MSW Book Recommendation 43 : 'Towards that Northern unknown.'

Letters Written During a Short Residence in Sweden, Norway and Denmark

(by Mary Wollstonecraft, 1759-1797) ; Orig. p. on 1796.

And ;

Travels in the North

(by Karel Capek, 1890-1938)

; p. 1939 (George Allen, London) ; 269 p.

[Recommendation(s) I / 2015]

This features a few travel-books. I happened, quite randomly, to find these for some 'joint stories' (...If not from timing or otherways too much in common, the both travellers journeyed for Northern Europes at their times). This is, maybe, little summarily said; Originally I considered this to provide some travel books from voyages of the North towards the (then) 'obscure' lands of tropical latitudes. But, turned it out, that almost simultaneuosly, I run on these few books about travels to the North. We've so far had only few books presented of this 'genre' here;...The travel-stories, -diaries, or -letters, fx.  Alongside, I guess, I'll have to admit, the first mentioned - Wollstonecraft's Letters - I selected mainly due noticing it been recently translated to my domestic language. 

; ...Shoewalter's somewhat classic book (from the 1970s), on British feminine fiction of the 1800s, mentions her only by few sentences, precisely: ”The works of Mary Wollstonecraft were not widely read by the Victorians due to the scandals surrounding her life.”...Although also seems written on it, concerning Mary's influence to novelists of that Victorian era, that her Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) and the theoretical base outlined on it, predated the latter emerged pro women's rights-movement by some centurys time. (ie Suffragettes.) (...As said of that acc. Shoewalter...on the 'Literature of their own' ; p.15 and 176.) Mary Wollstonecraft of course wrote number other text in addition to this, but most else is more in form of commentary, or perhaps social educative...Or smthg similar, etc. ; However, from prewords on the translation (of the Letters), I also read that them around the time were most widely circulated, and actually most fancied from her writings (...like often usual.) ; ..That not too surprising, as the husband (William Godwin 1765-1836, The 'radical philosopher', she married soon after her journey and w. her the parent to their common daughter, Mary Shelley.) postward Mary's (Wollstonecraft) untimely death, couple years later, decided to publish the discussed travel-letters. And, as well, the reading public of the 'common' women, from men also, likely was on increase then, perhaps slowly but steadily.

Without going too lenghty on descriptions about the letters, or from Wollstonecraft's life, we can notice them written on her travels at North European countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway), during the summer from 1795. There were about twenty or more letters she wrote, during the journey. Reason to her going was seeking the recognition for her earlier born child from its father(...Born outside 'marital bond', ie her journey was rather unusual itself, since she was traveling with her child and without any male acquintances. However, perhaps more usual, that didn't bring the wished result. Except, of course, these letters we now have for to interest ourselves on and about...)

Mary's observations during her travel are rather variable, but often very enchanting reading, as lots on them also reflects her own personal inner life. Sometimes she has the more usual tone of a moral commentary – the 'tone' of the time, perhaps quite typical, and (maybe) araised of an upper-class conviction that origin of all amoral and vice, drunkness and decay (ie, etc.,) so observable at the everyday life and customs, lay on the 'uncultivated' virtue of the (so called) common people and corruption of the society. She then also finds interest on their diet and the peoples general character, ie fx how the 'less admirable' characteristics of any particular race might appear traceable for the unhealthiness of the usual food, the climate, et sim reasons – like also was a view shared by many on her times, probably. ...But even on that, her 'mood' is rather rarely judging and never abusive, merely she seems acc her writing on the letters to reflect a certain curiosity she finds on 'primitiviness' of these northern inhabitants (; 'The folk', peasants, merchants, fishers, sailors, etc...) ; ...At least one achieves this impression if comparing her 'tone' to that of some from her renown contemporary travel-writers, like fx Coleridge (S., 1772-1834) ; Thackeray (W., 1821-1863) ; ...or, fx Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749-1832, - that humane spirit, and 'cultural giant' of the romantic era, who yet wasn't/couldn't be much described to any favorer of the democratisation (on society, if viewed by any modern criteria.) In short, there's not much anything similarly aristocratic on Mary's observations. Also she pays fx much attention to the general inequality, and the political-situation on countries she passes by, describes nationalities and (their) recent history. Also fx laws and customs, ao, are of her interest, alongside the landscape, towns and rural regions, fields...

; Mary's views much concern the important matter from education, which she – much in the light of her times rationalist ideal – finds crucial for any advancement of cultures of its backward level. (Illiteracy, fx, was still to her times rather common.) She also opinions that the advance(s) of humanity should best take place within the improvement of peoples surrounding environments – Ie, practically she finds for the very opposites, the 'evil' (or, static) in an 'untamed' (Nature), and the goods brought by civilization (….it's advancement, education, the Culture.) - rather commonplace views, actually. ...While all that she might have viewed as the advances (for humanity and virtue), we may now merely think to the questionable blessings, even destructive by many ways, at her times the said division was probably more apparent and straightforward: Ie the Nature still was truly wild and the civilization – or so was believed – was seen for represent an actual progress of the prevailed 'archaic state' ; ...Much on that same basis she arguments fx against that ridicule 'savage-ideal' presented by Rousseau (who's views then were commonly lot discussed amongst the 'elites', or upper-middle class.)

