Jan., 1908 NOTES FROM THE DIARY OF A NATURALIST IN NORTHERN CALIF. 31 



On July 21 Bunnell and I left the train at Willets, Mendocino County, shortly 

 after noon, and hastily got together supplies for a two week's camp. We resumed 

 our journey after changing cars, and were soon in the depths of a magnificent 

 redwood forest. Our train was pulled slowly up the steep and winding grades by 

 an odd-looking, but powerful side-cog locomotive. Thus we had an excellent op- 

 portunity of studying the country from the windows of our observation car. Tow- 

 ering redwoods kept us in almost constant shade, and beneath these giants grew a 

 fine forest of Douglas spruce, bull pine, madrone, tan-bark oak, white and black 

 oak. The hillsides were carpeted with a luxuriant undergrowth, and frequent 

 mountain streams added the final touch to a forest scene of rare beauty. This part 

 of the journey, all too short, was ended at Sherwood, where we changed to a huge 

 six-horse stage and continued our journey as far as lyaytonville, which place we 

 reached about seven o'clock in the evening. This part of the journey, too, had 

 scenery varied and picturesque. Rolling hills bear an open forest of bull pine, 

 alternating with thick undergrowth and with patches of thin yellow grass. Many 

 pleasing contrasts are thus formed; but the chief charm of this stage ride is the 

 thick cluster of noble Douglas spruce, into whose deep shade the road frequently 

 plunges, or which, standing apart in the distance, are rendered conspicuous by their 

 deep green color and lofty, spire-like forms. 



Next day in the cool of the morning we were on our way again, our objective 

 point being Covelo in Round Valley. This trip, thru the Transition Zone forest, 

 was of continual interest. Blue-fronted Jays screamed, and California Wood" 

 peckers drummed and called as our stage rumbled by. The majestic Douglas 

 spruce towered above us at frequent intervals, and some striking specimens of the 

 madrone are recalled vividly even at this writing. They were among the tallest of 

 the forest trees, their huge spreading branches, each one a tree in itself, started 

 from near the base, and gave the effect of a gigantic shrub. The rich, deep red 

 color of the bark is in striking contrast to all other hues of that forest, and is a 

 unique element of beauty. The day wore on with ever changing scenes; now we 

 were in the deep cool shades of lofty spruce trees; now thru vistas in the forest we 

 got views of fair valleys, or mountains, blue in the distance. 



About noon we crossed the main fork of Eel River, a rapid stream of pale 

 greenish water. From here began our ascent of the range of hills which completely 

 girdles Round Valley. From its summit several fine views of the valley can be 

 had. It is a golden plain of grain fields and pastures stretching away to the hill 

 barriers on every side. Dotted about here and there are ranch houses with their 

 green orchards and shade trees relieving the general tone of yellow. Numerous 

 herds of grazing livestock complete a pastoral scene which is all the more pleasing 

 because of its striking contrast with the wildness and solitude of surrounding 

 mountain and forest. Thru this valley (Upper Sonoran Zone) on July 23, Bunnell 

 and I made our way, and about ten in the morning we began the ascent of Asebeen 

 Ridge at the northeastern extremity of the valley. A long, all-day climb brought 

 us well into the Yallo Bally country, and we made a comfortable camp for the 

 night in a miniature mountain meadow, with a small stream running thru it. For 

 most of the next day we passed thru open forests of bull pine thru which were 

 scattered quite frequently, live oaks and madrones, the last named trees being 

 particularly handsome. As we got higher up the bull pines increased in size, and 

 sugar pines became quite common. 



The next day we encountered some severe climbing, and our two sturdy mules 

 were taxed to their utmost at times. The country was typically mountainous, the 

 Steep rocky slopes and deep canyons becoming more pronounced in character till w§ 



