ecological notes 213 



Veld Formations. 



The term Veld Foriuation is used for the vegetation of 

 the more level portions of the district at the foot of the 

 mountains, consisting usually of plateaux of altitudes of 

 5.000 to G,000 feet abov e the sea level, and of gentle 

 slopes at the bases of the mountains. 



The veld is mostly grassland, but owing to overstock- 

 ing, etc., the grass is in many places being replaced by 

 various shrubs, forming the " Changed Veld Formation. '■• 

 The plateaux are usually covered by fairly shallow 

 gravelly or loamy soil. Tn the valleys there are often 

 very deep deposits of clay. The strata of rock under the 

 soil of the plateaux are usually Cave sandstone, which 

 *seems to retain moistui^ well. Tn the valleys the land 

 is often swampy and water-logged in the late summer. 

 Some of the grasses of the veld are: — 

 A 7idropocjo)i appcndicMlatus. 



Elioniirus argentetis, often dominant over large 

 areas of the high lying veld, but never in 

 valleys. 



Andropogon associations are often dominant on 

 sunny aspects with gravelly soil, these will be 

 dealt with later. 



Eriantlius capensis, occurs in isolated tufts, and 

 is often seen in cultivated lands where the 

 natives regularly plough round the large tufts. 

 It is used in thatching as a foundation over 

 tlie reeds. Often it occurs along sluits and 

 water-courses. 



Aira carijophyllea is abundant in places. 



Anthistiria imherhis, occurs in most grass asso- 

 ciations, except in vleis. 



Agrostis lachnantha, is often dominant in damp 



places and depressions. 

 Eragrostis curvula, often dominant on damp veld. 



