24 Nature threatened 
Generally speaking, in the neigh- 
bourhood of towns, plants with showy 
and fragrant flowers are sacrificed 
to money-making. Thus, the flora of 
Vienna was formerly distinguished by 
many remarkable species, such as Lil- 
ium Martagon, Muscari racemosum, 
Scilla bifolia, Iris germanica, Cypri- 
pedium Calceoliis, Ophrys musci/eray 
Orchis spp., Helleborus viridis, Die- 
tamnus alba, Daphne cneorum, Primula 
Auricula, and Gentiana verna. At 
present, these interesting plants are 
being greatly reduced in numbers, 
whilst some have been totally extir- 
pated (v. Wettstein). 
Other examples of rare plants 
endangered by cultivation, especially 
in England, are published in some 
papers of G. S. Boulger, one of which 
is mentioned below\ At the Leicester 
1 Boulger, G. S. The preservation of our wild 
plants. Jojirnal of the Royal Horticultural Society, 
Vol. XXIX. Part 4. London, 1905. 
