14 SWISS FLO WEBS. 



raising from seed, and thus those who arrive after the 

 blossom is over would not be without some compensation. 



Another advantage, too, which Switzerland affords to 

 later visitors is found in the beauty of its Lichens, which 

 may be met with then in full perfection and in great 

 variety. This branch of botany is comparatively neglected, 

 yet in no other are the specimens so easily preserved. Some 

 look almost as well years after they were gathered as at 

 first, others will revive in water. The limits of the present 

 volume do not allow of any attempt to introduce them, but 

 they are well worth study. One may be referred to, in 

 passing, which looks just as though dabs of red ruddle had 

 been put on the stone by an idle boy. It has the scent of 

 Violets. It may be seen, among other places, on the road 

 between Amsteg and Andermatt. 



Everyone seems to associate ferns with Switzerland, and, 

 in consequence of this, many may be surprised to be told 

 that there are but few species there which are unknown in 

 England. It is necessary to cross the Alps to find new 

 species. Even the Maidenhair is rarely met with to the 

 north of the Alps — a perfect contrast to the way in which 

 it clothes the buildings of the old Italian cities, and 

 flourishes in the clefts of the rocks along the Mediter- 

 ranean. But, if few new varieties are found, there is an 

 abundance of those which are not common with us. The 

 Oakj with its slender divided stems; the Beech, with its 



