CHAPTER L 



ROCKERIES 



When properly made, on a lawn or in a yard of 

 considerable size, a rockery can easily become a leading 

 feature of the place. It will attract because of its 

 wildness and contrast with other portions of the 

 grounds. But unless properly made, there will be no 

 sense of wildness about it. What is fondly imagined 

 by its constructor to pass for wildness will really be 

 very tame, and the whole thing will most likely be a 

 burlesque on one of nature's rockeries. I am fre- 

 quently amused to see the specimens of rockwork some 

 grounds display. They are not like anything under the 

 sun but — themselves ! 



I would never advise anyone to attempt a rockery 

 unless there are quite extensive grounds about the 

 house, for seclusion seems necessary to the complete 

 carr}'ing out of the idea which the term rockery 

 suggests. It is a nook apart from frequented places, 

 or, at least, it should be, to have the charm which 

 naturally accompanies such bits of nature, with some- 

 thing of the wild freedom of wood and field about it. 

 If possible there should be an old tree near it ; any way, 

 some large shrubs which have attained almost the 

 dignity of a tree. Without tree or shrub, don't attempt 

 having a rockery. But with these accessories it will be 

 possible for you to make something that will afford a 

 great deal of pleasure, provided, as I have said, you 

 have room enough to give a sense of seclusion to 

 the place. 



In constructing a rockery do not go to work with 

 the intention of "laying one up" as a mason would a 



