Botanical Exploration of the Province

Hitherto, botanical exploration of the Province has been chiefly confined to the Railway Belt and to the vicinity of various centres which can be reached either by highways or by boat service on the lakes. Occasionally collections have been made in the vicinity of the large rivers, such as the Fraser and Peace Rivers, by explorers or members of survey parties, etc. The records of such collections, together with the work of present correspondents, are taken into account in ascertaining those districts in need of botanical exploration.
As a result, it is found that there are vast areas in the Province from which no knowledge of the flora has been obtained; some parts of the Province still remain to be explored, and have not yet been visited by white men; indeed, there are some localities where it is doubtful that even Indians have visited.

On the other hand, there are many regions which have been visited by surveyors and from which no collections have been made. Occasionally reports are brought out from the Interior concerning the wealth and beauty of plants in some outlandish district, but in most instances it was found impossible to bring out specimens on account of the necessity of reducing one’s pack to the "last straw." The field, therefore, for botanical exploration is vast.

In this connection it is expected that much valuable work will be accomplished by the staff of the Surveyor-General during the exploration of unknown parts of the country, and advantage is being taken of every opportunity to obtain representative collections from some of those districts.

At the present time the Botanical Office is not in a position to organize regular botanical expeditions for the exploration of these areas. Transportation of supplies in such a mountainous and heavily timbered country would incur an almost prohibitive expenditure, but occasional opportunities are afforded for carrying on exploration at reasonable cost.

Botanical Exploration of the Garibaldi Mountain Region

Probably the most important exploration carried on by this office was the botanical work done in the Garibaldi Mountain region in conjunction with the British Columbia Mountaineering Club’s summer camp during the years 1912 and 1913.

This region lies between forty and fifty miles north of Vancouver, and up to this time was practically unknown. One or two individual mountaineers or hunters had visited part of this region, but no official information of the district was obtainable from the Provincial or Dominion Government survey maps. Mount Garibaldi, however, which reaches an altitude of 8,700 feet and is a conspicuous landmark from the sea, was included on one of the hydrographical survey charts.

In 1912 the camp was held at a point approximately eight miles due north of Mount Garibaldi in a broad valley at the foot of Black Tusk (7,350 feet). On this occasion the party was composed of eleven members of the British Columbia Mountaineering Club. Food-supplies and botanical equipment were transported from Vancouver to Squamish by boat, thence by pack-horses along twenty miles of Pemberton Trail to Stony Creek. From this the members took part in carrying the provisions up the mountain-side to the camping-ground.

A large collection of plants was made during the two weeks’ visit, the flora being distinctly different from that on the mountains in the vicinity of Vancouver. Although most of the spring flowers were past their best and had begun to form fruits, the valleys and lower parts of the mountains were bedecked with a gorgeous array of summer alpine flowers.

The following account is from the Botanical Office report for the month of August, 1913:

“The most important work of this month was the continuation of the exploration and botanical survey of the mountainous region to the north of Mount Garibaldi. Arrangements were made with the British Columbia Mountaineering Club for my carrying on further botanical investigation during their summer camp. The party numbered about thirty members, nine of whom were students of the previous winter’s class in botany. These students were willing assistants and enabled me to obtain specimens from a larger area than could otherwise have been done during the two weeks’ camp.

Leaving Vancouver on Saturday, July 26th, in a large launch, we landed at Squamish and travelled by motor-stage to Brackendale House, where the night was spent. An early start was made the following morning for a day’s journey along Pemberton Trail. As most of our baggage and equipment had been sent in by pack-horses, we travelled comparatively light, a camera, vasculum, ice-axe, and a few necessaries in the rucksack constituting our load. After travelling about twenty miles we made a halt for the night at an auxiliary camp about two miles up the north bank of Stony Creek and at an altitude of about 1,400 feet. (Fig. 10.)

Early next morning we followed a ‘blazed’ trail up the well-timbered mountain-slopes following the ridge north of Stony Creek—and in about six hours reached the camp at an altitude of 5,100 feet, in the alp-lands approximately 400 feet above Garibaldi Lake.

Our first work was the (Fig. 12) preparation of a plot of ground to serve as a temporary botanic garden to which specimens were transplanted from the surrounding peaks and valleys, and afterwards taken out by pack-horses at the end of our visit. This year we left one week earlier than the previous year, and the vegetation was about two weeks later, so that we found a difference of about three weeks in the phenological conditions. Snow was abundant on the slopes at the time of our arrival, and the predominant flowers were Claytonia lanceolata, Erythronium parviflorum, Anemone occidentalis, Caltha leptosepala, and Trollius albiflorus. It was interesting to note how these came into flower within a few feet of the receding snow. (Fig. 13.)