But, here now a short excerpt on Mary's (Wollstonecraft) views on those referred aspect(s):

”As the farmers cut away the wood they clear the ground. Every year, therefore, the country is becoming fitter to support the inhabitants. …The destruction, or gradual reduction, of their forests will probably ameliorate the climate, and their manners will naturally improve in the same ratio as industry requires ingenuity. It is very fortunate that men are a long time but just above the brute creation, or the greater part of the earth would never have been rendered habitable, because it is the patient labour of men, who are only seeking for a subsistence, which produces whatever embellishes existence, affording leisure for the cultivation of the arts and sciences that lift man so far above his first state. I never, my friend, thought so deeply of the advantages obtained by human industry as since I have been in Norway. The world requires, I see, the hand of man to perfect it, and as this task naturally unfolds the faculties he exercises, it is physically impossible that he should have remained in Rousseau's golden age of stupidity. And, considering the question of human happiness, where, oh where does it reside? Has it taken up its abode with unconscious ignorance or with the high-wrought mind? Is it the offspring of thoughtless animal spirits or the dye of fancy continually flitting round the expected pleasure?

[...] I am delighted with the romantic views I daily contemplate, animated by the purest air; and I am interested by the simplicity of manners which reigns around me. Still nothing so soon wearies out the feelings as unmarked simplicity. I am therefore half convinced that I could not live very comfortably exiled from the countries where mankind are so much further advanced in knowledge, imperfect as it is, and unsatisfactory to the thinking mind. ”  (; On the Letter IX)

; However, the few paragraphs (above) don't express all from her 'scale' of thought, or opinions, nearly. Fx, the Scandinavian forests, its limitless and 'untamed' wildwood (...at her time while that not nearly so anymore...), don't leave the traveller unimpressed. Forest(s), sort of, seem from reflect for her own (intense and anxied) emotions during the journey, and even serve of to calm and relieve those. It's actually very enchanting to read her admiring words devoted on the same wilderness(es) she finds as some 'obstacles' to the civilization's advance. In short, she's seems from notice – or, better said, to sense – not only the external on those boreal forests she passes by and little walks on (...the mosses, the pure air, the beasts, the majestetic trees), but also the internal. (...Meaning w. that) the goblin's hoblins – in a positive sense, not for as depressing or threatening – sound of cascades/the flow of brooks, and the 'hallucinations', ...to loan a little, of elsewhere, 'wood demons, tree spirits and fertility goddesses' – Although she, of course not sees anything like that, or at least not any mention in the text. 

; ...Reading the letters now, actually, one increasingly gets the impression that within the journey Mary becomes ever more obsessed by tensions and impressions araising of her romantic mood, experienced at those Northern forests, so 'pure' and free of a 'humanly vice'. As that seems to appear her - But it's not her sole topic of interest on these travel-notes, and not so much is devoted on forests than I've presented at this. (Neither in the similar vein.)

; So she also expresses smthg similar when writing about (her) emerged longing from to continue journeying towards far North, for more 'uncivilized' but yet also more 'honorable regions'. That neither very surprising, I suppose, actually seems it from originate of her own very intense curiosity on life, her own 'quest' from a better humanity. ...For she dreams (but shortly) about the imagined longgone 'early days', at the dawn of man, ie; ”...The description I received of them carried me back to the fables of the golden age: independence and virtue; affluence without vice; cultivation of mind …

My imagination hurries me forward to seek an asylum in such a retreat from all the disappointments I am threatened with; but reason drags me back, whispering that the world is still the world, and man the same compound of weakness and folly, who must occasionally excite love and disgust, admiration and contempt.” (; on the letter XIV) ;....Actually that (somewhat) resembles the very Rousseauist nature-idealisation as such – the same she so strongly rejects elsewhere (Even if strickly she doesn't make an actual reference to it.). But admittable, within her varying 'mood', she always also seems retain amount of realism, or that indispendable 'common sense'. Actually, in the light of this, not surprises perhaps the daughter, Mary Shelley, later having 'rebelled' against some simplification on these Mary's views described - via writing the book about that Rousseuist 'wild monster', ie, the Frankenstein-novel.

; ...So, lady travelled, observed those Northern regions and the peoples, then returned. (She makes a mention on some place from understanding that her journey would've been quite different, if it been carried during the winter season.) ...Reader is also left quite amazed of the strenght of her descriptions, particularly since we read the text knowing that only couple years after she had passed away.

Shorerocks on Atlantic/Arctic sea (Capeks drawings)

; Of the Capek's book– the other North European traveller of this post – there'd be probably equally much to remark...if I had the time and effort. Yet, I guess, no necessity here for too many paragraphs...As I've also not anyhow extensively viewed biographies of either (of these author's). Suffices to say that travellin' some one and half the century later, Capek [...spelling is actually w. the small 'arrow', or convex over C] journeys more w. the railways and ships, and generally – perhaps - a bit more in a manner we might find more usual for any regular 'tourists'. He also goes farther North than Mary, all the way until Nordkapp. ...But, also Capek writes very skillfully, of his observations a keen reader finds lot to learn. Like Mary, he also traveled throughpast Denmark, Sweden, Norway. And then there's fx that northern light they both find for as a source of a great amazement and wonder...

