THE SWALE 205 
Study 43. Observations on the Plant Life of a Swale 
Some small open area of wet ground, well grown up in wild 
meadow, undrained, and not pastured, should be selected 
for this study. An outline map should be provided, unless 
the form be simple. Digging tools will be needed, and also 
facilities for washing roots. 
The program of work may consist of: 
z. A general survey of the swale as to: 
(a) The mixing of dry-ground and wet-ground forms at 
its margin. 
(b) The areas into which it is naturally marked out by 
the uniformity of the plant growth covering them 
(“plant associations”’). 
(c) The relation between topography, soils and water and 
these plant associations. 
2. An examination of the plants in several associations 
as to the relations they bear to one another both above and 
below ground. Some should be cut so that the leafage may 
be viewed from the side as well as from above; and some 
should be dug up, so that the depth and distribution of the 
roots may be noted. 
The record of this study may consist of: 
z. Amap of the swale, with topographic features and the 
principal plant associations (including bordering shrubbery) 
marked out upon it. Explanations to the map should name 
at least the dominant species present in each association. 
2. Diagrams, illustrating vertical sections of the swale 
herbage, showing the relations of the principal components 
of several associations, both above and below ground. These 
should show how the branches of each species are placed to 
reach the light, and how the roots are distributed in the soil. 
[NotE: The above program is laid out in the belief that the study 
of the swale will be most instructive if we seek to learn how the various 
members of nature’s dense wet-ground population get on together; 
but if an acquaintance with the entire plant population be desired, the 
record may take the form of an annotated and illustrated list of species. 
