Page:A Short Account of the Botany of Poole.djvu/10

10 From the above remarks it is evident that the variety of soil is very great for so limited a space. A rich Flora is the natural result.

I have already transgressed my intended limits, but I must yet make a few observations in reference to the effects of climate on the vegetation of this district. Poole, being low, nearly surrounded by water, and encompassed by hills beyond, is remarkably warm; the soil, in general, declines to the south, and from its sandy nature, except in particular spots, becomes very dry in the summer: this circumstance is increased by the great deficiency of partial summer rains, they being attracted by the high chalk range, which so nearly surrounds us. From these causes, vegetation is pretty much suspended during the hot weather, except in the bogs and meadows.

When, however, in the autumn, the rain becomes more general, the warm situation and aspect of the soil have a far different effect. After the suspension of vegetation, when heat and moisture are again enabled to exert their united influence, the herbaceous plants shoot forth and blossom almost as in spring. The heaths also have a second flowering far more luxuriant than the first, there being often spikes of Calluna vulgaris, Salisb., from six to nine inches in length. At this season, too, even the most barren of the heath lands show their beauty, and the surface which had appeared sterile and unattractive, through the period of the year generally deemed the most lovely, now suddenly assumes the most vivid colours:—the bright orange yellow of the dwarf furze, the rich purple of the heath, and the vivid green of the broad blades of Melica cærulea, Lin., existing in varied proportions, give to the surface a splendour of colouring scarcely to be conceived of by those who hare not witnessed it. The large furze, Ulex europæus, Lin., has generally a