ALPINE FLOWERS. 



327 



up the granite rocks with great effect, as the foliage and flowers 

 were of singular grace. I brought over many plants, which appear to 

 do best on the alpinery a little below the ground line. 



The P. auricula, from Switzerland (fig. 731), grows with us. 



The florists' varieties grow much better in Scotland than they do 

 in my garden. We have some varieties, but never attempt to grow 

 them in the perfection attained by those who make these plants 

 their special study. 



The Soldunella alpina (fig. 73 1«) is a little gem in its way. It grows 

 naturally well protected by large stones, and is a lovely spring flower. 



We grow a few plants of the Gnaphalium arenariiim (fig. 732), the 

 French everlasting flower, of which the immortelles are made. It is 

 easily propagated by cuttings, but the plant has not thrived very well 

 with me, and has not given much blossom. Our moist atmosphere 

 in winter does not suit it. 



Fig. 731 rt. — Soldanella alpina. 



Fig. 732. — French Everlasting. 



Fig. 733. — Geum montanum. 



The Lton's-paw Cudweed [Gnaphalium leontopodiii-.n, fig. 742 «) is a 

 perennial species which grows at a considerable altitude on the Alps. 

 It is completely covered with white silky cotton. It is said that in 

 some parts of the Continent young ladies, on their betrothal, always 

 expect to receive, as one of their earliest presents, flowers of this 

 plant, as a proof of the activity of the gentleman, who must ascend 

 to a considerable height in order to procure it. The G. dioicum is 

 another interesting dwarf alpine species, having red flowers. 



Amongst the general flowering plants which like air and light, the 

 Geums (as the G. montanum, fig. 733) are showy. 



