WESTERN GREEN ALDER 



Alnus sinuata (Regel) Rydberg 



Thickets of green alder are the bane of the mountaineer, for their 

 hard, gnarled stems interlace to form an impenetrable tangle. On 

 mountain sides, where, in early spring, snow slides have plunged down 

 the steep slopes, weighing the alders to the ground, it is almost im- 

 possible to climb up against them. The rich green of their foliage 

 combines well with their surroundings. The plant is especially inter- 

 esting towards autumn, when a single branch may carry the remains 

 of last year's fruits as well as this year's, and in addition the catkins 

 ready for next year's early display of flowers. 



Western green alder belongs to the Birch Family, which contains 

 some of the hardiest shrubs and trees. This species is found from Wyo- 

 ming to California and northward to Alaska, and is especially abun- 

 dant in the Selkirk Mountains. 



The specimen sketched was gathered at Glacier, British Columbia, 

 Canada, at an altitude of 3,500 feet 



PLATE 186 



