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 v^ays—fei^rugineum with hard 

 leaves, varnished above, and felted and resinous 

 beneath ; hirsutuvi 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 hintings of a perfect whole." 



