IX] GOLF LINKS 151 



trimmed by animal agency, presents many interesting 

 features for analysis. The varying characters seen 

 on divers shores may thus be traced back to tlieir 

 origin through various conflicting influences. Here 

 the rocky substratum rises to the surface in pro- 

 jecting bosses, there it is more flat in form, and the 

 wind-borne sand covers it entirely out of view. 

 Close by an eflete Dune with its grasses weakened in 

 growth is being attacked by the wind, and eroded into 

 hollows or "Blow-outs," which are however checked in 

 their spread by the covering of firmer skin compacted 

 of finer grasses, bedstraw, and thyme. Here may be 

 a strong stifi" growth of whins, constantly edging 

 forwards and as constantly trimmed back at the 

 margin by persistent nibbling of animals. Other 

 spots may be roughened by heather, or the creeping 

 willow, or made scrubby by growths of elder or 

 other shrubs. Lastly, where an old " blow-out " has 

 occurred, eroding the sand almost down to the moist 

 water-table itself, the sour and muddy soil Avill 

 harbour a host of rushes and sedges, stiff* and thick 

 in growth, and standing after rain ankle-deep in 

 "casual water." 



Such is the material upon which the green-keeper 

 has to exercise his skill, whether constructive or 

 destructive. It is an ordered balance of Nature, 

 irregular enough in its results it is true, upon which 

 he enters as a disturbing influence. With his scythe, 



