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species which the district affords. Many of the Orders, especially 
the Carices and Grasses, have been only partially studied and 
examined, and much more time and care will have to be given to 
these and other Orders before the district can be said to have 
been well explored. ‘Taking the whole of the division of West 
Cumberland, it is probable there may be one hundred or possibly 
one hundred and fifty flowering plants in addition to those 
recorded, which have escaped recognition and registration. 
When we consider that out of the number of 1200 native plants, 
the South of England claims a considerable number as its own ; 
Ireland, Scotland, and the Channel Islands have each a variety of 
species which they claim especially ; West Cumberland stands very 
well with its probable six hundred and fifty or seven hundred 
species for so small a district. 
In briefly reviewing the work of the past two years, it will be 
necessary to go a little into detail as to the distribution of the 
different orders and species of plants, so far as it has come under 
the observation of the members of the section. 
Time will not admit of anything more than a cursory view of 
the subject, the intention being to convey to those who take an 
interest in the subject a general idea of the Flora of the district by 
giving a short descriptive account of the plants often met with, 
including not only some rare or uncommon, but many very 
abundant species. 
Commencing our examination at the extreme east of the district, 
on the mountain tops, 2000 to nearly 3000 feet above the sea level, 
we find they are generally speaking not barren. For instance, the 
Pillar mountain is clothed with the Alpine Ladies’ Mantle, a 
beautiful silky-leaved plant which is confined to elevated situations. 
On the top and high slopes of Red Pike we find the same plant 
abundantly ; and on the very summit, close to the piles of stones, 
we find an interesting little shrub now in flower. This proves to 
be the Least Willow, which sends forth its minute catkins of flowers 
on that bleak situation. It is the least British shrub, scarcely 
rising more than half an inch above the ground, being kept lowly 
by the fierce and cutting winds of its exposed and barren habitat. 
