FEEXS AJfD 3IOSS.KS. 27 
are peaked in a very singular manner, and form projecting 
angles on the vast perpendicular masses of picturesque rocks 
that extend on either side the glen. According to the depth 
of mould, produced hy the decay of lichens and mosses, are 
the fissures and ledges of the rocks varied with dwarf oaks, 
arbutus, and flowering shrubs. 
Thus are we indebted to the gradual progress of vegetation 
in which mosses bear such a distinguishing part, for some im- 
posing and many graceful varieties in scenery. Bare and 
rugged rocks may, in some situations, produce a grand, but 
never a beautiful effect ; tinged with such concentric circles, 
nebula?, and seeming pencilling of all hues and forms as 
lichens present, their sterile aspect disappears, mosses and 
ferns take root, and become objects of great interest to 
painters and botanists. To these succeed, or else mingle 
with them, flowers and small bushes the dog-rose or honey- 
suckle, the daphne laurel, the dwarf cornel and mezereum. 
At this point, the rock acquires a considerable degree of 
beauty ; but when clothed with forest trees, it becomes 
especially if reflected by a sheet of water one of the sub- 
limest objects connected with natural scenery. 
To such of our friends as live in the 'neighbourhood 
of those deep cuttings through rocks, which are made 
for the laying down of railroads, we recommend attention 
to this gradual advance of vegetation. It may not be that 
lichens and mosses first root themselves among the ruptured 
portions, because the rock being suddenly thrown open to 
the action of the elements, and affected by the escape of 
different gases, partially decomposes in many parts, and is 
consequently prepared for the reception of floating seeds. 
Progressive vegetation is, however, soon apparent, and be- 
comes a subject of no ordinary interest. 
The same effect may also be often traced on a common 
wall, and is equally deserving of notice. A green incrusta- 
tion is first seen, composed of the earliest germination of 
some minute moss ; when this decays, a very thin stratum 
