XIII 



THe S'wamps and Hills of MosKolu 

 and Loissrerre, Ne-w YorK 



Within the circuit of this plodding life, 

 There enter moments of an azure hue. 



Thoreau, Excursions. 



THIS season, on May i5tli, I began my explora- 

 tions in the hills and swamps of Mosholu 

 and Lowerre. The most conspicuous flowers 

 about these woods are trillium, spring beauties 

 {Claytonia Virginica), bird's-foot violets, yellow violets, 

 jack-in-the-pulpits, and pink azaleas. The swamps 

 and slopes east of the Mosholu station are bright with 

 these blossoms, which peep from the sod and shrub in 

 their turn. In several places, also columbine, Dutch- 

 man's- breeches and dog's-tooth lily are abundant. Dur- 

 ing May these flowers, with the trees of snowy dogwood 

 blossoms, fill the rolling hills and quiet valleys with 

 delicate perfume and unrivaled glory. 



Along the higher ridges, the brilliant Rock Pinks 

 {Phlox subulata) bloom abundantly. Their mossy-mats 

 creep over the hills from Bronx Park to Yonkers. 

 They belong especially to the extreme southern part 

 of the State of New York, and southward to Virginia 



157 



