MOUNTAIN SUMMITS SIMULATING SWAMP-LAND. j >, ^ 



and most striking-ly illustrated by that well-known swamp plant, the 

 White Hellebore ( / 'crafruni viridc Ait.). This plant was observed in 

 low damp woods in the valleys, and along- the streams, and again, 

 Hearing the summit of Slide Mountain where it was growing in some 

 profusion. Close around the summit, too, were found, growing in 

 abundance upon the carpeting of wet moss, plants which at a less 

 elevation were rare or altogether absent, owing, obviously, to the 

 scarcity of suitable swampy land. Thus, Coptis trifolia, which had 

 not been noticed lower was abundant, lHuirnuni ' casshioidcs, else- 

 where met with onl\- in a small marsh at an elevation of about 1,900 

 feet, here reappeared, as well as Viola blajida Willd.. Carcx in- 

 tumesccns Rudge, and other plants less distinctl)- confined to wet and 

 marshy situations. 



I am not aware that the fact of high mountain summits simulating 

 the conditions of swampy lowland has ever been recognized as a 

 factor of special influence in the distribution of vertebrate life; but it 

 certainly appears to be thus resultant, at least in certain cases, with 

 birds. Besides abundant moisture supplied by enveloping clouds 

 and active precipitation, which completely saturates and is long 

 retained by the deep beds of moss among the rocks, the analogy is 

 further borne out by resemblances in the general character of the 

 vegetation, especially as contrasted with the surroundings. Instan- 

 cing the case of the summit of Slide Mountain, we see imitated not 

 alone the conditions but also the general features of low marsh land. 

 The largest trees are of very moderate size, and the prevailing growth 

 is of Canada Balsams of most diverse age, stature, and vitality. In 

 their exposed situation these trees, from a vigorous youth, seem 

 rapidly to decline, retaining but a weak and precarious hold on life, 

 and many have succumbed, gnarled and distorted from their strug- 

 gles with the elements. Interspaces thus opened in the general 

 growth admit the sunlight to an undergrowth of moss, ferns, moun- 

 tain plants, and occasional shrubbery That conditions obtaining at 

 high altitudes similiar to those of the mountain top now under con- 



