CHAPTER IV 



ROCK PLANTS OF THE PASTURES 



In the preceding pages we have noticed some of the 

 most characteristic of Alpine genera represented in 

 the upland pastures, though some of their species 

 occur in the meadows, forests, or in other habitats. 

 The flowers of the pastures are the crowning glory 

 of the Alps, and we shall therefore devote the j^resent 

 and the following chapters to the consideration of 

 other members of this most interesting assemblage 

 of plants. 



The pastures naturally vary in their physical 

 features. Some are dry and stony, wdiile others more 

 closely resemble fertile meadows. Even in a typical 

 fertile pasture, rocky boulders, or rock masses, each 

 with its own little flora, are frequently conspicuous. 

 The conditions under which plant life flourishes on 

 the rocks and on the dry stony slopes, with their 

 poor soils and small water supply, are naturally in 

 marked contrast to those which pertain in the normal 

 or typical pasture with its rich soil, often well watered 

 by some neighbouring stream. 



