52 Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 



The figures, especially as regards habitat, are of course merely 

 approximate, as exact data in such matters are not possible ; never- 

 theless, the table brings out in a very stiiking manner the widely 

 divergent characteristics of the various Types of Distribution, and fits 

 in ■well with the maps previously given, showing the distribution of 

 plants according to soil and elevation, and also according to type in 

 Great Britain. 



^Notice has already been taken of the fact that certain plants of 

 wide distribution in Ireland are nevertheless characterized by an 

 absence from definite areas. This interesting point must now engage 

 our attention for a few minutes. One of the most marked ranges of 

 this kind is illustrated in fig. 52 {JOrosera anglica), which shows an 

 absence from those south-eastern counties where the Lagenian flora 

 reaches its maximum. The following species show a similar absence 

 from or rarity in the south-east : — 



Nymphsea alba. Myrica Gale. 



Eubus saxatilis. Scirpus pauciflorus. 



Myriophyllum alterniflorum. Ehynchospora alba. 

 Pinguicula vulgaris. 



— while in the case of Parnassia palustris and Selaginella selaginoides, 

 the centre of the "absent" ai'ea lies further south ; most of these are 

 universal over the rest of Ireland, while in Great Britain they are as a 

 group "British" with a "Scottish" tendency. It will be noticed that 

 in the main they are plants of lowland boggy places, and such ground 

 reaches its minimum in these divisions ; nevertheless some further 

 reason appears necessary to explain their absence. They might be 

 classed as Anti-Lagenian rather than as Pan-Connacian, since they 

 do not exhibit any marked increase westward. 



Fig. S2.—Drosera anglica. Fig. ^i.—CEnanthe Phellandrium. 



