Shuffrey: The Botanical Features of Littondale. 355 
octopetala is well known as growing on the Clouders. This was 
recorded as far back as 1782 (Curtis). I am sorry to say that 
it is not as plentiful as it was, owing, I am afraid, to the 
number of people who gather it and sometimes try, but of 
course unsuccessfully, to make it grow at a low elevation. It 
is said to be one of the few survivors of the Arctic flora in those 
regions and prefers a northern aspect. Rubus Chamcemorus 
grows on the moors. The berries of this are sometimes 
gathered by careful housewives and made into a_ preserve, 
which is not unpleasant to the taste. The Actea spicata 
flourishes only in one area. Iam glad to say that the Daphne 
mezereum has been found in bloom this year by Mr. Booth. 
I saw one in Hesleden Gill years ago. I had twelve in my 
garden, but strange to say, during this year they have all, 
with the exception of a seedling, died out. The root seemed 
to dwindle away, and then the stems lost their vigour and 
became rotten. I have found Sedum anglicum near the river, 
it is probably an escape. Plantago maritima is plentiful on 
the road side between here and Kilnsey. Another feature is 
the wonderful growth and variety of the Geranium family, and 
the way in which several varieties seem to have their fixed 
abode, and will go no further. The prevailing type is Geranzum 
sanguintum from Hawkswick.to Arncliffe. One pasture near 
Hawkswick is full of it, and the crimson and russet colours of 
the decaying leaves and branches in the Autumn are quite a 
pretty picture. Past Arncliffe the G. sangutneum ceases, and 
makes way for G. pratense, which, in its turn, finds its extreme 
limit near to Heather Gill; and about a quarter of a mile south 
of this village G. sy/vaticum is as luxuriant as G. sanguinum is 
at the bottom of the valley. All these specimens flourish in my 
garden. Geranium phwum is known to exist in a wild state in 
one locality in the Dale. 
Another feature in our plant life is that of the ma’ ‘nent 
and the disappearance of plants. Some plants seem to partake 
of the restlessness of the age, and desire a change of residence. 
I have noticed since I have been here that the /nwla Pulicaria 
has shifted its quarters, travelling about a mile in twenty-five 
years. The Zragopogon pratensis has followed ‘suit. It occurs 
only sparingly in one or two localities ; each year it seems to 
change its place. It is making up the valley now. This may 
be accounted for from the fact that the hairs of the pappus are 
long and very feathery, and like the Zeonfodon, are carried 
along easily by the wind. But then the prevailing wind is 
907 October 1. 
