332 0R:N'AMEKTAL GARDEiniTG. 



well worked in. Some fine leaf mould from the woods 

 could not fail to be greatly beneficial. 



FERI^S, RHODODEIs^DRONS, ETC. 



The plants brought under the head of '^ Ferns and other 

 Shade-loving Plants " in Part II, as well as Rhododen- 

 drons, Kalmias, Andromedas, and some others, to do well, 

 require a soil largely composed of vegetable matter, such as 

 leaf mould or peat. These plants mostly have fine, delicate 

 roots, that like coolness and moisture, hence the soil 

 should be rather light in texture, and if not naturally so, 

 should be improved by the addition of sand, together with 

 other materials. A composition of equal parts of light, 

 sandy loam, and leaf mould taken up in hollow places in 

 dry woods, or else good peat, and all thoroughly mixed, 

 would suit them. Good drainage is also needed for this 

 class of plants, and yet they must never be allowed to suf- 

 fer from excessive dryness in seasons of drouth, but 

 should receive an occasional thorough watering at such 

 times. 



Many of this class of plants prove to be so delightful, 

 and do so well in a prepared soil, that it is worth while to 

 be at some expense and pains to meet their wants by 

 si^ecial preparation. Even if land is naturally heavy, 

 money spent on making excavations two or more feet 

 deep, and filling them with the soil they need, will be 

 well spent. Most of these plants like partial shade, but 

 some do not. Different beds may therefore be made in 

 both the shade and sun, and then all can be accommodat- 

 ed. The soil described is well suited to the Japan and 

 other Lilies, but these require sun. 



THE ROCKERY, ALPIKES, ETC. 



There is a considerable list of Alpine and other beauti- 

 ful plants, natives mostly of high elevations, that do bet- 



