
THE NATURALIST IN CALIFORNIA. 187 
*Of reptiles I found twenty-eight species and six of batra- 
chians, a few of the former are not known northward, viz., 
Hallowell’s Rattlesnake (Crotalus Hallowelli nom. prov.), 
the Coppery Whipsnake (Drymobius testaceus), and Couch's 
Gartersnake (Hutainia Couchii). Two species of Ger- 
rhonotus (G. Webbii and G. olivaceus) are also reported as 
only from these mountains, and I found two other undeter- 
mined lizards on the seacoast and Claueute Island. The 
fishes are few in the fresh water, and as yet undetermined. 
On my return to the coast, just six months later, I found 
the summer fauna of this region in full development. The 
Rock Swifts flew high over the mountains with harsh croak- 
ing notes; the Vireos and Orioles sung sweetly in the high 
trees; the Mocking Bird, and many others, enlivened the 
shrubbery or chaparal, and at evening the Nighthawks flew 
swiftly about our camps. Humming Birds of various species 
had nests on the trees, of which I unfortunately upset one 
and broke the eggs before I saw it. Brilliant flowers 
abounded, and though the dry season was commencing in 
` the plains, the mountains were so inviting that I much re- 
Sretted my inability to spend a month or two there before 
going to the military post at San Diego. 
The Desert. —The whole country between the mountains 
and the Colorado Valley may be called desert, although only 
that part near thé mouth of the river is called so on the 
maps, being nearly level and almost as barren of vegetation 
as the sea-beach. The route to Fort Mojave passes over an 
‘Undulating country, destitute of trees except on the summit 
of the San Francisco Mountains, where it rises over 5000 
feet above the sea. The lower tracts consist of salt or alka- 
line flats, sand-hills or bare rocks, while the higher support 
: only a scanty and useless vegetation. Junipers (J. occiden- 
: P) and Nut-pines cover a few of the highest points, while 
8 little lower the Yucca tree ( Y. baccata) forms extensive 
Stoves. Many species of Cactacese, and other desert plants, 
form the most. characteristic vegetation elsewhere. — 

















