NOTES FROM THE JOURNAL OF A BOTANIST IN EUROPE. 297 
in vain, even in the richest localities, for a glimpse at the wonder- 
ful profusion and brilliancy of the mountain flora. Single spec- 
imens of many and some even rare species may then be found, 
but the flowers will have ceased to be a feature of the landscape. 
The lichenologist will find superb specimens of Evernia divaricata 
in fruit in the forest between Grindelwald and the Rosenlaui 
glacier. 
I regret not having had time to explore the St. Gothard for 
lichens which are said to be interesting in that region. The rocks 
below the celebrated Devil’s Bridge were covered with Gyrophore, 
mostly common species, however. The richest botanical field of 
Switzerland which the American is likely to visit is Zermatt, 
at the foot of Monte Rosa. Here, there is enough to catch the 
eye of the traveller, but the species for which Zermatt is partic- 
ularly famed must be diligently sought, and one who expects to 
examine this region profitably must make up his mind to stay at 
least a week. Interesting plants are found on the road from Visp 
to Zermatt and, at least, the first half of the way, as far as St. 
Niklaus, had better be made on foot for that reason. The Riffel- 
berg is interesting in the season but, by the middle of August, 
not very much is to be found. The Pinus cembra of this moun- 
tain, and the larches whose trunks are gay with Evernia vulpina, 
are certainly worth seeing. 
As far as botany is concerned, Chamounix is very uninteresting, 
although the lichens are tolerably numerous. The Flegére is al- 
most stupid in its monotony, and the only plant of any interest is 
the fern Allosorus crispus, abundant just before entering the forest. 
Attracted by the name ‘‘le Jardin,” I started off early one morning 
expecting to return laden with treasures. The scenery was mag- 
nificent, but the so-called garden is destitute of all but common al- 
pine plants, such as Gentiana punctata, G. Bavarica, Linaria 
alpina, ete. The excursion on the whole is fatiguing over the mer 
de glace as far as can be seen from Montanvert, then, round a 
corner of the Aiguille du moine to the Telafére moraine, then a 
horrid climb up the moraine relieved only by the bright flowers of 
Adenostytes albifrons, and across the Telafére glacier 1 to the Jardin ; 
in all, a walk of nine hours over snow, ice and morain 
Tat me now say a word about the books a traveller jad better 
take with him to the botanical districts. I started with Koch’s 
“ Taschenbuch der Deutschen und Schweizer Flora,” which I found 
