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A4 ALPINE PLANTS. 
together. After the drainage (say 3in.) has 
been put into the bed, fill in with the 
mixed compost, 4in. to 6in. deep, tread 
firmly down, then add tin. of white sand, 
spreading it evenly over the surface of 
the bed. Tread all over again to make as 
firm as possible. Level the surface, then 
start to plant, taking care that the sand goes 
well down to the roots. As you put each 
plant in its place, press it as firmly as possible 
and cover it almost out of sight. After the 
plants are all in, dress the surface again with 
a thin covering of sand. Water with a fine 
rose and then leave for a few days to settle. 
If very hot a few branches may be laid 
over ‘the ‘bed, just. to keep ‘the sun ‘from 
drying the ground too soon; they may remain 
on for a week, for by this time the plants will 
have got over their check and the branches 
may be removed with safety. A good water- 
ing every third morning will be needed 
during the hot weather. A _ great many 
people complain of losing their Gentianas, 
especially vervna and davarica, after they have 
seen them flower but once. The reason of this 
is very easily explained. When the plants 
