94 ALPINE PLANTS 
blue. Flowers on one stem may be seen of varying shades 
of colour, and the effect of a well-developed plant is very 
pleasing. The smaller kinds that require nice little pockets 
in the rockery where they will not get smothered over by 
rougher and more rampant subjects, are M. echioides, 
M. oblongifolia, and M. primuloides. All the Mertensias 
are remarkable for the length of their flowering period, 
and on that account, combined with their daintiness and 
quiet charm, the whole genus is worthy of special attention 
by owners of small gardens. 
MimuLus.—These are some plants which have been 
known and cultivated for generations and yet seem to 
miss the degree of popularity one would imagine their 
unusual qualities would ensure. Some of the perennial 
Mimulus may be cited as examples. The Mimulus is 
decidedly an old favourite, for its culture dates back to 
1826, wellnigh a century ago. It is a genus that embraces 
species of widely varied form, and the brilliance and 
striking combinations of rich colours that characterize 
the majority cannot fail to attract and please the majority 
of flower-lovers. Still, strangely enough, there are but 
few gardens where Mimulus are made an important feature, 
and the reason for this is somewhat difficult to explain. 
It must be admitted that a frequent answer to the query 
is that Mimulus do not stand well, but their short life is 
more often than not due to misunderstanding of their 
requirements. 
Mimulus love moisture in abundance, and the first 
essential is to pick out a low-lying position, partially 
shaded, and easily kept moist. The plants do not require 