; Capek, famous Czech author during his days, also seems been renown of his anti-fascism on the 1930s, and as well was rather active at politics. His travel-book seems been published at 1939 on England – so, I just suppose, that papers were perhaps sent by him for publication shortward priorly, because of circumstances (Hitler on y. 1938 attaching the Sudetenlands, ao, for Germany - of details view the Wikip-entry on the Munich conference.). Likely Capek lost his life soon after it, as the nazi-troops bit later had invaded the rest from the country.

; However Capek, perhaps, most renown from have invented the word robot. ...It's said to originate from his 1920 play R.U.R. ('Rossumovi universaini roboti', the word itself 'translated' from czech word 'robota', ie (to) work. Briefly put (no lenghtier descriptions here), without Capek there wouldn't possible fx been any U.S.Robotics precisely. (Instead, perhaps it would've named to smtgh 'Especial automated mechanized artificats', no robots whatsoever by any term.) Even that the word now has most universal uses being understandable on most languages. (; Also reminded me this that past kids animation film on robots – by the WB, or some other filmfactory, p. around early from 2000s, and among the fewsome recent kids cartoons that even has a good plot. Not surprising, if it actually must've been based on that play by Capek.)

Finally, short excerpt of Capek's observations of the geologic formation of Sweden, it's 'rocky strata', the solid bedrock...I think it quite well descriptive and well show from that 'brevity' on his words and writing. Of course, he's also equally impressed by the 'untamed' Northern boreal forestscape than is Wollstonecraft at her days...Unfortunately we can't quote to this more examples of Capek's journey-description, so the notes below shall suffice: 

  ”...this is Sweden, the land of granite. Dark boulders and green pastures, dark woods, and silver birches, red cottages with white edges, black and white cows, black crows, black and white magpies, silvery strecthes of water, black junipers, and white spiraeas; black and white, red and green. And always more of those boulders; here scattered in the sea, here they pass into the wood, over they sprout up from the earth in the centre of a meadow, or a field of rye; erratic boulders as big as a house, rubble and ground granite sheets; all stones, but no grown rocks; only rolled on, piled up, heaps of boulders, my friend, but it's all Moraine as it stands in the book; an ice sheet formed this land; only over there, on the Danish side, has it left a bit of a space for the alluvium to show what it can do. But that is merely Cambrian and Silurian; While this, old chap, this is the oldest rock; where would chalk be here, or sandstone! Do you remember how at home, in the woods of your childhood, you used to find erratic boulders of granite? There too, they say, they were brought by an ice sheet. So then we ought to be as if at home here in the Primary rocks.

[…] And so that's why I shall say the important and greatest word: woods. They say that six-tenths of Sweden are covered with forests, but I think that there are still more of those woods; and these are the kind of woods which most probably grew in the first fifty or hundred years when Nature was only finding out how the northern growth is made; such an, should I say, abundance is here, of exuberant and original ideas. Not that there might grow, God knows what; without exception it is spruce and fir, pine birch, and dark alder, not to speak of juniper; always, and endlessly, the same, but you don't grow weary of it, my friend, and you can see the end of that abundance of vegetation. ...a Nordic jungle, a fairy-tale wood, a wood of gnomes and giants, a real Germanic wood, and a huge wood factory; elks, all chin and nose, with splayed antlers, are still running about here, and I shouldn't wonder very much if a wolf wouldn't also be here, Red Riding Hood, the unicorn, and other wild beasts.”, ...etc. (; p. 39-40, 44-6)

'Lakeside-view' (Capeks drawings)

; ...However, at least as impressive than his remarks are Capek's drawings, ...Likely made originally w. the pencil (or ink, or tusch, whatever the method). These cover most of regions on his route, containing the fields and the hay-stacks, farms, and the forest ; fjords and mountains ; occasionally the people, and likewise depicting also their dwellings. (So beside text, and below I placed few selections) ; ...It's actually because of his pictures I favored the book, for presently – in the age of the internets, on-line connections, travel-blogs, etc, etc. - just this kind of books aren't made anymore. It's now, more or less, photos and text...less smtgh where text and drawings flow so uniform, creating smthg 'artful'. ...And esp. because of these drawings story has certain element of timedness, uncomparable. 

 

Very enjoyable old travel-books, both of the recommended. (; G.U.J.)

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'Clouded mountainheads' (Capeks drawings) 

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(; ...The riders? ...this no part on that series...)


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The Muleskinner Book Recommendation #34

The Shrinking World: Ecological consequences of Habitat Loss
By Ilkka Hanski
(2005. International Ecology Institute)


[Recommendation(s) II / 2012]

This present sequel on our book recoms is yet from the Conservation biology (Or books of the Natures in overall, et similar topics, already well presented prior this). But appears it that this selection is a book about population ecology and I think it has lots to say. Just due because I am not  too much familiar with the subject, I try to keep this recommendation brief.

