FORMATION OF ROCK-WORK. 207 



Phloxes, of creeping growth, Soldanella alpina, 



Polemonium reptans, Vinca major variegata, 



Saxifragas, Thymus vulgaris variegata, 



Sedums, of all kinds, Violas of sorts. 

 Sempervivums, of all kinds, 



Artificial rock-works are often formed. The shape and 

 dimensions of the work being determined on, the clinkers 

 from furnaces are collected, and dipped in hot lime wash, 

 which gives a coloring of pure white to their fantastic 

 shapes. With these the " rock-work " mound is formed 

 of the height and shape desired, leaving at suitable dis- 

 tances cavities of 6 or 8 inches deep, to be filled with soil 

 in which to place the creeping plants. For this kind of 

 rock-work a different class of plants is more appropriate, 

 such as are of bright colors and will contrast with 

 the ground-work of white. Scarlet or other high-colored 

 Verbenas, Coleus, Gazanias, Scarlet Geraniums, Blue 

 Lobelias, Lysimachia, or Golden Moneywort, may be 

 used with excellent effect. By the use of hydraulic cement 

 instead of lime, the rock-work can be made of a pleasing 

 drab color. A rockery so formed and planted, without 

 having any pretensions to being " natural," is always 

 an interesting and attractive object on a well-kept lawn. 



CHAPTER XXXH. 



INSECTS. 



There is no subject referred to in this volume, that 1 

 feel so incompetent to discuss as that of insects. Not 

 that our experience with the pests has not been ample 

 enough, but all the knowledge obtained from that expe- 

 rience leaves us at times utterly helpless to prevent their 

 ravages, particularly on plants grown out of doors. Un- 



