ON THE PLANT REMAINS IN THE SCOTTISH PEAT MOSSES. 41 



and west, and that last year it was possible to examine only a comparatively small area, 

 so that arctic vegetation may be present in other parts of the district. The sections are, 

 however, of interest, as they confirm the widespread character of the upper forest beds, 

 and also give evidence that this district is on the confines of the western boundary of 

 the upper forest. 



2. Upland Deposits in the Highlands. 



(a) The Forfarshire Grampians (one-inch Ordnance Survey — sheet 65). — This area 

 shows a great extent of peat, covering both the summit plateaux and sides of the 

 mountains. 



The most characteristic plant occurring at present on the peat areas is Scirpus 

 ceespitosus, and the general character of the vegetation is somewhat similar to that 

 in Skye. Mixed with Scirpus csespitosus are Calluna in small stunted patches, 

 Eriophorum vaginatum (scanty), Sphagnum, Cladonia rangiferina (abundant), and in 

 the drier places Juncus squarrosus. Many of the flat summit plateaux have probably 

 been the site of lochs which are now filled with peat. The vegetation in such positions 

 is somewhat different, the chief plants being Rhacomitrium lanuginosum, forming large 

 beehive-shaped mounds, Sphagnum, Eriophorum vaginatum, E. latifolium, Scirpus 

 csespitosus, occasional stunted plants of Erica Tetralix, Calluna vulgaris, and much 

 Drosera intermedia, with a few plants of Pinguicula vulgaris. 



The whole area is under deer forest. Sections were made on the summit plateaux 

 round the head of Glen Lee, Glen Mark, and Unach Water, the altitude varying from 

 2000 feet to 2700 feet. 



Three types of mosses were found in different areas in this district, and sections are 

 given to illustrate each type. 



I. In the corrie between Drumhilt and Hunt Hill at 2000 feet: — 



Characteristic Plants. Accompanying Plants. 



1. Scirpus csespitosus. 



2. Pinus sylvestris. 



3. Car ex sps., Salix Arbuscula. 



4. Betula alba. 



5. Mossy peat, with traces of Betula alba. 



1. Eriophorum vaginatum. 

 Sphagnum. 



2. Calluna vulgaris. 



3. Betula nana. 

 Mosses. 



4. Calluna vulgaris. 



5. Viola palustris. 



Sand and gravel. 

 II. On the moors round Unach Water at 2500 feet :- 



Characteristic Plants. Accompanying Plants. 



1. Scirpus csespitosus (abundant). 



2. 



3. 



1. Eriophorum vaginatum. 



2. Calluna vulgaris. 



3. Structureless peat. 



4. Betula alba. 



Sand and gneissose rock. 

 TRANS. ROY. SOC. EDIN., VOL. XL VI. PART I. (NO. 2). 6 



4. Calluna vulgaris. 