Heath Fritillary (Melitaea Athalia) 
; Fairly common on Fennoscandian Nature, 
but lot declined on fx Great Britain.
(...And, a species adapted to cultural landscape, 
so re-establishing traditional 
agroforestry practices,
was there found favoring it's recovery)

Population ecology emphasizes largerly (/or mostly) on the study of dispersion, or perhaps disappearance, of animal species natural environment (often that's described on terms as Habitat loss.) Seems it said that the formerly prevailing, or at least more common, on population biology were the studies about ecological niches singular species occupy. Or alternatively, studies of the biotic communities separate species can form on any particular habitat(s) were more usual. Since about 1970s the focus (of researches) has been on Habitat loss, and it's consequences. ...Term appears probably easily understandable and also is actually a recognizable 'phenomenom' on almost anywhere of the current World; The human developments continuously extend for and limit the original Natural landscape to more fragemented parts. So, not very unsurprisingly fx various species capability to survive at the human altered habitats is some from the main concerns of it (ie of ecology), nowadays. I guess, the name of the book - Shrinking World – in it's entity, quite strikingly describes just that.

Of the books content I can't offer a too precise summarization, possibly. It's (relative) usual readings for the conservation biologists (et similar), likely, but the metapopulations (-study, or -dynamics) aren't too straightforward understandable topics for any common reader. There's fx quite much from the spesific methodology; formulations for calculating any singular species metapopulation capacity on any local spot of it's living habitat(s). Many things can affect for a population enflourishing or diminishing; The other species, migration/immigration to and away from that spot, etc... And so, it's said that any view from the expected/projected development from metapopulations always is an estimate. Yet, the theory aims to predict at which circumstances species can survive in the fragmented habitat.

Most examples at book are from the Northern boreal forest. Also, major part of the singular case studies, or metapopulation examples, are of researches by Hanski's (and his pupils) of the Fennoscandian Checkerspots (Melitaeinae); Their some butterfly species that - similarly as elsewhere on Europes – are found have declined/diminished along the disappearance of the former 'traditional landscape' and ending of the 'old time' farming practices. But then there's also wide variety other studies and examples referred, actually from many other parts of Globe. (Fx; from Costa Rica, Amazon - or the rainforests in general, from observed changes at adaptations of the urban birds on Europes cities during some decades scale, from various microhabitats of Palearctic forests, etc..)

However, the general reader probably does well to familiarize with concept from extinction debt. In short, and like the book also compactly acknownledges, in the fragmented habitat the survival (of species) appears secured only if new metapopulations form fast enough and close for the original living area - to replenish the disappearing some. So, unless the extinction debt isn't compensated by creation of suitable environments where specimens can move to, the 'debt' realizes as species losses (by varying extent and also often can happen during longer timescales projected for the futures.)

...But I don't claim this to represent but a few of the things discussed at the book more in particular. There's fx chapter on how the conservation areas would best be designeted in the light of the study of metapopulations, ao. Certainly, it's informative book and well readable, although some of the stuff is rather complex. Or, so I felt when reading it, since many concepts aren't too straightforward understandable without former biologist/naturalist backgrounds or education. (Very probably, of course, there is nowadays also several comparable books from metapopulation research.)

Now, having promised to keep the recommend short, I'll just cut this off for these few paragraphs. And further no sequels of the biology/naturalist books...Even though, I might happen find something of interest about the insects, and in that case...:)  [/W-G.]

"Unconditionally guaranteed"

Probably it's more intentional than coincidential nearly half  from these stories about Fennoscandian insect been of the butterflies. The butterflies fx are among most easily tolerated insect species of the human point-of-view - Quite differing on that from the example at that former sequel about coastal areas. However, this post takes brief look for an environment populated by various insect, along many invertebrates, there occurs also fx amphibians, birds, etc.; The environment referred being the marshland. (Due because this post also is somewhat plentiful of words, presented on it's own sequel too.)

　

The Fennoscandian marshes are most distinguishable from their great variety of bio-types. The ecologic literature separates nearly as many marshtypes (precisely 72) than there is various different forest environments (about over 80). There are (fx) so called open bogs, and marshes that can grow some trees (but scarcely). Common terms on English are fx Swamps, backwoods, bogs, fens...depending from whatever more specifically meant or the from the ecological criteria used; But generally their places recognized for the marshlands. (I guess, that the bogs possibly appears closest term from common English, but also on Fennoscandia many marshtype differs from that much, and the variety of the biological terminology actually was developed to distinguish between that variety...So for simplicity reasons we at this mostly just use on the word marshes). Worth mention, perhaps, that it's not surprising find on some very old European maps and documents the region described for the marshlands (alternating with description as 'the forested wilderness') .

And, noticeable also (is)  that the marshes on North Fennoscandia considerably differ from their counterparts at the more Southern regions (Now the Lappland mentioned, one can't then leave completely out of mention at this text the blackflies, renown little insect nuisances and most populous at those regions on a certain periods from year...)

