8o THE STORY OF MY ROCK GARDEN 



indifferent success, and then remembering that the 

 colour of our sandstones is largely due to the infiltra- 

 tion of iron in solution, it occurred to me that possibly 

 something on this line would lead to a better result. 

 After one or two attempts, I obtained the salt, 

 Ferri-Perchloride, and when four ounces of this is 

 dissolved in approximately a gallon of water, and 

 applied to the concrete lumps by the aid of a small 

 brush or mop, the result is a rich, yellowish brown colour 

 most acceptable in contrast to the varying greens of the 

 foliage. I find it well to water or syringe the various 

 pieces of " rock " a few minutes before applying the 

 iron solution, thereby encouraging the latter to flow 

 over it readily instead of being repelled by the dry 

 surface. While I take care not to drop or splash the 

 solution on to the plants, I have seen no indication 

 that it is harmful to them. 



In my Ramondia corner I followed much the same 

 course, laying the plants in position as the building 

 proceeded, and filling up the small crevices with clay 

 and moss. The frontispiece to the book, from my own 

 photograph, illustrates the handsome appearance of 

 these invaluable plants. 



Such plants as Auricula alpina, the yellow auricula 

 of the Alps, and Sax. cochlearis v. minor, that silvery 

 little fellow which " packs " itself with such delightful 

 hummocks, I used, with what I consider very good 



