considerably under differing conditions of life (see Kyrrımas. 
Lance and Warmine). According to Haczox» the largest leaves occur 
on basal shoots and on those which have remained for several 
years in a vegetative condition. 
The buds are protected by scale-leaves, and the limit of 
each year’s growth is distinctly marked (Fig. 1). A branch 
generally requires two or more years to attain the maturity 
required for flowering. According to Haciunp the plant flowers 
periodically every other year; I have found from two to four 
years to intervene between the flowering periods. 
The plant flowers in 
spring. The inflorescence is 
a terminal, many-flowered 
umbelliform raceme. The 
flowers are formed during 
the summer previous to that 
in which they open, and are 
enclosed in a terminal bud 
which is protected by scale- 
leaves, and is somewhat 
larger and more globular 
Fig. 1. Ledum palustre var. decumbens 
Disko; June 8, 1907 (slightly magn.). 
(Fig. 1 A and Dj. Foliage- 4, A floral terminal bud. 2, Portion of a branch 
i with limits of two year's growths. C, A leaf, dorsal 
leaves do not occur on this view. D, A branch like 4, but with vegetative 
terminal bud. (E. W., 1907.) 
than are the vegetative buds 
flowering year's-growth. 
After setting fruit the whole of the floral year’s-shoot dies. 
Immediately below it there is developed during the summer 
either a single branch or several (as many as five), rather closely 
placed, and often arranged almost in a (spurious) whorl. The 
rest of the main shoot remains branchless. 
The flowers emit a powerful perfume which evidently 
increases towards night. The question arises whether the strong 
scent of the whole plant may not be in this as in other cases 
a guide to insects. 
