ALPINE VEGETATION. 131 
summers of these regions, exhibit a very active growth. 
Weddell, speaking of the South Shetlands, says that none 
of the islands afford any vegetation, with the exception of 
straggling grass; and this equally applies to others in a simi- 
lar latitude. In Melville Island, in 75° N .L., the proportion 
of grasses to the phenogamous plants is 1 to 5; in Great 
Britain it is 1 to 12.5, and the decrease continues as we ad- 
vance south. But, as I have said, the proportion of species 
is not a guide to the influence of greatly multiplied individu- 
als. In the Andes, the region is distinctly traced in the 
Paramos, and occupies a space from 13,000 to 14,500 feet. 
Here are the large and valuable cattle-farms, where animals 
are reared for the supply of the plains below. In that por- 
tion of the Himma-leh Mountains examined by Captain 
Johnson, between 30° and 32° N.L., there was a fine green 
sward, at 14,600 feet. Madeira has not sufficient elevation 
to possess this region, but Humboldt distinguishes it on Te- 
neriffe. Poa annua abounds on the Swiss Alps at 7,400 feet, 
where its spontaneous growth is so vigorous that it is used 
for fodder. 
5. Region of Cryptogamic Plants.—The parallel between 
this region and the circumstances of vegetation at its limits 
in high latitudes is intimate. Colonel Hall, on Chimborago, 
under the equator, at nearly 18,000 feet, found Draba are- 
toides, a Culcitium, anda syngenesious plant; and “ still 
higher, a moss, which may be considered as having attained 
the highest limit on the globe at which vegetable life exists." 
On Teneriffe, the Himma-leh Mountains, the Alps, and all 
mountains of sufficient elevation, a few Lichens are univer- 
sally the latest plants ; and on some, if there is shelter and 
. Moisture, they enjoy a vigorous existence. 
In most instances of Alpine vegetation, afurther analysisthan 
` that into regions becomes necessary ; but I do not find that 
. any beyond these can be regarded as constant. The further 
‘visions, or sub-regions, are confined to the particular moun- 
1 tain-range under consideration, but where they are important 
. n the elucidation of peculiarities. There is then this dis- 
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