On Tuesday, 29th, a visit was made to Black Tusk Ridge, returning over the eastern shoulder to Mimulus Creek. In the afternoon we climbed the western end of Panorama Ridge and botanized over the upper slopes at an altitude of approximately 6,000 feet. Many specimens were collected and removed to the temporary garden, while others were prepared for the Herbarium.

On July 30th a whole day was spent in botanizing over Panorama Ridge, approximately 6,000 feet. The principal plants of interest found were Phlox Douglasii, Silene acaulis, Phacelia sericea, Erigeron compositus, Artemisia norvegica var. pacifica, Juniperus communis, Sedum divergens, Pentstemon pulchellus, all of which were abundant on this mountain.

On July 31st, owing to unfavourable weather, a number of plants were collected from the vicinity of the camp and transplanted to the temporary garden.

These included Pedicularis racemosa, P. bracteosa, Castilleia miniata, Erigeron salsuginosus, Senecio triangularis, Erythronium parvillorum, Claytonia lanceolata, Trollius albiflorus, Caltha leptosepala, Mimulus Lewisii, Mimulus alpina, Spiraea pectinata, Anemone occidentalis, etc.; these plants formed the predominant vegetation at this elevation, 5,000 to 5,500 feet. The herbarium specimens were also gone over and placed between dry sheets of paper.

On August 1st a whole day trip was made for the purpose of exploring the ridge to the south of Helmet Valley. Commencing at the (Fig. 16) remains of an old crater, we botanized along the edge of Helmet Glacier and found some interesting plants in the vicinity of the black lava-sand on the east side of the crater.

In the valley below Helmet Peak we found the vegetation much further advanced; the lupines were in flower, and some had pods about half-matured, whereas the flowers in other places were only in bud. It was evident that the sandy soil, free drainage, and favourable exposure were conducive to early flowering. It may be mentioned that the black sand in this locality was at least from 15 to 20 feet deep, the creek flowing from the eastern tongue of the glacier having cut narrow steep-sided channels to that depth. The only plants found actually on the sand were Epilobium latifolium and a composite (sp.?), both of which were—as would be expected in such a situation—deep-rooted.

Farther down the valley the vegetation consisted chiefly of a low growth of Bryanthus empetriformis, with Kalmia glauca-microphylla and a few scrubby specimens of Abies amabilis.

Continuing in an easterly direction, the southern slopes of Helmet Valley were found to be well covered with scraggy specimens of Abies amabilis from 20 to 50 feet in height; the underbrush was mostly Rhododendron albiflorum, which, at that time of the year, was in full flower.

A considerable amount of snow was encountered on the upper parts of Helmet Ridge, at about 6,000 feet. The vegetation was sparse, consisting chiefly of a thin covering of grasses and low carices which had scarcely commenced their season’s growth.

Returning along the bottom of the valley, nothing of importance was noted. The vegetation consisted chiefly of a dense growth of Bryanthus empetriformis and Cassiope Mertensiana, with occasional grassy patches in which Lupinus arcticus (Fig. 17), Veratrum viride, Carduus edulis, and Potentilla flabellifolia were frequent.

At the head of Helmet Valley, near the lower end of Helmet Lake, the vegetation is scant, the ground littered with large porous volcanic boulders, with only occasional patches of volcanic sand, presenting a very desolate scene, so much so that ‘Desolation Valley’ was first proposed as an appropriate name. Near Helmet Lake, Aquilegia formosa and Ranunculus Eschscholtzii were prolific.

August 2nd, another wet day, was spent in attending to herbarium specimens and getting pressers ready for new collections.

On August 3rd a whole day trip was made over Panorama and Corrie Ridges to Castletowers Ridge. This was a most successful excursion, several new plants being found in this region. Between Panorama and Corrie Ridges there is a descent of over 1,000 feet, and in the valley was found a considerable amount of Silene Douglasii and Anemone occidentalis. (Fig. 18.)

