MAIN COLLECTION OF ALPINES. 41 



He adds, " At first sight there will appear some- 

 thing incongruous in placing a pit in any part of a 

 well arranged flower-garden; but as rock-work and 

 similar things are admitted sometimes, though rarely, 

 in imitation of rocky strata, or mountains in minia- 

 ture, but, for the most part, with a view to form a 

 proper situation for plants, which are natives of 

 rocky soils, to grow in, we can see no difficulty nor 

 objection in constructing and arranging a rock-work, 

 so as to be capable of being rendered a fit receptacle 

 for such plants during the Winter. But as many, 

 and by far the greater part of the rarer species of 

 these plants, can only prosper in a low temperature, 

 their removal to a cool shaded spot, during the 

 heats of our Summer, becomes necessary, and will 

 of course leave a space unoccupied. Few plants, 

 therefore, can be brought in as substitutes, that will 

 have a better effect than the genus in question. 

 Their rapid growth, and capability of withstanding 

 our hottest suns, without requiring much water, fit 

 them, in a particular degree, for such a purpose."* 



It may be deemed presumptuous in any young 

 man to add more, after such an authority as Mr. 

 M'Intosh, or to question the opinion of such a 

 talented individual. With all due respect, however, 

 for this eminent Horticulturist, I beg to say, that I 

 consider this sort of pit attended with a great deal of 



* I am not aware of any plants more highly suitable for the 

 purpose than those recommended. 



