855. The whole region of the Alleghany mountains is a garden. 'The magnificent rhododendron fringes every cliff, nestles beneath every rock, and blooms around every tree. The azalea, the sumach, and every variety of that beautiful mischief the kalmia, are in equal profusion.' Cedars, firs, and the hemlock spruce attain here the greatest 'splendour and perfection of growth.' Oak and beech, with innumerable roses and wild vines hanging in beautiful confusion among their branches, were in many places scattered among the evergreens, and the earth was carpeted with various mosses, and creeping plants. Often, on descending into the narrow valleys, spots were found in a state of cultivation. These little gardens, or fields, were 'hedged round with sumachs, rhododendrons, and azaleas; and the cottages were covered with roses. These valleys are spots of great beauty, and a clear stream is always found running through them, which is generally converted to the use of the miller.' (Domestic Manners of the Americans, vol. ii. p. 276.)
