GENERAL INTRODUCTION 235 



of this work, which contains descriptions of the different 

 species, instructions are given as to the aspect in the 

 rockery proper to each and the most suitable situations 

 in the garden. 



Proceeding thus, one may in twenty-five per cent of 

 cases expect success with the great majority of alpine or 

 even of arctic plants. At Floraire we have established 

 many plants received from Canada, the Caucasus, Sibe- 

 ria, Norway, Lapland, and indeed New Zealand ; and we 

 have been able from it to supply rare and capricious 

 species to many private collections and public gardens 



Tap-rooted species Gentians of the group lutea, Sea- 

 hollies (Eryngium), Anemones of the group Pulsatilla 

 are impatient of removal and should be brought into cul- 

 tivation by means of seed. This, moreover, is the method 

 indicated by our great teacher Nature, whose sugges- 

 tions must be regarded and her example followed. 



Seed is the rational way of establishing perennial al- 

 pines. After now testing it practically for a quarter of a 

 century and finding it to give the best results, we recom- 

 mend it to clients in distant countries who prefer to raise 

 their own plants. It is the most rational method, just 

 because it is the most natural. No doubt it is a slow 

 one and demands attention, at which many may flinch ; 

 yet it is simple and certain, though perhaps not at the 

 command of everyone, for some appliances are required 

 to ensure complete success. 



The chief points to observe are a light, sandy soil, 

 with just enough nourishment to provide the food ne- 

 cessary for the growth of young plants. 1 myself use one 

 third old and rotten leaf-mould, well riddled to free it 

 from grubs ; one third turves or sound arable land ; 

 one third granitic or calcareous grit, according to the 

 affinity of the species. The best time is autumn, and the 

 seed should be fresh gathered. 



