PLANTS COLLECTED IN SPITZBERGEN. 41 



A LIST OF PLANTS COLLECTED IN SPITZBERGEN IN THE 

 SUMMER OF 1873, WITH THEIR LOCALITIES. 



By the Rev. A. E. Eaton, M.A.* 



In the summer of 1873 (June to September inclusive) a collection 

 of animals and plants was made in Spitzbergen during the third cruise 

 to the Greenland Sea of B. Leigh Smith, Kt. of the Order of the 

 Polar Star. Amongst the plants were several species of inte- 

 rest, some being previously unknown as natives of that country, 

 and others new to science. The Phanerogams and higher 

 Cryptogams were worked out by Mr. Le Marchant Moore ; Dr. 

 Dickie determined the Algae, with the exception of the Diatoms, 

 which were investigated by the Rev. E. O'Mcara, whose descriptions 

 of the new species were published in the " Quarterly Journal of Micro- 

 scopical Science " (1874, pp. 254-261, tab. 8.) Amongst the Lichens 

 and Mosses there was nothing worthy of particular notice. 



Approximate conception of the general aspect of the country can 

 be formed by persons acquainted with alpine scenery. "West Spitz- 

 bergen is more mountainous and rugged than North-East Land ; but its 

 snow-fields and glaciers are less extensive than those of the latter. 

 From the hills near King's Bay views of the surrounding highlands 

 are commanded similar in character to those obtained in the higher 

 regions of the Swiss Alps on a reduced scale. But looking eastward 

 from the southern portion of Hinlopen Straits, the ground, slightly un- 

 dulating, is seen to rise gradually upward from the sea in a succession 

 of smooth slopes extending as far as the eye can follow them towards 

 the interior of the island, with scarcely a break in the even contour of 

 their snow-clad surface. Towards Cape Leigh Smith and its northern 

 coast, however, North-East Land is hilly and mountainous. The land 

 adjacent to the western and northern shores of ,the islands is usually 

 free from snow in the height of summer. 



The ground itself is in most places destitute of soil ; where there 

 is any it is generally sandy. The surface consists principally of 

 broken rocks mixed with smaller stones, amongst which (especially 

 where banks are formed) patches of such plants as are characteristic 

 of the various altitudes struggle for existence. The most abundant 

 species grow on the lowlands bordering upon the shore. The rarities 

 are chiefly found farther from the sea. The upper parts of the debris 

 accumulated at the base of the precipitous sides of some of the valleys 

 afford suitable soil for delicate plants. 



The localities cited in the list are given in modern charts. Where 

 Wide Bay is specified, its eastern shore is to be understood to be 

 alluded to. The few species new to the flora are distinguished by 

 the prefix of an asterisk. 



* It may seem somewhat of a repetition to publish the following list, as the 

 floraof Spitzbergen is so well known, and a complete catalogue of the Phanerogams 

 has been printed in our pages (Journ. Bot., 1864, pp. 130, 162, and 1874, p. 152). 

 But the present contains a few novelties, and the localities are for the most part 

 different to those given in Malmgren's and the other luta.— [Ed. Journ. Bot,] 



