27 



In this belt (from 9,500 to 10,500 feet) Berbcns aqmfolium formed a 

 conspicuous feature of the flora, especiallj^ in the more open woods. 



hentiana detonsa and acuta, with several species of Fcntstcmon. 



From 10,500 feet to timber-line, (approximate estimate, 11,500 feet,) a 

 change more or less marked occurs in the vegetation. This zone em- 

 braces 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 tbe spray of a 

 mountain-stream. Hence it is not surprising that a more diversified 

 flora should be found here. Pinm JfexiUs, continuing over from the lower 

 zone, now, in this its fiivorite altitude, becomes the predominant conifer. 

 It is subject to great changes in its habit, and among these there is 

 none more remarkable than the greater crowding of its leaves as you 

 reach the still luxuriant though more alpine forms. The herbaceous 

 vegetation is represented by Primula Parryi, Adoxa MoscJiatelUna, Trol- 

 lius laxus, var. albiflorus, Caltha leptosepala, and Tri/oUum Parryi ; the 

 first four finding in the cold streams and snow-fed bogs most congenial 

 homes. 



At timber-line a most complete change comes over the landscape and 

 with it over the flora. Pinus BaJfouriana, after becoming more and 

 more common as we ascended the last thousand feet, has now attained the 

 supreme place in the tree-flora. Except it, all other trees have disap- 

 peared under the increasing rigor of the alpine surroundings. It, too, has 

 been dwarfed to the last degree compatible with the dignity of a tree. 

 Where timber-line coincides nearly enough with the summit of the 

 mountain to allow the strong west winds of the region to exert their 

 full force upon the tree, it lies prostrate, with the top always poiutin«- 



eastward, and havingjust enough of leaves, often, on its stunted branches 

 to give sign of life. When some high cliff affords a shelter, the tree 



rises perpendicularly until the top is above the protection afforded, and 

 it is then forced to take the eastward inclination. 



From timber-line up, the surface may be bare of all vegetation, and 

 simply a mass of rocks, (usually volcanic,) or it may be more or less 

 densely covered with a mixed sward of grass and sedges. Here and 

 there, blooming in profusion, will be found clumps of Bryas octopetala 

 Trifolkmi namim, Saxifraga Eirculus and flagellaris and serpyllifolia 

 AcfmeUa grandiflora, and Gentiana Parryi. The last-named was found 

 in full bloom near the summit of Eed Mountain in August. Dwarfed 

 specimens of Solidago virgaaurea and Salix retictdata mingle themselves 

 with the grass of the sward, and almost escape detection until looked 

 for closely. Even these disappear as we approach an altitude of 14,000 

 feet, and there remains then hardly anything except Claytonia arctica, 

 which sends its long thick root deeply down among the rocks after its 

 nourishment. 



TIMBER. 



Finns contortaj Dougl.—(^« Twisted-branched Piue;^ ^^Eed Pine,'') 



This tree grows 40 feet high and has a diameter of about a foot; wood 

 IS coarse-grained. Where nothing better ofters, it may be sawed into 

 boards. 



•Fimis JlexiliSj James.— ("American Cembran Pine.^) — Attains in Cen- 