There's many ways how marshes can form, but the resulting peatland is typically moisturic, ecologically relative harsh environment.  Yet, on marshes grow fx many very appreciated, valuable berries – most renown being probably the Arctic Cloudberry (Rubus Chamaemorus). Mainly grows at the Lappland (...favoring mostly colder climates and the berry ripening at Autumn. Noticeably, it is especially considered a berry of the marshes and so many from it's various names on Finnish ('Suomuurain', fx) contain a prefix for the marshes.) Then there's various other popular berries at marshes (most belong to Ericaceae, ie them are small shrub-plant and ground level twigs of heathers). Mainly them favor rather moisturic soil but some as well are common to grow on the nearby forests; Very typical for natural marshes are fx Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycocos), then there's Northern bilbong (V. Uligonosum), Blueberry (V. myrtillus), Lingonberry /Cowberry (V. Vitis-idaea). ...To name some of the most popular. On the other hand - one can also find from marsh many poisonic plants; (ao) there's fx Ledum palustre, Andromeda polifolia (ie; 'Bog rosemary'), Equisetum palustre, Calla palustris ('Bog Arum'), Myrica gale ('Bog Myrtle'), Deucedenum palustre... Some of the mentioned also have traditionally been plants at the human uses, for it sometimes varies what parts of the plant contain toxics, and by which amounts; Fx, it is said flowering of the Bog Arum being very toxic, but the leaves (/and some other parts) having in the past been used for the flours, at places.

Also, not perhaps surprisingly, the marshes are said forming probably oldest environments at Fennoscandia (or, some that have remained least disturbed by the human efforts since the retreat of ice from N. Europe, closely over 9000 years ago, about.) ...As some kind reminder from this aspect is the capability of marshes for to preserve wooden artefacts and materials. Among other things some old wooden boats, parts of ancient sledges, ao, have been found from the marshland soils. These prehistoric equipments - due because having sunk there and remained on little decayed condition - have sometimes been dated very old by origin...Old by the human timescales/perspective, of course.

All the aforementioned considered, noticeably marshes are some from most unique environments on the Fennoscandian Nature.

Or, they were and remained so until rather recent of times, about the late 20th century. Nowadays (fx) fewer parts from the original marshlands at South Finland remain, at least in their natural condition. (It is said that about some 75 per cent from those appears drainaged, and major part was for the forestry purposes). Ecologically considering during very brief period, mostly just from 1960 until about mid 80s (the drainage been most intensive between 1965-75). There's been some uses of peat for heating (/energy source) from since the 19th century (at least), but the majority of that ecologic conversion is by the recent timing. Kind of an abrupt enviromental decline, if observed from it's main ecological consequences, ( - A process, sometimes on environmentalist literature described for the worst environmental disaster ever having taken place at the Finlands nature...If one can - or would,  at this case - point out any rapid and separately observed singular process.) Results of that were and are more wide-reaching than one would at first place think. (Mostly, all this seems just tell of the failure not to recognize any actual value of the Nature itself, and neglect of see/place any value on a view-point that there should be places where the human purposes not need extend for in the first place.)

From the North (Lapplands) marshes mostly weren't converted nearly to similar levels. In the North wood fx grows much slower, so it would not even have brought any gains on economic forestry purposes. (Additionally, it seems also vary considerably from how well the trees appear grow – or, not to grow – on any of the former natural marshes and soils from the S.Fennoscandias). On the Lapplands case one then also sometimes sees mentioned of the various other typical human purposes which have often been shown having had negative effects for the original wetlands ecology; The mining purposes, the uses of peat (at energy production), perhaps the most often noticed some. (Both represent some causes of ecological harms at various parts of the world, too;  The other polluting to water systems and the latter from being harmful due because climatic reasons...ao aspects.)

Insects are also usually mentioned example, for there are several marshes-dependent species, and, consequetly several suffered of the described (developments). Also, some that were rather common earlier on S. Fennoscandia having declined. Examples observed of the several insect main orders; (fx, the Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Araknea, all contain some that having become lot scarcer, resultatively) ...In fact, there's also species that aren't/weren't classed for the threatened just due because the larger parts from the Northern marshes remained (mostly) free of the drainages.

More generally, the largest change was seen at the changes on ecology from the open bogs (or the significant decline of those). So, there's also fx various common marshland plants that were found from noticeably decline, and resultatively also replaced by somewhat differing vegetation Seems it said that of the Finlands natural plants, some 25 per cent appear species by origin to  grow on  marshes (or closely similar types from environments).

...From since the 1990s the drainages from any new area to forestry uses seems said (practically) having halted, but ecological consequences remain on effect. There still is (a few, but some) remaining larger natural marshlands on S.Fennoscandia, and naturally them are nowadays mostly protected. Also, the Fennoscandian forests contain various parts of the 'semi-marsh lands'; ie there's places on the main forests with somewhat moisturic, swampy soil prevailing. Or perhaps even more typical are some places where edges of the shallower lakes and ponds form resembling smaller regions of a 'marsh-like' environment, limiting for the adjacent forests. Sometimes it's (relative) easy find a that kind place of the forest from a few minutes walk. Yet, much less of those on the S. Finlands part nowadays than some 50 years (or about) ago.

All things considered, afterwards viewing these developments (like we're doing on this), it leaves as topmost feeling an impression from a very unconditional determinism...But the same can of course be said of the most human developments that seek of to maximize uses from the natural resource(s).

(And, of course, there's also nowadays efforts of restoration the former natural ecology from those places, actually. Also, there's restoration from various other types of environments, where ecology has been disturbed from the forestry development, or from since the longer at pasts; The natural springs, et similar watery sources, not too common nowadays on the original condition at S. Fennoscandias and therefore also referred on this.)

---

The butterflies - and the daytime butterflies by some amount - are among the most numerous insect genera by species, so it's expectable to find them from marshes too. For this we basically also could have selected any species more considerably affected by the drainage of marshes. (But I've not had too much a chance to visit any marsh on summer, neither having any suitable pic of those).

