FIELD AND FOREST. 41 



Carolina. On the cliffs of the Bluff occur Sedum Rhodiola and 

 te/ephioides, Paronychia argyrocoma and Cynthia dandelion, var. 

 montanum. All over the exposed rocks grows Leiophylhim buxifolium 

 and among them Lycopodium Selago, Aster cordifolius, (?) Solidago 

 glomcrata and spithamaea. In the rich woods around the Bluff we 

 gather Vaccinium erythrocarpon, Menniesia ferruginea, var. globularis, 

 with its curious shining glandular pointed leaves, Gentiaea Andrewsin 

 and Diphylleia cymosa. Many of these, of course, were only in fruit. 

 In one ravine I stumbled upon Cuscnta rostrata, Bromns ciliatus , Cas- 

 tilleia coccinea and Cirsiiim a/tissimum. The southern slope is for 

 many acres, white with Eupatorium ageratoides, by some supposed to 

 be the cause of "milk sickness," quite troublesome in some sections 

 of the country. 



These notes may serve to give the botanist some idea of the richness 

 of the mountain Flora and of the treasures that would reward thorough 

 exploration earlier in the season, say in June or July. 



To the traveler this trip would have the charm of novelty, with 

 beauty of scenery unsurpassed and the enjoyment, for a time, of a truly 

 temperate climate. During the heats of August the thermometer ranged 

 from forty-seven to sixty degrees, with an average of fifty-five degrees, 

 and it rarely reaches seventy degrees even for an hour in midsummer, 

 while a fire is always comfortable at night. The ordinary ills that flesh 

 is heir to, seem here to be escaped ; even flies and fleas, with the cheer- 

 ful mosquito, and the ubiquitous midge or " no-see-um " are here 

 unknown. 



Springs near the house give an abundance of pure, soft water, with 

 a temperature of forty-seven degrees. One spring gave forty-five 

 degrees. 



To the geologist, the mineralogist and the capitalist the mineral 

 wealth of the region is full of interest. General Wilder's mine of 

 magnetite produces ore which, without any further carbonizing, is made 

 into the finest of cutlery. 



From Johnson City to the Forge at the base of the mountain, the 

 stage fare is only $1.50, and next season there will be tri-weekly com- 

 munication. Board at the summit is $1.75 per day and at the base 

 less. Food is abundant and of fair quality. The accommodations are 

 somewhat primitive, but comfortable enough, and there is only suffi- 

 cient of "roughing it" to add a little zest to the experience. The 



