38 FIELD AND FOREST. 



The general Flora is that of the country below, Verbesina Sieges- 

 beckia, (Crownbeard) and Vernonia fasciculata (Ironweed) the most 

 noticeable species, while Ambrosia trifida, (Ragweed) and Helenium 

 autumnale, (Sneezeweed) are very abundant. 



Then crossing a " divide " of moderate elevation, we strike Indian 

 Creek, draining a quartzite region, and the Flora undergoes a sudden 

 and marked change. Abies Canadensis (Hemlock) and other Conifers, 

 Rhodedondron maximum, the magnificent "Great Laurel," Kalmia 

 latifolia (Calico-Bush) and Leucothoe Catesbaei, these latter in dense 

 thickets along our way, Acer sacckarinum, (Sugar Maple,) Ilex opaca, 

 (Holly) Castanea piwiila (Chinquapin,) with other trees form shady 

 woods throngh which we ride, and betoken our approach to the 

 mountains. 



For five miles more our road winds along the side of Stone Moun- 

 tain literally rock-ribbed with great furrows plowed between from 

 summit to base. We lunch at the house of Dr. Bell, a man of note 

 in the region, whose boast it is that the "Stars and Stripes" hung 

 over his mantel, were never taken down during all the years of war. 

 Then "upward and onward " we begin to climb the steep sides of 

 Iron Mountain, along a noisy and dashing streamlet, here and there 

 forced to turn the machinery of some little mill, and to the delight of 

 the botanical section of one, and the admiration of his non-botanical 

 companions, the beautiful pink blossoms of Chelone Lyoni, (Snake- 

 head) appear in profusion, with the brilliant scarlet of Monarda fistu- 

 losa, (Horse-mint,) and the not less interesting though less showy 

 spikes of Galax aphylla in fruit, on the dryer banks. Many unfamil- 

 iar shrubs are met with. Leucothoe recurva and Azalea calendulacea 

 (Flame-colored Honey suckle) among the number. 



After a hard climb of several miles, we stand on one of the sum- 

 mits of Iron Mountain Range, and a sight of surpassing grandeur 

 meets our eyes. Mountains to right of us, mountains to left of us, 

 mountains in front, mountains on every side, and Roan the objective 

 point of all our travels full in front. 



We dash down the steep sides of the ravine along one of the streams 

 which help to form the Nolechucky River, noting for future collection 

 Aster Curtisii, Pye?ianthemum montanum, and in a little spring, Carda- 

 mine rotundifolia, and about 5 P. M. we draw up at "the Forge," 



