ecological notes; chiefly cryptogamic
TRANSCRIPT
IR. W. WEST : F.COLOQIOAL NOTES. 57
Ecological Notes ; chiefly Cryptogamic. By the late WILLIAM WEST, F.L.S.
[Read 18th June, 1914.1
AT a meeting of the Botanical Section of the British Association a t Cambridge in 1904, after the reading of several ecological papers, Professor A. Engler commented on the paucity or almost total absence of any ecological work with regard to cryptogams, and to my mind his remarks were justified, as whatover observations had already been made, little had been published, and that by few workers. Since then very little ecological work has been published on the cellular plants of the British Isles compared with that concerning the vascular ones, if we except a few recent papers.
When one sets out with open eyes in a good district far away from the inflnence of the smoke of towns or cities, one is at once struck by the wealth of the cryptogamic flora, especially if the place is in the montane zone, and far more so if in the alpine. The richness is inoreover intensified if the sea is near, and more so still on the Western coast, on account of the Atlantic influence and the abundant rainfall. Supposing one enters a montane wood in spring, one finds the rocks and stones covered with cellular c ryptopns , the tree-trunks are also often partially or almost entirely covered, and usually where parts of them at first seem bare, these portions generally reveal on closer inspection a more or less complete covering of crustaceous lichens. Even the soil between the abutting rocks often shows a greater wealth of cellular than of vascular plants. If one turns out of the wood and examines a hilly pasture, its most conspicuous feature is often its richness in mosses, but when examined a t a later period when the vascular plants are a t their best, the mosses are usually overlooked. I f one then examines the walls, a mass of cellular cryptogams is again met with as the most conspicuous feature.
The best time for noting the cellular cryptogamic undergrowth in woods and that on the branches .of the trees is in spring before the buds unfold. By examining the branches blown off the trees during storms, and also those of felled trees, the associations on the upper branches can be readily ascer- tained. Much of it escapes one’s vision if the examination takes place in summer or autumn, when the leaves are on the trees and the herbaceous vascular plants are in full vigour.
The following associations are selected from a large number I have noted during the last three or four decades.
A glance at the corticole associations of trees will serve as a beginning but inany more observations will be required before these associations can
JJNX. JOURN.-BOTANY, V@L. XLIII. F
58 MR. W. WEST : ECOLOOIOAL NOTES.
approach anything like exhaustion. A large number of trees have been examined in various parts of the British Isles, away from the pernicious iiifluence of smoke. The results will be seen to be varied, the variation being due to different kinds of exposure, the different age of the trees, their aggregation or complete or partial isolation, the amount of rainfall, the proximity of mountains or sea, as well as other factors. Stereodon cupressi- formis var. j l i formis is generally the most prevalent corticolous moss, yet in some districts with a heavy rainfall, as parts of Kerry, ArgyI1, Cumberland, &c., Iuothecium myosuroides becomes the most abundant epiphyte, and i t is often quite dominant on the lower part af the trunks, when it hardly or does not at all extend above. When the trees are a b j e c t to a drive of wind from the mountains with much rain, as at Cape1 Carig, Lecanora tartarea is some- times a dominant epiphyte, with Piutystna glaucum often as a subdominant. As a general rule Parmelia saxatilis is the most lrbundnnt epiphytic lichen.
The following rough percentage records will illustrate the point further, and especially as showing much variability, so much so at times, without very apparent cause, that one wonden, whether the prevalence of one or another kind is not sometimes due to the earlier time of the arrival of the successful epiphyte on the unoccupied places.
CORTICULOUS ASSOCIATION^ (chiefly).
OBSERVATIONS IN SCOTLAND. Inberary. Average rainfall, 83 inches ; average of total days of
rain, 225.
The approximate percebtage of sub-bareness on 15 Beeches (see p. 59) was 16, the average percentage of epiphytes 84, made up thus :-Stereodon cupressiformis (35), Frullania dilatakic (Z), Parnielia saxatiiis (4), Per- tusaria spp. (64) , Ricasolia amplissima (2&), R. lmtevirens (a), Loharia monaria (€9, crustaceous lichens (Sg).
Stereodon resupinatus, Graphis scripta, Evernia Prunastri, Ramalina farimcea, R . fastigiata, Stictina fdiginow, and a few other lichens occurred on these beeches in small quantity. Polypodium vulgare was also a frequent epiphyte. Sometimes Nnium hornum crept up the trunks for a short distance from the ground. The lichens were mostly on tha exposed sides, the bryophytes on the less exposed ones.
The term sub-bireness always includes vrrinble qunntities of small scattered patches of crushceous lichens such ne Lecanora atibfuacu) Lecideu pararema, Graphia spp., Brc.
15 lo
ts of
old
Beec
lhes
fro
in 1
80 to
abo
ve 2
00 c
eiiti
inet
res
in d
iam
eter
, with
rat
her
diff
eren
t de
gree
s of
exp
osur
e (s
ee p
. 58
).
6.
---
10
cms.
on
lie si
de of
ba
se.
12
......
rp to
125
....
....
....
..
....
....
..
....
....
....
4 3
hrth
er
in th
e w
ood.
8
. 7.
70
For 6
6 cr
ns. a
t ba
se.
6 A
littl
e.
A li
ttle.
....
..
14.
Onl
y nb
oui
65 c
ms.
in
diam
eter
. 15.
---
40
on Chi
eily
sh
adii
side
. 16
Ster
eodo
n eu
pres
siyo
rmis
, va
r.
Jilif
orm
is ..
........
........
......
Isot
heci
uai n
iyos
uroi
des
......
Il
'eck
era p
euna
ta
......
......
......
...
Nec
kera
com
plan
ata
....
....
....
....
..
Can
ipto
thec
iuni
seri
ceum
F
rulla
nia
dila
tata
......
......
......
...
Fru
llaiii
a Ta
ntar
isci
....
....
....
....
..
25
Mos
tly
at b
ase.
10
....
....
....
Loba
ria
pulm
onar
ia .
......
......
.....
Pavi
iielia
sax
atil
is
......
......
Ric
asol
ia lr
eteu
iren
s ...
......
......
...
2 ....
.. 6 6 ......
6 3 6 6
......
. R
icas
olia
ani
pplis
siin
a.,
with
D
endr
isco
caul
on b
olac
inum
Pe
rtus
aria
coi
nmun
is, P
. fa-
qi
nea,
and
P.ni
ultip
unct
a ...
P
irtu
sari
a gl
obul
ifna
, P
. W
ulfe
ni, a
nd P.
vela
ta ..
....
Cru
stac
eous
lic
hens
su
ch
as
Leci
deap
aras
ema,
Lec
anor
a su
bfus
ca, &
c.
......
......
......
......
C
occo
carp
ia p
lum
bea
....
....
....
....
..
Parn
telia
sul
cata
...
......
......
Pa
rine
lia fu
ligi
nosa
, Tar
. &e-
Parm
elia
per
lata
....
......
.....
Pan
ndia
cet
rari
oide
s ...
......
w
rens
...
......
......
......
......
......
......
9 11
5 5 6
30
....
....
....
...
...
....
....
....
..
....
....
..
Abo
ut
10
Prac
ti-
cally
no
ne.
11 d
eepe
r sh
ade.
23.
3.
I 4. M
ore
expo
sed.
N
ame
of e
piph
yte.
N
o. 1.
a. ea
chin
l ip
to a
t ea
st 13
met
res.
75
ho
und
lase
for
3 cc
nti.
netre
s.
5 -
......
...
...
5.
-- 6
Zhie
fly
abou
t ba
se.
6 ......
......
...
...
4 8 ......
6 16
12
......
10
......
25
5 ......
......
6
Abo
ut
6
9. -
76
10
5 ...
... 6 ...
...
... ...
... ... ... ... ...
12. -
20
For
50
crns
. at
base
. 6 ......
