PLANT REMAINS IN PEAT MOSSES 3" 



that met with between the two forest beds in the south. Above 

 this lies Sphagnum and Eriophorum peat covered with the Upper 

 Forest and recent peat. The Upper Forest consists of two 

 distinct zones separated by 1 — 3 ft. of Sphagnum and Scirpus peat 

 quite free from traces of wood. This is a feature of constant 

 occurrence in the Highlands, but has not been found in the 

 south of Scotland. 



As about twenty-four districts have been investigated during 

 the last three years between the south of Scotland and the 

 Shetland Islands, Aberdeenshire and the Outer Hebrides (3), 

 the geographical distribution of the principal zones and the 

 variations shown by the same horizon in different districts 

 may be briefly indicated. 



The following stages are represented in the peat of the south 

 of Scotland, the Highlands, and the Hebrides : 



1. Recent peat. 



2. Forest. 



3. Peat bog plants with arctic plants. 



4. Forest. 



5. Peat bog plants. 



6. Arctic plant bed. 



7. Peat bog plants. 



8. Forest. 



9. Arctic plant bed. 



It is obvious that some terminology must be used in dis- 

 cussing the distribution of these beds, and it will be simpler to 

 provisionally name them for the purpose of description and then 

 point out the possible correlation of the strata with stages in the 

 glacial period for which a terminology already exists. 



The following names will then be adopted : 



1. Recent peat. 



2. Forest bed. \ 



3. Peat bog plants with Arctic plants. I Upper Forestian. 



4. Forest bed. 



5. Peat bog plants. Upper peat bog. 



6. Arctic plant bed. Second arctic bed. 



7. Peat bog plants. Lower peat bog. 



8. Forest bed. Lower Forestian. 



9. Arctic plant bed. First arctic bed. 

 Strata 2, 3, 4, are all classified as " Upper Forestian " for 



reasons which will be given later. 



