SWISS NATIONAL PARK—-BLAND 501 
cembra) and larch (Laria decidua). The middle and upper Fuorn 
region is covered principally with mountain pines (Pinus montana), 
which form the largest intact forest of the upright arborescent 
species in the whole of Switzerland. The decumbent species, the 
Scotch pine (Pinus silvestris), which grows up to an altitude of 
2,400 meters, constitutes almost impenetrable thickets in Cluoza, 
Praspol, and. particularly on the slopes of the Pisoc group (Val 
Mingér). Next to the common forest pine (Pinus szlvestris), the 
characteristic tree of the dry central Alpine region is the Engadine 
pine (Pinus silvestris L. var. engadinensis Heer). The larch (Larix 
decidua), the typical tree of the upper Engadine, grows all over the 
park region, and here and there forms thick clumps. The grand- 
father of this family, said to be at least 400 years old, was unfortu- 
nately crushed by a falling rock in 1924. The upper forest. line, 
which in this region extends higher than in other parts of the Alps, 
consists chiefly of larch and of cembra pine, the noblest tree of the 
Alps. Only isolated specimens of this pine are found on the lower 
slopes, but it flourishes in the high altitudes, producing particularly 
fine cones; it is found most profusely in Val Scarl. These giants 
of the forest, growing on the upper slopes of the rugged peaks, are 
often hard pressed in the fight against the elements. The “ Battle 
Zone,” strewn with fallen trees struck down by lightning, ava- 
lanches, and frosts, is an impressive sight. 
The unparalleled richness of the Alpine flowers, which are at the 
height of their beauty during the last half of June, lends a fairy- 
like charm to this wild region. Above the brightly colored army of 
spear violets (Viola calcarata), the vivid blue of the gentian (Gen- 
tiana), the fiery red of the catchfly (Stene acaulis), the striking 
purple saxifrage (Sazxifraga oppositifolia), the white and gold 
Pyrenean and Alpine buttercups (Ranunculus), the golden hawk- 
weed (Hieraciwm), the graceful panicles of grasses and-rushes, ap- 
pears the wonderful star of the edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), 
elsewhere so rare. Early in April, as soon as the snow clears away, 
the sunny spots on the lower slopes are covered with Aster alpinus, 
Anemone vernalis, and Crocus vernus. 
Delicate flowers such as Linaria alpina, Cerastium, Valeriana 
supina, and the bright golden-yellow Alpine poppy (Papaver rhae- 
ticum) grow in the crevasses and gorges. Even the high slopes do 
not lack a decoration of flowers. Besides the famous Alpine roses 
(Rhododendron ferrugineum) and other flowering shrubs are found 
Androsace helvetica, primroses (Primula), and stonecrop (Sedum 
acre). Owing, however, to the dryness of the region and to the 
changing temperature, Alpine roses, lilies, and anemones are not 
found in such thick carpets as in other parts of the Alps. 
20837—27——-33 
