IN STORM AND SHINE 57 



to be abroad in " ? Or what more winsome than 

 the widespread colonies of Bartsia, JMicheU's Daisy, 

 Pedicularis, Biscutella, and Bell-Gentian {Gentiana 

 verna, unfortunately, is closed when the sun hides 

 itself), lying subdued but colour-full beside the 

 steaming waters of the lake ? 



Ah ! where one of these Alpine lakes is in the 

 landscape, what wonders of Nature's artistry we 

 may watch when rough winds howl and toss the 

 seething cloud into ever-changing combinations of 

 tint, form, and texture ! 



" With how ceaseless motion, with how strange 

 Flowing and fading, do the high Mists range 

 The gloomy gorges of the Mountains bare " ! 



A hundred hues of grey fill the vapour-laden air 

 and are mirrored in receptive waters — hues with 

 which the fresh rose of the Primula and the rich, 

 full yellow of the Marsh- INI arigold blend with 

 perfect fehcity, lending that touch of human appeal 

 which makes the scene ideal. 



The forests, too, are never so picturesque as 

 when clouds cling to the pine and larch, softening 

 the tone and carriage of these somewhat formal 

 trees, and breaking up every suggestion of monotony 

 in their reiterated masses. A soft, weird, inti- 

 mately mysterious beauty reigns over everythmg. 



