TIMBER-LINE IN THE HIGH 

 SIERRA NEVADA 



Near the summits of our higher mountains the trees are 

 stunted, often much gnarled, and the branches tough and 

 cord-like. Above timber-line only low, deep-rooted shrubs, 

 and perennial herbs may be found. This treeless belt is 

 technically known as the Arctic-Alpine Zone. Here grow 

 true willows, producing the usual catkins, yet with stems 

 rising only two or three inches above the ground. The 

 little Alpine Phlox, with its compactly arranged leaves, 

 nestles among the rocks. Here and there are spread dark- 

 green mats of Cassiope, enlivened by dainty, bell-like 

 flowers, which are a delight to every mountaineer. 



