RANUNCULACE>t 261 



A. montana, a Valaisian congener of Pulsatilla, differs 

 by a smaller, drooping flower, of deep violet, and has 

 more finely divided greyish leaves. After the normal in- 

 florescence of spring it frequently blooms a second time 

 in autumn. Both are poisonous, and used medicinally for 

 affections of the skin, syphilis, paralysis and eye-diseases; 

 they are also much employed in homoeopathy. 



Jl. Halleri is distinguished from the last two species 

 by palmate instead of pinnate leaves, silky hair and gi- 

 gantic flowers of fine reddish-violet with a peculiarly 

 downy outer surface. Grows in dry and stony pastures 

 of the Valaisian alps. (i6oo-23oo m.). 



A. vernalis (PL 111). Stem short; radical leaves hairy, 

 palmate; involucre hairy, close to flower, which is large 

 and erect, the divisions externally covered with a dense, 

 bronzy nap. A true alpine, from the margins of moraines, 

 on the rocky pastures of the non-calcareous alps ( 1 600 

 -2000 m.); among the earliest to flower, close on the 

 melting of the snows. Of easy culture; requires a south 

 aspect, fully exposed and dry, yet objects to scorching; 

 the soil should be granitic sand, leaf mould and vegetable 

 humus. Surface roots should be encouraged by prompt 

 topdressing. 



It is impossible to refrain from quoting Mr. Robinson's 

 paean of praise: "Two or three thin-looking, carrot-like 

 leaves, lying pressed to the ground, then an inch or so 

 of shaggy stem, all covered with the most lovely, bronzy- 

 gold fur; then a fluffy cup of the same, and then, goblet 

 shaped, sumptuous and splendid, a magnolia-like flower, 

 snow-white within and silky without, a shimmer of gold 

 and purple, iridescent with the most subtle sheen of lilac, 

 fawn and pearl. The seed-head developes into a marvel- 

 lous dandelion-clock". Surely all enthusiasts will for this 

 face any caprice of such a beauty! 



