Vegetationsbilder

Abstract

THE eighth series has progressed rapidly, as six parts have been published within the year. For the first time the British Islands is represented, namely, in the double part dealing with the flora of Ireland, arranged by Prof. Johnson. It would be difficult to improve on the subjects chosen, which include Arbutus unedo, one of the original forest trees, Erica mackaii, Erica mediterranea, Daboecia polifolia, Euphorbia hibernica, Eriocaulon articulatum, and Eryngium maritimum. All the photographs are excellent, and the number takes rank among the best. European countries are also represented in the pictures of the plant associations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, contributed by Prof. L. Adamovič, and those illustrating the Swabian Alps, provided by Mr. O. Feucht. Naturally, the magnificent Spruce, Picea omorika, endemic to Bosnia, is selected by Prof. Adamovič for illustration, and another subject is Pinus leucodermis; other photographs portray associations on the chalk, serpentine, and screes. The slopes and cliffs of the. Swabian Jura are rich in calcicolous plants, of which Saxifraga aizoon and Saxifraga decipiens are two of the most prominent; the illustrations of Laserpitium Siler and of Juniper trees about eight feet high also attract attention. The part devoted to the Kalahari desert contains photographs of the well-known trees Copaifera mopane, Copaifera coleosperma, Kigelia pinnata, and Acacia haematoxylon, in their natural habitats; a remarkable large shrub, Sesothamnus Seineri, discovered by the author, presents striking xerophytic characters. Dr. C. Skottsberg illustrates a number of endemic plants. Boehmeria excelsa, a tree growing to a height of eighteen feet, Juania australis, a pinnate-leaved palm, Gunnera palmata, and a strong root-climbing fern, Arthropteris altescendens, are confined to the island of Masatierra; scenes from the island of Masafuera show forest of Myrceugenia Schnitzei and the tree fern, Dicksonia berteroana.