Cranberry blue 
(..See the inner oversides from wings,
 the photo can hardly catch the actual colour....)  

So, this exemplary selection – like most of the insects and plants presented on our series – is generally quite common a species (in particular on the Lapplands marshy regions, where it is said possible encounter at most everyplaces.). Many of the Lycaenids – group from those little blue-winged butterflies usual at meadows, flowering fields and forest – appear more variable by their pattern and decorative on wings underside, but it wasn't any difficulty selecting this particular some. (I think) the Cranberry Blue (Vaccacinae optilete) has most beautiful colours on the overside from it's wings. There's some nice purple, the edges are more typically blue, like usual on most Lycaenids.  Though, on the females the oversides are mainly brown (and the part closer insect body more blueish than at males). (...Another nice little species to observe beautiful colours of butterly wing, more typically flying on all kinds of drier places of forest/hillsides, is the Green Hair-streak (Callophrys rubi). As it's even smaller species you need to look close, though. Actually, camera is most useful to have along for the purpose. Lycaenids, typically fly shorter distances than some larger butterflies, although them tend also take onwards quite rapidly too...)

(Cranberry Blue) appears probably the species most adapted for the marshes from these small blueish Lycaenid. (And), it is also most dependent from them for moisturic environments (I've fx noticed it present nearer the relative moisturic backwoods, or close by the lakesides with some bogs; Perhaps most typical places to it in during the summery time of flight, or seems to me so). ...Main reason, is that on the mentioned places also often grow Northern Bilbongs, usual food plant of it's caterpillars. (In that sense the English name may be little misleading, although maybe the caterpillars main food plant differs on other regions where it appears). But, from that part I guess it makes typical example, more or less, from an Oligophagy. (...The species seems also said quite invariably to use related common small shrubs, especially the Blueberry… and Cranberry.).

On elsewhere Europes many Lycaenids common from Fennoscandian range have more 'limited' appearance – like this Cranberry Blue, fx. There's also various that don't have presence on N. European part at all. Some that live on resembling environment are (perhaps) species Maculinea teleius and M. Alcon, usually found at similar mountaneous areas at the Mid-Europes (or at least somewhat resembling by the environments preferences...or seems to me so. ;Anyway, them have no presence at the Fennoscandian part). However, I also kind of calculated that solely on Finlands Nature appears there about two thirds of the North European  Lycaenids. Also is found some that've quite recently spread there – the most usual given reason is the expected accelerated warming.

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...Of the plant, we have a selection from flowers (Orchids, namely). At the world-wide spread family from Orchidaceae there's many flowers adapted to moisturous lands/soil. So them are generally rather common on Fennoscandia too, where is still relative much natural marsh- and wetlands. This selection, Dactylorhiza maculata - the Moorland Orchid, or the Spotted heath Orchid, apparently from it's name(s) on English - is perhaps commonest from natural orchid at Fennoscandian nature (It also has quite wide range on elsewere Europes, more typically grows on the mountains region and similar environment from the Central European part, seems it said.)

(On Europe, the Orchids are most numerous and rich of variety on Mediterranean regions; There occurs most of the endemic species in the World. Even, if compared to some other 'bio-diversity hot-spots' elsewhere. At Mediterranean there is also some most spectacular and colourful of the species, although, many also are classed to threatened (and/ot for endangered , vulnerable, etc., ) Globally, there's also large number threatened Orchid-species, IUCN seems to have big list of them. ...And, like often from plant, some species from generally wider range may sometimes be locally declined by populations. Apparently some examle (fx) is the Creeping ladies tresses (G.repens) from the Scottands forests and highland as the species seems said to have range over the Eurasia and N. Americas, but is locally scarce.)

On Finland part, occurs there some close species to the D. Maculata, which are more particularly adapted to marsh environments, and - like expectable - them also were found lot more affected by the caused ecological changes on marshlands. Some typical Marsh orchids are fx the Dactylorhiza incarnata (the sbps cruenta and incarnata), both said become scarcer on Mid- and s. Fennoscandias as them naturally grow particularly at the wetland soils (Major part of the places where those latter mentioned species used to grow having gotten drainaged). ...Which is a pity since their are all very impressive flowers.

Dactylorhiza maculata
...Notice the flower
petals, their variations 
 are (but slight) observable on the photo.

The particular orchid discussed, D.maculata, grows on more various places. ...Also occurs fx on the lakesides and ditches. So, wasn't not nearly similarly affected (not too common a flower, either). But relative to usual to grow on some moisturic spots of  the forests, too. 

Seems it also said that the natural variety on Orchids is quite wide: Flower bloomings at same specimen show often slight differences from the shapes, if looking more precisely. Some species of the natural Orchids also easily mix; fx the D.maculata and D.traunsteineri can mix in the Natures too (Yet, I guess that this specimen in the pic yet represent a usual breed of the regular D.maculata). Also appear that the (Orchids) can often grow via their rootgrowths, soforth on a good places it is possible find larger groups (in the best circumstances...And, I guess there would be whole more about the Orchids for an interested to learn from and about... :)

Anyway, this (limited but inspired) sequel about the Fennoscandian marshes now finishes this serie of ours. It could of course have contained several other interesting insects that are not presented Fx from the insect orders Trichoptera, Coleoptera, etc., ao.  But, any subsequent 'sequel' shall mostly be from the trees, at any case. (W-G.)

