102 SHINGLE BEACHES AND THEIR FIXATION
it would behave when shingled over we do not know, nor with what ease it establishes. Apart from these points, it is a vigorous and close grower, which merits further attention.
   Of the grasses Triticum junceum is the most promising, as it forms rhizomes freely, and is tolerant of shingling over.
   Elymus arenarius (Lyme Grass) takes tenacious hold of shingle with which a fair proportion of sand is mingled. Notwithstanding its great size it resists uprooting by storm waves, and holds shingle thrown over it. As it tends to form fairly large patches, it is valuable as a beach strengthener.
   Suceda. fruticosa (Shrubby Sea Blite). This is a woody shrub reaching a height of from 3 to 4 feet. Of native plants it is by far the most important beach strengthener, and may be placed in a class by itself. Being satisfied that the problem of shingle-beach stabilization is to be solved by the study and exploitation of the natural capacities of this plant, we make no apology for introducing it here at some length.
   The plant is of bushy (fastigiate) habit, recalling a juniper or low yew tree in appearance. The centre of its distribution is the Mediterranean; it is found on the Brittany coast and abundantly on the Chesil Bank, and on shingle on the North Norfolk coast from Weybourne to Hunstanton, and on the east side of the Wash. More sparingly it occurs on sea-walls and shingle about the Essex marshes, in Poole harbour, and near Cardiff. Otherwise it is absent from Northern Europe. The numerous branches bear a dense foliage of linear, succulent leaves (fig. 24, B shows a twig, natural size), often tinged with crimson or purple. It is practically evergreen, the leaves being held through the winter till the next year’s buds begin to expand. Inconspicuous greenish flowers occur in the leaf-axils (fig. 24, b). The flowering time is August, and the little fruits, each containing one glossy black seed, should be ripe by the end of November. Experience shows that bumper harvests occur on the average about once in four years. In some years, especially those with dull, wet autumns, hardly a seed matures, however promising the flowering may have been. The matter is of importance, as the simplest way of raising a crop is by seed.