...
...
6 16
6 6 6
10.
, 11.
--
o Chi
efly
sh
adie
r
side
. 46
On
N. &E.
ch
iefly
. 46
Mos
tly o
n th
e m
ore
shad
ed
side
. 30
I 16
cuni
naut
at
bas
e
%gs. , base.
up to
M
ostlr
at
5 ...
...
......
....
.. ....
.. ...
...
......
...
...
......
...
...
l4
5 90
6 80
......
...
...
......
......
......
...
...
......
......
......
...
...
....
..
....
.
......
....
..
Ver
y lit
tle. -
For
60 ,
Fo
r 70
M
ostly
at
bas
e.
6 6
Prac
t ica
ll,
none
.
:ms. at
ba
se.
6 ......
...
...
5 ......
8 7 ......
......
...
...
......
30
......
......
......
Abo
ut
crns
. at
base
. 10
......
5 10
15
10
15
15
5 20 -
5 .....
......
......
......
......
......
!h
iefly
or
shad
ier
side
. 20
10
6
3 ......
...
...
4 3 ......
......
8 ......
......
...
...
2 ......
...
...
Prac
ti-
cally
no
ne.
2 2 20
6 ......
...
...
A li
ttle
40
......
......
iC
hik'f
l;; o
n I th
e m
ost
' exp
osed
I
side
. 25
I
20
26
I expos
ed
side
.
Chi
efly
011
......
I
10
mos
t, ex
- 'p
osed
side
....
.. ...
...
......
......
...
...
......
25
4 ......
......
...
...
......
:I3
......
......
AF
I: I ":st
......
Y
E:
......
...
...
Abo
ut
6 .-
......
Ab
yt
0
In s
side
. Su
b-ba
rene
ss.. .
......
......
......
{I Abou
t 20
1
-
* The
nnm
bera
in
the
tabl
es r
epre
sent
the
app
roxi
mat
e pe
rcen
tage
are
as o
f th
e tr
unks
.
Q, 0
A li
ttle
at ba
se.
8 lo
ts of
old
Beec
hes
near
the
villa
gth,
fro
m 180 to
ove
r 20
0 ce
ntim
etrc
s in
din
mct
er (s
ee p
. 61)
.
......
Nam
e of
epi
phyt
e.
Ster
soda
rupr
srsi
form
is, v
ar.$
lifor
mis
.....
Pert
usar
ia g
lobu
lifcr
a ...
......
Per
twar
ia fa
gine
a ...
......
......
......
......
...
Per
twar
ia W
ulfe
ni ..
........
........
........
.....
Pert
usar
ia m
ultip
unct
a ....
........
........
....
Parm
elia
aaz
atil
ia.. ..
........
........
........
......
Parm
clia
per
lata
....
........
... ...
......
. ...
......
.. Pa
rmel
ia fu
ligi
mra
, VBT
. la
twir
au .
......
.. L
obar
iapu
laon
aria
.....
. R
icaa
olia
am
plus
ima
........
........
........
....
Ric
aaol
ia la
lsvi
rens
...
......
......
......
F
rulla
nia
dila
iata
......
di
elzg
eria
firc
ata
......
Iaot
hsn'
um m
yoru
roid
es ....
........
........
.......
No. 1.
40
20
6 ......
6 ......
......
...
...
......
....
.. ...
...
......
...
...
......
Sub-
bare
new
(with
a fe
w cr
uRta
ceou
s lic
hens
) ...I
30
a. -
80
6 3 6 3 2 ......
......
......
......
very
lit
tle
5 ba
se.
ye
v
little
.
3. -
90
10
4 8 ......
8 ......
......
......
......
....
.. ....
.. 6 ......
4. -
40
.....
......
16
......
......
10
......
......
6.
96
A li
ttle.
......
....
.. A
littl
e.
......
....
.. ....
.. ....
.. ..
..
......
A li
ttle.
Lt i&
' all
roun
d fo
r 80 c
ms.
A li
ttle
Ibov
e with
3t
srso
don.
Har
dly
any.
0. -
60
6 6 6 10 3 ......
20
......
...
...
......
7.
60
6 ......
......
....
.. 4 6 8
......
I
6 I
Abo
ut
Abo
ut
base
for
base
for
30cm
s.
BOcm
s. I
my
. ,
A li
ttle.
H
ardl
y
8.
30
3 7 6 6 6 6
A li
ttlc
at b
ase.
Abo
ut
33 - =6
3 pe
r cen
t. ab
out.
=8
per
cen
t. ab
out.
=6 p
er w
ilt. n
bout
. !
..
The
perc
enta
ge o
f thi
s in
not
rec
kone
d in
th
is ta
ble.
=16
per c
ent.
abou
t.
MR. W. WEST: ECOLOGICAL NOTES. 61
There was no Parmelia pliysodes or Platysma glaucum on any of these trees. On the more exposed trunks some specimens of Ricasolia amplissinia were measured 150 x 90 centimetres, and some of R. htevirens 120 x 90 centi- metres. On the lower part of some trunks, epiphytic on Stereodon cupressi- formis, Pertusaria globuliftra occurred measuring as much as 90 x 120 centimetres.
Small quantities of the following also occurred on these trees :-Evernia Prunustri, Ranzalina fastigiata, Collenia nigrescens, Usnea ceratina, U . hirta (sparingly), Coccocarpia plunibea, Stereodon resupinatus, with a little biniuni Iiornum about the base now and then.
The undergrowth showing in August under these avenues of Beeches was a mixed association of old Anthoxanthum odoratum, Holcus mollir, Agrostis alha, R little llanunculus repens, seedlings o f Fagus, patches of Isothecium myosicroides, I’olytrichum formosum, smaller quantities of Hylocomium loreum, and 1CInium hornum now and then.
Some other Beeches of the same age, nearer the village (see p. SO), were more sheltered than those about a mile away, they were generally not so prolific in lichens. Stereodon cupressiformis var. jiliformis was dominant on many of them, with patches of Parmelia saxatilis and Pertusaria faginea ; others bore scattered over the Stereodon, plants of Ramalinu fastigiata, R. canaliculata, R. fariliacea, Evernia Prunastri, Usnea ceratina, and U. hirta in the higher parts, and small patches of Cladonia caspiticia below. Others had quite 80 per cent. of the Stereodon with large patches of Pertusaria globulifera towards the base. Others were covered completely with Pamnelia saxatilis (35), Pertusaria globulifera (3O), Stereodon cupress9rtiiis var. filiformis (10 to 15), Evernia Prunastri, Usnea ceratina, and species of Ramalina (about 20). Others were covered up to 90 centimetres from the base with Isothecium myosuroides, and above that a few had Metzgeria furcata quite dominant over all other species. 0 thers showed Isothecium m!josuroidea as the chief epiphyte (90) ; the little islands where it did not occur were occupied chiefly by Graphis elegans. There was muoh variation in the epiphytic vegetation of these Beeches without any apparent cause. Specimens of Parmelia fuliginosa var. latevirena were measured 180 centi- metres broad. I n some places Armillaria mucidiis was in fine condition on these old Beeches.
The most abundant and almost only epiphytes on some Hollies were Graphis ehgans, its var. serpentina, and Opegrapha atra.
6 lo
ts of
Ash
es a
nd 5
lot
s of
Oak
s near Inverary
(see
p. 6
3).
I I
I
26
6
uppe
r pa
rt 36
Cre
epin
g ov
er th
e
Fru
llani
a Ta
mar
irci
.......
........
10
......
A11
on
S. R
ide.
20
0
,ing o
ver
the
mom
. 6
Par
twri
a gl
obul
ifsr
a ..
....
....
....
....
At s
ome
dist
ance
+om
othe
rs.
6.
I A
bout
i 2
6 cm
r. ii
In sh
ade.
i d
inm
eter
3.
I 4.
