﻿THE VEGETATION OF THE SELKIRKS r 



(with map) 



A most attractive region for the study of mountain vegetation is 

 found in the vicinity of the Continental Divide in Western Canada. 

 The mountains, glacier crowned and of the noblest order, are 

 covered in their lower reaches by luxuriant forests. In the higher 

 altitudes are extensive areas where a rich alpine vegetation finds 

 its appropriate home. The region, therefore, is a most attractive 

 field for the botanist, especially since the whole area is as yet prac- 

 tically undisturbed by man. During the last few years the writer 

 has had considerable opportunity for observation there. Base 

 . camps have been established at spots thought favorable for the 

 study of the plant life, and quasi-exploring expeditions have been 

 made into districts remote from the railroad. Although only very 

 moderate progress has been made toward a solution of the great 

 questions which present themselves, it was thought that a descrip- 

 tion of the vegetation as it exists would be of some interest and of 

 value as a record. 



of ecological botany in North America, Dr. Shaw, one of the most earnest and most 

 promising of the younger ecologists, chose as his field of investigation the ecological 

 problems presented by the vegetation of the little known Selkirk Mountains. His 

 work was cut short by his lamentable death by drowning in Kinbasket Lake in July 

 ioio. Extensive notes which he had made during June and July 19 10 were unfor- 



477] [Botanical Gazette, vol. 61 



