THE SAXIFRAGES 207 



ively, just as Caenlochan and Glen Doile are 

 those of Forfar. The four form the alpine haunts 

 of Scotland. Other mountains and gorges have 

 forms, it may be, even peculiar to themselves, but 

 in none are so many gathered into one place. 



All who have seen the cotyledon growing in 

 gardens must have rejoiced in it, wondered if 

 anything so perfect could be wild, and, if so, what 

 land was favoured with its presence. Yet it 

 grows in Norway, amid other saxifrages not 

 sparingly, but so freely as to form a marked 

 feature of many scenes. Those who have seen it 

 in the open, with its great top-heavy trusses, 

 speak of it with the utmost enthusiasm. 



From Norway the saxifrages tend farther north- 

 ward till they enter within the arctic circle. 



There are really three divisions among our 

 alpines, with no very distinct lines between, but 

 still rudely separable. Some are simply stunted 

 Lowland plants, whose tendency is distinctly 

 southward. These I have spoken of as Shetland 

 pony alpines. 



Others are in their proper places on the hills, 

 where they lead the little intense life peculiar to 

 the fairy kind, in pure enjoyment. They exult in 

 their lofty dwelling-place ; their favourite food is 