~-
Chie
fly ir
A
-, di
amet
er.
-
6.
I 1.
:n a
wood
a. --
Dn E. N
. ; W
. rid
er
chie
fly.
46
' No. 1.
All
roun
d UP
to
3 m
etre
s hi
gh, t
hen
on N. a
ide.
80
Onl
y ou
up
per
part.
0
--
......
a.
---
>hie
fly a
t ba
se.
16
6 6 ......
......
10
I0
......
4.
--
40
......
......
......
......
......
......
40
......
......
...
...
......
6.
3.
30
MAlii
or
S. si
de.
20
......
......
or
5. si
de.
16 3 ......
.....
......
....
.. A
little
.
The
mt.
10 e
ms.
in '
diam
eter
. I
4 th
ird
of 1
10
Abo
ut
Lb c
ms.
is
liam
eter
. A
t bas
e on
ly.
6 60
~dsi
ij
in
pper
par
t 10
......
......
......
....
.
......
......
......
3
low
er p
ar,
Chie
flv 01
12
i 36
Iaot
heci
um m
yonw
mde
s. ...
......
. S
tere
oah
eupreaaifonnis,
vnr.
$lif
orm
is
........
........
........
.. 3
3/
46
86
15
The
rest.
Fru
llani
a di
hata
ta ...
........
......
......
......
......
5
Met
zger
iafu
rcat
a ...
......
......
.. N
sake
ra e
omph
anat
a ...
......
.....
Zygo
dm v
irid
irri
mua
...
......
..
......
......
16
15
......
I
I i
......
I
...I
...
...
! I
......
6 6
The
rest
. I
Tlic
rest
. ' The
rest
. T
he re
st.
I I
rhe
rest.
' The
rest
. I
The
rest
. T
he re
st.
-MR. W. WEST : ECOWIUAL NOTER. 63
Scattered among the Ashes and Oaks (see p. 62) smaller quantities of Leptogium Burpeki, Graphis scripts, and Cladonia pyxidata occurred.
The average approximate percentages of the most frequent of the above epiphytes were :-Isothecium myosuroides, 28 on Ash, 20 on Oak, 25 on both ; Stereodon cupressiformis, 1 7 on Ash, 34 on Oak, 244 on both ; Frullania dilatata, 4 on Ash, 8 on Oak, 6 on both ; Ricasolia Icetevirens, 7 on Ash, 4 on both. The large subhorizontal branches of the larger Oaks were almost completely covered with a mixed association of Yartnelia saxaatilis, P. fidk ginosa var. lcetevirens, P. perlata, Platystiia glaucum, Usnea ceratina, Lecidea parasema, Bamalina fastigiata, Fi-ullania dilatata, Weissia ulopliylla, and a little Xeckera pumila (on the underside). The branches of the younger Oaks were more than half covered with an association of Platysnia gluucum, Usnea ceratina, iind Stereodon cupressvormis chiefly.
The undergrowth of the stony soil here consisted of scattered patches of Pteris, Blechnum, Stereodon cupressiformis, Mnium liornum, kf. undulatum, .PEagiocliila spinulosa, &c.
On some Sycamores about 60 centimetres in diameter, Neckera complanata was the chief plant bearing sporophytes. Loharia pulmonaria, Ricasolia lcetetkns, and Metzgeria furctata wore scattered in fair quantity, Ricasoliu ‘amplissinu occurred more sparingly here and there, while Isothcium myosuroides usually surrounded the base. Other Sycamores in another part hore :-Tsothecium mysosuroides (65), Stereodon cupressiformis (20), Metzgeria furcata (j), Thelotrema lepadintrm (2), and sub-bareness the rest. Another place gave :-Lobaria pulmonaria (50), Lobarina scrobiculata (101, Piullania Taniarisci (8), Metzgeria f ircata (2), Pertusaria conimunis (2), Stereodon wpressifiwmis (5), Isothecium inyosuroides about the base up to 70 centimetres, the rest sub-bareness. Some younger Sycamores about 35 to 40 centi- metres in diameter had :-Lobaria pulmonaria (lo), Metzgerin furcata well mixed with ATeckera complanata (20), Frullania dilatata (3), Pertusaria communis (2), Isothecium myosuroides, chiefly in lower part (40), the rest su b-bareness.
Stereodm cupressifbrmis, and scattered in crevices much Cladonia digitata, with a bright yellow barren Calicium (probably hyperelluni) scattered profusely ovor the bark.
Some Rowans bore Stereodon cupressijknis (70), Isothecium myosuroides f o r 30 centimetres about the base, the rest sub-bareness.
Some Hollies near had very little moRs, Stereodon cupreasifomis (3), Thelotrenia lepadinum (20), Graphis scripta (5), the rest bareness.
Some Birches, high up in the wood, often subject to driving mists and rains from mooriand, varied considerably in their epiphytes ; the following represent averages of three lots :-A. Lecanma tartarea (30!, I’amelia
Some large and rather exposed Pines had about their base ;
64 M I l . W. WEST : ECOLOGICAL NOTES.
~ .. r
4
zul P d 4
m . . . m 10 : : : c h
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . .
. . . . . . . ... . ... . u w $ 3 9
d 3 cr, .s s t
u
MR. W. WEST : ECOLOQICAL NOTES. 65
hvigata (lo), the rest was a scattered formation of the following, chiefly : Dicranum scoparium, Stereodon cupressiformis, Scapania yracilis, Usnea ceratina, Platysma glaucurn, and Cladonia jmbriata, with Hyloconiium parietinuni and f€. proliferum all about the basal part. B. Parmelia saxatilis (50), Stereodon cupressiforniis ( lo) , Usnea (about 2 or 3), the rest sub-bareness. C. Almost covered with a mixed formation, the first few named being the most abundant : Dicranuni scoparium, Stereodon cupress$omnis, Parmelia perlata, P. sa.z.atilis var. afurfuracea, Ylatystiaa glaiicum, Frullania dilatata, Usnea ceratina, and Cladonia pyxidata, with Afnium liornum creeping from the ground for about 30 centiinetres about the base.
Near St. Catherine’s, opposite lnverary (sce p. 64).
No statistics of rainfall were obtainable from here, but it is probably about the samc a9 that of Inverary.
In smaller quantity on the trees mentioned in the table werc Ilamalina fastigiata, R. farinacea, Evernia Prunastm’, Lecidea parasema, Umea ceratina, Lecanora subfusca, Pert usaria leioplaca, and Isothecium myosuroides about the base of some fo; about 40 centimetres.
The greatest luxuriance was shown on that side exposed towards Loch Fyne. The average approximate percentages of the most frequent of tho above epiphytes were :-34 of Parmelia saxatilis on all, 43 on Sycamore, 18 on Oak ; 114 of Stmeodon cupressiforme on all, 4$ of Parmelia fuliginosu var. Letevirens on all.
Some young Beeches showed considerable bareness, mosses were quite absent, the lichens present were the common species of Lecidea, Lecanora, and Verrucaria. A number of young Pines about 30 centimetres in diameter were nearly bare, except for a little Stereodon cipessijormis near the base and scattered plants of Yarnieliu sazatilis and P. plbysodes up to about 2+ metres from the base, on some the P. saxutilis was quite absent. Stumps of felled trees were mostly covered with Isotliecium myosuroides.
Some Alders had Parmelia fiiliginosa var. letevirens (about 5 ) with a few scattered patches of Weissia ulopliylla and the coinmoner crustaceous lichens.
Some Elms showed variability in their epiphytes, one lot avernged :- Stereodon cupressiforniis (30), Parmelia perlata ( l o ) , P. saxatilis ( 5 ) , Weissia ulopliylla (4), Ortliotrichuni Lyellii (4), and a little Stictina fuliginosa. Another lot showed :-Parmelia saxatilis (20), 1’. perlata ( lo) , Frullania dilatata (1 01, Stereodon cupressiformis, near the base (3), Pertusaria gloidfera (5 ) , wit,h a little Camptotheciuna sericeuni and Orthotiiclium spp.
