THE SITE 7 



less site is one with large overhanging trees ; 

 for the drip from their branches would all 

 too soon prove fatal to the plants underneath. 

 Although there are some plants that will live 

 and even thrive beneath trees, they are not 

 sufRciently attractive to cultivate exclusively. 

 So to choose such a spot would be but to 

 court disaster ; and in addition to the damage 

 caused by the drip from the branches, the 

 roots of the trees would very soon exhaust the 

 soil that had been so carefully prepared for the 

 alpine treasures. It would surprise many to 

 find to what a distance these roots extend. So, 

 above all, let there be no trees overhead, and, 

 if possible, none within at least 1 5 yards — this 

 is the minimum, — and then only to the north 

 and west. On the other points, south and 

 east, they should be still further away — at 

 least 30 yards, — and even at that distance, as 

 few of them as possible. For if they are closer, 

 the air, which all plants so urgently require, 

 will be shut out, and part at least of the 

 garden will be in constant shade during 

 the winter, with fatal results to many of the 

 plants. Therefore, when feasible, choose a 



