488 .1. w. BEWs. 



and ill particular of the physical properties of the soil — is 

 gained, together with an experimental knowledge of the 

 reaction of plants to these factors. 



The writer has been fortunate in being stationed in a 

 country where no previous oecological work has been done, 

 and where the extremely varied natural conditions have led 

 to an equally varied vegetation. Though there is in Natal 

 abundance of opportunity for oecological work, yet there are 

 many corresponding difficulties. The only available sys- 

 tematic work dealing with the flora in Natal is the ' Flora 

 Capensis,' which is not yet completed, and the earlier parts 

 dealing with the natural orders Ranunculacege-Cam- 

 panulacese were published by Sender and Harvey in 1859- 

 1865. Since that time a large number of species have been 

 described in various botanical journals and publications, to 

 which it is difficult for anyone working in South Africa to 

 have access. The greatest difficulty has therefore been the 

 preliminary Horistic work. It has been thought better always 

 to omit any doubtfully determined species, so that most of the 

 lists of " associated plants," etc., might be extended, though, 

 it is hoped, not to any very great extent. 



A further difficulty was the fact that no topographic maps 

 of Natal are published. For the map which accompanies 

 this paper the "Farm Survey" map (scale 1 in. to a mile) 

 was used as a basis ; but no altitudes Avere given, and it was 

 often extremely difficult to fix the proper limits of certain 

 formations. 



In connection with the map Avhich accompanies this paper 

 the writer is greatly indebted to Mr. A. Hammer, Government 

 Surveyor, Natal, who has a very thorough acquaintance with 

 the topography of this Province, and has kindly caused the 

 map to be re-draAvn in his office, and has supplied the neces- 

 sary information with respect to altitudes and other details. 



