136 ALPINE FLOWERS [PART I. 



turf of its own, and yet it was not so beautiful as G. bavarica, 

 which was growing exactly in positions that would suit the 

 Bog Bean and the Marsh Marigold. Attempts to cultivate 

 G. bavarica in England have hitherto been a failure. It is very 

 rarely seen with us even in Botanic Gardens, and, when it is 

 seen, is usually in poor health. A few words, then, about the 

 position in which I found it in such perfection, may prove 

 useful. A little mountain streamlet diverges from its channel 

 and spreads over the surface of the ground for 20 or 30 yards 

 across, not destroying the grass, but simply showing itself in 

 trickling patches here and there. On the little hillocks of 

 grassy earth that stood a few inches above the water, I found 

 the plant in very good condition, the roots certainly in the 

 water, and the "collar" of each plant very little above it. 

 Somewhat lower down, the waters gathered together again, 

 leaving the sides of that marshy spot and the intermediate 

 ground perfectly green, but very wet, and here and there dotted 

 with clusters of blue stars, to which in brilliancy the choicest 

 gems were but dull and earthy. In walking on this green 

 spot the water hissed and bubbled up around. Here the plants 

 were very fine, the pretty little close-growing tufts of light 

 green leaves clearing spots for themselves in the longish grass. 

 The slightest impression made here immediately became a small 

 pool, and in no place did I find the plant but where the hand, 

 if pressed into the grass, was at once surrounded by water. 

 A few steps away, and Gentiana verna was everywhere in full 

 beauty on dry banks ; but in no case did either species 

 manifest a tendency to invade the ground of the other. In 

 fact, proof was there that G. bavarica is a true bog-plant. And 

 what a beautiful companion for the Wind Gentian, the Water 

 Violet, the peat-loving Spigelia marilandica, Rhexia virginica, 

 the little creeping Bell-flower, and like plants ! 



