178 THE DISTRIBUTION OF HEPATICA IN SCOTLAND 
Maree (Carrington); Gairloch (Miss Maev.); Strathcarron, v. 
(Macv.); Strome Ferry, c. (Macv.); Kyle, r.c. (Macv.). 
var. MINUTA (Bréb.) Schifin. 
W. HicHLanps.— W. Inverness: Moidart (Macy.). 
PLAGIOCHILA SPINULOSA (Dicks.) Dum. 
One of the commonest species of the west coast north of 
the Clyde, continuing frequent in the centre of Scotland, 
but becoming rare towards the east and extreme north. 
This Atlantic species is uncommon in the West Lowlands, 
and is rare in the East Lowlands, its only stations being a 
few of the subalpine localities where there is a considerable 
rainfall. In Fife and the eastern part of the East High- 
lands it is very rare, and is apparently absent from the 
greater part of that province to the north and east of the 
river Tay. In the western part of that province, in South 
and Mid Perth, it is frequent and occasionally rather 
common in well-sheltered places. It is common over all 
the West Highlands and the Inner Hebrides, and is frequent 
in the Outer Hebrides where there is some shelter. Is 
common on the west coast of the North Highlands, but is 
rare in its eastern and northern side. It has been found in 
some quantity in Hoy in Orkney, but is rare in Shetland. 
It occurs most commonly as a low-ground plant in the 
Highlands, but ascends to 1900 ft. alt. in Mid Perth and to 
2300 ft. alt. on Ben Nevis. When this species occurs in 
districts which have a small rainfall, or when on the hills, 
it is not seen as the typical plant, but is depauperate, with 
frequently irregularly shaped leaves. This is very notice- 
able in specimens from its eastern limit in the country. 
The antical lobe is also often little decurrent, especially in 
the hill forms. 
It grows in large, erect, green or brownish tufts on moist 
banks, and frequently covers considerable areas on rocks in 
moist woods and ravines; also frequent on the lower part 
of stems of trees. Although it prefers moist situations, it 
is not limited to them as are P. puwnctata and P. tridenti- 
culata. 
Perianths are common, but male plants are very rare, and 
fruit has not been seen. 
