FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 
63 
where it does occur it is rather plentiful, as at Ninewells, and 
on the rocks to the east of Lunan Bay. 
Frequent near Montrose, Mr G . M‘Farlane. Dysart 
rocks, Den of Morphie, &c., Mr A. Croall. Banks near 
Marten’s Den, Mr A. Kerr. Parish ofKingoldrum, Rev. J. 
0. Haldane . Kingoldrum is about 24 miles from the coast. 
Alchemilla, L. Lady’s Mantle. 
Br. sp. and v. 5. F. 5. 
A. vulgaris , L. Common Lady’s Mantle. H. 102, B. 
89. — F. April, July. P. 
Abundant on ditch-banks, and by waysides, as well as in 
pastures, and ascending to the summits of the mountains, 
where it is more pubescent, and becomes the /3. minor , Hook. 
(A. hybrida , Pers., A. vulgaris , /3. subsericea , Koch.) 
Varies in height from two inches on the mountains, to nearly 
two feet on shady banks in the lowlands. 
A. alpina , L. Alpine Lady’s Mantle. H. 102, B. 89. 
— F. June, August. P. 
This beautiful plant almost literally covers the higher 
mountains with a mantle of silvery foliage, and descends the 
valleys of the Isla and Esk to their entrance into Strathmore. 
It is in greatest perfection and luxuriance about those little 
waterfalls so prevalent on alpine streams ; and often amid 
these mountain solitudes, “ afar from the busy haunts of men,” 
it suggests many instructive and soul-humbling ideas. 
Where Alpine Lady’s Mantle bends its stems, 
And throws the shadow of its silvery leaves 
O’er fresh green mosses, dwellers of the rock, 
That drink the tiny cascade’s nurturing spray. 
And freely share it for the shelter given, — 
I love to sit, and hear the pleasing tones 
That come from falling waters, mountain birds. 
And bees in foxgloves’ hells, all mingling sweet 
In one pure song of gladness and of peace : 
And there contrast the quiet and innocence, 
And healthful influence that fills the air, 
With city’s sickening pestilential breath, 
And din, and turmoil, and unceasing strife 
For wealth and honour, that are in themselves 
Oft valueless. And then I wish that men, 
Bearing the image of the Mighty God, 
Would wisdom take from Nature’s simplest things, 
That Nature’s teachings might not he in vain. 
