THE RIVER DEE. 
^45 
cur in lower situations, are found in oozy ground. In dry 
places, Hypericum pulchrum, Hypochceris radicata^ Cistus 
Helianthemumy Thymus Serpyllum, Cnicus lanceolatus^ 
AchillcBa Millefolium, Genista anglica, are observed, to- 
gether with many of the plants common on the lower 
heaths, for here the aspect of the vegetation is no longer 
alpine. 
In those valleys, there appears to have been much wood 
at a former period, consisting principally of Pinus sylves- 
tris. At present there is scarcely any, and the little that 
is grows along the streams. It consists of Populus tremida, 
Betula alba, Pyrus aucuparia, these being the trees that in 
Scotland approach nearest the alpine region. Betula nana 
grows here and there, on the sides of the hills, but is not 
common. 
Leaving the majestic solitudes of the central Grampians, 
where grandeur and sterility preside, and where few traces 
of animation are discovered, we enter the valley of the Dee, 
which, extending from Dubrach to Invercauld, presents a 
beautiful specimen of Highland scenery. Here we find the 
plants principally consisting of those which form the great 
mass of vegetation common to all parts of Scotland. Of 
these it is sufficient to mention only a few. 
About the Linn, and along the sides of the hills, An- 
thoxanthum odoratum and Juncus hivfonius are viviparous. 
The meadows are in some places covered with the beauti- 
ful Cnicus heteropliyllus. Saxijraga aizoides is very abun- 
dant, growing by the streams along with Oocyria reniforinis, 
Alchemilla alpina, and Galium horeale. Ligusticum Meum 
and Ruhus sajcatilis commence about Castletown, and con- 
tinue much farther down, as does the Cnicus heteropliyllus, 
and many of the other subalpine plants, for the vicinity of 
the mountains renders the whole country similar in this 
respect as far as Ballater. Of the other plants common 
VOL. vr. M ni 
