GENERAL REPORT. 7 
the nutritious bunch-grasses, though these do extend in magnificent growth 
up into the open valleys and among the less dense timber to an altitude 
of nearly 11,000 feet. 
From South Park to the New Mexican line we regularly found abun- 
dance of this forage on the eastern slope of the main chains. In the beau- 
tiful valley of the Conejos River, after striking the timbered region, we 
found luxuriant bunch-grass covering the ground as thickly as it could 
stand. In November it was still green about the roots, and was eagerly 
eaten by our starved mules. Pinus ponderosa formed open clumps, and 
under protection of these trees it attained what seemed to be its maximum 
growth. : 
From 9,500 to 10,500 feet the principal arboreous growth was made 
up of Pinus contorta, Pinus ponderosa, Abies Menziesii, and Abies sub- 
alpina. Pseudotsuga Douglasii seemed more at home at a somewhat less 
elevation. Pinus ponderosa was frequently seen to extend in full size almost 
to the verge of the timber-line, and often to attain its largest growth at an 
elevation of 11,000 feet. 
In this belt (from 9,500 to 10,500 feet), Berberis Aquifolium formed a 
conspicuous feature of the flora, especially in the more open woods. The 
herbaceous vegetation of the same zone is well represented by Castilleia 
pallida, Parnassia parviflora, Pedicularis Grenlandica, Habenaria dilatata, 
Polygonum Bistorta, Trifolium dasyphyllum, Senecio triangularis, Gentiana 
detonsa and acuta, with several species of Pentstemon. 
From 10,500 feet to timber-line (approximate estimate, 11,500 feet), a 
. change more or less marked occurs in the vegetation. This zone embraces 
within its limits a greater diversity of soil, exposure, and local differences 
of temperature than the one we have just described. There are open valleys 
with perfect drainage, and hence dry soil; and others so swampy that it is 
almost impossible to ride over them; rocky slopes and deeply shaded 
ravines, which are always damp from the spray of a mountain stream. 
Hence it is not surprising that a more diversified flora should be found 
here. Pinus flexilis, continuing over from the lower zone, now in this its 
favorite altitude, becomes the predominant Conifer. It is subject to great 
changes in its habit, and among these there is none more remarkable than 
