144 THE BOG. 



vegetation as to be strikingly distinguished from 

 the lower and cultivated country. We have been 

 making our way through stunted Heath and 

 Furze, till we arrive at a place where there is evi- 

 dently more moisture than is congenial to the 

 flourishing growth of the plants w^hich are gene- 

 rally to be observed in such districts. Furze 

 bushes suddenly disappear ; the turf is no longer 

 composed of Fescue-grass, wild Thyme, &c. ; but 

 gives place to several kinds of Sedge, which are to 

 be distinguished from grasses by the glaucous* 

 hue of their leaves. The only kind of Heath 

 which is to be observed, is the " Cross-leaved :"f 

 here and there is discovered a bunch of rushes ; 

 one or two species of Willow seem to be 

 striving to acquire the magnitude of trees ; the air 

 perhaps is scented with an aromatic odour pro- 

 ceeding from " the Dutch Myrtle," a low shrub 

 with shining purplish-brown stems, which, if the 

 season be spring, is loaded with catkins, if sum- 

 mer, is as thickly invested with leaves not unlike 

 those of some kinds of Willow. The most re- 

 markable plant, however, is the Cotton-grass, J 

 waving to and fro its tufted heads of glossy silk, 

 and bending uninjured before the severest blast. 

 If we proceed at all, it must be with caution, for, 

 if we make but a single false step, we run the risk 

 of sinking deep into an abyss of water and fine 

 mud. Experience will tell the Botanist where he 

 can plant his foot with safety. He knows what 



* The word Glaucous is used to describe the peculiar 

 bluish bloom which is to be observed on the leaves of the 

 Pink, and many other plants, easily removed by rubbing the 

 leaves with the finger, but leaving no stain on it. 



t Erica Tetralix. % Eriophorum. 