The north side of Corrie Ridge is steep and the ascent was rather slow on account of the rocks. Although a careful examination was made of many likely crevices and ledges, very few plants were found on the north side; occasional plants of Bryanthus glanduliflorus (Fig. 19), Silene acaulis, and Phacelia sericea were observed, but on the southern slopes near the top (6,200 feet) a number of beautiful specimens of Antennaria rosea and some specimens of Saxifraga nivalis were found in a few places where the soil had accumulated. These slopes were too steep to grow much vegetation; the continual weathering and falling of rocks from the summit kept disturbing the soil as they rolled down to the base, where they formed a large rock-slide.

After another descent of over 1,000 feet we crossed the valley and commenced the ascent of Castletowers Ridge, which, being a gradual slope, had many promising localities for exploration. (Fig. 20.) One of the first new plants in this area was Loiseleuria procumbens, associated with Bryanthus glanduliflorus and B. empetriformis, and an intermediate variety believed to be a natural hybrid between the last two species. Within a comparatively small area, not more than 30 feet in diameter at about 5,400 feet, Gentiana glauca was abundant. No specimens of this were found in any other part of this region. A little farther on, at about 5,700 feet, beautiful clumps of Polemonium confertum (Gray) were found in crevices facing south-west, on the slopes near Sphinx Glacier; specimens of all these species were secured for the garden.

August 4th was spent in preparing herbarium specimens of the previous days’ collections, and in planting those destined for the Botanical Garden. During the evening, Prof. E. H. Burwash, of Chicago University, who conducted a series of geological observations during this visit, gave an interesting lecture on the principal geological features of the district, and illustrated his remarks by reference to specimens he had collected.

On August 5th a visit was made to the west shoulder of Black Tusk Ridge, where more specimens of Bryanthus intermedia were found. It was noted that here, as on Castletowers Ridge, the intermediate form is always associated with the other two species, B. empetriformis and B. glanduliflorus. A few specimens were secured for the garden.

The south-west slopes are fairly well covered with soil which supports a liberal vegetation, Aquilegia formosa, Arnica latifolia (Bong), Erigeron salsuginosus, Veronica alpina, Habenaria leucostachys, Lilium columbianum, and Lupinus arcticus (Wats.) being conspicuous, while the ‘grassy’ slopes were found to consist chiefly of clumps of Luzula and Carex, with comparatively few representatives of the Graminaceae.

On the lower slopes, which are open-wooded (Abies), there is an abundance of Veratrum viride and occasionally large beds of Bryanthus empetriformis; the Abies throughout this locality appeared to be Abies amabilis (Forbes) associated with the mountain-hemlock (Tsuga Mertensiana), which closely resembles the former by its purple cones; the cones of the latter are smaller and pendant.

Towards the top of the ridge the trees are short and scraggy, and some very fine examples are found illustrating the effect of animals—probably mountain goat or sheep—browsing on the young shoots. The basal shoots by repeated branching form an impenetrable thicket several feet in diameter, until the centre is beyond the reach of animals; the central part then grows erect, and is more or less normal.

On the summit of the ridge vegetation is sparse, and is chiefly composed of a scrubby growth of Cassiope Mertensiana, Bryanthus glanduliflorus, and some poor specimens of B. empetriformis and the intermediate variety. Numerous small creeks, originating in the melting snow, have their banks bedecked with yellow Mimulus alpinus, crimson M. Lewisii, white Parnassia fimbriata, and in gravelly places pink Epilobium latifolium; numerous other species added interest to the gorgeous display.

A party of six, including one member of the botanical section, left in the morning for three days’ exploration of the country to the west of Garibaldi Lake, the lake being crossed by means of a raft built the previous day. (Fig. 21.)

The flora was ascertained to be similar to that in the north-east region, with the exception of a few specimens of Polygonum viviparum which were found in alp-lands in the vicinity of Table Mountain. This was the only locality where these were found.

August 6th being a cold and wet day, no field-work was done. The herbarium specimens were gone over and damp sheets dried by the fire at the entrance to our tent.

On August 7th a trip was made along the northern slopes of Garibaldi Lake and the rocky slopes by the creek which connects it with Lesser Garibaldi Lake. Descending at this point, we came to the dried-up bed of a creek and followed it to Stony Lake, and thence went a short distance down Stony Creek to near ‘The Barrier’. (Fig 22.)

A few additions to our collection were found during the trip, and some notes made on the vegetation. On the northern slopes near Mimulus Creek a few specimens of Lonicera utahensis were found in flower. This plant may be abundant, but on account of its close resemblance in size and habit to Rhododendron albiflorum it is liable to be overlooked, especially as they grow side by side in the same habitat.

