Plate 49 L 
ALYSSUM ALPESTRE, 
The favour with which Alpine plants are now beginning to 
be received, has been evidenced by the large number of collec- 
lions which have been exhibited at our metropolitan shows, 
and the attention given to them by those who have visited 
them, Mr. Ware, of Edmonton, having done much to bring 
their varied forms before the public : another indication of this 
may be given in the publication of Mr. Robinson's book on 
Alpine plants, which will, we think, tend much to encourage 
their growth. 
The Messrs. Backhouse, of York, have, however, always held 
the foremost place in this department, and it is to them we are in- 
debted for the opportunity of figuring this very pretty Alyssum, 
which, from its dwarf character and profuseness of blooming, is 
likely to be a valuable addition to the tribe to which it belongs. 
It is by no means a plant of recent introduction, but like a 
good many others has been neglected, and has again only re- 
cently been re-introduced to our gardens. It is a late spring 
or early summer blooming plant, a native of the Pyrenees and 
other mountainous parts of Europe, and requires for its suc- 
cessful culture to be placed in a sunny position in the rockwork 
of the Alpine garden, and to be planted in light soil ; for no 
greater mistake can be made than to imagine that these gems 
must be grown in the shade. They cling to the surface of 
rocky exposed places, but often strike their roots deep down 