66
Zi 3 4 u
MR. W. WEST : ECOLOGICAL NOTES.
4
MR. W. WEST: EOOLOGIOAL NOTES. 67
d -. . -. .
d
d
ti
c
a” d
68 MR. W. WEST: ECOLOGICAL NOTES.
Near Lamlash, Isle of Arran (seo p. 66) . The average approximate percentages of the most frequent of the epi-
phytes given on p. 66 were :-Stereodon cupressiformis, 19 on Sycamore, 11 on Ash, 15 on all the species of trees. Frullania dilatata, 8 on Sycamore, 13 on Ash, 94 on all.
Epiphytes in smaller quantities were scattered on the above trees, as :- Cladonia pyxidata, Graphis scripta, Ecernia Prunastri, dcrocurdia gemnaata, Ramalina farinacea,. Opegrapha atra par. denigrata, Caliciuna (barren), and Cawiptothecium sericeum.
Some other Sycamores bore only Parmelia saxatilis and P. fuliginosa var. Icrtevirens worth noting (10 to 15), the rest was sub-bare. Others bore a mixed association of Pertusaria faginea, Opegrapha vuigata, Radula com- planata, Weissia phyllantha, and Bryum capillare (abundantly).
Some Ashes about 60 centimetres in diameter, growing in shade, had about 5 t o 8 per cent. of Collema nigrescens, with a few crustaceous lichens and practically no bryophytes. Opegrapha atra var. arthonoidea occurred on Rowans.
Sets of Alders in Monainore Glen, near Lamlash (see p. 67).
Small quantities of the following also occurred on th'ese :-Usnea ceratina, Lecidea parusema, Lecanora parella, Caliciuin (imperfect), Cladonia macilmta, and Zygodon conoideus.
The average approximate percentages of the three chief epiphytes on above were :-Stereodon cupressi/ormis 29, Parnaelia saxatilis 23, P. fuligiiiosa var. lcetevirens 174.
Some other Alders in shade bore n fair amount of Claclonia macilenta, a little C. ccespiticia, together with Leprolonia lanuginosum, and large tufts of Dicranum scopa&m ; and others whoee trunk3 were much inclined had a g o d clothing of Polytrichum fornzosum and Polypodium zwlgare. Some of these old Alders often had three or four branches from one to two metres from the ground, varying from 30 to 40 centimetres in diameter.
The undergrowth (in August) in this Alder wood was a scattered association, varying much with extra wet or drier conditions. In the former places, Juncus acutifEorus was abundant with Spirea, Ulmaria, and Saliz aurita; in the latter places Pteris was abundant here and there; the other chief plants, under varying conditions, were Blechnum Spicant, Rubua sazatilis, Lastrcea Oreopteris, Athyrium Filix-jiimiria, Cardrcus paluetris, Prunella vulgaris, Mnium Itorntim, and Stereodon cupressiformis, with Pel& epiphylla and Amblystegium filicinum about the tiny rills. Among the above smaller quantities of the following occurred :-Oxalis, Ranunculus acris, R. repene, Anthoxanthum, and Potentilla erecta.
MR. W. WEST : ECOLOGICAL NOTES.
Eight lots of Ashes in varied situations, near Lamlash.
About 6 cms. in liameter.
e. ---
Mostly below.
10
... '
Same of epiphyte. Near
bank of stream. f.
Mostly on side
near stream,
26
10
on side away from
stream.
Mostly
Bta~odon eupresaiormis, var.$lafonnia
Etereodon resupinatus .................... Whtia phyllantha .......................
...
...
3
2
,.. ...
About 66
Frulhmia dilatata .......................... Baduktla complanata ... .........
Patusaria sp. (bnrren) .... Patusaria faginaa .......................... Parmsliafuli.qinora, var. b t e o i r m .. Parmalia parlata .......................... Pannelia lavigata .......................... Parmslia stllcata ..........................
Lacanora wbfuaca ............ Lecidea parasena
Euernia PWna6tri
...
...
...
...
6
4 About
30
i
10 ... I
3
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
... 3
...
...
Cladonia pyzidntn ........................... ~ ... l Abou
Sub-bnreness .................................... ~ 60 I
-
C. - IlOStlJ near base. 10
...
...
... ... , ...
I ... I 6
I
* i ::: j lo ... I 7
I .
6 1 8
6 1 3
2 IAlittlc
I
8 ,
I
... I LO
... I ...
... I ... ibout AbouI 66 I 46
a. [OStlJ in
ower part. 26
...
...
... 8
... 6
...
...
3
3 h u t
66 -
69
1 Near bank of stream.
I Chiefly iu lowei
...
3
10
10
...
...
...
,bow 76
part. 30 to 4
3
6
6
46 to 61
Average approximate percentages of the two chief epiphytes : Stereodon cupressifomnis 16, Frullania dilatata. 64j. .
Near Corrie, Isle of Arran (see p. 70) . In smaller quantity on some of the Ashes and Birches, the following
also occurred :-Stereodm resupinutua, Weissia ulopliybla, W. Bruchii, Ort hot r i c h ?n L ye1 lii, Zygod on viridissint us, Ra ma lina fan'nacea, Le&dea parasema, Plagiochila yunctata, and P . asplenioides.
The average approximate percentages of the three chief epiphytes on the above were :-Stereodon cupress$wmis, 24 on Ash, 10 on Birch, 164 average of both; Parrnelia fuficliginosa var. latevirens, 15 on Ash, 10 on Birch, lZ+ average of both ; Parnelia saxatilis, 13+ on Ash, 30 on Birch, 224 average of both.
Nea
r Co
rrie
, Iss
b .f A
rran
. N
o da
ta f
or r
iiinf
all w
ere
avnf
labl
e,bu
t it
is p
roba
bly
abou
t th
e sa
me
as th
at o
f D
rodi
ck,
a fe
w i
nilc
s aw
ay (
see
p. 6
9).
-
-
- _
- -
- -
-
.
- - -
.. -
I 1
I’ar
ntdi
a sa
xatil
is
........
........
.......
Purn
ielia
phys
odes
...
......
......
......
......
Pa
rmeZ
in,fu
ligiu
osa,
vnr.
Lvi
cvir
em ...
I’ar
inel
iu c
aper
ata
........
........
.......
Parm
elin
per
lata
....
........
........
.......
Pert
usar
iu ,f
agif
tea ...
......
......
......
.....
___-
-___
---
I a‘ st
erco
~w
cupr
emfo
r,iii
s, 1
ar.
~~
fm/i
isl 10
Fw
lluui
a di
lata
ta
Frid
laa i
n 2i
r iiza
risci
20
30 to
%’
Tow
ard:
bu
m.
6
6 to
10
I D
icra
ssin
sco
pari
um
........
........
....
Sub-
bare
ness
......
......
......
......
.....
i - - - - - . - . -
- -
5 ...
‘.*
...
I 3 I
3 I
2 [o
stly
in,
low
er
I 1
part
. 40
i 1
2 1
3 ...
i~ I
... I
...
15
25
j 5
...
5 1
3 !
I
I
...
5 i
...
2 I.
..
...
...
...
I I 1
...
I ...
Aib
’ut
’ Abou
t I A
bout
30
j3
~i
25
I
2 ...
3 3 2 ... ... ... LGUt
55 .
nxpo
sed.
I c.
I
d.
I f.
I
a.
, h.
-I----
l- (Nea
r tlir
l5
!
35
1 30
I I I I
base
. ! I
...
I
51
I 5
1 ...
I .’’
i
’*’
10
I ...
I I I !
31
...
! ...
i I I
...
! 3
,On l
uw
ei
I pn
rt.
...