The rhododendron was very floriferous on a broad sloping ledge 200 to 300 feet above Garibaldi Lake. It was well sheltered from the north and fully exposed to the south; there were occasional plants of Lilium columbianum and abundance of Castilleia miniata in the same locality. On the slopes of the creek leading to Lesser Garibaldi Lake, with a western exposure, the yellow cedar (Chamaecyparis nutkaensis) was very common. Along the banks of Lesser Garibaldi Lake and Stony Lake specimens of Polygonum minimum and a showy large-flowered aster, also a small spreading yellow-flowered crucifer (evidently a Roripa), were found, and specimens secured for the Botanical Garden.

The return journey was made through the open woodlands along the edge of the alpine plateau at an approximate altitude of 5,000 feet. On the way up several patches of Pedicularis racemosa were found, associated with abundance of Veratrum viride.

On August 8th preparations were commenced for our departure, and arrangements made for having the garden specimens lifted and packed into boxes to be transported about thirty miles by pack-horses, and thence by boat to Vancouver. Supplies were obtained of about eighty species of alpine plants, which have since been safely established at Essondale. The bundles of herbarium specimens were roped up and covered by water-proof sheet to protect them in case of wet weather during the journey out.

On the evening of this date (8th) I gave a camp lecture, summarizing the botanical features of the district. The lecture was illustrated by herbarium and “garden” specimens. The principal characteristics were: The flora of that region was composed of perennial plants, which had probably been storing food underground for a few years before they first produced flowers. The shortness of the growing season—a few weeks—from the disappearance of the snow till the return of the winter coat, was against the chances of annuals successfully establishing themselves.

Plants producing edible fruits were rare, Juniperus, Empetrum, Vaccinium, and Lonicera being the only representatives of this class found, which represented those plants dependent on birds as the agency for seed-dispersal. We found that birds were comparatively rare in this locality, the mountain-grouse and ptarmigan being the chief representatives.

The plants which were most common either produced very small and light seeds or were furnished by a pappus or other means for wind distribution. Examples of the former: Cassiope, Bryanthus, Habenaria, Castilleia, Kalmia, Mimulus, Rhododendron, Pedicularis, Spiraea; and of the latter: Erigeron, Artemisia, Petasites, Anemone, Arnica, Gnaphalium, Salix, Abies.

Plants in exposed places had, on the whole, some xerophytic adaptations; most were low and deep-rooted—Phacelia sericea, Silene acaulis, Polemonium confertum, Empetrum nigrum, Loiseleuria procumbens; some had tomentose foliage—Phacelia and Gnaphalium; but most had the leaf surface reduced - Lycopodium, Silene acaulis, Cassiope, Saxifraga bronchialis, Abies; or revolute—Juniperus, Bryanthus, Loiseleuria, Kalmia, Empetrum; and a few had fleshy leaves for storing water—Sedum divergens, Saxifraga Tolmieae. Plants with larger leaves were practically confined to more sheltered habitats—Castilleia, Lupinus, Erythronium, Veratrum, Mimulus, Habenaria, Aquilegia, etc.

A splendid illustration of this was shown in a locality where Veratrum viride was very abundant in the open woodland near the top of the slopes. On the more exposed plateau poorly developed plants were found, with their leaves split and torn by lashing in the wind. Attention was also directed to the fact that, on the so-called ‘grassy’ slopes, sedges and rushes were more abundant than grasses.

Another noticeable feature was that on a large area about one and a half miles long by three-quarters of a mile wide, where Cassiope formed the predominant vegetation, interrupted only by frequent clumps of Abies amabilis, Bryanthus empetriformus was always found forming a ring close around each clump, evidently obtaining the drip from the drooping branches, and suggesting that it did not withstand drought so well as the Cassiope. Of course, there were other areas where Bryanthus practically crushed out the Cassiope.

On August 9th we left camp at 7 a.m., and after a long hot journey on foot arrived at Cheakamus House at 6 p.m., returning to Vancouver on August 10th by boat from Squamish.”

Owing to pressure of Department work and in attending to the numerous collections sent in by correspondents, the material collected during this exploration trip has not yet been worked up, but a list of all the specimens found in this interesting district will be issued later on.

