14 



species of EpUobimn and a handsome Miiniihis. Epilobuun hitciiin 

 in particular forms showy masses in the bogs and along the 

 brooks. A large-flowered skunk cabbage [Lysichitoii) also occurs 

 in wet places frequently marking the course of little brooks along 

 the hillsides. Carex cryptocarpa forms a dense zone bordering 

 portions of the river bank. 



The drier and comparatively level grass lands are always com- 

 pletely covered by layers of mosses and lichens so that they ap- 

 proach the condition of the tundras. The first spring flowers of 

 the grass lands are the abundant pink blossoms of the little 

 Rnbus stellahis, which also is a conspicuous plant in the fall on 

 account of the rich coloring of its leaves. The turf consists 

 mostly of Carcx Ginc/iiii. Scattered plants of species of Poa and 

 Festuca are frequent, but the dominant grass is a species of Cal- 

 auiagrostis. A fragrant grass, a species of Hicrochloa, called lo- 

 cally " vanilla grass," occurs, but it is not abundant. Other 

 conspicuous plants are Trientalis Eiiropea arctica^ two species of 

 violets, Geranium criantJuiui, also conspicuous in the fall from its 

 red foliage, a yellow Castillcia, Viburnuui pauciflorwn, Sanguis- 

 orba latifolia, Galium borcaU\ and a large showy Litpinus. The 

 salmon berry, Rnbus spcr/abi/is, is frequent and bears a large, 

 delicious edible berry. In midsummer great patches of fireweed, 

 CJiamacnerion angustifolinm, suddenly burst into bloom, giving 

 a most striking color effect. Later in the season Solidago lepida 

 becomes conspicuous. Latliyrus palustris was the only plant 

 seen having a vine-like habit. 



The peat-bogs occur at the foot of the hills. Among their 

 characteristic plants are Ih-fn/a glandulosa, a shrub reaching two 

 feet in height ; Empctrum nigrum, with black fruits that are called 

 " blackberries " and are eaten by the natives ; and Ledum palustre, 

 the leaves of which arc u.sed for a tea. / \xeeinium ovalifolium 

 grows along the ujjpcr edge of the grass lands. It furnishes an 

 important economic fruit. 



The Alpine flora on the rock}' hills consists of a mat-like 

 growth of mosses, Cladonias. Empcirum, dwarf blueberries, etc. 

 The first to bloom in the spring is Mairania alpina. The fall 

 foliage of this plant is very showy, forming intense red patches 



