Southern Appalachian Distriet. 493 
The coniferous forest extends to the summit of Mount Mitchell 
:6711 feet (2045 m) without any indication of subalpine or alpine conditions. 
Wind-tossed specimens of Prcea nigra and Abies Fraseri (Picea-Abies- 
Prunus Facies), are scen, intermixed with Detula lutea and Prunus pennsyl- 
vanıca. Huge rocks and bowlders project from the rounded dome. Mensiesia 
globularıs, Ribes prostratum, Sorbus americana are common. Rhododendron 
catawbiense grows within a few feet of the Mitchell monument. The herba- 
ceous plants of the summit are Streptopus roseus, Scirpus caespitosus, Carex 
drunnescens, Houstonia serpyllifolia, Rumex acetosella, Trifolium repens, Athy- 
rium filix-foemina, Saxifraga Michauxiü in the crevices of the rocks, an 
Clintonia borealis. None of these herbs are true alpines. 
osses are found on the trunks of trees and on the rocks, the following 
being noted'): Ulota crispa, Bryum nutans, Sematophyllum delicatulum, Hylo- 
comium proliferum, Polytrichum gracile, Hypnum Schreberi (Polytrichum- 
Hypnum Association). 
The coniferous forest on Grandfather Mountain consists essentially of 
the same arborescent species, viz., black spruce and balsam. Associated with 
these are Viburnum lantanoides, Vaccinium stamineum, Acer spicatum, and 
Rhododendron catawbiense. Polypodium vulgare grows in masses, associated 
with Galar aphylla, Oxalis acetosella, Thalictrum clavatum, Maianthemum 
canadense and Clintonia borealıs. 
The forest of cone bearers on the higher elevations of Roan Mountain 
consists of Picea nigra and Abies Fraseri as the dominant trees. Intermixed 
with these, but never forming pure growths, occur Aesculus flava, Sorbus ame- 
ricana, Fagus americana in a dwarfed form, and as a third lower story, Razbes 
rotundifolium, Cornus alternifolia, and Alnus viridis. 
untouched virgin forest on the argillaceous slates of Big Frog Moun- 
tain was found to consist of Pinus Strobus, P. mitis and in low and sandy 
spots Pinus inops, while at the foot of ridges or vertical precipices where deep 
beds of mold accumulate grows 7suga canadensis and beneath in the mossy 
cushions, Houstonia, Circaea alpina, Viola canadensis and pubescens, Mitella 
Shpila; Oxalis acetosella. 
Lower Coniferous Forests. The eastern spurs of the Alleghanies enter 
the state of Alabama at its eastern boundary and are composed of metamor- 
phic crystalline rocks skirted by the oldest sedimentary strata. Forests of long- 
leaf pine Pinus palustris characterize this mountain region, covering the arid 
rocky ridges to an elevation of 2000 feet. These pine forests are open and 
almost entirely bare of undergrowth. At its vertical limit the pine is rer 
replaced by oak, chestnut and Carya porcina (= Hicoria glabra). 
The following herbs are found here: Tephrosia virginiana, T. spicata, Lespedeza hirta, L. re- 
pens, Eupatorium album, E. aromaticum, Solidago odora, Sericocarpus tortifolius, Gaylussacia 
1) The identification of the mosses I owe to Mrs. ELIZABETH G. Brrrron, of the New York 
Botanical Garden. 
