14 



(Sarcobatus vermiculatus). Ko grasses of any kind were seen excepting 

 DistichUs maritima, which grows along the river, and what seems to be 

 Bouteloua polystachya, which is somewhat common on dry soils. 



From here to Bagdad, about 60 miles, not a single plant of any species 

 of grass could be found, and there are no other plants upon which cat- 

 tle can live. On July 1 the thermometer, in a well sprinkled and shaded 

 porch, indicated 117° and on July 2, 123°. 



Barstow, California, July 2. 



On the Mohave River (now nearly dry), with high barren hills on 

 each side. A few cattle are kept along the river, but none on the hills. 



The following grasses were noted : 

 Distich Us maritima. 



Very abundant along the river. 

 Sporobolus airoides. 



Common. 

 Oryzopsis cuspidata. 



Seen occasionally ; becoming more abundant farther west. 

 Pa nicum Urvilleanum. 



On a sandy bank ; one plant only. 

 Polypogon Monspeliensis. 



Common. 

 Stipa speciosa. 



Common on hill-sides. 

 Phrag mites comm unis. 



One clump seen on the river bottom. It was also seen at Los 

 Angeles, and at Wadsworth, jSTev. Two species, apparently of 

 Trisetum and Diplacline, were seen in the crevices of the rocks. 



Mojave, California, July 3. 



This place is situated on the border of the Mojave Desert, where for 

 miles no plants of any kind can be seen. As there are no streams or 

 springs about here, no stock is kept. The coast winds bring sufficient 

 moisture, so that outside the desert many plants grow well with very 

 little rain, but good grasses are rare. Oryzopsis cuspidata is somewhat 

 common, also Jlordeum jubatum, and on the hills to the south Elymus 

 condensatus is quite plentiful. Erodium is seen occasionally. Stipa 

 speciosa is common on the hills, and a species of Poa is occasionally 

 seen. 



Los Angeles, California, July 8. 



Los Angeles is situated about 20 miles from the coast, in a well- 

 watered valley, surrounded by high hills. 



I found here a much greater variety of grasses than at any other 

 point since leaving Albuquerque. On the hills Elymus condensatus is 



