y 450 SPORT IN NORWAY. 
possess aromatic properties, develop this peculiarity to 
a surprising degree the further north they are found. 
Even an interval of 3° of latitude produces a marked 
difference in this respect. Thus, the bird cherry, lily 
of the valley, &c., &c., have a much stronger scent i 
the neighbourhood of Throndhjem than near Christiania. 
Another curious fact may, moreover, be noticed, that 
in the case of fruits their sweetness diminishes in 
proportion as their aroma is more fully developed. 
In average summers different varieties of plums will 
ripen as far north as lat. 64°, and wall grapes at a little 
over lat. 61°, though it must be allowed that they are 
deficient in point of sweetness. But this deficiency is 
more than counterbalanced by the delightful flavour 
which their increased aromatic properties impart. 
The phenomena above mentioned can only be ac- 
counted for by the great influence the long days exert 
upon the vegetation in the far north, and by which oats 
will ripen under lat. 69°, rye under 693°, and barley 
under 70°; where also Scotch fir and birch may be 
found with stems three feet and one foot in diameter 
respectively. 
The rapidity with which vegetable growth goes on is 
almost incredible. From observations made at Alten, 
lat. 64° 57’ 30", it has been ascertamed that barley will 
grow two and a half inches, and peas three inches in the 
twenty-four hours for several consecutive days; and 
