7 7 os ti 7 Ra a ; ag a - - - - 3? , cat phils oAtQes i, ; / ? /1 LR CAA fi Ws Awl o AA A / f ait at J Dene, Lt se VotumE VII. MARCH, 1891. | WuoLe No. 58. Division oi Molhagies Sectional Library / 2 ys = BRS A popular monthly review and record for the Pacific Coast, CONTENTS: The Quicksilver Mines of Oregon. ..................... Aurelius Todd Immigrant Plants in Los Angeles County, California. Dr. A. Davidson HOR COCrin wm MOM cAI 845 oo Bk alow Deak Alice Eastwood The Forest Trees of Oregon.—III...... ... .. Prof. Thomas Condon Pacifie Coast Woman’s Press Association. ..... .... Mary S. Berry California Trees and Flowers.—III.............. {iMac aay Nebas C. R. Orcutt C.R. ORCUTT, Publisher. Corner Fifth and C Streets, - SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. EDITORIAL AND MAILING Rooms, ORCUTT, CALIFORNIA. Orcurt NEws COMPANY, REDLANDS, CAL., GENERAL AGENTS. PRICE, 20 CENTS. PER YEAR, $2.00 £ [Entered at Oreutt, Calif., as second-class mail matter. | The West American Scientist. 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Ont: Baker, its oroo uit and chief; and HARD: TACK A FFER,” a story of the inner life of ne ee Also. our indestructible. — interchangeable TMETAL BACK A ALBUM,’ tata Apply to The J. Dewing thas any, 813 Markets Street, - rancigco. Mention this Sars) ae BOTANISTS. Ww". desire a few more reliable pollectone of native West American tree and flower seeds, bulbs, ferns, cacti and other plants. Please write us whatyou can collect, season of supply, prices, and descriptions of those pen Bese for cultivation E ORCUTT SEED «& PLANT C0: % San baahac. California. HENRY C. LANGREHR, COUNTY SURVEYOR, Homestead, Timber Culture, and Entries and Filings Made. Railroad, Water Supply © |and Irrigation Location and Construction, — etc., Maps, Plans and Estimates Furnished. 1313 D STREET, SAN DIEGO, eave 1 feo. Box 844. The Great American ii Importing Tea Co. Importers and ey a in Pare Teas, Coffees and Sie. 5 969 Fifth Street, Near D, ie CALIFORNIA. ns: 4 : SAN bance Forty Branch Btores in aa auecnuty operation. he et ede ‘BRUNER, NOTARY PUBLIC -Conveyancer of Deeds, Rte, : | With Wells, Fa argo & Co. es California Stamp Co., Santa Ana, Cal. Box 226 | Sixth and z Sts., San Diego. Cal. Fences only : Ni 2 Gaivavieed teel fence lasts fee! Snes WERT FENG Wi Gioia STU tou 8.4 ith The Quicksilver Mines of Oregon. 187 THE QUICKSILVER MINES OF OREGON. The quicksilver mines that have been worked in Oregon, are situated in the northeastern part of Douglass county, on the head waters of the Umpqua river. There are three that have been worked, the Nonpareil, Bonanza, and Elk Head. The former is situated on Calapooia creek, eight miles northeast of Oakland. The main lead, or deposit, is at the juncture of the sandstone on the west and basalt on the east, which is of a hard quality, and in some places partakes of the eol- umnar structure so common in other parts of the state. There are, however, a few places where sedimentary rocks are on both sides of the lead, yet they seem to be only in spots, forming, perhaps, only cap rocks of no great depth. The veins of ore are much distorted, running a little east of north and west of south, of uneven widths, composed of volcanic tufous rock intersected by veins or ribs of jas- pery iron ore formed by infiltration through crevices of water con- taining iron protoxide and silicic acid. The dip of the ledge is from west to east, though it is difficult to follow on account of its sinuosity and its swelling and pinching. > The walls are both voleaniec rock. The sandstone on the west not reaching quite to the vein proper, neither does the hard basalt, as a rule, reach the vein on the east, there being a softer tufous rock, of varying character and hardness, composing the walis, gradually emerging into the other rock as they recede farther from the vein, which is from a few inches to many feet in thickness. The cinna- bar being in spots, specks and streaks throughout the entire vein, which is richer in some places than others. A small body of limestone has been found within a few yards of the vein inthe sandstone. There is in a few places what appears to be a cap rock of sandstone and conglomerate overlying the basalt to the eastward near this mine, as also the Bonanza. This, however, is not without doubt as to its extent in depth. The trap appears to have pushed the sedimentary rocks out of their