206 



The structure of the leaves will be described by Gallöe in the 

 anatomical portion of this work. The shoots terminate during 

 winter with fresh green, or sometimes reddish, leaves which 

 do not decay until late in the ensuing summer. In a decaying 

 condition the leaves may persist for many years (Fig. 25 J.). 

 During winter they serve as food for ptarmigans and other 

 animals.^ 



Fig. 25. Saxifraga oppositifolia. 

 From Gi-eenland (Л—С) and Norway: North Cape (D). 

 A, From Holstensborg (July 16, 1884); a dead stem bearing the fruit of the previous year 

 is seen to arise at a; between the leaves of the previous year -new shoots (the white 

 ones) are being developed. B, Longitudinal section of a flower, in which all the stamens 

 are erect and have their anthers open ; the stigmas are ripe and stand quite close to the 

 anthers or are even in contact with them. C, The stamens are erect, and are longer than 

 the styles; all the anthers are open; germinating pollen-grains occur upon the stigmas. 

 D, All the antisepalous stamens are open, but the antipetalous stamens are closed; pollen- 

 grains are seen germinating upon the stigmas. (E. W., 1886.) 



^ During Nares's Polar-Expedition, on February 19, 1876, a hare was shot 

 in 82° — 83° N. lat., of which the following account was given : — "It is 

 in excellent condition, and has been feeding on the leaves of the purple 

 Saxifraga, willows and lichens. It is extraordinary how these animals 

 find sufficient food with which to support life during the dark season, 

 or how the buds of the plants can withstand such a low temperature." 

 In the same work referring to Febr. 7, 1876, we read: — "On examining 

 a plant of Saxifraga opjwsitifolia which has not been protected by 

 any snow, and therefore has been exposed to the severest temperature, 

 green buds were distinctly visible. In 1853 we killed a ptarmigan at 

 Melville Island in February with green buds of willows in its crop.' 



