SOLDANELLA MONTANA. 69 



nearly white varieties. The plant sometimes sold as crenata is, we believe, only a 

 variety of montana, and differs from it only in its leaves being scolloped at the 

 edges, or crenate. Montana, the one figured, is, we think, the most desirable of the 

 genus ; it is less delicate than some of the others, and also more prolific of flowers. 

 Although we have spoken of it in connection with Alpine scenery, it is a native not 

 of the Swiss, but of the Bohemian mountains, being almost the only species found 

 out of the Helvetian territory. 



The cultivation of this species is attended with less difficulty than of those 

 found at a greater elevation; but we cannot promise that it will succeed long in the 

 open border without a little care. 



It must be borne in mind not only that the Alpine summers are shorter than our 

 own, but also that the snowy covering which, in winter, wraps the plants of those 

 legions like a shroud, whilst moderating the action of the cold, further preserves 

 them from the stimulating influence of the light ; their period of rest is therefore 

 considerably longer than that enjoyed by lowland plants. An exact imitation of 

 these conditions cannot be expected, nor indeed is it necessary ; but the nearer we 

 approximate to them, the greater will be our success in the cultivation, of these 



plants. 



In the case of the Soldanella montana, it will be sufficient to plant it in a shaded 

 border, where it will receive the morning and evening sun during the summer 

 months, but little at any other period. (See page 38 of the present volume.) In 

 autumn it should be screened by an empty pot from heavy rains, which would 

 retard its period of rest, and in winter the root should be covered with a layer of 

 cut furze or even chaff, over which a large pot must be whelmed to preserve it in a 

 dry state. By this simple means the plant will be kept from severe frost, excessive 

 damp, and be retained in a dormant condition until the return of spring renders the 

 removal of the covering safe. The soil best suited to it is turfy peat, or peat 

 containing a little loam, a mixture in which all Alpine plants delight. Where 

 there is the convenience of a frame facing the north, it may be treated as a pot 

 plant, and will then flower a little earlier than in the open border. It may also be 

 grown on the north side of the rockery, in peat soil, in which situation it may be 

 as easily protected in winter as in the open border. It is increased by division of 

 the roots in autumn, or by seeds, which should be sown as soon as ripe, and the 

 seedlings potted off whilst young. 



Soldanella is derived from soldus, a shilling, in reference to the almost circular 

 form of the leaves of some of the species. 



5 a 