original position. The Bonanza mines are situated some three miles southwest of the Nonpareil. The walls of the Bonanza are the footwalls of the sandstone on the west, but on the east it is usually slate. However, this slate is most likely only a cap on the basalt, which evidently underlies the slate at no great depth. The mountain being several hundred feet high, it has been worked mostly by tunnels instead of shafts. There are many small veins of very rich ore running in various directions through the main vein or lode, which is in places two or three hundred feet wide. Many fine specimens of the sul- phides of mercury have been taken from this mine. It contains the mettacinnabarite, found only in this mine and the St. John’s mine in California, which ore is more of a mechanical mixture than a chem- ical compound; but is, however, more or less mixed with the red sulphuret, as its streak is often quite red. 188 Immigrant Plants in Los Angeles County, Cal. This mine also contains a considerable amount of native mercury, usually in fine particles disseminated throughout the various rocks. The Elk Head mines are situated thirteen miles north from Bonanza, and differ from the others in having the trap, which in this case is amygdaloid, usually containing natrolite crystals and other zeolites on the west, and the sandstone in large areas on the east. The dip is slightly to the east or southeast. A few fine spec- imens have been taken from this mine, but the ore, though a splendid working ore from its large vein of soft tufa being easily worked, is not noted for fine specimens. Somewhat to the south of this mine, cinnabar has been found directly in the trap rock without any apparent vein, but no large amount. All three of these mines agree in having large mountains of voleanic tufa or ocherous rock on the north, all of which usually contains a little cinnabar. A small deposit of cinnabar ore in the southwestern part of Douglass county on the divide between the southern head waters of the Looking Glass creek, and those of Cow creek, eight miles west of Riddle, differs from the foregoing in having a large deposit of ser- pentine on the east; taking the place of the traps in the other mines. Deposits of granite in the serpentine are a leading feature of this locality. All the foregoing agree in having the contiguous sand- stones much metamorphosed. The former three are in formations supposed to be not older than Eocene, probably lower Eocene, but the latter is thought to be much older, and not later than lower cretaceous, as some fine fern leaf im- pressions in the adjacent shale have been on good authority, pro- nounced ecarboniferous. I have now a number of these specimens among my collections. Small deposits of cinnabar have been found in Baker and Jose- phine counties, but I am not aware of any other deposits of note. Aurelius Todd. IMMIGRANT PLANTS IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. To the European visiting California it is cheering to find that though 6000 miles from home some of the flowers so familiar to him in the old country still greet him here. Under such varied condi- tions of soil and climate, these Old World immigrants have consid- erably changed; some, like the genus homo, have been improved racially and individually, while others, under the same conditions, have shown little increase, or have even depreciated. Certain immigrant plants are so identified with the invasion of the Anglo Saxon race that their presence may be considered a proof of commencing colonization. ’Twas the constant association of Plantago major, the broad-leaved plantain, with the homes of the Immigrant Plants in Los Angeles County, Cal. 189 early pioneer, that led the Indian to call it the “ white man’s foot.” A farther traveled and more constant companion of civilization is the Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella Bursapastoris), already abundant in California. This hardy and prolific weed accompanied the Roman legions in their conquest of Gaul and Britain; and, after the lapse of cen- turies, followed the Anglo Saxon in the peaceful conquest of the West. The more useful European species have, of course, been pri- marily introduced for agricultural or domestic purposes. Of these the most valuable and most interesting historically is the Medicago sativa Lin., the alfalfa of the Spaniard, and Lucern of the French. This has been so