HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA. 



383 



long crimson stamens and its deep green leaves, pre 

 sents an appearance truly lovely. The flowers bloom 

 early in spring. The fruit I have not seen. In many 

 places are found several species of Mimulus, one of 

 which is from three to four feet in height, and is a 

 very showy plant. This country also has numerous 

 species of Phlox and Heuchera, and innumerable 

 quantities of Epilobium, Enothera or Primrose, 

 Pentstemon, Xapaver or Poppy, Delphinium, and 

 Salvia. A species of lily also grows here, the roots 

 of which are eaten by the natives. The Scilla escu- 

 lenta grows along the whole coast of Upper California. 

 This is called by the natives " QuamasJi" and the 

 root forms a very common article of food. To prepare 

 this for eating, a hole is made in the ground, and a 

 number of stones placed in it, on which a fire is 

 kindled, and kept burning until they are made hot, 

 when the fire is extinguished, and the roots wrapped 

 in straw, leaves, and moss, and placed upon them. 

 They are well roasted in a few hours ; and are then 

 taken off and hung up to dry. This root is also some 

 times pounded and made into cakes, which are pre 

 served for future use. The taste is sweet, and rather 

 agreeable ; but if eaten too freely, they are apt to 

 produce diarrhoea. This plant is most abundant on 

 the banks of rivers and on lowlands by the margins of 

 forests ; in which localities are also found several 

 species of Pyrola, Caprifolium, and Lupinus, which 

 sometimes cover an immense extent of land. The 

 Arbutus is also abundant in similar situations. The 

 large species, A. procera, is a fine shrub, frequently 

 attaining a growth which entitles it to be called a tree. 

 The A. uva ursi is found in almost every part of the 

 colder sections of the country, and its berries are fre- 



