8 SWISS FLOWERS. 



the family, while its small bright yellow flower with a few 

 dark lines, the flowers beiug generally in pairs, distinguishes 

 it from its fellows. 



Soon, however, the words " Come on ! " were heard — 

 words which a botanist in Switzerland is likely to hear 

 pretty often if he travels with those not like-minded with 

 himself : for the usual pace of guides, horses, or mules 

 leaves little time for grubbing about. In obedience to 

 this command the friendly shade was quickly left, and 

 soon the road became wilder ; boulders and crags bounded 

 the path; the Ranunculus aconitifolius on its tall stems 

 gave place to the lower-growing R. Alpestris, which 

 formed masses of blossom in small compact tufts, and 

 told us by its presence that we were fast leaving the lower 

 regions. 



Soon, in a cleft of a rock, we discovered the dark green 

 leaves and bright blossoms of Switzerland's own flower, 

 Rhododendron ferrugineum, the Alpen-rose. Though seen 

 by one of us for the first time, it was eagerly welcomed by all, 

 including our youthful guide, who proudly stuck a piece in 

 his cap. The way became steeper, the sun hotter, the feet 

 more weary ; but the distant views were clear and lovely, 

 and the cliffs began to be more and more mountain-like. 

 How were we ever to get up them ? we thought. And then 

 came the snow, and with the snow the beautiful Soldanella, 

 one of the truest Alpine plants, its lovely fringed bells, two 



