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THE BOTANY OF THE CUYAMACA MOUNTAINS. 95 
similar growth on the mountains near Santa Cruz two hundred and 
eighty miles farther north, near the sea-level. Crossing a wide 
valley with a fine running stream, we ascended again and encamped 
at a height of three thousand eight hundred feet, about two hun- 
dred feet below the commencement of the pine growth. The two 
evergreen oaks here grow splendidly, scattered. among grassy 
meadows fit only for grazing, on account of early frosts. 
April 29th. There was heavy frost in the night forming thin 
ice at camp. Still gradually ascending through a lovely forest, 
alive with the songs of migrating spring birds, we found the yellow 
pine (P. ponderosa Dougl.) at a height of about four thousand feet, 
and a little higher the black oak (Quercus Sonomensis) just leaf- 
ing out, a most beautiful reminder of the northern deciduous 
forests. Then comes the lofty and magnificent sugar pine (P. 
. Lambertiana Dougl.), and near the summit of the dividing ridge, 
the graceful “white cedar” (Libocedrus decurrens Torr.), and a 
spruce which seemed, from the remnants of cones, to be the noble 
fir (Picea nobilis Dougl.), at about five thousand’ “a elevation, 
forming a tree three feet in diameter. 
We have thus above the cactus zone, a zone of oaks from six 
hundred to four thousand feet, and then a zone of pines from four 
thousand to six thougand two hundred feet, ‘but the former en- 
croaches widely on the latter. 
The road crosses this summit by an easy grade, close to the base 
of the highest peak, and a dense forest covers this and the other 
two next highest, which lie north and south of it. Circumstances 
prevented me from ascending the summit, very much to my regret, 
but I was informed by the gentlemen who did so, that the sugar 
pine and fir form the chief growth, with some oaks and Libocedrus 
and a less common pine with lower growth and spreading branches, 
but very large cones, apparently the P. Sabiniana Douglas, of the 
lower Sierra. 
Frozen snow covered the branches of these trees for five kadrid 
feet below the summit, making it dangerous for the trav ellers, from 
~ the chance of heavily encrusted branches or cones falling on them, . 
: _ but they made the trip’ safely, there being no wind, and the sun 
-~ Coming out so warmly, as soon to clear away the icy coating. The 
: alder (Alnus oblongifolius, Torr.) and sycamore continue up to five 
: > thousand feet on the west side of this ridge, but disappear on the 
about Sre none feet to the Sonim: 
