The South Slope – The south and southeast slopes of the island, while undoubtedly subjected to great extremes of temperature, are predominantly a warm section. Three ponderosa pine live a stinted existence in this region. The largest one is 35 or 40 feet high and 56 inches in circumference, three feet above the root spread. On this slope are four western white pines, the largest of which is 34 inches in diameter; it is broken off 20 feet above the ground and a crown of new growth doubles that height. High on the east end is a taller one 60 feet high and 25 inches in diameter; it bears an old lightning scar, now nearly healed. These trees are bearing a good crop of cones this year. The ponderosa pine cones are smaller than normal.
A considerable coverage of green manzanita (A. patula) grows just below the spiring ridge that separates the island into two parts; it continues to the water’s edge. All of this presents a clear cut transition situation. However, in addition to this there is considerable mat manzanita (A. nevadensis), and an intermixture of small white-bark pines. In a few cases there may be confusion between P. albicaulis and P. monticola,but most of the trees were bearing cones and no mistake was possible.
The complete absence of lodgepole pine or alpine fir seems surprising, but may probably be explained by the dearth of water-stabilized soil or duff. It was also noted that not one specimen of either red fir or hemlock was found on this slope.
The North Slope – The north slope is less steep than the south; it presents some areas with a soil of erosional debris and duff. On this slope are growing trees typical of the lower Hudsonian Zone. Shasta red fir exist in considerable areal density, but are small for the specie, while mountain hemlock grow in about the same stand density, but the mature trees, though small, are apparently in good condition. The white bark pine on this slope are normal and of good size. The total number of trees (a foot or more high) is 66 while the south slope supports only 28.
High, near the east end of the north slope, is one specimen of white fir about 30 inches high. It appears to be in good condition and should subsequently be checked for its existence and growth. It apparently is the only one on the island.
At the foot of this slope there is a flat talus which is supporting a number of herbaceous plants typical of shady, moist localities; including shield fern, meadow rue, Jacob’s ladder, and bleeding heart. The distribution of herbaceous plants and shrubs is apparently controlled by localized circumstances and zonal distribution is far from obvious. The appended list of the plants observed gives their general location.
Among the unlisted, but not unnoticed flora are the brilliantly colored yellow, red, and orange lichens which cover the vertical walls of the towering spires. Occasional single plants of grass are to be seen near the water’s edge. No attempt at identification of these was made.
Animal life observed consisted of birds, obviously transient. There were two Clark’s crows and three Sparrow Hawks but no other birds were observed. On the first visit, one golden mantled ground squirrel was seen on the talus at the east end. None was seen on the second visit. No traces of other animals were noted, but the writer does not profess to be a skilled observer of such evidences.
