118 



THE 



(vol. V 



top of the mountain, while the contrary is true at the lower levels. This 

 is doubtless to be accounted for by the strong, and at this season cold, 

 south winds that prevail at the higher level on the windward side, and 

 conversely to the protection afforded against them by the position of the 

 valley, and by its somewhat higher humidity. This contrast in the relative 

 advancement of vegetation at the different levels was most noticeable 

 when an ascent of the mountain was made from Page, on April 12th, 1922, 

 the season being a rather backward one. At this time nearly all trees 

 and shrubs in the valley were in full leaf; Oaks and Hickories were dropping 

 their staminate flowers; all of the Vacciniums, Black Haw and most 

 species of Crataegus were in bloom; while such early things as Plums, 

 Redbud, Sassafras and Juneberry were past flowering. Half way up the 

 north side of Rich Mountain the Oak and Hickory leaves were less than 

 half grown; Linden and Sweet Gum were just beginning to leaf out, Dog- 

 woods and Silverbell -trees were blooming in the coves. A little farther 

 up the small green flowers of the last named tree were just appearing; 

 and the little Buckeye and Pink Azalea were in full bloom. On top of 

 the mountain, Buckeye, Sassafras, Juneberry and Plums were in bud or 

 just beginning to bloom, while many of the other shrubs and trees were 

 still quite dormant. 



During rainy seasons, especially in the autumn, fogs often prevail 

 on the mountain top or sometimes settle in the valleys, while at the same 

 time the sun may be shining on the lower or higher levels. At such times 

 vegetation becomes thoroughly saturated and drips with moisture although 

 no rain may fall, and since one can see but a very short distance, to be 

 caught on the rough mountain side, as happened on one of my trips, is 

 to say the least not a pleasant experience. When the atmosphere is clear 

 wonderful views of the surrounding country may be had from some of the 

 highest points on Rich Mountain, particularly toward ; s the south where 

 there is little timber on the summit to obstruct the outlook. Range upon 

 range of wooded mountains are in sight, with occasional small valleys 

 intervening, in which clearings and settlements stand out in sharp contrast, 

 and beyond, the blue outlines of the hills merge into each other until lost 

 on the far horizon. Some attempts at settlement have been made on the 

 mountain top, especially towards the eastern end. A small tourist hotel 

 was built above the station of Rich Mountain, Arkansas, several years 

 ago, but it is not now in operation, and is in a state of dilapidation. There 

 are also a few other, mostly abandoned, buildings in the same vicinity, 



and an occasional woodman's cabin may be found elsewhere. But so 

 well has nature held her own here that in most parts one may tramp all 

 day without meeting a soul, seeing any stock or encountering any other 

 sign of human occupancy. 



The following list of woody plants is compiled from collections made 

 on several trips at different seasons from Page, Oklahoma, and one in the 

 autumn of 1923 from Rich Mountain Station, Arkansas. 