: 7
iboi
it
Abo
ut
401 60
I -
i I I I
... 30
10
...
5,
30
i ! I I ...
I 2
I ...
i
3
i
-- ?dOB
tly
n lo
wer
pn
rt.
25
“0 ... 10
3
Abo
nt
40
e.
ien
r th
e b
e.
5 30
5 20
3
Abo
ut
35
0 cm
. i
inm
ete
f. -
5 80
2 ...
Abo
ut
30
0 cm
. ii
iani
eter
9.
3 65
6
A lit
tle.
Abo
ut
25
-a 0 p 8 E s 4 .. M 0
0
r
0
z 0
Y
' d
I ; g
MR. W. WEST : ECOLOGICAL NOTES. 71
72 MR. W. WEST : ECOLOQICAL NOTES.
Trees near Corrie (see p. 71).
The following also occiirred in smaller qnantity on the trees :- ZyLqodm conoideus, Plagiochila punctata, Cladonia jmbriata, Pertusaria faginea, on Alders ; Orthotrichum Lyellii on Sycamores ; Arthrop,yrenia epiderniidis on Rowans ; Acrocordia bijormis, Weissia nloph.ylla, Opegrapha herpetica, 0. varia, on Hazels ; Evernia Prunastri and Weissia ulophylla on Birches.
Average approximate percentages of the three chief epiphytes of the above 15 lots :-Stereodon cupessfoonnis 8:, Parmelia saxatilis 153, Parnielia fuli- ginosa var. htevirens 9fr.
The relative percentages of trees in a small mixed wood near Corrie were :- Hazel 41, Birch 31, Ash 20, Howan 4, Oak 2, Hawthorn 2. Alders only occurred in the lowest and flattest part, where they were preponderant.
T e a r Brodick, Lower Glen Rosa (see p. 73).
A few other species occurred in small quantity, such as Cladoniajmbriata var. tuhcefomnis, C. $hula, Pertusaria leioplaca, Usnea ceratina, Parnrelia lcevigata, Hylocomium breairostre, and We-issia ulophylla.
Average approximate percentages of the four chief epiphytes of the above 9 lots :-Stereodon cupreskformis 21, Parmelia saxatilis IS$, P. physodes 5, P. perlata 5.
I n a Larch wood, Parmelia physodes (about 40) was almost the only epiphyte, dwarf bits of Usnea occurred with it ; they were chiefly on the windward side. There wa8 a little Platysma glaucunz on some of them, and scattered Alectom'a jubata on others. Near the base of a few was Cladonia squamosa ; ParnLelia sazatilis and Stereodon cupressiformis were almost nbsen t, and Isothecium inyosuroides wns quite absent. Wherever the branches were dead, they were covered with Parmelia pliysodes. , Some Oaks off the head of Holy Loch, Argyll (average rainfall 81 inches,
average rainy days 2;32), on a slope about 8 metres from a rill, were practically covered with the following, the first being decidedly dominant : Stereodon cupressiformis var. f i l i formis (55), Dicranunz scopan'um (6), Pla- tysrtia glaucum ( lo) , Everriia Prunastri (8), Parmeliaphysodes (8), P. yaaatilis (8), Cladonia pyxidata andjimbriata (3). Isothecium niyosuroides, OrtRotricha, and Ulotce were absent on both these and the next.
Other Oaks at a little distance in a more exposed situation : Stereodon cupressiformis var. j l i formis (45) was again dominant, it was more abundant on the Ieeward side; the rest consisted of :-Parmelia saxatilis (15), P. phy- sodes (12), Pertusaria globulifera (lo), Evernia Prunastri (6), Cladonia finibriata and squamosa (2), with tufts of Dicranum scoparium and bits of Usnea.
YR. W. WEST : ECOLOGICAL NOTES. 73
u3
e l
LtSh’. JOEHh’.-BOTAXY, VOL. XLIII. G
74 MR. W. W E S T : ECOLOGICAL NOTES.
I n the upper part of Glen Coe, under Ben Atta (average rainfall 82 inches, 216 rainy days on an average), lower down the glen, an old solitary weather-beaten storm-pollarded holly, above 90 centimetres in diameter a t 100 centimetres from the ground, was examined: it bore two branches 45 centiinetres in diameter. It was fairly well clothed (for a holly) with a mixed arsociatioii of Dicranuni rcoparium, Stereodon conapressifomis, vm., Grinimia hypnoides, P a m l i a yhysodes, 3'. saxatilis, P. perlata, Lecanora tartarea, Platyoma glawnrrn, Cladonia cervicornis, Psoroma liypnorum, Per- tusaria comtnunis, and Sphroplroron coralloides in smaller quantity, with t u f b of two other species of Clctdmia.
I n a wood near Loch Awe, towards the Pass of Brander (rainfall about 82 inches, rainy days about 237) , some Oaks about 45 to 50 centimetres in diamnter bore :-Stereodon cupressiformir var. ,fili;formis (45), Frullania dilatata (30)-mostly on windward side, Lobaria pulmonaria ( 5 ) , Pertusaria glohulifera ( t L ) , Isotliecium myosuroides (5), with smaller quantities of Leca- nora tartarea, Cladonia rquamooa, and a little Mniuin hornum about th'e base. Some of the high branches of these, which had been blown off during a gale, were about one-third covered with Stereodon cupressiformis var. fil{formis (25), Parmelia saxatilis (a), P. perlata, Usnea ceratina, and Weiseia ulo- phylla (3).
Another lot of Oaks about 30 centimetres in diameter had Frullania dilatata as the chief epiphyte on the lower 3 metres, with Stereodon cupreesi- formis var. j f i f o r m i s as the chief one in all the upper part. Many younger Oaks were examined which showed a considerable amount of sub-bareness, with scattered patches of crustaceous lichens, as Lecidea parasema, Pertusam'a Wulfenii, Ope4qrapha atra, &c., but the most conspicuous epiphyte: was Fwl- la& dilatata ; scattered tufts of Weissia ulophylla and W. Bruchii were present, and all round the base was a varying mixture of Isotliecium myo- suroides and Stereodon cupressiformis.
Some Birches about 45 centimetres in diameter were only sparsely covered nvith epiphytes. Stereodm cupressiformis was chiefly on the leeward side, and there were scattered tufts of Dicranunz scoparium and patches of Frullania dilatata, with Cladonia digitata and Mnium hornuni about the base.
Some Alders a little lower down the slope were about half covered with a mixture oE the Eollowing, the first being the most abundant :-Stereodoit, cupressiformis var. (especially on the leeward side), Parnielia sulcata, and scattered patches of Frullania dilatata, Weissia ulopliylla, IV. Bmcl$ii, Parmelia perlata, P. fdi+tosa var. letecirens, Pertusai*ia Wulfeni, LeciJea parasema, and' Dicrunum scopariunz, the latter chiefly in the lower part.
The old stumps of a number of trees were completely covered with the following chiefly :-Stereodon cupressijorniis, the type (50), By Zoconiium prol$erurn ( 2 5 ) , Thuidium tamariscinum (25), and a few tufts of lrarious species of Cladmia.
P R . W. WEST : ECOLOQICAL NOTES. 75
Further on towards the outlet of the Loch, many of the trees bore a great abundance of large specimens of Ricasolia atnplissima with its attendant Dedriscocaulon bolacinum, and a still greater quantity of Kicasolia lwteuirens .occurred also on the trunks, but the foriner was most abundant in the more exposed situations, facing seawards. I have noticed this elsewhere, as in Cantyre, Moidart, &c. A number of trees on the eaetern side of the Loch were practically covered with Stereodon cupressiformis var. j f l t f o m i s with sporophytes in abundance, and creeping over it in very largu patches were Lobaria Pulmonaria with ahundant apothecia and Lobarinu sc+obiculata.
