GAZETTEER OF LOCALITIES MENTIONED GIVING 

 LOCATION AND ELEVATIONS. 



The variation of elevation in Colorado from 3,350 to 14,483 feet at the high- 

 est peaks, introduces a corresponding range in climate and consequently great 

 differences in flora. Within a short distance there may be a change in eleva- 

 tion which entirely changes the character of the flora, or alters the season 

 of the year. The elevation becomes, therefore, often a more important guide 

 than latitude. 



Accordingly pains have been taken to give the elevations of the localities. 

 The names are so often local, frequently changing, that it was thought best 

 to identify them so far as possible, and to give the elevation. This list is 

 therefore not a gazetteer of the State, but intended to give only the localities 

 mentioned in the Flora. Where there are several localities of the same name, 

 as is frequently the case, the ones where collections were made are intended 

 to be given. The extreme elevations of streams are usually given, though 

 not always. 



The State has an area of 104,500 square miles, an area nearly as large as 

 the six states of New England and the State of New York in addition. 

 Speaking broadly, the eastern half forms part of the Great Plains. The rise 

 from the eastern border of the State is steady but gentle to the foothills, where 

 there is an abrupt rise, and the remaining half of the State may be considered 

 mountainous, broken by numerous parks. The larger parks, as North Park, 

 Middle Park, South Park and the San Luis Valley, are of considerable size, 

 the latter being nearly 4,000 square miles, and at an elevation of about 7,000 

 to 8,000 feet. There are many other parks, as Estes^Park, Egeria Park, and 

 hundreds of moderate size. In general, timber line is found at about 11,500 

 feet, variations of 500 feet above or below being found, due to local condi- 

 tions. The local configuration influences the direction and amount of wind, 

 the upward movement of the air, and consequently the amount and distribu- 

 tion of rainfall, therefore the flora. Hence these elements are important, if 

 not controlling, and necessary to take into consideration. In addition the irri- 

 gated sections introduce important modifications. Irrigation occurs princi- 

 pally along the flanks of the mountain ranges, in the mountain valleys, and 

 extending in tongues along the principal streams like the Platte and Arkan- 

 sas, with small patches in other places where water is available. 



The range of climate represents as great extremes as between Charleston, 

 S. C, and Spitzbergen. In parts of the State snow rarely falls nor remains 

 for any length of time, while in the high altitudes snow falls in every month 

 and lasts throughout the year. With these conditions it is not surprising 

 that there is a great number of species. 



A map of the State is given showing the contours at intervals of 1,000 feet, 

 all points on the same line being at the same elevation. From this map the 

 general configuration of any part of the Sta,te, as well as the elevation of any 

 portion may be closely estimated. The counties as they now exist, the prin- 

 cipal streams, and county seats are also shown. 



Much more labor was required to identify localities than was anticipated. 

 Collectors have often used names for localities almost impossible to identify, 

 especially where these names depend on ephemeral characters, as the name 

 of an owner. Frequently places have changed names, as South Park was 

 known to Fremont as Bayou Salade. Other names once common are now 

 disused or displaced, and sometimes migrated to other localities. 



The elevations are given in most cases, and are hoped to be essentially 

 correct. L. G. C. 



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