88 



Woodhead : Notes on the Bluebell. 



branches of small trees, between which we find bulbs of the 

 bluebell tightly packed. To this extent these plants are in 

 competition, all striv^ing- to occupy the same layer, though the 

 bluebell often manages to penetrate deeply in spite of the stiffness 

 of the soil. Another factor is the overshadowing of the trees, 

 for here we have a shade area consisting of beech, elm, sycamore, 

 and low growing elders. These eventually form, together with 

 the soil conditions as noticed above, a barrier to the bluebell. 



To the north and west is an oak area, but here the bluebell 

 is absent. This seems to indicate that the sandy nature of the 

 soil constitutes a barrier to the plant. This view is strengthened 

 by comparison with the millstone grit oak woods in the district, 

 for in these areas where the soil is shallow and sandy the blue- 

 bell is either very sparingly distributed or entirely absent. 



Fig 12. Section of soil where bluebell thins out, bulbs nearer surface. 



In w^oods, however, where soil conditions are favourable, we 

 find if one or two well-grown beeches occur together, or if this 

 species is dominant, the bluebell thins out, flowers badly, and 

 generally presents a most unhappy appearance. Still it can 

 withstand a considerable amount of shade, and thrives well 

 under a mixture of sycamore, elm, and beech. The photograph 

 (Plate v., Fig. 8) was taken for me by Mr. J. Bruce in such an 

 area in Woodsome Woods, where in the spring many acres are 

 covered by unbroken sheets of blue. 



In the course of this work I have received much help from 

 Miss H. M. Sikes in the collection and examination of bulbs, 

 and in the preparation of wood maps ; from Miss Bertha Lomax 

 in the preparation of sections, and she and Mr. J. Kyle have 

 rendered valuable assistance w^ith the illustrations. 



I also wish to record my indebtedness to the Earl of Dart- 

 mouth for kindly granting permission to work in his woods. 



Naturalist, 