Soine Ash trees, about GO centimetres in diameter, were examined in Glen Falloch ; they were found to vary considerably, under apparently similar .conditions. One Jet averaged : lsatlwciuni myosuvoider (25), mostly towarda base, Stereodon cuyreseijormis var. .filijormis (20), il1et:geria j'urcata (6), Stictina limbata and S. fuliginoea (4), Clatlonia squamosa (2), the rest sub- bareness. Another set had :-Stereotlon cupressiforniis var. ti1ifortni.s (20), Metzgeria furcata (30), mostly on ahadiest side, Frztllania Tatiiarisci (20) ; the latter seemed to have taken the place of the Isothecium though it was not near the base, the Stereodon clothing that part.
OBSERVATIOKS IN IRELAND.
At Muckross, Kerry (rainfall about 64 inches, rainy days about 225), near the side of the road, some Elins and Limes which were eoiiie distance apart were examined ; the moss which almost covered the windward side was Camptotliecium serieeum associated with it were Frullania dilututa, Collema flacciduni, A crocordia yetnmata, and a sniall Ltptogiutti on the nioss.
I n the woods adjoining, tlie species of trees varied much in different parts, as inany have been planted. Some of the more natural portions examined .consisted of Oak, Birch, and Holly, with some Rowan, Crab, and Arbutus. Honeysuckle and Ivy were frequent. The Oaks in this part were well covered with Tsotliccium nryosuroidty (60), Kicasolia Iwtevirens ( 5 ) , I'liuidium tainariscinun~ (2), with a little Stictina linibata and Dic~anum scopa ihn , the rest was sub-bareness. Other Oaks nearer the large lake, subject to the direct drive of the wind froin the hills, had a difierent epiphytic flora, Lobaria pulinomviu was abundant with plenty of. Panitaria rubiyinosa and its variety ctericleo-l,ucliu. Coccocnrpiu plundea was much less abundant. Stereodon c~upressiformis var. and Afetzgeria furcata also occurrerl among the lichens. Where there was a fair amount of wind-drive iii another part of the wood, the Oaks were' covered all round the b:uc with Eurlrytzcliium myosuroides, and bore further up Lobaria puhotiuria (30), d f k g e i ia .furcala (5 ) , Stereodoti cupressifirtttis (5 ) , Patinariu rubiginosa ti?), the rest sub- bareness. The 13eeches were well clothed with a very varied association of the following chiefly, some of the species, first one and then another, showing
G 2
76 MR. W. WEST : ECOLOGICAL NOTES.
dominance here and there :-Parmelia saxatilia, P. fuliginosa var. htevirens, Vermcaria nitida, Stereodon resupinatus, Metzgeria furcata, Frullania dilatata, Pertusaria communis, P. faginea, e b a r i a pulmonaria, Lobariua scrobiculata, Lecidea parasenla, Lecanora subfusca, and Zephronium Tusitanicum. On some Beeches the dominant epiphyte was Parmelia caperata. The following were the epiphytes on some Larches :-Frullania dilatata (20), Parnielia perlata, Weissia ulophylla, and Evernia Prunastri ( 5 ) , Stereodon eupressi- formis around the base to the height oE 60 centimetres, the rest sub-bareness. The upper side of the branches was almost covered with an association of Eoemiu Prunastri, Usnea ceratina, Frullania dilatata, Parmelia sulcata, and scattered cushions of Weissia ulophylla. One of the striking features on exposed Oaks near Cromagloun, was the abundance of Ricasolia lcetevirens, some o f the larger exainples of which measured 165 by 60 ccntimetres.
A number of various trees in a small park near Dingle !Kerry), not far from the sen, and somewhat exposed to a drive from it, were examined. U’eissiu pkylluntha and Parmelia perluta were the chief epiphytes, the former
averaging about 35, the latter about 25 to 30 per cent. Pyrenula nitida was also abundant, many trunks showed 20 per cent. of it, the remainder was about 10 per cent.: it consisted chiefly of Frullania dilatata, Stereodon resupinat us, and Lecanora parella.
OBSERVATIONS IN WALES. Eight lots of Oaks near Artlwg .(see p . 77) .
Average rainfall about 65 inches ; rainy days, 197.
Scattered amongst the Oaks, on some of the trunks, were small quantities of Lobaria scrobiculata, Stictina afuliginosa, Usnea ceratina, Lecidea parasema, Cladonia jnabriuta, and nletrgeria furcata. I n some cases Mnium hornurn crept up froin the ground around the base to 30 centimebres.
Average approximate percentages of the chief epiphytes on the above :- Stereodon cupressifwniis var. 81, Frullania ,dilatata 8, P a m e l i a sazatilis 5, Pertusaria globul$era 4.
A number of young Oaks on the lower slope of a buttress of the mountain were examined ; they were mostly from 25 to 35 centiinetres in diameter ; the chief plants were E’dlania dilatata (lo), Stereodon cupressifomtis (2), IsotiieciunL nt3osuroides, about the base chiefly (3), with R few scattered patches of Weissia ulophylla and Lecidea parasema. The Hazels bore an association of Parmelia perlata, Frullania dilatata, Pyrenula nitida, Lecanora subfusca, Lecidra parasema, Pertusaria leioplaca, and ArtJionia radiata. Some Ashes near Penmaenpool, about 50 centimetres in diameter, had a very varied flora, the average consisted of :-Isothecium myosuroides (mostly at base) and F’rullunia‘ dilatata (8), Stereodon cupress$ornzis var. J i l i f m i s , mostly on lower part (1 j), Stictina fuliginosa, Evernia Prunastri, Usnen hirtar,
MR. W. WEST : ECOLOGICAL NOTES. 77
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E" 'f .a
9 . . .
7.8 MH. W. WEST: EOOLOOICAL NOTES.
Name of epiphyte.
Pertusaria jaginea, and Cladonia fimbriata ( 5 ) , Parmelia yhysodes (2), Y. saxatilia, mostly in upper part ( 5 ) , P. perluta ( 5 ) , Y . fuliginosa var. laeteriyeq Y. caperata, Weissia ulopliylla, Ortliotriclium Lyellii (51, the rest sub-bareness. Some other Ashes had a greater proportion of Stereodon cupressiforniis, with absence o f some of the other species, such as Parmelia perlata, Stictina fitliginosa, &c.
----.-----> 1. I 2. 3. 4. 1 \--
130 cm8. in dism. I in dinmeter.
From 45 to 60 centimetres
Fire lots ?f Acer.
Stcreodoir crrpress<formis, yar. jS formis.. .....................................
Lecanora szchfiucn.. ......................
Sub-barenesa ..............................
... 2
60
A little.
2
...
... About
35
(Mostly nea ' the haw.
Mostly ! at bnse.
20 I 25
... ' 5
3 : 2 0
... I 2
... I A little.
... ... 2 A little.
A little. I A little. About I About 1 75 ' 45
-- Rather exposed.
...
A little.
24
... A little.
10 About 60
--I Exposed
5 ooetly below
2
A little.
I Other species in Rmaller quantities among the above were :- Weissia
ulopliyllu, Stereodon resupinatus, Trentepohlia aurea, Lobaria pulnronaria, Parmeliu cuperatu, Y . pliyaodes, Usnea ceratina, Grapliis scripta, and Evernia Prunastri.
Average approximate percentages of the chief epiphytes on the above :- Stereodon cupress~formis 10, Metzpr ia furcata 12, Lccidea yarasenm 5, Frullaniu tlilatata 5.
A number of Hollies from 30 to 35 centimetres in diameter showed :- Stereodon cupresskfornzis var. ( lo ) , Parnielia fuliginosa var. htevirens ( 5 ) , Y . caperata (2), Grapliis elegans and G. scripta, with the varietms stellata and pulverulenta of the latter (3), sub-bareness the rest.
