



‘= 
Parr II. Secr. iii. § 3.] PEAT-MOSSES. ; 459 
Sometimes the roots are imbedded in soil underlying the moss, 
showing that the moss has formed since the growth of the trees. 
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Fig. 171.—View or ScorrisH PEAT-moss OPENED FoR Diccine FUEL. 
In other cases the roots and trunks occur in the heart of the peat, 
proving that the trees grew upon the mossy surface, and were finally, 
on their decay, enclosed in growing peat (Fig. 172). A succession of 
trees has been observed among the Danish peat-mosses, the Scotch fir 
(Pinus sylvestris) and white birch (Betula alba) being characteristic of 
the lower layers ; higher portions of the peat being marked by remains 
























































































































































































Fig. 172.—ScENE IN A SUTHERLANDSHIRE PEAT-MOSS. 
of the oak, while at the top comes the common beech. Remains of 
trees are abundant in the bogs of Scotland and Ireland. 
