CHOICE PLANTS FOR ROCK GARDENS 153 
kinds may be tried, and the weirdly beautiful mourning 
Iris, I. susiana, may form a companion to I. Korolkowi, 
and the varieties of I. unguicularis, of which there are 
several, may be either planted where protection may be 
afforded their early flowers, or put up in pans for flowering 
under glass. Indeed, one may go on for years adding to 
an Iris collection and find an absorbing interest in their 
varying forms and colours akin to that associated with a 
collection of orchids. 
LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM (Edelweiss).—A flower of 
romance, sentiment, and strange 
fascination, the Edelweiss is 
charged with being responsible for 
many tragedies. It is very strange 
that this plant, undeniably beau- 
tiful, but by no means as bright 
and showy as many other Alpines, 
should have drawn many a moun- 
taineer beyond the point where 
experienced judgment would bid 
him venture, and strange also that 
the delusion should commonly pre- Ma eee EE eee 
vail that the plant is obstinately 
difficult to grow. As a matter of fact, the Edelweiss is as 
simple in its requirements and as good natured in its 
response to quite ordinary cultural care as the majority of 
the plants we describe as being of easy culture. It likes 
a well-drained soil with a fair amount of grit and some lime 
and as to the staple character of the soil it matters little 
whether it is of a light loamy nature, fibrous peat, or even 

