THE POLAR. ZONE. 13 



of its nearest relations have been found in blossom on the 

 Austrian Alps, at the height of 9500 feet, no more than an 

 inch high. 



Potentillas too are amongst the characteristic flowers of 

 this zone; and the Mountain Averis (Dryas octopetala), 

 with its large white flowers and feathery styles. There are 

 the flowers too which some people call Bachelor's Button 

 (Lychnis dioica), and Bagged Eobin (L. Flos-cwculi), be- 

 longing to the tribe of Silenea. The order of plants called 

 Figworts (Scrophulariacea) is represented in the Polar zone 

 by a flower (some pretty species of which we have) called 

 Lousewort (Pedicularis) . There are species of the whole- 

 some Cruciferous family too, such as Danish Scurvy-grass 

 (Cocklearia Danica), not unlike Shepherd's Purse (Capsella 

 Bursa-pastoris) in its general character; a plant, too, re- 

 lated to our Ladies' Smock (Cardamine pratensis) called 

 Cardamine bellidifolia ; and Alpine Whitlow-Grass (Drala 

 aizoides), of the same tribe. Those who have seen the 

 flowers of this region with their own eyes seem to consider 

 the Poppy (Palaver nudicaule) as the queen of them all. 



But the prettiest things of all to judge by very perfect 

 dried specimens are the little Willows (Salix jpolaris and 

 S. lierlacea) ; they are exactly like Willow trees in minia- 



