70 
the Carved Gentian (Gen liana excisa) and this species, not only 
because they are so much alike, but also because it is probable that 
intermediate forms exist. The principal distinctions ate that the 
sepals of the Carved Gentian are constricted a little above their 
bases and its leaves are broader, softer, and less pointed The 
smaller Gentians are difficult to recognise also. The Short-leaved 
Gentian (Page 42), for example, is more like the Spring Gentian 
( Gentiana vcrna) than any other. But this plant has usually 
narrower and more pointed leaves, and its sepals are more definitely 
winged than those 01 the Short-leaved variety. 
The Alpine Forget-me-not (Page 43) is a beautiful little plant. 
It is common in meadows and pastures, and is probably to be 
regarded as only an Alpine form of the Wood Forget-me-not 
(Myosotis sylvatica ) found in the mountain woods of Centrai 
Europe. As is often so noticeable in the Alpine flora, the number 
of blossoms borne by a single small plant is almost incredible. 
The Alpine Toadflax (Page 44) is a pretty little creeping plant 
abundant among rocky debt is. The violet corolla has nearly always 
an orange spot, which is probably intended to act as a sort of guide- 
post to show insects tne way to the honey contained in the long spur. 
The Rock-Speedwell (Page 45) is recognised by its bright blue 
flowers with a ciimson ring in the centre. This is also perhaps 
designed to indicate to insect visitors the situation in which honey 
may be found. 
Many species of Lousewort are common in the Alps. The 
Whorled Lousewort (Page 46) is at once recognised from all the 
others by its brilliant red flowers and by the fact that its leaves are 
arranged in rings or whorls of three or four round the stem. It 
grows in moist grassy places. Perhaps the Dull Red Lousewort 
(Page 47) most nearly resembles it, but the flowers of this plant are 
of a much darker and almost blackish red colour and have no 
beak. The leaves are not arranged in whorls. The Tuberous 
Lousewort (Page 48) is distinguished by its large pale yellow 
flowers with long beaks and by its thick almost tuberous root. The 
Leafy Lousewort (Page 49) has also yellow flowers, but there is 
no beak, and the upper lip of the corolla is woolly. It is a tall leafy 
plant common in rocky pastures The Yellow Lousewort (Page 
50) is found in mountain pastures with poor soil in the northern 
Alps. Its bright yellow flower has no beak. A dark red spot 
near the apex of the upper lip of the corolla is its distinguishing 
feature. 
The Alpine Bartsia (Page 51) is very common in Alpine 
pastures, and will be easily recognised. The upper leaves are 
tinged with violet and both stem and anthers are woolly. 
The Common (Page 53) and Alpine (Page 52) Butterworts 
very closely resemble one another except in the colour of their 
flowers. Both are common in boggy places and on wet rocks. On 
the upper surface of their leaves a sticky viscid secretion is poured 
out. Small flies and other insects get caught on this and the 
products derived from their digestion nourish the plant. 
The Bird’s-eye or Mealy Primrose (Page 54) is one of the 
commonest as well as one of the prettiest of Alpine plants. It is 
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