572 PHYSIOGNOMY OF VEGETATION. 



common Heather, is predominant in the north ; and a shrubby species, 

 Erica arborea, represents the order in the south of Europe. Acacias 

 attain their maximum hi New Holland, while Acacia heterophylla 

 represents the family in the Sandwich Islands. The Lauracea? of the 

 tropics have Laurus nobilis as their representative in Europe. 



4. DISTRIBUTION or PLANTS CONSIDERED PHYSIOGNOMICALLY AND 

 STATISTICALLY. 



1149. The distribution of plants over the globe may be considered 

 either Physiognomically, as regards the prevalence of certain vegetable 

 forms which give a general character to the landscape of a country ; 

 or Statistically, as regards the numerical proportion which different 

 groups bear to each other, or to the whole known plants. 



1150. Physiognomy of Vegetation. In prosecuting this department 

 of botanical geography, it is necessary to specify those vegetable forms 

 which give a character to the landscape. This has been done more 

 especially by Meyen, who gives the following series : 



1 . Gramineous or Grassy Form. This is illustrated in northern countries 

 by meadows and pastures. The cereal grains also have a great influence on 

 the aspect of countries. Under this form are included Cyperaceaj, Restiaces, 

 and Juncaceae. In the torrid zone some arborescent forms occur, as Bamboo : 

 and along with these are associated Sugar-cane and Rice. Barley is an extra- 

 tropical form, while Carex extends to cold regions. 



2. Scitamineous Form. This includes the Ginger, Arrow-root, and Plantain 

 family, some of which attain a large size. They contribute to give a character 

 to the torid zone. 



3. Pandanus or Screw-pine Form. A tropical form illustrated by Screw- 

 pines and Dracaenas. 



4. Pine-apple Form. Illustrated by the Bromeliaceae of warm climes. 



5. The Agave or American Aloe Form. Chiefly tropical and subtropical. 



6. The Palm Form. Under this are included also the Cycadaceous family. 

 They give a character to the hotter regions of the globe. Some of the Palms 

 are social, as the Date and Coco-nut. Chamasrops humilis represents this form 

 in Europe. 



7. Filical or Fern Form. True Ferns, in an especial manner, affect the 

 landscape in tropical and warm regions. 



8. Mimosa Form. This includes Leguminous plants in general. The finely- 

 cut foliage of some has a resemblance to Ferns. Modifications of this form 

 occur both in warm and cold regions. Acacias in New Holland give a peculiar 

 feature to the landscape. 



9. Coniferous Form. The Abietineae are characteristic of northern regions, 

 and the Cupressineas of southern. 



10. The Protea, Epacris, and Erica Forms. These forms supply the place of 

 Coniferas in the southern hemisphere. The Protea and Epacris forms occurring 

 in Australasia, and the Erica form at the Cape of Good Hope. 



1 1. Myrtle Form. Some of these, such as Melaleuca and Eucalyptus, char- 

 acterize New Holland scenery ; others, as Guavas, are tropical 



12. Forms of Dicotyledonous trees. Some with broad and tender leaves, as 

 Birch, Alder, Poplar, Oak, Lime, Elm, Beech, and Horse-chestnut, giving a 

 character to the physiognomy of the colder half of temperate climates ; while 

 others, with thick, leathery, and showy leaves, as Olives and Laurels, are char- 

 teristic of warmer climates ; and a third division, with large, beautiful leaves, 

 Cecropia, Artocarpus, and Astrapaea, abound in the hottest climates. 



