THE RHODODENDRON 113 



much water on a duck's back. Hence, an incom- 

 parable system of drainage is one of the prime 

 disabilities against which Alpine vegetation has 

 to contend. And the Rhododendrons meet this 

 disability in two wa.ys—fer7'ugineum with hard 

 leaves, varnished above, and felted and resinous 

 beneath ; hirsutum with softer, pliant leaves fringed 

 by hairs. Thus do both fence ably the evil of too 

 rapid evaporation ; thus do both, by their diverse 

 methods, give to the student 



" The subtle hintiiigs of a perfect whole." 



