Prof. Hausniann''s Sketches of South FAiropean Nature. S33 



is found only in isolated and sheltered spots, especially on the 

 coast, and even there it occurs only sparingly, generally only a 

 few individuals growing together. 



When we ascend above the level evergreen region already 

 noticed, we find ourselves surrounded by a vegetation which re- 

 sembles more that of the northern parts of Europe. The ever- 

 green trees and shrubs disappear, and in their stead grow oaks 

 that shed their leaves, and chestnut trees. These trees continue 

 to a height of nearly 3000 feet ; above them the heech becomes 

 the prevailing tree, accompanied sometimes by vanous trees with 

 pointed leaves (Pinvs pkea, P. sylvestr'is, Taxus haccata). 

 At a height between 5000 and 6000 feet, we find the beech and 

 the pine occasionally, with creeping shrubs and alpine plants. 

 The above trees generally reach to a much greater height, so 

 high as 7500 feet ; and with them are associated Vacc'mtum 

 rnt/rtillus, Arbutus Uva-Ursi, Juniperus nana. Only a few 

 mountain summits exceed the height of this region ; these are the 

 pinnacles of Abruzza, viz. Gransasso la Majella, and Velino *. 



The vegetation of the middle and lower parts of Italy varies 

 very much in regard to its richness and abundance. In many 

 tracts of country it is most luxuriant, especially where many 

 crystalline or volcanic rocks produce a more favourable soil ; or 

 where, as especially in some bays of the sea, rocks insure shelter 

 against hurtful winds; or likewise where the supply of water 

 maintains a peculiarly favouring humidity. 



We are enraptured with the rich vegetation at the foot of the 

 marble mountains of Carrara and Massa, and on the declivity of 

 the Apennines towards Lucca ; with that on the volcanic ele- 

 vations of Frescati and Albano ; at the rocky coast of Terracina, 

 Molo di Gaeta, Sorrento, and Salerno ; and with that at the 

 waterfalls of Temi and Tivoli. But such luxuriance is not ge- 

 neral. Only a stinted vegetation occurs over by much the 

 greater part of the calcareous Apennines, which ranges so widely 

 through Italy. Myrtles., which fix their roots in fissures, and 



• The author quotes the above from the work of h5s friend Schouw (en- 

 titled, Grundzuge einer allgemeinen Pflanzen-Geographie, 1823), who, he 

 hopes, will soon give to the world the result of his long and able researches, 

 in order to establish tha geography of the plants in the above districts ; and 

 expresses his admiration of his labours as to the geography of plants in ge- 

 neral. 



