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In California, the land of wonders, is found a wonderful plant. The
traveller who is exploring the Yosemite region in June will find
lingering patches of snow and ice amongst the cliffs, and there he may
be fortunate enough to see this astonishing production rising fresh and
superb beside its icy bed. It springs from the edges of the snow-banks,
growing ten or fifteen inches high, and is called in common phrase the
"snow-flower," from its location, not its coloring, for it is blood-red,
of the richest crimson carmine, buds, flowers, stems, leaves, and
sheathing bulb all of the same ensanguined hue. The flowers are
thickish, something like the pyrola, and its manner of growth resembles
the hyacinth, with bell-shaped flowers clustering along the upper part
of the stem, and erect, pointed leaves. This plant is mentioned by Mr.
Brace in his book on California, and specimens have been sent to the
North, but they are generally in very poor condition when they arrive.
As the years slip by, no doubt many of the now quite youthful readers of
this paper will find themselves sauntering among the snow-crowned cliffs
of the Yosemite, and to them, perhaps, the crimson banner of the
snow-flower will be unfurled. They may then like to remember that its
botanical name is _Sarcodes sanguinea_.
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