Savary Island

On July 2nd, 1911, an opportunity was afforded for visiting Savary Island, by joining a party on a survey trip. This island lies 8212 miles north-west of Vancouver, and is approximately four and a half miles long, with an average width of half a mile. The shore-line is sandy except at the eastern end, where it is rocky. Again on May 24th, 1912, I revisited the island and was accompanied by several members of the previous winter’s botany class.

The collections obtained on both these occasions were large, and gave a very good idea of the richness of the flora. The flora on the south shore is characteristically one adapted to xerophytic conditions. At some points there are sand-dunes on which Carex macrocephala (Fig. 24) acts as a sand-binder. On the sand-dunes were also found specimens of Convolvulus soldanella. In other places Elymus, apparently E. mollis (Trin), is very abundant. This is particularly so along the northern shores, where it forms an association with Arenaria peploiodes var. major and Lathyrus maritimus. (Fig. 25.)

Between this association and the higher ground of the island there is a flat sandy area covered more or less with grass, amongst which the following are abundant: Fritillaria lanceolata, Brodiaea grandiflora, B. lactea, Allium cernuum, Allium acuminatum, Lilium columbianum, Smilacina racemosa, Aqueligia formosa, Anemone multifida, Achyls triphylla, Aphyllon unflorum (on roots of Heuchera), Aphyllon fasiculatum (on roots of Artemisia), Boschniakia strobilacea (on roots of salal), Arceuthobium sp.? (on branches of Pinus contorta).

Amongst other plants of interest found were the following : Arbutus Menziesii, Berberis nervosa, Berberis aquifolium, Campanula rotundifolia, Castilleia Bradburii, Disporum oreganum, Eriophyllum caespitosum, Grindelia integrifolia var. ?, Lonicera cilosa, Lupinus littoralis, Pryola rotundifolia var. bracteata, Sanicula Menziesii, Symphoricarpos racemosa, Taxus brevifolia, Vaccinium ovatum.

At many points on the north-west shore there are large areas of submerged sand covered with Zostera marina, portions of which become detached and are cast up along the rocky coast of the Mainland. In the deeper water Nereocystis Luetkeana is abundant. (Fig. 26.) (It may be mentioned that this curious brown Algae is also found in abundance in Burrard Inlet a few miles east of Vancouver.) Specimens of Ulva, Polysiphonia, and other well-known Algae were found washed up on the sands.

Botanical Exploration of the Black Mountain Region

Black Mountain, at the western end of the Grouse Mountain series, reaches an altitude of 4,250 feet. Owing to the dense bush which covers the foot-hills and to the numerous ridges and valleys which have to be crossed before reaching it, this is one of the least-visited mountains in this district. Practically no information regarding the flora could be obtained from any of those who had visited this district, so it was decided that a visit should be made for the purpose of collecting specimens and ascertaining the nature of the country between North Vancouver and the northern slopes of Black Mountain.

With the assistance of Messrs. F. Perry and W. Taylor, two members of the Mountaineering Club’s botany class—and expert mountaineers—who volunteered to act as guides and assist by carrying in provisions and carrying out specimens, I was enabled to make the most of my visit to this little-known area.

On the morning of July 11th, 1912, we left via North Vancouver; crossing the Capilano Canyon, we held north-west for several miles through the bush and over ridges or mountains which are practically wooded to the top. On the first night we camped near the summit of Hollyburn Ridge at an altitude of approximately 3,000 feet.

Up to this time it was considered that Hollyburn Ridge was part of Black Mountain, but it was ascertained during this visit that Hollyburn Ridge is separated from Black Mountain by a deep steep-sided valley, at the bottom of which flows Cypress Creek. The creek was followed to its headwaters, and during the journey several precipitous places had to be negotiated; there being occasional waterfalls. (Fig. 27.) At the headwaters of Cypress Creek it was found there was a stretch of several acres of more or less marshy moorland which, when covered with snow in winter, had given origin to the idea that Cypress Creek originated from a lake. The ascent of Black Mountain was made from the north-east slopes, the summit being reached towards evening, when we again camped.

On the following morning several hours was spent in collecting from the various peaks and around the small lakes on the top, and although there are many interesting localities over the large comparatively flat top, nothing of special importance was found. The descent was made by the south-west slopes to Eagle Lake. These slopes are comparatively bare, having been devastated by fire several years ago. Isolated ledges and gullies, with accumulations of soil, afforded a foothold for representatives of the former flora.

We returned from Eagle Lake over the foot-hills, and finally landed in a cedar swamp, from which we found our way out about 8 p.m. We camped near Caulfields, and on the following morning botanized along the Coast from Caulfields to Hollyburn, returning by ferry to Vancouver.