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Of the trees, plants and insects...

 

Seems that this sequel on our serie from the insect (and plant) enlarged for such many paragraphs,  it's sensible devote this post completely for it. Other topics on separate stories, with more available space, etc. In combined, we have this time three species;  Tree, plant and the insect. Them go nicely together. (But the aim is not represent so many at each chapter.)

Pinus Sylvestris
(Example from a typical
young-growth tree)

 [Scot's Pine]
...Appears difficult (but not completely impossible), to think any other tree that would make such characteristic part of Fennoscandian landscapes than Pine, Pinus sylvestris (or; the Scot's Pine, a reader can notice the English naming manner also of this example...). It is not just from reason this (sole) species of the pines making almost half from all the Fennoscandian woodlands, currently. As well culturally the ('Scot's') Pine from many ways has always been tied in the history of people at N.Europes.


The P.Sylvestris can typically live for 250 years at the most (But in certain cases even double that time. And typically grows even slower and longer in the colder climate at Lapplands). Due that Pine is a species that tolerates largest variety from different environment, it is the commonest tree on Fennoscandia. Grows as well on places with relative much moisture and, more typically on forest heathlands. Equally common on higher elevations/hillsides. The only main prerequisitive to Pine is the adequate amount from sunlight.

 It can persist on such various environments so well because it's roots reach for wide-ranging area in the ground. Pine also forms symbiotic relations - called mycorrhiza - with the large number from fungi. Generally their species you can find to see from forest floor-level. Although, there's also variety other forms of; All fungi have larger rootgrowths below the surface (More precisely view of the preceding link, fx). Association of the Pine's roots with fungus permits the tree better having inevitable nutrients and water of the soil.

Pine always has been favored on human uses and on the modern forestry because it grows to a direct upward trunk. Makes it also practical on most tasks that require wood material. Pine grows almost as long as the Spruce (Picea abies), and little faster, so it is often considered more usable and flexible saw-wood material. However, in the different places Pines can as well grow for quite different kind; Beside the clifftops or on otherways rocky hillsides(fx), the trees are often smaller and appear from more various shapes, trunk turning to more varying forms. Also at different conditions from soil, fx on wet marshland, full-grown Pines sometimes seem surprisingly small, can be just little over meter in lenght.

People also often like walking on Pine forests because it's easy to see for longer distance there. Typically drier heaths where the ground mainly grows fx berries (blueberry, lingonberry), with similar smaller plants/shrubs. The air on the pinewoods is also said very healthy, which is from that the tree secrecates chemial particles that have the effect from killing  bacteria. Due the same reason it's needles, resin and various other parts from Pine have been manufactured at medicinal uses since the early prehistorical time. (Are still in similar uses today, by some part).

Doesn't, necessary, make me too impressed from modern cultivated Pine woods. The (modern) Fennoscandian forests often shows itself as a maintained landscape - At worst planted woods of the stricktly ordered form. ...So it's also easy imagine how much of the natural variety of the landscape actually has disappeared. As the trees nowadays are often maintained to economic purposes, and often the harvesting interval is about 60-80 years (at most), the resulted ecology (on a large part from) Pine forests is far from the natural. Typically continuous harvesting leaves it's traces on forest ground which are just boring to watch. Leftover twigs and cut remainders of the trees drying out in the piles can make walking at places unpleasant (...Albeit shallow plants relative soon grow even from under those). Those marks, of course, are temporary; In some places the faster growing trees coppices can cover those in a matter of some years, at the best circumstances - And, until the area is again cleaned/reshaped with machinery and man).

Already on the past centuries of a more 'traditional forest uses', Pine was very favored tree in the human purposes. In during the 19th century, trade from it's tar made the most important product at N.European market. The tar could be extracted by burning resinuous trunks and stomps of the Pine on large pit. Practice, clearing woods for it's manufacture, is said often been even more destructive to the forest ecology than the modern uses - As there also was at the time more of the actual natural forests left. Tar was so much in demand as the undersides from Ocean-going vessels (and regular boats) were frequently needed layered with tar to keep them on sailing condition. (Among it's other uses, various wooden tools were covered with tar to make them resistent for moisture. Most went for the export, of course.) Seems said that effects on forests used from that (making of tar) are still seen on regions. Closer some coastal areas the older Pine forests largerly disappeared prior the 20th century and then became replaced by the younger growths of Spruce.

More overally, nowadays it's not the scarcity or disappearance that probably would at first sight catch the view of any casual observer of the Pinewoods. Even today quite much of the natural (Fennoscandian) woodland ecology exists, although it is been converted and changed on most places, sometimes more severely (think about the drainaged marshland, and/or those planted and heavily harvested forestries. Both are mentioned on this instance since any human brought influences have the capability affect to environments on a longer momentum - And any conversion of environments/natural recovery seems appear a process from the decades scale, at least. Often  centuries.) 

On a walk you can also fx wonder and look around on a seemingly very natural looking woodland, growing some (quite) large trees. Then you glance for a place to rest a while and notice the old stomps, almost decayed and covered by the moss now. If you look closer as well other old marks from the human efforts may show, and a more trained eye soon, probably would recover lots more, older 'tracks' from similar kind. (Newer marks and tracks of course appear more apparent and visible.)

