FLOWERS OF HIGH ALTITUDES 85 



tifically in our Sierras, so it is fitting that this un- 

 usual evergreen should hold his name. 



Another member of the Heath family which likes 

 the mountains is Ledum glandulosum, or Labrador 

 Tea. It is a beautiful evergreen shrub, with rigid 

 reddish brown branches which often are covered 

 with a rust-colored dust. The glossy leathery leaves 

 make a fine color contrast as they crowd closely 

 around the stem. It is only the upper surface of the 

 leaf that is dark green and shining, but it curves its 

 edges back so that the under side is well hidden and 

 only the upper catches the eye. There is an object in 

 this rolling of edges. The under side of the leaf is 

 a pale green, not strong-looking like the top, but it 

 is dotted over with glands that manufacture an aro- 

 matic resin. It would never do to expose these 

 glands to the mountain sunshine, so Ledum turns her 

 leaf edges over as a protective awning. Each leaf 

 terminates in a sharp little point, but it is too soft 

 to hurt any mouth that might attack it. Ledum 

 depends upon her taste to discourage animals from 

 devouring her. 



The blossoms are a pure white and are clustered 

 at the top of the stem. The stamens hang out past 

 the petals, and the style also is long. Any creature, 

 winging its way past and hovering a moment above 

 the Ledum, will be tempted and help her in her 

 seed-making. 



