70 ROCK GARDENS 



the efforts of those copying Nature more 

 faithfully. 



Having now pointed out how the rocks 

 should not be placed, there is no need to dwell 

 further on the subject, and I will proceed to 

 show how they may be used to the best 

 advantage. 



There are a few rules that should be 

 observed in the construction of rockwork. 

 In the first place, every rock, big or little, 

 should be made quite firm in the ground ; as 

 this is often rather loose owing to the bank 

 having so recently been made, the bed for each 

 rock should be well trampled in order to get as 

 solid a foundation as possible and minimise its 

 chances of moving. The soil also should be 

 rammed in well around it ; for although the 

 rocks will get firmer in time as they settle, it 

 is better not to rely too much on this. 



Each rock should be sunk for at least one- 

 third of its height below the surface ; it should 

 be able to bear the weight of a man without 

 moving, for it will often be necessary to stand 

 on the rocks when working in the garden, and 

 if they should move, considerable, if not fatal. 



