IN AN ALPINE GARDEN 141 



with a north aspect. (We are not speaking of any 

 disputed or reputed form of Gentiana verna, such 

 as G. brachijphylla, but of the true type-plant.) I 

 have myself so found it in July, perched up on the 

 precipices of the Rochers de Naye, some 6,800 feet. 

 But this cannot be considered characteristic of the 

 plant; it is here in an exceptional, rather than 

 habitual, position. It is not what is usually called 

 a rock-plant. However, the observer, not having 

 seen it in all its normal abundance on the pastures 

 earlier in the year, is liable to take note of its 

 isolated position on the rocks, and to treat it 

 accordmgly when he gets home. Success can 

 scarcely attend his efforts. 



Careless as we generally are, it now and again 

 happens that we try to outdo Nature in carefulness. 

 When we sow flower-seed, we choose a likely spot 

 and watch it (blaming our seedsman if the seed 

 should fail to germinate). But Nature takes no 

 such pains ; she has a larger way of being careful. 

 Paradoxical as ever, she proceeds with amazing yet 

 studious prodigality. To make quite sure of 

 catching a sprat, she, so to speak, baits her hook 

 with a whale ; she strews the seed broadcast to the 

 four winds everywhere, and it may come up where 

 it can. It is for tliis reason that we meet with 



