154 ALPINE PLANTS 
a stiff clay. The presence of lime in the soil results in a 
whiter tomentum, the stems and bracts around the flowers 
being densely covered with almost a furry coating. The 
name alpinum is generally applied to the Swiss Edelweiss, 
but the Austrian, Himalayan and Siberian forms are really 
variations of the same species. 
Well-developed clumps may be divided in spring, but a 
more satisfactory means of increasing stock is by sowing 
seeds as soon as ripe, sifting sharp sand, a little finely 
pulverized mortar rubble and powdered charcoal over 
the surface of the seed-pan. Another name frequently 
applied to the Edelweiss is Gnaphalium Leontopodium, 
but Leontopodium alpinum is the correct botanical name. 
LEWISIA REDIVIVA.—This is another plant of such 
striking beauty that it must be made much of for the 
alpine house, even though for rock-garden culture it pre- 
sents difficulties on account of the necessity to keep the roots 
dry during the dormant period. Lewisia makes a spreading 
rosette of narrow fleshy leaves radiating in starry formation 
from a stout hub-like crown. From the crown the flowers 
issue on stalks about 3 or 4 inches long. They are of 
an almost cerise tone of colour, which appears the brighter 
on account of a glossy, satiny sheen that overlays the 
petals. Good loam and sharp grit should form the com- 
post, and whilst in growth water should be freely supplied, 
gradually withholding when the flowering season is over. 
Home-saved seed will provide the best means of pro- 
pagation, and it is best sown quite early in the year, that 
the seedlings may make plump “crowns ” before the first 
resting period arrives. 
