THE HEATHS 237 



E. Mackaii. This is so closely allied to E. Tetralix 

 that it is regarded merely as a variety by some 

 authorities. It was first found in Galway in Ireland, 

 between Roundstone Bay and Clifden. It has 

 since proved to be a native also of Spain. It is 

 a charming garden plant flowering from July to 

 September. The leaves have the same right-angled 

 arrangement as those of E. Tetralix, but the flower 

 is shorter, broader, and of a paler rose. 



E. vagans (Cornish Heath). This Heath is one 

 of the most useful of dwarf evergreens, growing 

 vigorously, especially when planted in good soil. 

 I think, however, it flowers better and has more 

 of the typical Heath character when in somewhat 

 poor, sandy soil. In England it is almost or quite 

 confined to Cornwall, but occurs also in Ireland 

 and South-West Europe. It is especially valuable 

 in the garden because it flowers late, beginning in 

 July and keeping on until October. Its flowers are 

 crowded in racemes 4 to 6 inches long, and they 

 are pinkish purple in colour. The plants may be 

 kept neater and more compact by removing the 

 flowering portion of the shoots before growth 

 recommences in the following spring. Left to 

 themselves, especially in soil that is at all 

 rich, the plants are apt to get straggling and un- 

 kempt. 



E. multiflora. This belongs to the same type of 

 Heath as E. vagans, the Cornish Heath, but differs 

 in its more compact growth and shorter racemes of 

 flowers. Although not so vigorous and showy, it 



