422 FOBEST BOTANY IN NOBWAY. [Apeil, 



FOBEST BOTANY IN NOBWAY. 

 II. 



^N" the narrative of what I saw in passing through Norway (given 

 H in 'Forestry,' vol. ii., p. 316), I have intimated that close upon 

 the level of the sea, on the shores of the Skager-Kack, and on 

 islands there, and the coast of Bohn's Bay, and of the Christiana 

 Fjord, the coniferse give a character to the scenery. But, as has been 

 stated, these are not the only kind of trees found indigenous in 

 Norway. There has been given on no mean authority a statement to 

 the effect that, in the country, journeying from north to south, 

 and in some parts of the country in descending from a great 

 elevation to the valley or plain, we pass through successive zones, 

 which have been characterized as the zone of perpetual snow, where 

 only a few ice plants, lichens and mosses grow; the zone of the 

 Willow and Birch ; the zone of the Pine and Fir ; the zone of the 

 Oak ; the zone of the Beech ; and the zone of the cultivated fields. 

 The statement may be useful as a memorandum ; but, if great 

 stress be put upon it, it may break down. I have only found it true 

 to the extent that there are Birch woods, or forests, reaching further 

 north than a forest of Pine or Fir, though trees of these may 

 be found in the same latitude ; and that Willows are found in 

 higher latitudes than these ; and that there are forests of Fir and Pine 

 further north than Oaks ; and Oaks further north than Beeches ; and 

 Beeches growing further north and at higher elevation than general 

 cultivation has extended. But beyond an indication of these facts, 

 I think the statement cited may mislead. 



To the northernmost zone is assigned, as a character, its production 

 of the Birch, Betula odorata, Bechet, It flourishes throughout the 

 whole country ; but it is in West Finmark that it appears forming 

 veritable forests ; elsewhere it is found as a tree which delights in the 

 light, very frequently dispersed dver clearings in Pine and Fir forests, 

 and besides, on lands completely cleared of woods. The altitudinal 

 limits of this tree are in southern Norway about 1,100 metres; in the 

 diocese of Drontheim from 600 to 700 metres ; in Finmark from 300 

 to 400 metres, above the level of the sea. The Birch is often in 

 Norway a tree of fine growth. It is not rare to meet with Birches 

 from 20 to 25 metres, 67 to 84 feet, in height, and 1*5 metres, 5 feet, 

 diameter at the ground. The crown may stretch on all sides more 

 than 10 metres, or 43 feet, from the trunk. Besides the wood being 

 used in carpentry, and as firewood, the external white bark is 

 employed in the manufacture of a great many articles, and for roofing, 

 beino; thep covered with earth or turf. 



