THE HEATHER 171 



of an extreme climate. It penetrates within the 

 polar circle, and appears on the arctic lowlands. 



If this is the case toward the north, what about 

 the other direction ? 



Scarce in Norway, and poorly represented here, 

 the heaths increase in the number of species as 

 they tend farther south. Passing down, in a not 

 very broad belt, they culminate in the south of 

 Africa, where they are known to grow in endless 

 variety and loveliness. Thence all the delightful 

 species which glorify our greenhouses, and may 

 sometimes be coaxed to grow outside, come. The 

 heathers of the Cape, and the primulas of Europe, 

 are the just boast of all who possess them. 



Thus, if anyone is justified in using the shrubs 

 as badges, it is not the Highlander, but the South 

 African. I can imagine a Scottish emigrant open- 

 ing his eyes at the unexpected revelation, and a 

 visitor from the Cape saying, " Do you call that a 

 heath ? " 



Of the non-Scottish, though British, heathers, 

 there are other three the spring flowering Irish 

 heath, with racemes of pink flowers, made more 

 attractive by the dark exserted anthers ; the large- 

 belled, fringe-leaved heath of Dorset ; and the dull, 

 heavy Cornish heath. 



