GAZETTEER OF LOCALITIES MENTIONED GIVING 
LOCATION AND ELEVATIONS. 
The variation of elevation in Colorado from 3,350 to 14,483 feet at the high¬ 
est peaks, introduces a corresponding range in climate and consequently great 
differences in flora. Within a short distance there may be a change in eleva¬ 
tion which entirely changes the character of the flora, or alters the season 
of the year. The elevation becomes, therefore, often a more important guide 
than latitude. 
Accordingly pains have been taken to give the elevations of the localities. 
The names are so often local, frequently changing, that it was thought best 
to identify them so far as possible, and to give the elevation. This list is 
therefore not a gazetteer of the State, but intended to give only the localities 
mentioned in the Flora. Where there are several localities of the same name, 
as is frequently the case, the ones where collections were made are intended 
to be given. The extreme elevations of streams are usually given, though 
not always. 
The State has an area of 104,500 square miles, an area nearly as large as 
the six states of New England and the State of New York in addition. 
Speaking broadly, the eastern half forms part of the Great Plains. The rise 
from the eastern border of the State is steady but gentle to the foothills, where 
there is an abrupt rise, and the remaining half of the State may be considered 
mountainous, broken by numerous parks. The larger parks, as North Park, 
Middle Park, South Park and the San Luis Valley, are of considerable size, 
the latter being nearly 4,000 square miles, and at an elevation of about 7,000 
to 8,000 feet. There are many other parks, as Estes Park, Egeria Park, and 
hundreds of moderate size. In general, timber line is found at about 11,500 
feet, variations of 500 feet above or below being found, due to local condi¬ 
tions. The local configuration influences the direction and amount of wind, 
the upward movement of the air, and consequently the amount and distribu¬ 
tion of rainfall, therefore the flora. Hence these elements are important, if 
not controlling, and necessary to take into consideration. In addition the irri¬ 
gated sections introduce important modifications. Irrigation occurs princi¬ 
pally along the flanks of the mountain ranges, in the mountain valleys, and 
extending in tongues along the principal streams like the Platte and Arkan¬ 
sas, with small patches in other places where water is available. 
The range of climate represents as great extremes as between Charleston, 
S. C., and Spitzbergen. In parts of the State snow rarely falls nor remains 
for any length of time, while in the high altitudes snow falls in every month 
and lasts throughout the year. With these conditions it is not surprising 
that there is a great number of species. 
A map of the State is given showing the contours at intervals of 1,000 feet, 
all points on the same line being at the same elevation. From this map the 
general configuration of any part of the State, as well as the elevation of any 
portion may be closely estimated. The counties as they now exist, the prin¬ 
cipal streams, and county seats are also shown. 
Much more labor was required to identify localities than was anticipated. 
Collectors have often used names for localities almost impossible to identify, 
especially where these names depend on ephemeral characters, as the name 
of an owner. Frequently places have changed names, as South Park was 
known to Fremont as Bayou Salade. Other names once common are now 
disused or displaced, and sometimes migrated to other localities. 
The elevations are given in most cases, and are hoped to be essentially 
correct. L. G. C. 
27 
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