70 A SUMMER IN GREENLAND 



is expended upon the formation of reproductive 

 organs. Tropical conditions induce length of stem 

 and leaves on a lavish scale, and the formation of 

 dense jungles in which the competing trees make 

 every effort to obtain a place in the sun. By com- 

 parison with the variegated carpet of flowers that 

 brightens an Arctic landscape the ground in a 

 tropical forest is intensely gloomy; the flowering 

 shoots of climbers are festooned over the branches 

 of crowded trees often blossoming far above the 

 reach of man or even beyond his vision, while 

 the smaller plants pass their life attached to the 

 sunlit boughs of supporting trees in the topmost 

 region of the jungle. Arctic conditions demand a 

 concentration of effort and the result is a ' rush of 

 flowers' when once the winter is passed. 



The brightest hour of unborn Spring, 

 Through the winter wandering, 



It kissed the forehead of the Earth, 

 And smiled upon the silent sea, 

 And bade the frozen streams be free, 

 And waked to music all their fountains, 

 And breathed upon the frozen mountains, 

 And like a prophetess in May 

 Strewed flowers upon the barren way. 



Timely preparation is made during the growing 

 season which ensures a prompt response to the first 

 call of spring; buds are ready by the end of summer; 

 in the winter they find shelter under the snow or 

 below a covering of dead leaves. In Greenland 

 more than in temperate regions the effect of 

 spring is 'the miracle of earth re-clad.' It is an 



