1863.] REVIEWS. 507 



Practical Hints on the Culture and Management of Rock Plants. 

 By James Lothian, of Campbeltown, Argyleshire. 



This pretty little volume, as our obliging correspondent informs 

 us by private letter, was printed or published by W. H. Lizars, 

 Edinburgh, some years ago. As the author has kindly presented 

 it to the editor of the ' Phytologist,' the latter believes that it will 

 be acceptable to many readers who admire rock plants, but who 

 may neither know what plants to select for a rockery nor how 

 to treat them. 



This manual, by a practical cultivator and botanist, will give 

 them all necessary instruction on both these points. In a sensi- 

 ble brief introduction, Mr. Lothian truly observes, that " a taste 

 for flowers universally prevails among the poor as well as the 

 rich, from the highest peer in the land down to the humble cot- 

 tager, who possesses a small patch of ground around his dwelling. 



"The alpine or rock-garden should consist of a rockery, a 

 pond, or piece of water of any size, and at one end a small arti- 

 ficial bog, for plants requiring this mode of treatment. 



" It is necessary," the author continues, " to divide the subject 

 into two parts : 1st, situation antl formation of the rockery, pond, 

 and bog, general arrangement of the plants on the same, etc. ; 

 2ndly, culture and general management of the collection, etc." 



After discussing these points, there follow directions for the 

 formation of the rockery, the pond, the paths, the figure, dimen- 

 sions, situation, etc., subsequently the materials most suitable for 

 the different parts, and for the various kinds of plants which are 

 to be cultivated, either among the stones, or in the pond, or along 

 the margins of the walk, in the bog adjoining, etc. 



For information on these separate heads, the reader of this no- 

 tice is referred to the work itself, which, although now out of 

 print, probably a second edition may be ready ere this announce- 

 ment appear before our readears. 



This part of the book is illustrated by four very pretty cuts, 

 showing the shapes, dispositions, etc., of the several constituents 

 of a rockery. 



Those who are interested in the collection, preservation, and 

 enjoyment of a collection of alpine plants, may consult this as a 

 safe and practical guide. 



This treatment of alpiues is twofold : — * 



