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XXXM. 2. 23) 
af ptm S / f v4 4 - om A | 
PILYSIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH, & 
onfin the remote region of the Rocky mountains. ‘Here 
alone, within temperate latitudes, do we meet with mountain 
ranges where the summer sun is reflected from snowy wastes, 
mk in which occur peaks attaining an elevation of over 12,000 
eet. 
ur previous knowledge of the general external features and 
peculiar vegetation of this alpine district, has been derived from 
the researches of various explorers, who have traveled hastily 
over this heretofore inhospitable region, noting the most proml- 
nent features of scenery along the ordinary routes of travel, de- 
in : 
erived a considerable though still imperfect knowled 
peculiar natural features of our American Switzerland. 
e 
prosecution of researches in natural history which were not en- 
Joyed by the early pioneer explorers of this regi 
with the especial object of studying its alpine vegetation an 
With this view a sta- 
tion was selected near the foot of the dividing ridge, at the head 
waters of South Clear Creek. From this point an extensive 
scope of alpine exposure was brought within the range of an 
ordinary day's journey. Here, among the pine-wooded slopes 
on both sides of the Snowy Range, coursing along its alpine 
