TRocfes anfc Mater* 119 



fection in a moist place. Tree roots and large stems are 

 hardly in keeping with the nature of a rockery ; to most 

 people they are ugly and objectionable, even when moder- 

 ately used. A slight mound of soil forms the main body 

 of the rockery, and in this the various bowlders and stones 

 should be imbedded more or less deeply, closer together 

 here, there, far apart and in different positions. The ele- 

 vation must not be uniform. Isolated blocks should form 

 bold masses in places, and dark caves may be constructed 

 in wider and higher parts among the rocks. Such caves 

 are often desirable for the culture of certain classes of 

 ferns. In other parts the rockery may be quite low and 

 depressed, formed of smaller and scattered stones only. 

 Vertical rocks may be made to enclose wet and boggy 

 ground in which moisture-loving plants will thrive and 

 form a special feature. Plants desirable for this purpose 

 are moccasin -flower (Cypripediurri), purple orchis, Denta- 

 rias, flower of parnassus (Parnassia palustris), Gentians, 

 and forget-me-nots. A tiny stream of water may wind in 

 and out among the flowers, either falling over the cliffs or 

 welling forth from beneath a block or stone. 



A heavy and characterless heap of stone, filled in with 

 ordinary soil, is satisfactory neither in an ideal nor a practical 

 sense. The separate crevices or 

 "pockets" should be filled with 

 specially prepared soil, different 

 for different classes of plants. 

 For most true rock-plants a light, F1Q - 68 -- SECTION OF A ROCKERY. 

 sandy soil mixed with old mortar and brick rubbish is 

 satisfactory. Others require a richer and lighter compost 



