88 TRANSACTIONS OF THE [Se 



ESS. LXXVI. 



On the innermost margin of these fixed dunes Ulex 

 europaius is occasionally met with. Mosses and lichens 

 are common here, and in the transitional associations. 

 They play an important part in preparing the ground for 

 the growth of flowering plants. Here and there on these 

 fixed dunes limited areas have been enclosed and are now 

 under cultivation. It is impossible at this preliminary 

 stage in the study of the vegetation of this formation 

 to form any opinions on its composition and distribution 

 which will be of lasting value. The particular area which 

 forms the subject of this communication is too restricted in 

 extent, in any case, for generalised deductions. The mere 

 listing of species included in the different associations is 

 but the initial stage in any ecological study Were these 

 lists complete, much would yet remain to be done. Critical 

 forms must be made the subjects of careful investigation. 

 A thorough investigation of the dependent species and 

 their habit of life must be undertaken, to determine the 

 relationship existing between them and the dominant type, 

 in the association in which they occur. 



The powers of adaptation and adjustment to environ- 

 ment of the individual plants, and many other kindred 

 problems, still await solution. 



Note on Argania Sideroxylon, Roem. et Schult., the 

 Argan Tree of Morocco. By Symington Grieve. 



Morocco, although so near to our shores, is less explored 

 than almost any part of the world. Large areas of the 

 country, especially along the line of the Great Atlas range, 

 with stretches upon each side of these mountains, are quite 

 unknown. It is from these mountain fortresses that have 

 come those hordes of wild men who know no other law 

 than that " might is right." 



To judge from the merchandise brought to the coast 

 towns, the country seems to be productive. Under good 

 and firm administration its resources may perhaps be 

 developed in a way that will surprise Europe. The 

 impression formed from what we saw at Casa Blanca and 

 elsewhere was that the French had come to stay. Recent 

 events have shown that we were not wrong 1 in our anti- 



