PART 1.] CULTURAL 71 



"FACING ROCKERY, 



is dependent upon the natural shape of ground surface. 

 Wherever there is a steep bank facing south or east, it may be 

 utilised for the growth of alpines. The stones, as before advised, 

 should be large and unshapely, and be buried to two-thirds of 

 their bulk, and form a very uneven surface, all being interlocked 

 from top to bottom as described. Rockeries of this form are 

 less liable to suffer from drought; if the surface covered is 

 large, access to all parts should be provided by convenient 

 stepping-stones, because, although every stone in the structure 

 ought to be capable of bearing the weight of a heavy man 

 without danger of displacement, it is better not to have to 

 tread upon the plants. 



"THE SUNK ROCKERY. 



"This is perhaps the best of all, but entails rather more 

 labour in construction. Where subsoil drainage is perfect, a 

 sunk walk may be made, not less than 10 feet or 12 feet wide, 

 with sloping sides. The sides may be faced with stones, as 

 described in the second form of rockery, and all or part of the 

 excavated soil may be made into a raised mound, continuing the 

 slopes of the excavated banks above the ground-level, and thus 

 combining the facing rockery and the barrow-rockery. If the 

 outer line of this portion above the ground be varied by small 

 bays, every possible aspect and slope may be provided to suit 

 the taste of every plant. However, unless drainage is perfect, a 

 sunk walk, rising to the ground-level at each end, would not be 

 feasible. But a broad walk, excavated into the side of a hill 

 and sloping all one way, could be adapted to a structure nearly 

 similar to that described, or the ground may be dug out in the 

 form of an amphitheatre to suit the taste or circumstances. 

 But whatever the form of rockery adopted, let the situation be 

 away from the influence of trees, beyond suspicion of the reach 

 of their roots below, or their drip, or even their shade, above. 



