PREFACE. 
INDUCED in the first instance to write this little 
book by frequent requests for information as to how 
the rarer Alpines and those which, though not rare 
are yet exacting in their requirements, should be 
grown, I have, in this Second Edition, endeavoured 
to enlarge the scope of the work in such a way as to 
give it extended usefulness without detriment to its 
original aim. 
Although I have no longer confined attention 
either to rare plants or to such as are difficult to 
establish, keep, or grow well, I trust it will be found. 
that the enumeration of these is now more complete, 
and the directions for their treatment more clear 
than before; while, in dealing with the far wider 
range of easily cultivated Alpines, none have been 
included which are either straggly, coarse, or 
commonplace. 
But my aim has grown more ambitious still, for I 
have sought to comprehend in one manual such a 
survey and such indications as shall provide a 
practical and suggestive guide over the broad field 
of Alpine gardening, and a comprehensive equip- 
ment for approaching those problems which arise in 
a pursuit that it is my sincere desire to encourage. 
and assist. 
I have pleasure in acknowledging my indebtedness 
to the Rev. C. A. Barry for his contribution of an 
essay to the close of this volume, for drawing up the 
chart of cultural devices, and also for assistance 
throughout the work of revision and enlargement. 