Forest cultivation (history) on Fennoscandias often deserves it's best mention from that the nonendemic (*) tree species were never planted - justifiedly so, as on many places that's said brought the most harms, seen causing fx  the impoverishment on  soils, increases of erosion,  ao similar ecological harms.
Yet, something very clearly is missing. Not necessarily the animals (fx, insects on a suitable season sometimes appear as plentiful as latitudes can permit, and  larger species aren't that expectable to so often show themselves - except from the birds).  It is not even of the plants (certainly diminished, some appearing more limited ranges, but still showing quite various kinds). Perhaps not solely even from those forest roads been built almost everywhere on S.Fennoscandias. - More likely it's from the all above discussed aspects; Smthg having to do with the declines of  randomness and of ecological diversity.

(Perhaps apparent also that),  I've never even much preferred the tree in question. That actually originates not from any logical reason for and in spite of all those respectable characteristics of it: Pine certainly has  lot of ecological importance, it has been of great importance culturally, economically was earlier as much a source of richness as it is today (once also made an important source for foods at times of scarcity). Yet, personally, and as long as I can remember, I've always disliked it. Too much of anything has the effect from bringing alongside a scarcity of something else, more or less so also on this case...

[Heather] ...As this sequel represents even two plant species, here's also few words from Heather (Calluna vulgaris). It's a common subshrub plant, recognized by most people of it's colourful Autumn blooming. Seems it said from relative early having benefited from human impacts on Natures (the West European heaths actually are said mostly formed as followings to the clear cutting of former woodlands). On Autumn the cultivated species from Heathers are commonly at sales on garden shops. From this forest plant the 'Natural Apotheket' even mentions it's flowerings being usable for making some relaxing Tea (Not all species from heathers proper to use for, and only the petals from flowers, not the other parts).

Heather makes important source of nectar to many insects. Bumble-bees (and alike) frequently visit, although interestingly it's said the smaller insects actually taking care of the plants pollination. Typically pioneering species, it commonly grows on European pinewoods/open heath. Similarly like the Pine, is also quite demanding from light. A colourful ground-mats of the heather, on Autumn, can best be seen either on the older forests, or at very recently cleared areas. ...Seems said it is mainly tolerant of forests younger than 20 or older to 70 years – because of the need from much sunlight). Maybe that also is reason for that - little surprisingly - Heather is mentioned to have generally lost of the total area of growth on Fennoscandia during past 50 years. That's because, at least partially, from the forests are more densely growing the trees, nowadays.

Still amongst some from commonest plants at forests, Heather also has the capability of growing on quite various lands (usually on drier grounds, but also fx on more moisturic places like marshes). It also relative effectively can gain new places of growth. Seems it even mentioned capable - for a limited period of time - from slowing down the growth of smaller trees. Heather can therefore persist somewhat longer on places where growth of the trees otherways would soon deprive it from it's needed light. But in time fx typical berries and other more shadowy tolerant plant then start replace it.
 [No pics from, because the plant appears quite difficult photograph, acc. my experiments...]



[Cerceris arenaria] ...Quite several paragraphs were devoted to those most representative forests plants, so this now leaves us just little space for the insect example. Like was promised before, it's a hymenopteran this time (Quite a justified selection, as those all in all make the largest group from the Fennoscandian insects.) In addition to the commonest (better known) social bees, there's multitudes from solitary species, although most are not so often seen. Predative species make a respectable amount from them, containing fx  the Spider Wasps (the name derives from their habit for catching and paralyzing spiders) . The prey is  drag for the nesting hole, and  the emerging offspring later  feeds on that. Also, there's fx the Field digger wasp (Mellinus arvensis), that catches flies. And the European Beewolf, which - like  the related genera on it's genus - specializes on various bees (...To name a few). Most predative  hymenopteran belong to the Vespoidea, ie they are related genera for social wasps.





The species discussed on beside paragraphs... 



If my guess is correct – although, like said there's lots quite similar looking species – this exemplary species (in the pic) would be Cerceris arenaria (Although, I wasn't finding any English name for it). In that case, would represent example of a species specialized on catching Snout beetles (Curculionidae). Adult is mentioned to prey an amount of those, the larvae then later emerging feeds on them. Adults however - like the other solitary hymenopteran usually - are said feed on the pollen from flowering plants. (I guess) it's not quite unlike encountering the species at the open Pine forest, although at a place I noticed it was bushes beside small road, mostly a sunnier area growing forest flowers and various larger vegetation. Perhaps it's more expectable area to seek these species, often (on such places) there's also places where solitary hymenopteran typically can make their nesting.



Like most from Vespoidea, it seems quite slenderly built. Also has little similar looking yellow stripings. Lot smaller species than the common social wasps, though. (....Whatever this species exactly, like said, could quite as well represent some other predative hymenopteran. If you know from it's precise identification, can offer me that...).

(W-G.)

 * ...However, because endemic, strictly speaking, is mentioned a term referring for species which appear just on (certain) eco-region (/or, particular environments) and nowhere else, it is noted that a more proper word to use at this would be the introduced tree species that not appear on forests/natural environments by origin, prior the human impacts...
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