ALPINE FLOWERS. 



327 



were of singular grace. I brought over many plants, which appear to 

 do best on the alpinery a little below the ground line. 



The P. auricula, from Switzerland (fig. 731), grows with us. 



The florists' varieties grow much better in Scotland than they do 

 in my garden. We have some varieties, but never attempt to grow 

 them in the perfection attained by those who make these plants 

 their special study. 



The Soldanella alpina is a little gem in its way. It grows naturally 

 well protected by large stones, and is a lovely spring flower. 



We grow a few plants of the Gnaphalium arenarium (fig. 732), the 

 French everlasting flower, of which the immortelles are made. It is 

 easily propagated by cuttings, but the plant has not thrived very well 

 with me, and has not given much blossom. Our moist atmosphere 

 in winter does not suit it. 



FIG 731. P. auricula. 



FIG. 732. French Everlasting. 



FIG. 733. Large Yellow 

 Potentilla. 



The Lion's-paw Cudweed (Gnaphalium leontopodium) is a perennial 

 species which grows at a considerable altitude on the Alps. It is 

 completely covered with white silky cotton. It is said that in some 

 parts of the Continent young ladies, on their betrothal, always expect 

 to receive, as one of their earliest presents, flowers of this plant, 

 as a proof of the activity of the gentleman, who must ascend to a 

 considerable height in order to procure it. The G. dioicum is another 

 interesting dwarf alpine species, having red flowers. 



Amongst the general flowering plants which like air and light, the 

 Potentillas are showy, none more so to my eye than that troublesome 

 weed the P. Anserina (fig. 733), which, although it has lovely flowers, 



