A SIERRA FLOWER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1490, 23 February 1887, Page 3

A SIERRA FLOWER.

The moct remarkable fbwer I ever came eoroas, m more ways than one, is lhat lonely little thing which grows 14,010 fact above the aea on Mt Wifhey — the highest mountain not only m California bnt m the United States— and 1500 feet above tho timber level, and at a point among the clouds wnere all tther vegetation has ceased to exitt. It is the monarch of the fforld among other flowers, however) and is radiant with beauty and freights the atmosphere with aromatic sweets, Therelanosoiljnotevenathlmblefull, and no moißture except enow and hail and Ice where ie grows and looks pretty and proud . In fret, this little flower daring its short existence goes to sleep m Icy capsules every night, and faces sunlight dripping with tears of opil and paarl. It Is Bhaped like a bell flower, and h gaudy In colors of red, purple and blue. It is called Polemonium confertum, or Jacob's ladder* Its fragrance partakes of the white jasmine, with an assimilation of musk. It blooms alone, for It not only has no floral associates, not even a spear of grass or shrub, but there is no creature, not even bird or insect, to keep it company a single minate m the ye3r.