234 C. C. Parry: Physiographical Sketch 
square yard presents a botanical feast of the most attractive and 
varied features. Neat little tufted plants of the most cerulean 
blue, including Polemonium pulcherrimum, Mertensia alpina, MYy- 
ostis nana, Torr., (Eritrichium aretioides?) spot the surface. In 
scattered localities the bright yellow disk of Actinella grand? ra 
is conspicuous, while the varieties of alpine Phlog, Primula ane 
gustifolia, Trifolium Parryii, &c., supply almost every tint to com 
plete a floral rainbow. Here also by a close inspection we dis 
cover such tiny plants as J'halictrum alpinum, Gentiana prostralt, 
- and others almost hidden in the confused mass of matted ap 
In moist depressed places, and along the spongy margins of al: 
pine lakes, we meet constantly with an alpine Salia, Caltha lep- 
, and a white Trollius near Americanus. 
Toward the summit of the dividing ridge we find plants whose 
names plainly indicate the frigid climate to which they ee 
Here grows the elegant flowered Olaytonia which I have oo 
megarhiza, sending its deep tap-roots into the crevices of oe 
whose soaring angles shelter its succulent foliage aa : 
:S 
da 
the coarse debris of its disintegrating granitic masses, woe 
fenotus pygmeus, Papaver nudicaule, | pal 
Jraga serpyllifolia, Gentiana frigida, and others, all erage dd 
hose bri nage 
by these arctic forms of vegetation. Among the rarities coor 
Such is a general and very imperfect sketch of the prom ae 
i s of the vegetation belonging to this elevated district, Mad 
‘ing for a sample the alpine ridge at the head waters O°. 4 
Creek, to which from my frequent visits I involuntarily @PP 
the name of Mount Flora. 
pent 
_ In my solitary wanderings over these rugged rocks and throug? 
these alpine mend Ws, resting at siietided- ta some sunny nook, 
