The responses of growth and leaf gas exchange to increasing salinity were measured in two halophytes [Atriplex nummularia (C4), Atriplex hastata (C3)] and one glycophyte [Hordeum vulgare (C3)]. The growth (dry mass) of both the halophytes was significantly increased, by 54 and 17 %, respectively, as salinity was increased in the range 0-200 mol m-^ NaCl. However, net CO2 assimilation rate (Pn)- the intercellular CO2 concentration (Cj) and leaf conductance (^1) were unaffected. At higher levels of salinity (in the range 400 - 600 mol m"^ NaCl) the growth of the two halophytes was severely reduced (by 44 and 51 %, respectively). At these levels of salinity q were significantly depressed. 25 mol m*^ NaCl significantly reduced the growth of H. vulgare by 44 %, but had no effect on Py^, g| and Cj. However, at 100 mol m'^ NaCl, where growth was decreased by 62 %, and g| were significantly reduced while q was unaltered. There was thus, no association between the effects of salinity on growth and leaf gas exchange at low salinities (25- 200 mol m'3 NaCl). At higher salinities, leaf gas exchange and growth were both severely inhibited but it is unlikely that a direct causal relationship existed. At these salinities sodium concentration in the leaves (tissue water basis) was above 400 mol m'3 in the halophytes and above 100 mol m'^ in H. vulgare which possibly affected both growth and leaf gas exchange independently. Also, the effects of salinity on total leaf chlorophyll concentration and net CO2 assimilation rate expressed on a chlorophyll (chl) basis (Pchi) were no better related to growth than was Pn
The goal of this article is to approach the Armenian epic poetry and above all the phenomenon of local troubadour lyrics as such, in the light of traditions of neighbouring nations and also in a European context. I have tried to show that Armenia (and the Caucasus region as whole) is far from being a region deserving only the marginal interest of researchers. To the contrary, its relative isolation on the one hand and the constant blending of cultures and the emergence of syncretic traditions on the other hand make the Caucasus a fountainhead of topics not only for ethnologists and folklorists. Armenian lyric poetry can be shown to have developed under the strong influence of Persian as well as Arabic poetry, but Armenian folk art tended to také its inspiration also from local traditions, and through the quasi authorship of hayrens it then became the inspiration for the higher art form of poetry. Through popular music, Armenian troubadour lyric poetry has remained alive and is still popular with the public.