8. The physical characteristics of the State will be better
understood by picturing to the mind its surface as spread out
upon a vast declivity, sloping down from the summits of the Smoky
Mountains, an altitude of near seven thousand feet, to the ocean
level. Through the range of elevation thus afforded, the plants
and trees (or what is comprehended under the term flora) vary
from those peculiar to Alpine regions to those peculiar to semi-
tropical regions.

9. The variety of trees is most marked, including all those which
yield timber employed in the useful and many of those employed in
the ornamental arts. Indeed, nearly all the species found in the
United States, east of the Rocky Mountains, are found in North
Carolina. Her wealth in this respect will be appreciated when
the striking fact is mentioned that there are more species of
oaks in North Carolina than in all the States north of us, and
only one less than in all the Southern States east of the
Mississippi. This range of elevation affords also a great
variety of medicinal herbs. In fact, the mountains of North
Carolina are the 'storehouse' of the United States for plants of
this description.


QUESTIONS.

1. Of what does this chapter treat? Give the latitude and
longitude of North Carolina. What are its eastern and western
boundaries? Give its dimensions.

2. What is said of the climate of North Carolina? Name the