The windward side bore fully a third more epiphytes than the leeward one, a mixed association of Stereodon cupressifomnis, Yarmel ia yerlata, with smaller quantities of Usnm ceratina, Evernia Prunastri , and Trentepolilia ; sub-bareness held sway over two-thirds of the area.
The average of a number of Alders examined showed the following.
MR. W. WEST : ECOLOQICAL NOTES. 79
A single very old Chestnut was examined, the main part of its trunk was almost covered with Opegrapha varia and Stereoilon resupinatus, mixed with a little Hotnalia tricliotnanoides. A number of exposed Birches about 80 to 35 centimetres in diameter showed that Parmelia saxatilis was the dominant epiphyte (30), with P. fuliginosa vur. Icetevircns (lo), a little Evcrnia Prunastri, an interlacing of Jsotlreduin myositroiiles and Stereodoti cupressi- fornie niostly about, the base ( 5 ) , und sub-bareness ( 5 5 ) .
X e a v Bettux-y- Coed, epiphytes on Oaks, Birches, and Sycamores (see p. SO) . Average rainfall, 53 inches ; average rainy days, 217.
Among tho above were sinaller q iiantities of Lecanora subfirsca, Clntlonia fiinhriatu, C. pyxidata, Usnea ceratina, Graphis scripta, llicranum scoparium, and surrounding the base of some was Lettcohrywn glaucum, climbing up from the ground.
.4ver;lge approximate percentages of the chief epiphytes on the above thirteen lots : --Stereodon cupressiformis 27, Parmelia saxatilis 10, Lecatiora tarta~ea S+, Yertusurici spp. 34.
Some other Oaks in the sirtne wood were quite covered up to three metres with but little else than Steveodon cupressiformis, and above that with the following lichens mixed with it, and in about the same prdportions collectively as the nioss :--PawneZia sazatilis (lo), P. fuliginosa var. lceterirens ( 5 ) , Plutysma ylauctini ( T i ) , Evernia Prunastri (2), Calicium sp. barren (a little), the rest being almost bare.
A number of trees had been blown down, their branches were examined; the epiphytes were :-Purmelin suzatilis (15), P. ylipodes (lo), P. .full- ginosa mr. latecirens ( T i ) , Ezvrniu Prunastri (3) , l?mea cerntina (3), PyrenuZa nitiilu (3), :ind :L few other crustaceous lichens ; sub-bareness (about 50).
The undergrowth as soen in early J u n e under the trees of this wood (Oak chiefly, with a few Picsea e.z.celsa, L u r h europtea, kc.), mas a varied asso- ciation of Loniceru Yericlynzenum, Teucriuitz Scorodonia, Pteris (hone a t all in sonic places), 2hibus sp., Anemone nemorosa, Raitunculus Ficaria, Jlastrcea Efli,c-inas, a n d Endymion non-scripturn. Arum maculatutn, Stellaria Holostoa, and Hypericum pulclirim were scarce, the EndyymioA was quite dominant here and there, and where rocks abutted, Cotpledon Umbilicus occurred. Between the above plants were masses of Hylocornium trigwetrunt, Tliuidiunt tamariecinuni, and Polytriclrum forniosum.
At a considerable distance from the last wood, in an exposed position on a slope, a number of trees of Picea excelsa had been recently felled: their branches were examined, Parinelia physodes was the dominant epiphyte, it almost completely covered them.
I n the lower part of another wood, there was hardly any species o f Ulota or Orthotrichuin on the trees, and only fragmentary lichens, though the
..- ........ ..-. ........ ........ .... :i: a=g 5:: z Q, gg 1 P 4.
5;
? .p3
Y ......... i ag& ::= .......... .. 1; i ..........
0- c
Oaks avoraging 60 centi- metws in diameter.
Another lot of Oaks about 45 centimetree in
diameter.
Another lot of Oaks 40 to 46 centimetres in
diameter.
Other Oaks 15 to 60 centimetren in
diameter.
Another lot of Oaks exposed to a strong
wind-drive, 60 cmr. average diameter.
Other Oaks at some distance from the last,
about 4b centimetres in diameter.
Some other Oaks from 40 to 60 centimetres in
diumebr.
Birchee about 40 centimetres in
diameter.
Sycamores about 60 centimetres in
diameter.
Some old Birches, about 60 centimetres in dia- meter, in another part
of the wood.
Other Oaks very much exposed
to wind. ~ ~-
Another lot of Oaks.
An old shrub of Pwnur r inowa,
partly itmi.
08
MR. W. WEST : ECOLOGICAL NOTES. 81
Yhe rest. The re&.
arboreal form of Stereodon cuprescysz)ormis was yet fairly frequent ; but in the same wood at some distance, where the ground was flat and sotilewhat marshy, the epiphytic lichens began to be frequent, clearly showing the influence of a more constantly moist Rttnosphere.
Many other Oaks were examined in another wood similar to the last, the trunks wore less than half covered with epiphytes ; the chief one was Stereodon cupress$bmis var., with scattered patches of Rrullania dilatata, and scattered amongst these were small quantities of Lecanora parella, Pertu- saria bioplacu, and Leeidea parasema. The trunks of the few Sycamores amongst the latter were barer than the Oaks, but were well clothed about their lower part with Isotliecium myosuroides and Stereodon cupress[fbrmis. At a higher zone in this wood a number of Oaks bore in their lower part Stereodon cupressijorniis often mixed with Mnium Jiortium, higher up was a mixed association of Dicranuin scoparium, Frullania dilatata, Cladonia j i w briata, Parmelia physodes, Y. saxatilis, Euernia Prunnstri, with several species of Pertusaria ; the dead branches were attacked by Chlorosplenium czruginosum.
Some Oaks und tJieir brancltes, near Cape1 Cirrig.
l’he rest
1st lot of 2nd lot of Name of epiphyte. 1 exposed exposed
, Oakr. I Oaks.
~ t r r e o d ~ n wpewfmrnis ......... 6 ~ s
I Pamulia lcsvigata ............... 3
I Parmelia physodes ............... I 2
Parmelia ratatilw .................. Platyam gluttam ............... I ? Evernia Aunaafi-i ............... i A little.
8ub-barenem ........................ The rest. i --
3
...
... A little.
A little.
The rest.
In addition to the above a little of the f
3rd lot of Oaka.
I0 Mostly below.
6
--.
... A little.
... 2
...
... The mat. - .-
3 lots of bIown-off brancher of Oaks.
B
20
10
30
...
...
--
40
10
a ...
15
10
25
3
lowing waa present :-Cladania Jimbriata and Usnea ceratinu. The average approximate percentages of the chief species on the above (trunks and branches) were :--Leeanma tartarea 16, Frullan.ia Tamarisci 11, Isotltccium .wyosuroides 3, Stereodon cupresJiformie 4, Parmelia phycysodeu 11, P. saxntilis 9, Plat,yma glawum 5 .
Some other Oaks, much exposed to winda from the mountains, bore 35
82 MR. W. WEST : ECOLOGICAL NOTEY.
to 40 per cent. of Lecanora tartnreu, ,25 to 40 per cent. of Frullaniiz Tama- risci, about 5 per cent. of Isotltecium niyosuroides, and about 6 per cent. of Stereotion cupressiformis. Others not SO much exposed showed about 20 per cent. of Lecanora tartarea, 30 per cent. of Parmelia sazatilis, and about 10 per ccnt. of P . physodes ; the epiphytes were chiefly on the windward side.
Four lots of B i d i e s f rom Capel Curig. (The windward side wns almnys richest.)
I Fame of epiphyte.
I
I Dicranuiir scopariuiii .......... Polytrichanz fo?i)ios?ou ..........
. Stereodon cupressifornris .......
Scapaqiia gracilis ................
Lecairora tartnreu .............
Uama cemtiira ..................
Clad8itia nzacileirfa. C. pyxi- data, and C. diyifuta .......
