164 FLOWER-FIELDS OF ALPINE SWITZERLAND 



handsome large-flowered relative, O. nutans. Then, 

 following close upon the Violet, Cowslip, and Ox- 

 lip, come the earlier of the Orchids — OixJiis Morio, 

 O. mascula, and O. maculata. A little later Myoso- 

 tis sylvestiis spreads a blue haze over the field, 

 aiding most admirably the lively pink of Orchis 

 {Gyvmadenid) conopsea, and rendering the appear- 

 ance of Paradisia Liliastrum, the paper-white 

 Paradise Lily, daintier than ever. And now I 

 see a glorious multitude of Pheasant-eye Narcissus 

 {NciJ'cissus poeticus), with here and there a tall, 

 deep blue or purple Columbine. Lemon-yellow 

 Biscutella Icevigata, too, clear-blue Linum alpinum, 

 and white Potentilla rupest?is blend their blossoms 

 to produce a lovely harmony in true spring-like 

 key. Muscari comosum throws up its curious blue- 

 purple spikes, over-topped by the white sprays of 

 Antheiicum Liliago. And in the moister part of 

 the meadow I see great colonies of Ranunculus 

 aconitifolius and the yellow Globe-Flower ( Trollius 

 eu7^opceus) sown in most happy manner with our 

 Ragged-Robin {Lychnis Flos-cuculi), presently to 

 be joined by bright-pink regiments of Bistort or 

 Snakeweed {Polygonum Bistoj^ta). And then, when 

 Centaurea montana, accompanied by Geranium 

 sylvaticum, Salvia pratensis. Lychnis dioica (the 



