FLORA AND FAUNA The rivers of Cornwall are not important, but they have the general West Country char- acteristic of fine estuaries, such as those of the Fal and Fowev. The river mouths of the N. are too often blocked with sand. The chief streams are briefly dealt with in the alphabetic section of this little book. Lakes are very scarce ; the largest, Loe Pool at Helston, is really a dammed-up river mouth. Dozmare, on the moors, is a shallow pool of more interest traditionally than in reality. Swan Pool, near Falmouth, is, like Loe Pool, a blocked river mouth. There are a few other sheets of fresh water scarcely deserving a more dignified name than that of pond. n. Flora and Fauna " Few districts in the United Kingdom," says Mr. Marquand, " can compare with the county of Cornwall in the richness and variety of its indigenous flora — if by that term we understand not merely the wild flowers and ferns, but also those humble forms of vegetable life which are grouped under the comprehensive title of Cnptogamia, that is to say, the mosses, lichens, fungi and sea-weeds. This is partly to be accounted for by its geographical position, and the mildness and humidity of its climate; but it is also largely due to the diversity of its natural features, almost every kind of habitat suitable for the healthy development of the various phases of vegetable growth being found 7
