Welsh Journals

CORS FOCHNO AND CORS GOCH. In view of the fact that Cardiganshire bogs occupy heights varying from sea-level to approximately 2,000 feet it will be realised that the climate factors differ in proportion. For example, the change in rainfall values is considerable, ranging from thirty-six inches per annum on the western sea-board to seventy-six inches in the hinterland. This high rainfall on the highlands, with the non-calcareous nature of the soil-forming rocks, is an important consideration because it is well known that acid peat reaches its greatest development in regions where the soil is non-calcareous and where climate conditions are wet and cold. These conditions are found on the high plateau of Cardigan- shire and explain why such extensive areas are covered with varying thicknesses of peat. In regions with humid climate a rich growth of water-loving plants is usually found on the wetter parts of the land surface. As the dead remains of these plants fall to the ground they are often covered with water (which prevents decomposition) and form what is called peat. The most favourable conditions for peat formation are found in temperate zones but peat deposits also occur in sub-tropical and tropical regions where organic remains are pre- served in swamps. The two most important bogs in Cardiganshire are Cors Fochno (Borth) and Cors Goch (Tregaron). The former, covering an area of 5,000 acres, is situated six miles north of Aberystwyth, and lies only a few feet above sea-level. It is undoubtedly a good example of a raised bog but peat-cutting combined with periodical burning has spoiled much of the natural vegetation, particularly around the margin. The river Leri crosses the fringe of the bog on the seaward side, keeping parallel with the sea until it joins the Dovey estuary. West of the Leri is a line of shingle or storm beach on which Borth is built. To the north the beach is replaced by a series of sand dunes. There seems to be a constant drift of stone and sand to the north, the prevailing winds being south-westerly, and this results in the formation of a bar across the mouth of the Dovey. Surrounding the bog is a region of high ground rising steeply on the north side to the height of Cader Idris. The eastern hills run along the fifty feet contour line and mark the boundary of the post-glacial deposits.