Platysim glaricitm ............. I'alnrelia ph!/sodes ............. Parmdia wxat i l i s .............
Pannelin Zreuigata .............
Pertusaria fogiirca ............. SpWaropphoroia coralloides ....... Sub-bareness ...................
.
! 4. I 3 m I
1. ~ 2.
... ... 1 5 ' 4
4 '.' I Mostly on 1 ! lower pnrt.
10 Mostly below. ' -----.. I
90 I 40
3 1 20
... 1 ...
I 3 ' 8
... I ...
...
3
4
10
he rest
... Creeping over the Scapasia.
L) d
...
The rest.
' A little. A iiiile ,
Everiiia Pncsaslh md Uatrea.
5 Mostly above.
25 i 2
I
... I
... 3 1
...
40
I 3 .. I
4
The rest. ! The rest. i
=35 per cent.
= 6 p e r cent.
= 3 por rent.
=16 per cent.
The branches bore Platysma glaucuin (30), Usrtea ceratina (25), Stereodon cupvessijormis (5 ) , Pnrmelia sazatilis (lo), Lecanora tartarea ( 2 ) .
Climbing up some of tbase Birches to a height of about 30 centimetres was I~icranum scopariun, mixed with Hylocomium loreum, Pol.ytrichum .for- mosum, and Cladonia sylvatica, a mixture similar to the vegetation of the ground. On various other trees (chiefly Oaks and Birches) at some distance from the last, the chief feature again was the abundance of Lecanora taTtnrea with fino apothecia where it faced the winds from the mountains;
MH. W. WEST : ECOLOGICAL NOTES. 83
some of these also bore dense cushions of Sphceroplioron coralloides, with small patches of Parmelia caperata. About the base of' these trees Mylia Taylori, Sphagnum acutifolium, and Plagiotlieciuni undulatum occurred in profusion together with pulvinate masses of Leucobryum glaucunz.
The chief plants on the Hazels examined were patches of Frullnnia dilatata and tufts of Weissia ulophylla.
Some exposed Pines, about ti0 centimetres in diameter, bore Parmelia sasatilis (25), P. physodes ( lo) , Lecanora tartarea (6), Platysma ylaucuni (3), Dicranum scopariuni (2), Everniu Prunastri (2), Stereodon cupressijorrrtis (2), sub-bareness (50).
A few young Alders (which were scarce) bore about 10 per cent. of a mixture of Yarinelia saxatilis, .P. fuliginosu var. htevirens, Y. physodes, and a few tufts of Weissiu zilopliIJla.
Obserilatims in the Lake District (Borrowdale) (see p . 84). Rainfall (mean for 15 yeilrs) at Seathwaite 139.29 inches ; a t Keswick,
The observations wero made mostly between these two places. The epiphytes were a t their best in the more shaded sides. Scattered amongst the Oaks were small quantities of Pertusaria com-
munis, Hypnum rutabuluna, Leucodon sciuroides, Parmelia saxatilis, Lecanora sukftisca, Collenia nigrescens, EJvernia Prunastri, Weissia ulopliylla, W. Bruchii, Ortliotrichum u&e, O.*.straniiiieim, Cludonia macilenta, C. jltula, C. pyxidata, and C. Jinibriata. About the baqe of sonic, Thuidiuin tarituriscinum, Hylo- coniiuni untbruttini, and H. loreum also occurred.
The average approximate percentages 0; the chief epiphytes on the Ashes show :-Stereodon cupressvormis 50, Frullunia dilatata 7 , Isc theciunc myo- suroides 6 , Canzptothecium sericeunt 3, Pertusaria gldbulijcra 24.
The Hollies were the barest. The Birches examined were almost bare except towards and about the h e , where the following occurred :--Dieranurn scopariuni, Lepidosia reptans, Scapania nemorosa. and &j?hmophoron coralloides, The trunks o f Yicea emelsa were practically bare except for a little Stereodon cupresstfbrmis near the base. On the Birches in the more exposed higher parts of the wood were scattered pntches of Pawtelia saxatilis, P. sulcata, P. plipodes (very small), Platysma glaucum, Usnea liifta, Cladonia jimhriata, Stereodon cupressijorniis, with Isatliecium myomroitlcs around the base. On some adjoining Oaks there was abundance of Lecanora tartarea, but mostly barren.
A few observations were made W. of Ennerdale (Cumberland). Oaks there bore Stereodon cupressiformia (lo), Parmelia saxatilis (5 ) , Claiionia spp. (3), Artliropyreniu analepta (a little), sub-bareness (about SO). The Beeches were alniost bare. Birches bore :- Parmelia raxatilis (lo), P. physodes (5), .E:ernia Prunustri (a little), sub-bareness (about 85). The Sycamores ex+ arnined were usually covered with Stmeodon cupreskformis for about 40 to
60.53 inches. a
84
ri . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 t-
. . . . . .
...
-~ . . . . . . . . . . . : : ; : : . .
MR. W. WEST : ECOLOQICAL NOTES. 85
50 centimetres from the base, above that were :-Parmelia physodes (lo), P. saxatilis (3), Evernia Prunastri, and Opegraplia atra (a little), sub-bareness (about 85). The Larches had hardly anything on them except scattered plants of YarmeZia physodes, with a few sinall patches of Cladonia sp. near the base.
Some Pines in Wastdale about 70 years old, at about 75 metres elevation, were quite without mosses or hepatica? ; Parnulia physodes was dominant (50 to SO), P . sazatilis (81, the rest was almost bare, with the exception of about 3 per cant. of a mixture of P . caperata, Evernia ,furfuracea, E. Prunastri, Usnea ceratina, and small patches of a Cladonia.
GENERAL SUMMARY OF FOREGOING OBSERVATIONS. Summing up what can be chiefly gathered from the preceding tables,
Stereodon cupvess{formis var. jl{tormis (not in all cases the typical variety) is shown to be by far the moat abundant epiphyte, Parmelia sasatilis coming next, often, but not always, the var. furfuracea. On subjecting the above tables to analysis, the percentage ratio (inter se) of the chief epiphytes comes out approximately as follows :-Stereodon cuprarsiformis 16, Parmeliu saxa- tilis 6 , lsotheciunt myosuroides 2 , Prullania dilatata 2, Parmelia fuliginosa var. lcetecireas 2, Lecanora tartarea 2, Platysnia glaucum 1, Pertusaria globu- lifera with P . faginea and other species 1.
This summary is not by any means given as a decisive statement suitable to every district, or-even for the average of several districts ; i t represents approximately what was actually observed in those districts that were partly examined in some detail. Many uncommon epiphytes were noted which are not enumerated, as they only occurred either very locally or in very small quantity, the more frequent of them come under the category of " sub-bareness."
. Frullnnia dilatata is sometimes a subdominant epiphyte. Lobaria pul- monaria, Ricaasolia laterirens, Nephromium lusitanieum, Lobarina scrolrieulata, and some species of Parmelia and Cladonia often grow very extensively over the surface of Stereodon acpressiformis, as we11 as over the sub-bare bark. P y r a u l n nitida sometimes almost covers young trees, especially those with a somewhat smooth bark. Opegraph atra also often occupies considerable areas ; and Graphis elegans sometimes almost covers the Hollies. Parnielia cnperatn is here and there one of the chief epiphytes, especially near the sea. P . physodes in very exposed places,-especially on Conifers, is sometimes the most abundant epiphyte. NOW and then one finds Parmelin perlnta or p. ,fuZiginosa var. letevirens to be the chief corticolous lichen. Other epiphytic lichens, which are occasionally found in fair abundance, have not been mentioned, but these are often local, requiring special conditions, such as Alectoria jubata in montane and subalpine valleys. Metrgeria furcata is here and there in great profusion as an epiphyte, often creeping over foliaceous lichens ; and in moister western woods Radula complanata is also sometimes ;1 conspicuous epiphyte.