71 
The Alpine Thyme (Page 54) is very abundant on dry Alpine 
slopes in most parts of Switzerland. The corolla is violet-purple 
with a white throat, and the downy calyx is open while the flower 
is in the hud. The 15 as i 1 Thyme ( Calaniintha Seines) is not unlike 
the above, but the flowers are smaller and usually spotted, and the 
calyx is closed above till the corolla begins to expand. 
The Large-flowered Self-heal (Page 55) though common in 
Switzerland is not exclusively Alpine. Its flowers are of a violet- 
purple colour. From the Common Self-heal ( Prunella vulgaris), 
(set Wild Flowers at Heme, hirst Series, Pages 56 and 57). it 
is distinguished by its larger flowers and by the longer intervals 
between the pairs of opposite leaves on the stem. 
The Mountain Germander (Page 56), a characteristic looking 
plant, is easily recognised when known, but might not be -potted as 
a Germander the first time it is seen. It is (airly abundant, creeping 
over the stones on dry mountain slopes. The flowers are yellowish- 
white and the leaves downy underneath. The plant has a faint 
aromatic smell. 
The Glacier Androsace (Page 57) is a delicate little cushion- 
plant found only in the higher Alpine regions. The flowers are pink 
ami the leaves look velvety from their covering of short hairs. The 
flowers are borne on a short flower stalk. The Swiss Androsace 
{Androsace Aelvctica) has white flowers with a yellow centre and 
forms denser cushions. The Imbricated Androsace (A ndrosacs 
imbricata) has white flowers with a red centre and practically no 
flower stalk. 
The Alpine Bastard Toad-Flax (Page 58) is a very small 
trailing plant, common in Alpine pastures. It is not easily 
distinguished from several other species of Bastard Toad-F lax which 
are found in Switzerland and very closely resemble it. 
Switzerland is very rich in Orchids. Four are illusttated in this 
volume and a fifth will be seen on page 60 of the First Series. The 
photograph on page 59 is of the Smaller Marsh Orchis, but the 
specimen was growing high up on the mountain side, and is not 
very typical. I he flowers are purple, the spur short, and the tubers 
undivided. The Fragrant Orchis (Page 60) is common in 
most parts of Europe as well as in the Alps. The scent is strong, 
hut may not be considered pleasing by everyone. The flowers are 
reddish-pink, and the spur long. Avery similar species (Gymna- 
denia ederatissima ), which is not so common, has paler flowers and 
narrower leaves and a much shorter spur. The Butterfly Orchis 
(Page 61) is one of the loveliest of flowers. The tall flower stem has 
a pair of large leaves opposite to one another at its base, and a spike 
of large w hite flow ers above. The plant is common in woods, and is 
found all over Europe. It may be gathered in large bunches in 
many Alpine meadows. The flower is very graceful, and towards 
evening gives out the sweetest of perfumes. Like so many other 
light-coloured flowers, the Butterfly Orchis is fertilised exclusively 
by moths, and the sweet scent is doubtless to attract these. Only 
such insects as moths, with long tongues, could reach the honey 
that is secreted right at the bottom of the long spur. A very closely 
allied species, Platantkera mentana, has slightly larger and more 
