254 



tion. Euphorbia linearis Retz. was often seen below and among 

 the higher bushes, and further Croton flavens L., Anthacanthus 

 spinosus Ns., Heteropteris purpurea (L.) H. B. K., Piscidia piscipula 

 (L.) and many other species. Even if several of the just-mentioned 

 species may also be found further landwards and thus cannot ab- 

 solutely be considered as halophytic, they are all here stamped by 

 the effects of the proximity to the sea. With a vigorous trade-wind 

 the spray of the sea can reach far up the rocks, and rather far 

 into the country where this is open. However it is especially the 

 effect of the wind which makes itself felt, as trees and bushes are 



Fig. 36. Low. tufty vegetation on the rocky, stony coast at Hams Bluff. St. Croix. 



(F. B. phot.) 



everywhere as if artificially cut, evenly sloping upwards towards the 

 land and forming a dense roof of foliage. 



On almost horizontal or only slightly sloping rocks, where these 

 are covered by a layer of earth, and where the locality is so ex- 

 posed that a higher tree-like vegetation is wanting, a strange, low, 

 tufty vegetation occurs almost resembling the flora of a mountain-field. 



Such a vegetation I have observed partly on the above-men- 

 tioned much exposed rocky coast at Judiths Fancy, partly also at 

 Hams Bluff, the north-eastern wind-blown promontory of St, Croix 

 (fig. 36). The effect of the wind is most noticeable especially at 

 Judiths Fancy. The coast here turns in a north-western direction 

 so that the north-east trade-wind has full play, often sending the 



