CAMAS 



Quamasta quamash (Pursh) Coville 



Camas is a relative of the lilies and hyacinths. It grows in large 

 quantities in open meadows or boggy fields. When in bloom in early 

 spring a camas meadow appears at a distance like a blue lake. The 

 bulbs were used extensively as food by the northwestern Indians. 

 When boiled they resemble potatoes in flavor. If baked over hot 

 stones enclosed in a covering of grass for thirty-six hours they have 

 a delicious chestnut flavor. Father de Smet in his "Oregon Missions" 

 terms the bulb "the queen root of this clime." 



This lovely camas ranges from Utah, Montana, and northern Cali- 

 fornia to British Columbia. 



The sketch was made from plants growing at the east entrance to 

 Glacier National Park, Montana. 



PLATE 358 



