



