Remarks ou the most Important Plant-Societies of the Island. 



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not so distinctly verticillate. The top gradually grows into a long, thin switch, frequently with the short 

 branches gathered as a standard on the usual lee-side. Most commonly the top is broken already when 

 young (by wind or snow?), and the tree does not later on grow so much in the height. On the conti'ary 



Fis- 139. One of the larger Cedars at Irka Steratsa. 



the lower branches commence to grow vigoi'ously, and may often become even as long as the ti'unk itself; 

 where the trees are situated on steep slants or stand closely together, the branches only of the outward 

 side can develop freely. From the horizontally outspread side-branches short erect shoots grow forth, 

 which bear numerous needles, arranged in a spiral manner. The branches only wear fresh needles, when they 

 are not overshaded by higher-situated branches, by other trees or the like, and where the rays of the sun 

 have free access. As in Norway, in places frequented by sheep and goats, we may find low spruces of 



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