CULTIVATION 165 



slightly inclined, to throw off the rain. By- 

 using these supports and employing a little 

 ingenuity, the glass can be fixed in any spot 

 and at any angle without danger of damaging 

 the plant. 



So much for the protection of the plants 

 from the winter's rain. We shall now see 

 how we can best supply the moisture necessary 

 during the growing season, which too often 

 in this country is the driest and most trying 

 time of the year. For this there is but 

 one remedy, and that is constant watering. 

 This can, to a certain extent, be assisted, or 

 rather the moisture may be retained, by plac- 

 ing round the plant pieces of stone, which will 

 prevent undue evaporation. The spring is the 

 crucial time ; for if strong, healthy growth is 

 then produced, there will be little need to 

 trouble about the drought of the summer. 

 Strong plants will be well able to withstand 

 any that is likely to be experienced in this 

 country. 



The beginner must not, however, imagine 

 that all alpines or rock plants require this 

 amount of attention, or are so exacting, for 



