334 
TRAVELS tit 
ftioft diftant curve of the horizon feemed to be 
blended. 
My imagination thus wholly engaged in the con- 
templation of this magnificent landfcape, infinitely 
varied, and without bound, I was almoft infenfible 
or regardlefs of the charming objects more within 
my reach : a new fpecies of Rhododendron fore- 
rnoft in the affembly of mountain beauties ; next 
the flaming Azalea, Kalmia latifolia, incarnate 
Robinia, fnowy mantled Philadelphus inodorus, 
perfumed Calycanthus, &c. 
This fpecies of Rhododendron grows fix or feven 
feet high ; many nearly eredt items arife together 
from the root, forming a group or coppice. The 
leaves are three or four inches in length, of an 
oblong figure, broadeft toward the extremity, and 
terminating with an obtufe point ; their upper fur- 
face of a deep green and polifhed ; but the nether 
furface of a rufty iron colour, which feems to be 
effected by innumerable minute reddifh veficles, 
beneath a fine fhort downy pubefcence $ the nu- 
merous flexile branches terminate with a loofe 
fpiked raceme, or clufter of large deep rofe co- 
loured flowers, each flower being affixed in the 
diffufed clufter of a long peduncle, which, with the 
w r hole plant, pofleftes an agreeable perfume. 
After being recovered of the fatigue and labour 
in afcending the mountain, I began again to pro- 
fecute my talk, proceeding through a fhady foreft ; 
and foon after gained the mod: elevated creft of the 
Occonne mountain, and then began to defcend the 
other fide ; the winding rough road carrying me 
over rocky hills and levels, fhaded by incomparable 
forefts, the foil exceedingly rich, and of an excel- 
