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dug, it is lumpy and sour. Wood soil would probably be 
better but that would be hard to get in sufficient quantity. 
2 parts crushed stone, such as is used for finishing roads, or fine 
eravel. 
Y2 part crushed limestone or old mortar; as most rock plants like 
lime or do not object to it. 
‘This mixture should be not less than 14 inches deep, the 
deeper the better. This makes a porous soil giving quick drain- 
age, and enabling the plant to root more deeply than it would in 
a stiffer soil, and so withstanding drought better. The stone in 
it aids in keeping the soil cool. 
“Do not forget to give a top dressing of crushed stone or fine 
gravel around the plants. This serves to keep the crown from 
getting waterlogged and also keeps the surface of the ground cool. 
“This mixture is as good as any for a foundation soil and 
agrees with most of the plants, but, of course, no one stated mix- 
ture can be expected to serve for all. Some, the Encrusted Saxi- 
fragas, for example, like much more grit; and some like more 
humus, ssusonllhy any that grow naturally in woods or partly 
shaded places.” 
The purpose the rocks serve in a rock garden is that of giving 
shelter, conserving moisture by preventing evaporation from the 
surface, and helping to keep the ground cool. 
In placing the rocks one can be guided by the views of those 
who assume that the plants which the rock garden contains are 
all important and that the arrangement of rocks is of little con- 
sequence, except in so far as it contributes towards the well-being 
of the plants; or, one may take the point of view, which is 
perhaps the better one, that the arrangement of the rocks should 
be as natural, as pleasing, and as artistic as possible, consistent 
with providing suitable accommodations for the plants that the 
garden is to contain. Anyone contemplating the construction of 
a rock garden would be well advised to study rock arrangement 
as it occurs in Nature and be guided, in part at least, by Nature’s 
methods. 
It is desirable that the finished product should in itself look 
natural, and essential that it be in harmonious relation with its 
surroundings. 