Apart altogether from the large general collection made during those four days, the amount of information obtained regarding the flora of the neighbourhood, and the relative abundance of the various species, was sufficient to stamp the excursion as a successful one.

Amongst the most interesting plants found were: Menyanthes cristagalli (Nephrophyllidium crista-galli), which is abundant on the summit of Hollyburn Ridge, and is also found on the marshy slopes of Black Mountain near Cypress Creek. Coptis asplenifolia is abundant on Hollyburn Ridge. The white Rhododendron albiflorum is prolific and is associated with a beautiful shrub, Cladothamnus pyrolaeflorus, which has flowers of a reddish-bronze colour. In the small lakes (Fig. 28), which are common in that region, Nuphar polysepalam is abundant and flowers profusely. In marshy situations by Cypress Creek one or two patches of Pinguicula vulgaris were found ; this plant is comparatively rare in this district. On the steep rocky slopes of the foot-hills near Black Mountain one or two plants of Arctostaphylos tomentosa were found, and there was abundance of Boschniakia strobilacea between Black Mountain and Caulfields.

Near the summit of Black Mountain there is an abundance of Pentstemon Menziesii. On the southern slopes were found plentiful supplies of the yellow tiger-lily (Lilium columbianum) and also of Clintonia uniflora. In the more moist situations between the foot of Black Mountain and Eagle Lake the maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum) is common. Pyrola secunda, P. picta, P. rotundifolia var. bracteata, Chimaphila Menziesii, C. umbellata, Aquilegia formosa were all common on the foot-hills of Black Mountain between Eagle Lake and Eagle Harbour.

On the eastern slopes of Hollyburn Ridge were found Moneses uniflora, Monotropa uniflora (Indian pipe), Hypopitys multiflora, and an abundance of Corallorhiza Mertensiana, showing considerable variation in colour from red to almost white. Other orchids common in this locality were Goodyera Menziesii, Habenaria gracilis, Listera cordata, and Listera caurina. The Listeras are very abundant at an altitude of approximately 2,000 feet, growing together in the same habitat. The form of the leaf and the size of the flower, as well as the more robust habit, easily distinguish L. cordata from L. caurina.

On the journey along the Coast from Caulfields to Hollyburn one or two interesting specimens were found. In one or two situations which at times are submerged by the sea at high tide were found an abundance of Glaux maritima and Crantzia lineata, a peculiar umbelliferous plant with the leaves reduced to hollow cylindrical petioles.

The flora of the Caulfields District is particularly interesting on account of its geological formation, its exposure to the south, and its protection from the north. The flora is very different from that to the south of English Bay. Rock is the predominant foundation for numerous small flowering plants. This is most marked where the cliffs near Howe Sound rise to a height of from 80 to 150 feet. On the top of these rocks may be found a thick covering composed of mosses and Selaginella rupestris. Here and there on this covering are found patches of Collinsia parviflora, Valerianella congesta, Claytonia parvifolia, and Mimulus alsinoides. In the depressions and vertical crevices of the rocks numerous specimens of Madrona (Arbutus Menziesii) are found, many of which develop into good-sized trees, but owing to the rocky substratum and the long distance to which the roots have travelled, it is practically impossible to transplant specimens from this habitat.

On some of the old rock ledges where moisture can accumulate, large masses of soil, composed chiefly of decaying vegetation, are found. On such a substratum one finds various mosses and moss-like liverworts such as Frullania or Porella, and occasionally small patches of Erythronium grandiflorum var. albiflorum.

The dogwood (Cornus Nuttallii) is very common in the woods in this vicinity. Physocarpus (Neillia) opulifolius, Ribes sanguineum, Pachystima myrsinites, Micromeria Douglasii, and Brodiaea grandiflora are also common in this locality; the latter is rather local.

In the crevices of bare rock near the sea may be found dwarf specimens of Amelanchier alnifolia, which in such a situation becomes almost prostrate in habit, and is a very different-looking plant from that found farther south along the Coast near White Rock. (Fig. 29.) Allium cernuum and a species of Grindelia, probably a dwarf form of G. oregana (Gray), is also common in some situations on these bare rocks. Calypso bulbosa is occasionally found on the foot-hills of Black Mountain, but is comparatively rare in this locality. It may here be mentioned that specimens of this plant are frequently found in Point Grey. It is quite common in the vicinity of Crescent and on Vancouver Island.

