INTRODUCTION 



Literature treating of gardens and of garden- 

 ing has been offered in plenty to garden lovers 

 in recent years. It may fairly be said that 

 much of it had better have been left unwritten, 

 as it really has served no useful purpose, and 

 has only tended to confuse rather than to assist 

 novices, or even those with some experience 

 of plants and their requirements. Such stric- 

 tures cannot apply to this volume. It is a 

 practical work, written by a practical man 

 about a subject which he thoroughly under- 

 stands, and by one who has experienced all the 

 joys and sorrows connected with the cultivation 

 of rock plants and alpines. The rock garden 

 is no longer a feature to be found only in large 

 establishments or in Botanical Gardens. The 

 pleasure which is derived from the successful 



