First published in 1925, this book provides an account of some observations, problems and experimental work relating to the ecology of the vegetation of the East Anglian heath district known as the Breck Country or Breckland. Lying in the low rainfall area of East Anglia, the district is noted for its sandy soil and heath-dominated vegetation and represents the nearest approach in Great Britain to continental steppe conditions. Illustrated with an abundance of photographs and diagrams, this early twentieth-century study will appeal to anyone with an interest in the history of ecology in East Anglia.
Contents
Preface; 1. General description of Breckland and its vegetation; 2. Factors relating to the relative distributions of calluna heath and grass heath in Breckland; 3. General effects of rabbits on the vegetation; 4. Experiments mainly relating to the available water supply; 5. Observations relating to competition between plants; 6. Characteristic bare areas and sand hummocks; 7. General effects of blowing sand upon the vegetation; 8. Views relating to the probable former distribution of calluna heath in England; 9. Views relating to the probable former distribution of woodland on the Breckland heaths and on heaths and treeless areas of other parts of England; 10. Concluding remarks upon Breckland and upon ecological research in general; Index.
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