INTRODUCTION xvii 



should be to reproduce, as nearly as possible, the condi- 

 tions under which they grow in their native habitat. For 

 this purpose, it should be observed, in the first place, 

 whether they are natives of the calcareous or of the 

 granitic Alps. If they belong to the latter category, it is 

 quite possible that even a small amount of lime in the 

 soil would be fatal to their vigorous growth. A suitable 

 soil having been prepared, they should then be placed in 

 a position where their roots are not constantly saturated 

 with moisture. This is best effected by planting them 

 in a rockery, not too much exposed to the sun, and, 

 at all events at first, sprinkling them with moisture 

 several times a day. If planted in pots which is 

 generally desirable on first transplantation from their 

 native mountains care should also be taken that 

 the soil, though not suffered to get dry, should be thor- 

 oughly well drained by broken pottery or other similar 

 material. 



" Many alpine plants will remain for several years in 

 the same spot, and thrive better when not disturbed. 

 This is the case with all shrubby species, and with those 

 whose roots penetrate very deep into the soil, as, for 

 example, the species of Astragalus, Oxytropis, Astrantia, 

 &c. ; others, on the contrary, must be transplanted 

 every year. In some species, the older portions of 

 the rhizome die off in consequence of their continued 

 growth, as may be seen in Wulfenia carinthiaca, 

 Armeria alpina, and many species of Valeriana and 

 Primula? 



It has already been remarked that the majority of 

 alpine plants are not dependent upon the production of 

 seeds for their natural propagation. Many will, how- 



