VEGETABLE PRODUCTIONS OF NORWAY. 253 



this is the more remarkable when it is borne in mind 

 that in Xorway agriculture can be carried on success- 

 fully under the same parallel of latitude as that under 

 which the ice-bound and desolate regions of Victoria- 

 land, Disco Island, and Boothia Felix are situated. 



Enough has been said to show that, to the botanist, 

 Norway presents charms and attractions which are not 

 to be met with in any other country ; and affords 

 an additional proof, if one were wanting, of that beau- 

 tiful compensating principle which, to a greater or less 

 degree, is observable in all the works of the Almighty 

 Creator. 



Before dismissing the climatic peculiarities of the 

 Scandinavian Peninsula, the opinion (which very gene- 

 rally obtains in Norway) that the climate gradually 

 assumes a severer character shall be briefly touched on. 

 In support of this opinion different facts have been 

 observed, which at first sight appear to have some weight. 

 Thus, it is asserted that the glaciers gradually descend 

 into the valleys ; and legends are not wanting which 

 speak of large extents of tillable land being completely 

 buried beneath the ice. It is, moreover, well known 

 that above the existing limit numerous remains of 

 extinct trees have been found, which are said to have 

 been unable to endure the gradually increasing severity 

 of the climate. But the above theory will scarcely 

 sustain a critical examination. 



