74 FLOWER-FIELDS OF ALPINE SWITZERLAND 



in a quiet, self-effacing way, enhance their sur- 

 roundings. 



In applying the term " distinguished-looking " 

 to the little Thesium, I am minded to do so 

 because, just as with the flowers of the plain, 

 there is an elite among Alpines. One can hardly 

 explain why. Like the Roman Emperor who, 

 when asked to define time, said, *' I know when 

 you do not ask me," one feels there is an elite 

 among flowers, though one is scarcely able to 

 define it. And the feeling is real and undoubtedly 

 well-founded. Nor, to feel this, is it necessary 

 to go to florist's garden-flowers, where vulgarity is 

 rampant (though often highly prized and priced). 

 The feeling comes in the presence of any field 

 of wild flowers — the feeling that, by their form 

 and bearing, some plants are more well-bred than 

 others. This cannot be altogether accounted for 

 by their colour or conspicuousness. The little 

 Thesium, or the little silver-leaved Alchemilla are 

 neither of them bright, conspicuous plants. It is 

 the general habit that impresses : the " atmosphere " 

 with which they surround themselves. How 

 manifest this is when one meets with the Paradise 

 Lily surrounded by a sea of Hieracium, Bistort, 

 Blue Bottle, Trollius, Geranium, and Salvia. One 



