8 ERYTHEA. 



the alluvial soils, and to the talus of volcanic debris, one finds an 

 interesting change in the flora. As before noticed Sarcobatus 

 vermiculatus is the prevalent plant on the alkaline alluvium near 

 the lake, and for several miles distant from it, and is succeeded by 

 A triplex confertifolia; among these are found occasional plants 

 of Elymus condensatus and E. Sitanion. Su&da Torreyana and 

 Kochia Americana occur in exclusive patches, or as scattered individ- 

 uals, among both the Sarcobatus and Atriplex. Still ascending 

 slightly, and the soil becoming more gritty and less alkaline, Grayia 

 spinosa is seen among the Atriplex, and then Tetradymia spinosa 

 and T. glabrata become more abundant, these three plants giving 

 character to the vegetation. Before Atriplex confertifolia is left 

 entirely, Artemisia spinescens, Eurotia lanata, Eriocoma mem- 

 branacea and Bigelovia graveolens, with some B. Douglasii, are 

 met with. Even here, in efflorescing alkali spots, the above-named 

 plants give place to Sarcobatus and Kochia Americaria. On the 

 sandy ridges, a little farther up (but yet not far above the lake), the 

 Gray Sage {Artemisia tridentata and A. trifidd) commences, and 

 associated with it are found Grayia spinosa, the two Tetra- 

 dymias before named, T. canescens inermis, Argemone hispida, 

 an Oenothera (probably CE. trichocalyx) , an Abronia, Purshia 

 tridentata, Prunns Andersonii, Ephedra Nevadensis, Atriplex 

 canescens, Astragahis Gibbsii and numerous other herbaceous peren- 

 nials. These plants also form the principal vegetation of the lower 

 slopes of the lava hills. 



Grayia spinosa is known as Rabbit Brush, and is probably 

 the plant known as Buckwheat Sage in some localities of this 

 region. Both here and in Antelope Valley, Kern County, it is much 

 valued for winter pasture for cattle and sheep, in spite of its spiny 

 habit. Cows seem especially partial to the fruits. 



Eurotia lanata is known as AVhite Sage and farther east as 

 Winter Fat, and is much valued by cattle- and sheep- men for winter 

 feed. 



Prunus Andersonii, locally called Wild Peach or Spiny Peach, 

 is very common, and was in fruit on June 19. It here forms a 

 shrub 2-2^ feet high. 



Bigelovia graveolens is sometimes called Green Sage. Mr. Jones 

 states that he considers the Chrysocoma nauseosa of Nuttall, treated 



