Plate VI.
FLOWERS OF DOWN, HEATH AND MOOR.
- 1. Musk Thistle.
- 2. Clustered Bell-flower.
- 3. Spiny Rest Harrow.
- 4. Hairy Hawkbit.
- 5. Sheep's-bit.
- 6. Spotted Orchis.
- 7. Heath Rush.
[XVI]
ON HEATH, DOWN AND MOOR
On the exposed and more or less bleak heath, down and moor we do not meet with many species of spring flowers, and for this reason we have included both spring and summer blossoms in the same chapter.
It must not be supposed, however, from the above statement, that we regard these exposed situations as devoid of interest, or even lacking in flowers, for the small number of species flowering early in the season is often compensated for by the profusion in which their blossoms are produced.
The golden blaze of the Furze or Gorse, aided more or less by the similar flowers of its little relative—the Petty Whin, is alone sufficient to add a charm to the scene, while the large yellow blossoms of the Broom often take the place of, or add to, the glorious display, which is frequently varied by the globular flowers of the Whortle, and the catkins and early leaves of the Dwarf Willow. Occasionally the scene is still further varied by the evergreen, needle-like foliage of the Juniper, intermixed with the little axillary catkins; while among the surrounding grass we see the pretty flowers of the little Eyebright; the brown flowers and hairy leaves of the Field Woodrush, often growing as thickly as the grass itself; and the short, stiff leaves and sessile spikelets of the Spring Sedge.