The Plant-Life of Hare Island off the coast of West Greenland. 955 
layers (cf. fig. 5). Alluvial deposits, deltas, etc. of considerable extent 
are not developed, probably on account of the strong tidal-currents 
along the shores. 
The flat surface of the northern part is very dry, and consists 
of extensive areas of sandy or gravelly, sometimes clayey morainic 
soil. Lakes and larger ponds are not met with and places with 
marshy or swampy vegetation are very scarce. 
Climate. With regard to the climate nothing much can be 
stated with certainty. From the situation and per analogiam it may 
Fig. 5. Upper part of the bank of a ravine formed by a small stream through 
morainic soil. Vegetation is totally wanting and scattered specimens of plants 
are found only near the bed of the stream. i 
be concluded that nearly all parts of the island are freely exposed 
to the prevailing winds of the region, viz. north and southwest. The 
latter causes a rise in the temperature of the air and brings 
moistness in the form of fog or rain, the north wind is cold, and 
over the sea and low islands is also accompanied with fog. Next to 
these come easterly winds bringing clear weather and dryness. It 
has been said by the Eskimos that during summer it is quite 
exceptional for Hare Island to be a whole day without fog. 
Vegetation. From the above, it will be seen that both the 
soil and the climate are not very favourable for plant-life. This 
agrees also with the appearance of the vegetation: most of the forma- 