The Dry Belt Flora

During the summer of 1913 a trip was made through the Dry Belt region as far as Penticton, over 450 miles from Vancouver. Some days were spent collecting in the neighbourhood of Spences Bridge, about 170 miles east of Vancouver. Notes were made of the characteristic plants in this locality, where it was found that the predominant vegetation consists of sage-brush (Artemisia tridentata, Artemisia rigida) and Bigelowia dracunculoides. Along the banks of the Thompson River are found specimens of Salix longifolia var. argyrophylla (sandbar willow), Juniperus scopulorum, Clematis ligusticifolia, Asclepias speciosa, Euphorbia glyptosperma, Mentzelia laevicaulis, and several other characteristic Dry Belt species. In the drier parts of the valley there is an abundance of Opuntia polyacantha and occasional bushes of Ribes cereum. On the benches which rise on both sides of the valley to a height of 500 feet or more, the vegetation consists of an open growth of Pinus ponderosa, amongst which are found frequent clumps of Balsamorrhiza sagittata and Calochortus macrocarpus.

Proceeding to Kamloops, seventy-two miles east of Spences Bridge, a further collection of specimens was made in this locality. The most notable observation made in Kamloops was the abundance of introduced plants which form the characteristic weeds of a Dry Belt town. All along the railway, roadsides, vacant lots, and waste places around the town, such weeds as Russian thistle (Salsola kali tenuifolia), tumbling mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum), burdock (Arctium lappa), pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), tumbleweed (Amaranthus graecizans), the great mullein (Verbascum thapsus), sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis), orache (Atriplex patula), goosefoot (Chenopodium album), shepherd’s-purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), etc., were prolific. Kamloops during that year must have been a very fruitful centre for the distribution of detestable weeds—a railway town, and its proximity to the Thompson River, being important factors to aid in this distribution.

On my way to the Okanagan Valley a short stay was made at Sicamous. Between Kamloops and this point there is a gradual transition from the Dry Belt flora to that adapted for more moist conditions. In the vicinity of Sicamous, cactus, sage-brush, and Asclepias practically disappear, and much more luxuriant vegetation takes their place. Apocynum cannabinum and Apocynum andros-aemifolium and a number of asters were found common here. By the edge of the forests, which were composed chiefly of Picea Engelmanni, a few shrubs of Ceanothus were observed in flower.

In the Okanagan Valley, from Sicamous to Okanagan Landing, a distance of over fifty miles, the country is devoted largely to farming; but here and there one finds areas more or less in their natural condition and containing many interesting semi-Dry-Belt specimens.

At Armstrong Mr. Eli Wilson, B.A., showed me a number of the most interesting botanical districts in that vicinity; amongst the plants found were Disporum trachycarpum, Monarda fistulosa, Lupinus argenteus, Sambucus glauca, Berberis aquifolium, a few Loniceras, Clematis, etc.

The next collecting-ground was in the vicinity of Penticton (at the south end of Okanagan Lake), over 150 miles south of Armstrong. During this journey one enters the Dry Belt vegetation soon after leaving Okanagan Landing (at the northern end of Okanagan Lake), the characteristic sage-brush and yellow pine taking the place of the more luxuriant vegetation in the northern part of the Okanagan Valley. All along Okanagan Lake, particularly on the east shore, may be seen numerous small orchards, with an occasional large one.

At Kelowna there is a large stretch of flat country where it is expected the flora must differ from that in the surrounding district, and again near Gellatly one finds another piece of country which should prove of particular botanical interest, as the environment at those two points differs from that in other districts in the Okanagan.

At Penticton some time was spent in collecting specimens to illustrate the characteristic flora of this district. Here were found abundance of the cactus (Opuntia), sage-brush (Artemisia), sumach (Rhus glabra), Clematis ligusticifolia, Eriogonum heracleoides, Gilia aggregata, Utricularia vulgaris, Verbascum thapsus.

Plants found in other parts of the Okanagan Valley were Botrychium virginianum, Spiraea lucida, Prunus virginiana, Sanicula Menziesii, Blitum capitatum, Corylus rostrata, Larix occidentalis, etc.

This trip to the Dry Belt was taken chiefly for the purpose of making a general botanical survey of the country traversed, and for the purpose of deciding which particular areas should be represented by Botanical Office correspondents. Since then we have added a number of correspondents for this district.