Woods of North-East Kent . 867 
partly made up of those formerly present during the shade condition, but 
in addition to these many others appear. 
The plants previously mentioned as flowering early in the spring are 
not greatly affected by the changed conditions. The short interval of 
increased illumination elapsing since felling has not been of sufficient 
duration to allow for the increase of those species, such as Primula 
acaidis , which benefit by the brighter light. The leaves and stems of 
Endymion nutans show a considerable decrease in size in consequence of the 
increased illumination ; the greater dryness of the soil probably adversely 
affects this species. 
On the other hand, the dwarf shade flora spreads rapidly, and at 
the same time the individual plants increase greatly in size. These plants 
form a considerable proportion of the vegetation found in the succeeding 
years, and are often of striking appearance. This is particularly the case 
with Veronica Chamaedrys and Fragaria vesca , both of which flower freely. 
Rubus fruticosus usually flowers sparingly in the first year after felling, but 
never becomes abundant on the shallow Chalk soils. 
In addition to the above a large number of plants appear as seedlings, 
chiefly in the late summer. A considerable number of these are species 
commonly found in the open spaces of the woods, but many are not wood¬ 
land plants in the ordinary sense, being normally found in fields, hedgerows, 
and on cultivated land. The great majority of these are biennials or 
perennials, which generally pass the first season in the vegetative condition 
and flower for the first time during the second summer. 
The following annual plants are also found, and these flower in the 
first season:— 
Arenaria trinervia , L. 
Linum catharticum , L. 
Alchemilla arvensis , L. 
Torilis Anthriscus, Gaert. 
Of the above Linum catharticum is the only species which occurs 
frequently. Alchemilla arvensis is generally distributed, and the remainder 
are occasionally found. 
The annuals form only a small proportion of the vegetation, and at 
the same time the plants are mostly small. Consequently, the general 
effect is given by the biennials and perennials. During the first season, 
therefore, the flora is characterized by great vegetative development and 
a general absence of flowers. 
During the second season the reverse is the case. In the early spring 
Mercurialis perennis is abundant, spreading in large clumps over the whole 
Chalk area and on the deeper soils forming a complementary association 
with Endymion nutans. The latter species is, however, not abundant; it is 
Eryihraea Ccntaurium , Pers. 
Odontites rubra , Gilib. 
Gale op sis Tetrahit , L. 
