380 No7'way and the Norwegians 



cultivated in the botanical garden in dry ground, and 

 are not more watered than the others, but thrive never- 

 theless remarkably well ; for instance, Veronica Becca- 

 hunga (Brooklime), Anagallis scutellata (Shielded 

 Pimpernel), Carex chordorliiza (a sedge), UjnjKictis 

 'paJustris (Marsh Helleborine), Naumhurgia tliyrsiflora 

 (Tufted Loosestrife), etc. The explanation of this lies 

 in the fact that the gardener who removes the weeds 

 takes on himself the functions of the snow water, salt 

 and swampiness, the keeping off the competitors for 

 a place in the soil. When, therefore, the climate 

 changes, for instance from dry to wet, all the species 

 which like moisture will be able to extend themselves 

 at the expense of the others ; because many places 

 which before were dry, will, in the humid climate, 

 become moist. Even if the climate does not absolutely 

 prevent any species from growing on a given sub- 

 stratum, it may yet happen that the climate favours 

 certain rivals to such an extent as to enable the latter 

 to appropriate the soil.' 



Paet II. 



Localities in wMch the varimis groiips are found. 



From the foregoing it will be seen that there is uu 

 hard and fast rule as to the distribution of plants in 

 Norway with regard to latitude, or elevation above the 

 sea-level, but that the greatest variety of the alpine 

 plants is found in rubbles and shale rocks, which are 

 best sheltered from the sea-winds, and in places more 

 or less inaccessible to the other species of flora. 



We will turn our attention first to this mountain 



