6 FLOWER-FIELDS OF ALPINE SWITZERLAND 



and kind which could not possibly endure ; reaction 

 was bound to come. Of course, it was an extreme 

 instance of fashion run mad, and one of which 

 Alpines may never perhaps provoke a repetition. 

 Yet we shall do well to see a warning in it. 



I think I hear enthusiastic lovers of Alpines 

 protesting that there is no fear whatever of such 

 an eventuality for their gems, because these latter 

 are above all praises and attentions and cannot be 

 overrated. I fancy I hear the enthusiasts explaining 

 that Alpines are not Sweet Peas, or Tulips, or 

 double Show Dahlias ; that they occupy a place 

 apart, a place such as is occupied by the hot-house 

 and greenhouse Orchids, a place unique and un- 

 assailable. And these protestations may quite 

 possibly prove correct ; I only say that, in view of 

 precedents, there lurks a tendency towards the 

 danger named, and that it therefore behoves all 

 those who have the solid welfare of these plants 

 at heart to be on their guard, to discourage mere 

 empty attentions, and to do what is possible to 

 direct enthusiasm into sound, intelligent channels. 

 " An ignorant worship is a poor substitute for a 

 just appreciation." Aye, but it is often more than 

 this ; it is often a dangerous one. 



Already the admiration and attention meted out 



