I02 DK. J. W. HESLOP HARBISON ON 



The Upper Alarsh. 



Here, as we stated above, we are dealing with what is 

 primarily a genuine fen association, the constituents of which 

 vary with kaleidoscopic rapidity, so that one almost overlooks 

 the fact that the unobtrusive Junci are to be regarded as 

 dominant; indeed, locally, this is not the case, for rarely 

 various dicotyledons play that role as also does Molinea 

 caerulea at slightly drier points. 



To the landward side, a fringing band oi Phragmitis appears 

 as a pathetic reminder that here the seeds of that plant, driven 

 before the south easterly winds, find their last chance of 

 germination in suitable soil for many miles. Ignoring this 

 (here) purely adventitious element, we find that owing to the 

 damp clayey tendencies of the soil, a much opener class of 

 vegetation flourishes, and we have a copious ground Flora of 

 mosses of the genus Hypntim of which H. aispidatum is the 

 chief. Occasionally masses of other mosses, such as Fissidens 

 adiantoides and F. hryoides coat the bare soil, growing 

 amongst which we find, amongst other plants, Hypericum 

 tetrapterujii which is here unaccountably rare, Throughout 

 this section. Iris pseudacorus and Spiraea Ulniaria are very 

 common. 



Succeeding this area, the vegetation becomes more varied, 

 and Trollius europaetis abounds locally, as well as Orchis 

 macnlata of all shades and forms. There, too, Parnassius 

 palustris luxuriates in company with Angelica, Spiraea, Crepis 

 paludosa and Poteri^nn officinale, yielding at one point to 

 Thai let rum flavtnn. Then the fringing Phragmitis vanishes, 

 and instead, Eupatorium cannabinum holds sway. 



Gradually the Trollius beds diminish as drier conditions 

 supervene; Gyninadenia conopsea begins to be common, and 

 societies of Pulicaria prevail, interspersed with occasional 

 Listera ovata and Orchis incarnata. 



Just before the lode is reached, a dampish depression 

 supporting a Caricetuin dominated by C. Goodenowii a.\>^G3iXS 

 in which a common plant is Helleborine palustris. The com- 

 position of tiiis Caricetum will be given separately below. 



