52 ALPINE FLOWERS AND GARDENS 



their aim — or shall we say, in view of Mr. E. K. 

 Robinson's theory, this, no doubt, is a large part 

 of their present aim ? Insects are not so numerous 

 here as down in the plains. IMoths and butterflies 

 there certainly are in quantities, but bees and flies 

 (for all that tourists may say about cattle-flies !) 

 are far more scarce. Time, too, is shorter. The 

 blossoming season is more contracted. ' Hay ' must 

 be made while the sun shines ; every effort put forth 

 to salute to good purpose 'the passing moment 

 as it flies.' Hence one very good reason, one 

 would think, for the lavish, gorgeous colour which 

 so dominates the verdure, and is so distinctive a 

 feature of the Alpine landscape. 



I say * one would think,' because Mr. E. K. 

 Robinson, in The Country-side, has formulated a 

 theory which, if essentially correct, will oblige us 

 to modify considerably what Darwin, Lord 

 Avebury, and others have taught us to believe. 

 Mr. Robinson holds that 'the real, primary, and 

 original meaning of the colours, markings, nectai, 

 and scents of flowers is not to attract insects, but 

 to deter grazing and browsing animals.' And I see 

 no reason to fall out with this entirely, or, indeed, 

 in any large measure. Efficient capacity for self- 

 protection is the key-note of Creation's prosperity. 



