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Left Benson at 4:30 and soon reached the divide, over which the Lower Sonoran plants pass freely.  Then as we descend the first change is seen at Pantano where the densely spiney Cilynadriopuntia begins.  Then just beyond Pantano a low, stout leaved yucca begins, and immediately on passing Irene the first Giant cactus were seen & soon were numerous on rocky slopes.  Echinocereus wislizeni also became common and Palaverda (Parkinsonia microcarpa) suddenly became abundant  Many of the trees are full of beautiful yellow blossoms.  The long leaved Agaves are also common.

To the south of the R. R. the country rises in high ridges between the Whetstone and Santa Rita Mts. and the north slope of this saddle seems to be mainly grassy & probably Upper Sonoran.  It is probable however that Lower Sonoran species go through on gulch banks.

The Santa Rita Forest Reserve takes in lots of Lower Sonoran zone - What for?

Transcription Notes:
By "Cilyndriopuntia" he may mean Cylindropuntia. Verified species names - nwmath