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18
[[underline]] Western Cape of [[\underline]]

[[left margin]] (Additions to Report of 1853) [[\left margin]]  In ascending the western slope of the Cascade Range a little north of the Columbia River I observed little difference in the vegetation as appearance of the Country until we reached the highest ridges.
[[left margin]] [[?Brubis]] [[\left margin]]  Very extensive tracts here have been burnt over at different periods, the Fir being a very combustible tree its bark often full of resin and the wood dry.  Whole forests are thus found dead and a growth of the prevailing shrubs starts up forming protection for the young trees of the same species which follow in time.
[[left margin]] 6000 ft [[\left margin]]  At an elevation of about 6000 ft. above the sea in lat. 46° there is another change in the species of trees prevailing, and the whole vegetation assumes a more alpine character.  
[[left margin]] A. amabilis [[\left margin]]A splendid new Balsamea Fir resembling the Silver fir of ]]?Misseries]] begins to take the place of others.  
[[left margin]] Pinus Strobus [[\left margin]]A variety of the White or Weymouth Pine is also found in small numbers, and these may be considered the summit species of this part of the mountains.  They were not abundant at this point and probably extend mostly towards the north.  I saw nothing of either species found south of the Columbia.

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19
[[underline]] Cascade Range [[\underline]]

[[left margin]] [[drawing of hand with index finger pointing east]] [[\left margin]]On the summit of one hill only, about the highest point visited I observed a Juniper of a very decided Alpine character.  It had a strong [[?glaucons]] hue & formed no trunk, but spread out on the surface of the ground.  Its berries were in August as large as Peas.  A few other plants of peculiar species were noticed here, but most of those which were in flower had occurred lower down.  
[[left margin]] Animals [[\left margin]]None of the peculiar animals of the Alpine summits were noticed here but the Mountain sheep is found in small numbers along the snowy peaks and the Canada Grouse has since been seen there.  Undoubtedly the [[?hases]] of the immense Peaks which even these seemed to tower above no higher than when seen from below, must have many animals & plants peculiar to them, a few only of which are known. It was the warmest season of the year during our visit in August and yet ice formed every night.  Great numbers of a new Ground Squirrel were abundant, as well as the Pine Squirrel seen throughout the forests.  Strawberries were then ripe and and abundance of two species of Vaccinium one peculiar tothis region & producing a very large purple berry of fine flavor.  I saw no oaks at the highest prairies reached.