PREPARATI02S' FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES. 



333 



ter and are more effective if planted on rocky or other 

 mounds than elsewhere. 



The important points to be observed in preparing rock- 

 eries for plants, is to have the right kind of soil, and to so 

 place the rocks that the roots of the plants can penetrate 

 the soil to any desired depth. Usually the roots of this 

 class of plants, are fibrous and of great length. The soil, 

 therefore, should be light and easily penetrable, as well 

 as moderately rich. Some fibrous peat, leaf mould, 

 gritty sand, and fine, sharp stones may be used in it to 

 good advantage. 



Figure 133 will show the manner of arranging the 

 stones in such places. Even if but little space is left in 

 any places between the stones, so long as a layer of soil 



Fig. 133.— LAYING UP A ROCKWORK. 



extends fully through to and connects with the body of 

 soil below, it will answer. This is the important point 

 in making rock work of any kind. A pocket between 

 rocks, with but a few handfuls of earth will dry out 

 quickly, while one of similar appearance, but with the 

 soil opening downwards, to give the roots access to mois- 

 ture below, will keep the plants in good order in the 

 dryest season. 



Archways of rocks should be so constructed as to have 

 some soil overlaying these, and some crevices filled with 

 earth, however small in quantity, extending back to the 

 body of soil; this will allow sedums, trailing tradescan- 

 tias, and such plants to grow beautifully if started m 

 the crevices. 



Most of the Alpines delight in the sun and the lack 



