256 WILD FLOWERS OF 



The round-headed Rampion (PJiyteuma orbiculare) , 

 which flowers in June, is a rare inhabitant of chalky 

 soils, chiefly in Surrey, Sussex, and Kent. The Field 

 Fleawort (Cineraria campestris), is almost entirely 

 confined to the chalky downs in the middle and south 

 of England; the dwarf Nipplewort (Lapsana pusilla), 

 is also very sparingly distributed, and many other 

 plants have equally curious limitations. So that the 

 wandering herbalist may fairly hope to gain some- 

 thing new to him in every fresh progress he takes. 



In general, limestone rocks, or a calcareous soil, is 

 more favourable to the vegetation of a variety of 

 plants than almost any other : and thus while an un- 

 observant person might hunt a level meadow tract in 

 vain for any botanical rarities, the experienced collec- 

 tor, versed in a knowledge of the habitats affected by 

 plants, will know where he is most likely to collect a 

 number in the smallest space. Certain localities are 

 extraordinary in this respect. I remember rambling 

 a few years ago, when out on a tour, from Conway to 

 the Great Orme's Head, overlooking the Irish sea. 

 In this distance of five or six miles, I had not met 

 with a single specimen of interest ; but scarcely had 

 I commenced scrambling up the promontory, when I 

 literally stumbled upon the following plants, all within 

 a few feet of each other. 



Spiked Speedwell, Veronica spicata. 

 Lesser Meadow Rue, Tlialictrum minus. 

 Nottingham Catchfly, Silene nutans. 

 Bloody Cranesbill, Geranium sanguineum. 

 Common Dropwort, Spiraea filipendula. 

 Vernal Cinquefoil, Potentilla verna. 

 Intermediate Whitebeam, Pyrus intermedia. 

 Mountain Catsfoot, Antennaria dioica. 



