CHAPTER XXVIII.
BOTANY OF THE PRAIRIES.
Many of the flowering shrubs of Oregon and Washington have already been mentioned in the chapter on Forests. One of the first to blossom is the red flowering currant (Ribes sanguinerum), which puts forth its flowers before its leaves are fully expanded, like the Judas-tree of the Missouri Valley, which it resembles in color. There appear to be two or three varieties of this species, as the color varies from a pale rose color to a full crimson. The flower is arranged in clusters upon a slender stem, like the green blossoms of the garden currant; but is much larger, and of a different shape. The bush is highly ornamental when in blossom, and generally introduced into gardens for decoration. It flowers in March. East of the Cascades is a yellow species very similar. Both of these grow near streams, and in the edge of the forest.
Of the spirea, there are several species. The waxberry, with its tiny pink flowers and delicate leaves, is found in bottom-lands and on river-banks. In autumn the bottoms of the Columbia furnish thickets of waxberries, which, growing side by side with the wild roses, make a pretty contrast to the crimson capsules of the latter. In higher ground, yet subject to overflow, is found the Spirea tomantosa, or hardback, as it is commonly called, which grows in thickets, and bears a cluster of a purplish-pink color. But the most beau
