334 travels ii$ 
moft diftant curve of the horizon feemed t6 b& 
blended. 
My imagination thus wholly engaged in the con- 
templation of this magnificent landfcape, infinitely 
varied, and without bound, I w r as altnoft h'denfible 
or regardlefs of the charming objects ftiote within 
my reach: a new fpecies of Rhododendron fore- 
moft in the afiembly of mountain bcaud ; 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 flems arife to gether 
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 
effedted by innumerable minute reddifh vehicles, 
beneath a fine jfhort 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 
whole plant, pofTeffes an agreeable perfume. 
After being recovered of the fatigue and labour 
in aftending the mountain, I began again to pro- 
fecute my talk, proceeding through a fhady foreft 5 
and foon after gained the moft 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- 
lent 