long and so commonly cultivated in Spain that it seems but natural they should have introduced it here in the early days of the conquest. Though cultivated before this time by the Greeks and Romans, it is not indigenous to Italy, having been brought from Media at the time of the Persian war, 470 years before the Chris- tian era. The very name (Alfalfa) indicates its origin, being the Arabic derivation of the Persian name. The history of Alfalfa is but the history of many of our now supposed indigneous plants; they have by accident, or otherwise, followed the path of civiliza- tion westward, till it becomes difficult to discriminate between what is indigenous, or otherwise. Among the other useful fodder plants, abundant around Los Angeles, are: Erodium cicutarium and Erodium moschatum, or Filaree, better known in Europe as the Stork’s bill and Melilotus parviflora, the Melilot. Whether these, like Alfalfa, were inten- tionally introduced, I have no mzans of knowing, but the proba- bility is their introduction was accidental, and once introduced, and their value recognized, their wide-spread distribution is easily ac- counted for. Around Los Angeles, it seems to me its introduction, useful though it is, is not altogether an unmitigated blessing, as it has crowded out the natural and more enduring native grasses that otherwise would afford grazing supplies long after the filaree has disappeared. Of grasses, I have observed Lolium perenne (rye grass), Dactylis glomerata (cock’s-foot), Phleum pratense (cat’s-tail), Festuca myu- rus, Phlaris canariensis and Poa annua, in the lawns and waste places within the city. Eragrostis poeoides and Panicum crusgalli are not infrequently near the river. Lolium temulentum exists spar- ingly at San Pedro; Bromus racemosus general, and in many parts common, and seems the only important grass that tends to naturalize and increase. Of the clovers, Medicago deticulata, the Burr clover alone is com- mon, the nature of its fruit ensuring its maintenance and continued extension; Medicago lupulina and Trifolium arvese, or Dutch clover, are merely casuals, and rare at that. First cultivated, as useful plants, Brassica nigra (wild mustard), 140 Immigrant Plants in Los Angeles County, Cal. B. campestris, Mentha piperita or peppermint, Marrubium vulgare, (Hoarhound) and Nasturtium officinale, (common watercress), have passed control and become firmly naturalized. The peppermint and watercress, from the lack of water or marshy ground, are not very abundant, but the others have multiplied to such an extent as to become the commonest and most injurious of weeds, covering acres of ground, to the entire exclusion of more useful species. Malva borealis, the common mallow of the district, like Brass- ica nigra, grows so rank here as to be scarce recognizable as the European species, and springs up annually in most cultivated local- ities. Around town, in some of the drier, localities, the field Convol- vulus (Convolvulus arvensis), has secured a foothold. Its creeping habits and extensive rootlets make it one the most noxious and ine- radicable of weeds, and should it secure itself in the cultivated districts the farmer’s life will be no sinecure. The Caryophylaceze order has three representatives: Silene gallica, not uncommon in waste ground. Stellaria meadia, around yards, and Cerastium triviale, found occasionally in the lawns. Anthemis cotula, the May weed, is not uncommon on railway banks. Silybum Marianum, the milk thistle, grows along the San Gabriel. Centaurea meletensis, Sonchus oleracea and Sonchus asper are common in the city, the latter, contrary to the usual experience, is as common here as 8. oleracea. The common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) may be observed in the lawns among imported grasses, but it does not take kindly to the dry soils. A few specimens of Vicia sativa, the tare of cultivation, Dip- sacus fullonum, the fuller’s teazel, are annually found as escapes from cultivation. Around the gardens and roadsides Polygonum aviculare and Chenopodium album are very common. The Plantago major may be found in moist ground, near zanjas, while its lesser brother, the P. lanceolata, or rib-grass, struggles for a casual existence in the grounds in the city. Last of all, comes the Urtica urens, the lesser nettle, clinging, according to its Old World custom, around the haunts of man. These, so far as I