PREFACE 



A FEW words may be necessary to explain the 

 scope and intention of the present volume. 



It has often been remarked, and with some 

 measure of truth, that botanists, in common with 

 other scientists, have in the past done little to bring 

 the results of their researches within the reach of 

 the layman, in a language in which they can be 

 commonly understood and appreciated. The present 

 volume attempts, no doubt imperfectly, the difficult 

 task of trying to draw attention to some points of 

 botanical interest among the better-known members 

 of the Alpine flora of Switzerland. 



As the result of repeated visits to the Alps, 

 now extending over a period of more than twenty 

 years, I have been struck on many occasions by 

 the inadequate information, at present available, for 

 those who are interested in the habits of Alpine 

 plants, but have not had the good fortune to have 

 been able to devote much time previously to a 

 serious study of Botany. Again and again I have 



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