118 ALPINE FLOWERS AND GARDENS 



Nature herself seems to have upon the existence of 

 certain species. A timely helping hand had, 

 therefore, to be extended, and preserves had to be 

 organized where menaced plants could find a 

 refuge and Hve and multiply in comparative 

 security. 



Hence, the wisdom of Shakespeare is once more 

 demonstrated, and gardening, even Alpine garden- 

 ing, 'doth mend A^ature.' Nor is human nature 

 excluded from the mending. * The garden is a 

 potent maker of character,' and the influence of 

 these particular gardens and of the societies 

 governing them is already felt in the notable 

 increase of intelligent appreciation and careful 

 interest for the ' scented miracles ' of the Alps. 

 * Coals to Newcastle ' these gardens may be to 

 some extent ; but just as, by all accounts, there 

 will come a time when Newcastle will be glad of 

 coals from anywhere, so the Alps and lovers of 

 Alpine circumstance, and even the world in general, 

 will some day thank these gardens and the men 

 whose foresight and perseverance have led to the 

 creation of them at so right a moment. 



Human labour is rewarded largely by additional 

 labour. IMan's activity obliges him to be incessantly 

 and increasingly active. Since the dawn-days of 



