1849.] excursion from Darjiling to TongU. 437 



Composites again are far from represented in the scale they are every- 

 where else. Though about Darjiling, where clearances have been 

 effected, the amazing prevalence of Gnaphalium and Anaphalis, &c, 

 give this an appearance of the usual abundance of Compositce, these very 

 species will be found elsewhere scarce in the temperate zone of Sikkim. 



LabiatcB are also poorly represented, except in clearances. 



As far as I can guess, this paucity of representatives of orders for 

 which the temperature of the Sikkim Himalaya is admirably adapted, 

 can best be attributed, — (1.) to the uniform luxuriance of the arboreous 

 vegetation, and the absence of either precipices or naked spots of any 

 kind. (2.) To the humid atmosphere ; for some of these groups, as 

 Leguminosoe, are very rare in the only temperate climates which in the 

 respect of humidity and equability of temperature, can be compared 

 with Sikkim, namely New Zealand and Fuegia. There, as here, Cru- 

 ciferce, Composite, Rammeuli, Labiatce, and above all, Leguminosce and 

 grasses are very rare in the forest region. 



Our ascent to the summit was by the bed of a watercourse, now a 

 roaring torrent, for the rain was heavy and incessant. A small Ana- 

 gallis (like tenelld) and a scapeless Primula, grew by its banks, also 

 some smaller Varices, and an Androsace. The top of the mountain is 

 another flat ridge, with depressions and broad pools or small lakes, in 

 which grew an Iris. A square platform (raised by the Surveyor 

 General, whose party were the only Europeans who had previously to 

 ourselves visited this mountain) and which had been cleared from jungle, 

 only the 8 months before, was already fast getting choked with bamboo 

 and various trees. 



Upon the very top, though only 500 feet or so above the flat, 

 the number of additional species was great, and all betokening a rapid 

 approach to the alpine or arctic region of the Himalaya, though large 

 forest trees still abounded. In order of prevalence the trees are Rho- 

 dodendrons of 4 species. (1) R. arboreum, var. roseum,* which covered 

 the ground as large bushy trees, 40 ft. high. These ramify from the 

 ground, the lower branches being low and patent, and the apices of all 

 loaded with the superb scarlet inflorescence. (2) R. barbatum, a tree 

 of nearly the same height, but not so spreading ; flowers as copious and 



* Leaves rusty colored underneath, and cordate at the petioli; probably anew 

 species. 



3 l 2 



