VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS OF NORWAY. 253 
this is the more remarkable when it is borne in mind 
that in Norway agriculture can be carried on success- 
fully under the same parallel of latitude as that under 
which the ice-bound and desolate regions of Victoria- 
land, Disco Island, and Boothia Felix are situated. 
Enough has been said to show that, to the botanist, 
Norway presents charms and attractions which are not 
to be met with in any other country; and affords 
an additional proof, if one were wanting, of that beau- 
tiful compensating principle which, to a greater or less 
degree, is observable in all the works of the Almighty 
Creator. 
Before dismissing the climatic peculiarities of the 
Scandinavian Peninsula, the opinion (which very gene- 
rally obtains in Norway) that the climate gradually 
assumes a severer character shall be briefly touched on. 
In support of this opinion different facts have been 
observed, which at first sight appear to have some weight. 
Thus, it is asserted that the glaciers gradually descend 
into the valleys; and legends are not wanting which 
speak of large extents of tillable land being completely 
buried beneath the ice. It is, moreover, well known 
that above the existing limit numerous remains of 
extinct trees have been found, which are said to have 
been unable to endure the gradually increasing severity 
of the climate. But the above theory will scarcely 
sustain a critical examination. 
