306 THE ORIGIN OF THE FLORA 



of the Alpine flora. It has been pointed out that, 

 even if the Alpine flora has been derived from an 

 Arctic flora, vrhich, according to the theory, existed 

 in the Far North before the incoming of the Glacial 

 Period, we have still to explain the origin of this 

 ancient flora, and above all, why at that time it 

 possessed an Arctic character ! 



The recent experimental work of Prof. Bonnier, 

 to which we have more than once alluded, has a 

 profound significance for those who are inclined, in 

 part at any rate, to distrust the theory. Bonnier has 

 shown that the conditions which prevail in the Arctic 

 regions are by no means identical with those in the 

 High Alps, and, what is even more important, that a 

 plant grown in the Arctic region differs from one ; 

 grown in the Alps. It is thus clear that the effect of 

 physical conditions alone is greater than was formerly 

 supposed. 



Until, however, we know not only how one species 

 is derived from another, but which particular genera 

 and species have given rise to other genera and 

 species, it is not probable that we shall be able to J 

 settle the matter finally. Was Eritrichium nanum 

 derived from a species of Myosotis? Did Anemone 

 alpina originate from Anemone Pulsatilla^ or perhaps \\ 

 A, vernalis? These are questions to which at present 

 there is no answer ; and until we can decide such 

 matters, we shall not see clearly on the subject of 

 the origin of the Alpine flora of Switzerland, 



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