Some Notes concerning the Vegetation of Germania Land 



391 



Slightly sloping or horizontal gravel-deposits, which in the first 

 part of summer (June) are continually irrigated by melting snow, 

 soon form a flourishing bog o( Eriophoriim polystachyiim from which 

 Arctagrostis latifolia is rarel}^ wanting. 



The rocky flat proper is formed by the gravel and clay layers 

 to which must suffice the moisture which either the snow which 

 covers the spot or the adjacent drifts of snow can provide from the 

 time when the snow begins to melt in spring. These constitute by 

 far the largest part of the area (with loose material), and it is the 

 only formation which exhibits some alternation in the composition 



Fig. 8. Slope with Dryas near Snenæs. In the foreground luxuriant mats of Dryas 



(30. 6. 1908). 



of its vegetation. As a formation it also includes the scattered 

 sparing vegetation of the primitive rocks. 



Nature in its entirety has a stingy hand in these regions; poverty 

 peeps through everywhere, and any extent of sociability cannot be 

 afforded. Not even the most robust proletarian dares to associate 

 in large quantities for fear of mutual deprivation of sustenance. If 

 ultimately some associations are formed, e. g. the Carex-bogs along 

 the small streams, the societies are always very exclusive, though 

 not in the sense that the members exact too much of life : a drink 

 of water during summer and a covering of snow during winter is 

 all that they demand. 



