INTRODUCTION. 19 
THE LOWER MOUNTAIN REGION. 
As we begin to enter the mountain range we come upon what we have termed the Lower 
Mountain Region, the intervening slope between the base of the mountain and the summit ridge. 
Here the species of plants last considered disappear, and are replaced by an almost entirely dif- 
ferent assemblage of vegetable forms. 
The Adenostoma fasciculata, which we have before alluded to, is frequently found covering 
entire hills. This plant is not peculiar to this region, but grows on all exposed situations, from 
the lowest to the most elevated. It has fine and thickly set dark green foliage, and forms a 
conspicuous feature inthe landscape. From its habit of growth it may be considered as the heath 
of this country, though it belongs to a different family, that of the ЛЉоѕасес. 
As the Artemesias disappear, scrub oaks show themselves on the steeper mountain slopes; 
and, as the valleys become narrower and more rocky, we find the California live-oak (Quercus 
agrifolia.) This forms a large spreading tree, the holly-like evergreen foliage of which adds 
to the beauty of the mountain scenery. In the more northern sections of the country this oak 
is met with in the vicinity of the sea; but as far south as San Diego it grows upon the moun- 
tain slopes only, and its presence denotes a considerable elevation. It is usually of stocky 
growth and unwieldy shape. Its wood is coarse grained and liable to speedy decay ; hence it is 
but little esteemed for its timber. It has, however, a very thick bark, which will, no doubt, іп 
time, be found of great value as a tanning material. 
Among the shrubs of this region which deserve notice is Arctostaphylos tomentosa. This 
species is said to form quite a good sized tree at the north ; but in the district at present under 
consideration it occurs only as a shrub, rarely attaining the height of fifteen feet and a diameter 
of from two to four inches at the base. It is a handsome evergreen bush, sending off numerous 
branches close to the ground. Its bark is smooth, of a reddish color, and splits off in trans- 
verse shreds. The wood, which is very close grained and durable, is an excellent material for 
small turning work. It bears a small red berry, resembling our well known ** bear berry," 
though less astringent, which possesses acid properties, and, under the name of Manzaiita, 
(** little apple,’’) is in common use as an ingredient of cooling drinks, 
Another plant belonging to this region is Cerasus ilicifolius (5 wild plum.’’) This is also an 
evergreen, and has thick pale green spinously serrate leaves. Its fruit, when mature, is of a 
yellowish pink color, with a pulpy external portion scarcely exceeding a line in thickness. 
Though the fruit has a pleasant taste, it would scarcely be considered worth eating in a country 
which was not, like this, almost destitute of wild fruits. 
The scrub oaks growing hereare all evergreen, with rigid coriaceous repandly toothed leaves, 
which are very variable in size and shape, even in the same individual. The fruit of all the 
species is of about the medium size and form, and is collected in large quantities by the Indians, 
who use it in preparing their favorite article of food, which they call ** Atole.” 
Cercocarpus parvifolius is another characteristic plant of this region, and is remarkable tor its 
long, spirally-tailed seeds. It is quite a handsome shrub, growing in clumps, and throws up 
wand-like branches to the height of five or ten feet. This is pretty exclusively confined to the 
higher elevations, and even reaches to the summit ridge. 
We notice, also, as an inhabitant of these localities, Frangula Californica, Gray, (Rhamnus 
