23 



The Saturday morning route covered 3j miles and gave 

 extensive views out over the valleys on each side of the Shavvan- 

 gunk (pronounced Shongum) range. The trail led down through 

 the Gate of the Winds, a natural cleft in the quartz conglomer- 

 ate, which produces strong updrafts. The descent is accom- 

 plished by 153 rustic steps. Glen Anna, a deep ravine with a 

 nearly pure stand of hemlock, was visited. The return trail 

 led along the brink of the eastern cliffs of Sky Top and allowed 

 a spectacular view of the results of glaciation and differential 

 erosion to these Silurian ridges. Fine specimens of Asplenium 

 montanum were seen. In a small brook near Glen Anna (eleva- 

 tion about 1100 feet) a large specimen of Purple Salamander 

 {Gyrinophilus porphyriticus) was collected. This is the first 

 record which the leader has for these mountains. 



The afternoon walk was to the south to the lower slopes of 

 the ridge. Here the soil is on the alkaline side as compared with 

 the strongly acid reaction found along the upper slopes. On 

 Oakwood Drive the party was met by two large "straw rides" 

 drawn by teams of horses. Everyone piled on. The novelty of 

 riding behind horses on these old fashioned vehicles was much 

 enjoyed. A strange specimen of Ilex with yellow fruit and 

 ribbed nutlets was collected. This is being reported elsewhere. 



In the evening the leader projected for the group some of 

 his Kodachrome slides taken at Mohonk. The autumn foliage 

 and a series of brilliant sunsets caused particular comment. 

 After this show, cider and doughnuts were served in honor of 

 Hallowe'en. 



The Sunday morning route led to Rhododenron and "Sleepy 

 Hollow" Swamps. These are both strongly acid and have inter- 

 esting plant associations. The mosses were abundant and 

 beautiful. A Witch Hazel was discovered whose blossoms were 

 definitely pink in color. This also is being reported in detail 

 separately. 



Evidences of the September hurricane were noted in many 

 places. Fortunately wind damage was confined to forest trees. 

 The red oaks seemed to be more effected than any other species. 

 It was noted that although the apparent direction of the wind 

 was from the west, the majority of the uprooted trees were 

 on the southeast slope of the mountain. 



Daniel Smiley, Jr. 



