XXV 



THE HARDY HEATHS 



ALTHOUGH it is impossible to 

 cultivate the various hardy Heaths 

 without a great deal of expense 

 and trouble in some parts of the 

 country, they are indispensable for every well- 

 appointed garden, situated in those places where 

 peat-loving plants thrive. For the colder parts 

 of the country some sorts are undesirable on 

 account of hardiness ; there are, however, others 

 that are perfectly strong enough to withstand the 

 severest winters in any part of the British Isles. 

 Their unsuitability for various districts is wholly 

 on account of soil and water. With a few ex- 

 ceptions the members of the Heath, or giving 

 it its correct name, Erica, family detest lime, 

 and refuse to thrive in soil impregnated with it 

 to any serious extent, whilst they are also very 

 impatient of water which contains lime in 

 quantity. Essentially peat-loving plants, they 

 are found in the greatest luxuriance on light or 

 peaty soil, the British species attaining their 

 greatest perfection on wide, open moorlands and 

 hillsides, where the soil is sweet and open and 



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