60 ALPINE PLANTS. 
in this manner, though in this instance care 
should be taken not to put the top-dressing 
near the neck of the plant, as it requires 
freedom in that quarter. Sand is the best 
thing you can use for top-dressing; it will 
take abundance of moisture during the 
growing season, but it must not have it in 
winter, for then it must be kept perfectly dry. 
LYCHNIS PYRENAICA. A_ charming little 
plant. This is purely a rock Alpine, and 
revels in sunny niches of the rockery. If 
planted high up there should always be 
ledging, so that when the plant ripens its seed 
it can throw it upon the ledges beneath, 
where it will germinate and cling to the least 
bit of rock or earth. It is one of those 
curious plants which gather the seed-vessels 
towards itself before it ripens. When ripe 
the seed-lobe springs open, throwing the 
seed all amongst the rocks, where it takes 
root and grows. Limestone and loam. Wedge 
the plant tightly between two pieces of lime- 
stone when planting. The other varieties of 
Lychnis are all of comparatively easy culture. 
L. Lagasce requires a rocky ground, south 
position, loam, sand, and grit. 