have observed, comprise all the European immigrants present in and around Los Angeles, but as time rolls on, we shall, no doubt, see the importation of many others. A. Davidson. The White Prairie Lily. 141 LEUCOCRINUM MONTANUM. The generic name of this dainty little plant means white lily; translating the entire scientific name it might be called, White Lily of the Mountains. It seems more appropriate, however, to name it White Prairie Lily; for it is the most attractive of the spring flowers of the eastern Colorado plains. In the vicinity of Denver the plants are quite common during May, and in some localities can be seen for miles; great clumps of snowy flowers nestling in a bed of grass-like leaves. It is not un- usual to find many plants in one cluster from which fifty blossoms could be easily gathered. These six rayed starry lilies spring from ground the surface of which is often as hard asa rock and unfold to the blue sky, breath- ing forth their adoration in a delicate, exquisite perfume. They seem to be as hardy and brave as beautiful; for a tempera- ture away below zero does not freeze them, nor do the hot, dry days of summer deprive them of life. It will be wondered, perhaps, how it is possible for this fragile looking flower to live and bloom in such adverse surroundings. The secret lies buried deep in the ground at its roots. During the spring rains and snows, the warmth and moisture awaken this sleeper from its ten months’ repose and soon it shoots up, immediately beginning to form roots for the next year. On one plant can be found three sets of roots. The lowest are ghosts of roots that gave up their life to feed the growth of the previous spring; next are numerous long fleshy roots that are rapidly being exhausted; and uppermost the tender white roots are just beginning to collect the supply for the next year. Most lilies store their nourishment in bulbs, but this indepen- dent prairie flower, has instead a short erect root stock and many long, fleshy roots. The tube of the perianth extends down among the leaves and bracts for about two inches and its divisions are nearly an inch long, making the expanded flower about two inches in diameter. The seed vessel is at the very bottom of the tube and underground. I know of no other plant that naturally ripens its seeds underground, and have been greatly puzzled to explain this peculiar habit, which would seein to effectually check its distribution. The only reasonable hypothesis that has occurred to me is this: the plant requires to be some depth below the surface so as to obtain sufficient moisture; it is found where the signs of gophers and prairie dogs abound; so, probably, the underground portions serve as food for these little animals and the seeds are thus properly distributed. Alice Eastwood. 142 The Forest Tress of Oregon. THE FOREST TREES OF OREGON.—III. The timber of the following forest trees is specially adapted for cabinet work: THE OREGON BROAD-LEAVED MAPLE (Acer Macrophyllum).— The wood of this tree is dense and handsome, polishing well, with a rich variety of grain. For household furniture it is a valuable material. As a shade tree it is superior. It grows rapidly, trans- plants easily, and if left to itself forms a handsome head. ACER CIRCINATUM (the Vine Maple).—As its name indicates, itis too small for anything larger than barrel hoops, for which purpose it is sometimes sent to San Francisco. OREGON ASH (Fraxinus Oregona).—This ash is abundant along the streams of western Oregon, sufficiently so to give it a place as a wood of commerce. Specimens of it may be seen in our cabinet shops that will vindicate this claim. The U. 8. custom house at Portland is finished inside with Oregon ash. It loves moist places, and is on this account not suitable for shade or ornament. OREGON ALDER (Alnus Oregona).—The Oregon alder is abun- dant along stream beds and other damp places. So marked is its love for springs and streams that the presence of a clump of these alders will often reveal to the thirsty explorer a spring of water. Its trunk is often two feet through. Its wood is often used in our eabi- net shops, where it is prized for inside work such as drawers. OREGON MyRTLE or California Laurel (Oreodaphne Californica). This handsome, fragrant tree is abundant along the Umpqua river and through Rogue river valley. It is at its best around Coos bay, where it is shipped to San Francisco.