26o CAMPBELL ISLAND 



sheltered parts appear to be overgrown, up to a height of a couple of 

 hundred metres, by a dense "juniper" scrub. This consists of two species 

 of Dracophyllum (D. scoparium and the rarer, rather lighter-coloured 

 D. longijolium), plants with very delicate, nettle-like leaves. They can 

 attain a height of fi\e metres and form an almost impenetrable thicket. 

 In spite of the high rainfall, the flora of Campbell Island is xerophilous 

 (i. e. adapted to a dry climate), as the strong wind has a desiccating 

 effect on plants which rise above the ground. 



Surprisingly large and beautiful flowers are met with in the original 

 flora. There is an outstanding lily, the Ross lily (Chrysobactron rossii). 

 Owing to its acrid taste, it is not eaten by sheep and so in recent years 

 has spread rapidly, forming extensive, dense growths of knee-deep, linear 

 leaves from which rise strong stems bearing yellow flower heads the size 

 of maize cobs. There are other extremely beautiful plants among the 

 Compositce, three species of Pleurophyllum being particularly conspicuous, 

 though, because sheep are fond of them, they are now found only in 

 inaccessible places. Very striking is PI. speciosum, the leaves of which 

 may measure two metres across when open. The stems which grow from 

 these rosette-shaped leaves may bear between 25 and 30 flower heads. 

 The two other species af Pleurophyllum (PI. hookeri and PI. criniferum) 

 present a different appearance, having tall flower stems rather reminiscent 

 of our mullein but in place of this plant's single yellow flowers, large 

 heads of white ray-flowers and dark disc-flowers. Another striking plant 

 is an Araliacea, Stilbocarpa polaris, with large, rather kidney-shaped and 

 pleated leaves. 



In the depressing mood which easily asserts itself in this damp and 

 cloudy island the sight of this floral beauty is heart-warming. If one has 

 sought rest and shelter behind a scarp and the sun suddenly breaks through 

 and picks out these plants, often surrounded by lush green bracken, it is 

 easy to imagine oneself in a more luxurious region. 



If one were asked to name the two outstanding species of animals on 

 Campbell Island they would be the elephant seal and the royal albatross. 

 The elephant seal is remarkable for its size and bizarre appearance; old 

 males may measure more than six metres (nearly 20 feet) in length, and 

 when angered can inflate their proboscis into a small trunk. The royal 

 albatross is one of the grandest and most majestic of birds. To see this 

 glider, with a wing span which may approach four metres, motionless on 

 rigid snow-white wings yet rising and falling in elegant curves over the 

 foaming waves of the rough and perpetually changing sea, is one of the 

 great experiences. 



