University of Virginia Library

Friday, April 6, 1951

The mass collection near Sheridan, Ark. did not
materialize. One meagre sampling in Calhoun Co marked the
last Azaleas seen through the whole day. It is probable
that this phase tends to run out somewhere in this region.
The dogwood was just as far advanced so they could
have been unopened but several excursions into the wood
were fruitless in turning up plants. Headed S.E. on U.S.
270 for Sheridan, crossing the Mississippi on U.S. 82 at
Greenville, continuing to Winona & then south on U.S. 51
almost into Jackson — a distance of 393 miles for the day
Unfortunately the route chosen followed & crossed the main
river valleys most of the way. In such valleys where Cypress
grows, the soil is gray & possibly alkaline. No conifers & no
dogwood is present — which indicated it's almost certain absence
of azaleas & this is probably true for the entire Mississippi Valley.
Why they do not seem obvious in Central Mississippi is somewhat of
a mystery. They should fit among the red pine covered hills. The
land however has been nearly completely ravished by poor farming.
Expect to find them around them around Jackson tomorrow morning.