234 THE ALPINE FLORA 



matic conditions. During this period, so far as may be, 

 regard should be paid to anterior environment, and the 

 plant should be led step by step to the new state of exist- 

 ence. Most alpines are kindly creatures and respond to 

 treatment ; still there are kinds that call for serious pre- 

 cautions. 



Not till the close of the annual cycle, when seed is 

 ripening and the sap flows sluggishly, should one think 

 of moving a plant to lower levels. Fortunately very for- 

 tunately for this work the roots must now be cleaned 

 from all adhering earth, since the new environment calls 

 for a corresponding change of soil. The roots, however, 

 should, so far as possible, be preserved intact, to aid 

 them in taking a new hold readily, and it is better to 

 take up young plants than old or full grown ones. Here 

 is the place for garden-craft, an art that cannot be learnt 

 from books nor taught by lessons, but one of rapid 

 growth, given an observant nature and an intelligent in- 

 sight into natural processes combined with a love of 

 plant-life. 1 will only say that a sandy, well drained 

 soil is wanted, that everything must be avoided which 

 may cause decay, that the protection of a frame is desi- 

 rable, that shade be given by day and a little air by 

 night in a word we must seek to establish an equilib- 

 rium between absorption and evaporation and to main- 

 tain our patients in a state of perfect balance between 

 what is taken in and what is given out. 



Little by little the plants should be exposed to air, 

 dryness and sun. During the first winter it is well to 

 allow them quietly to push out tender rootlets and 

 strengthen their underground system. In severe frosts 

 they must be covered with moss or branches of fir. 

 With spring move them into pots or pans according to 

 their size, let them take hold in a cool frame, and finally 

 plant them in their permanent quarters. In the latter part 



