210 VEGETATION OF THE PEAK DISTRICT [CH. 
Yorkshire. It is curious therefore that Linton (1903) should 
not record the tree from a single station on the Derbyshire 
continuation of the Permian Limestone of Yorkshire, although 
one would think it must certainly occur here. Although the 
matter is a difficult one to settle, the balance of evidence seems 
to be against the view that the beech is native in Britain so far 
north as Derbyshire. The tree, however, is indigenous in the 
south of England, where it forms beech woods (see Moss, Rankin, 
and Tansley, 1910), especially on the escarpments of the Chalk 
and on the Greensand. 
Many of the plantations are small; and of these only those 
in sheltered situations are successful. Small plantations in 
exposed situations are often ruined by the severe and cold 
winds of the hills; and derelict plantations are far too common 
on the Pennines (see figure 35). 
On the other hand, the larger plantations are, on the whole, 
in a prosperous condition, especially those in the valley of the 
Derwent, e.g., the large one north-west of Strines reservoir, and 
in the Goyt valley, eg., the still larger one to the south-west of 
Taxal. The one near Taxal is said to be the most extensive 
plantation in Cheshire, and to occupy not less than a thousand 
acres. It was begun about the year 1796—8 (see Holland, 
1808: 10). The southern portion of this plantation is composed 
almost wholly of beech (Fagus sylvatica) planted on soil con- 
taining sour humus. At the present time, the chief ground 
species under the beeches is Deschampsia flexuosa, but all the 
commoner plants of the natural heath pasture occur. There 
are very few other trees or shrubs; but the beeches are vigorous 
and healthy. This portion of the plantation is wholly below 
1250 feet (379 m.). 
The more elevated portion of the plantation is composed 
principally of mixed conifers; and, whilst a large proportion of 
it is flourishing, some other portions (see figure 35) have been 
completely ruined. These degenerate parts are situated either 
in extremely exposed positions at high altitudes or on wet 
moorland peat, both situations being highly unsuitable for tree 
planting. 
The following is a list of plants compiled on the site of a 
portion of this decrepit plantation where the soil is wet, sour, 
peaty, and badly aérated :— 
