36 ALPINE PLANTS. 
washes away from it. Put the dressing care- 
fully among the young growths, and in the 
autumn the top-dressing should be composed 
nearly all of grit, with the fine sifted out so 
that it will absorb any moisture that may 
rest on or near the plant during the damp 
season, November and December being the 
worst months. A sharp look-out must be 
kept for snails in the spring, as they are 
particularly fond of this species. There are 
many other species and varieties of Dianthus, 
but all are of comparatively easy culture in 
well-drained, sunny places. 
DRABA MAWEANA or MAWII (Sfazn) I 
may take as the most difficult species to 
grow and flower. It requires to be kept in 
a dry place during winter, as it does not 
flower quite so early as some of the species ; 
a little limestone added to the soil is very 
beneficial, Plant tightly between chinks of 
rock on the south side where it will get 
full sun. The other species do well on any 
part of the rockery, or on a sandy bank, if 
well drained. 
Dryas DRUMMONDII (VV. America). This 
requires a moist, peaty loam and is well 
