240 A BOOK ABOUT THE GARDEN. 



the Eiviera, or the rocks of the Simplon Pass. I need 

 hardly suggest the inference that, carefully prepared 

 at the nurseries, or given by some friendly neighbour, 

 placed with due regard to site and soil, by those who 

 have seen, heard, or read of the habits of these lovely 

 plants, their success is certain. 



And the alpine garden has, in addition, this grand 

 claim upon the admiration of those who study in 

 horticulture, as we should in everything else, the 

 greatest happiness of the greatest number it may be 

 enjoyed by all. The rich man, if he has the desire 

 and the good taste, may introduce his visitor into a 

 part of his spacious grounds, where in miniature 

 "Hills peep o'er hills, and Alps on Alps arise," where 

 every outline and tint, every form of vegetation, trans- 

 ports them suddenly to Switzerland. And the poor 

 man, with half a dozen big stones, naturally disposed, 

 a few barrows of sandy loam, and a few " bits of 

 things," which he has saved up to buy, or has received 

 from that bounty which, I rejoice to know, is as 

 common as it is honourable with our brothers of the 

 spade, may have a choice little collection of the 

 varied beauty, easily managed, and always interest- 

 ing. 



