374 RESOURCES OF CALIFORNIA. 



low the freezing point 350 nights in the year. In general 

 character, the vegetation near the snow line resembles that of 

 the Arctic more nearly than that of the Swiss Alps. There 

 are many bodies of rich pasturage, composed of true grasses 

 and of sedge grasses, at high elevations, and never yet occu- 

 pied by white men. Mosses are as abundant as in Switzer- 

 land. The snow plant, (Sarcodes sanguined) is found fre- 

 quently below the snow line, but looks prettiest when it 

 shows its brilliant red tints amidst the white mantle from 

 which it derives its name. 



