Vegetation of Northern Cape Breton. 



321 



of a bluff which Hes beyond the usual reach of the waves is the 

 trailing juniper {Jiiniperus horisontaUs), which commonly 

 sprawls out here in great profusion (Fig. 22), aud is only occa- 

 sionally found in any other habitat. Commonly associated with 

 this shrub is the crowberry {Empetrum nignim) and frequently 

 the low juniper (Juniperiis communis depressa), while any of the 

 other species to be cited presently as occurring on headlands may 

 also grow in the crevices of precipitous, rocky sea bluffs. 



Figure 23. — Alnus mollis and Picea canadensis on sea bluff of clayey 

 drift; Cape North. 



Association-types of sea bhiffs in iincompacted rock. — So long 

 as a sea bluff of clay or glacial drift continues to be acted on, 

 from time to time, by the waves, vegetation is scantily developed. 

 Just as along the shores of the Great Lakes (see Cowles '01, pp. 

 164-167), about the only plants present here are xerophytic 

 annuals and "slump plants" (i. e., plants which have slid down 

 from the crest of the bluff). As soon, however, as there is a 

 cessation or diminution in the erosive activity of the waves, 

 which may be brought about by the formation of a shingle beach 

 between the bluff and the sea or through the accumulation along 

 the base of the bluff of boulders derived by erosion from the 



