SPECIAL METHODS OF PLANTING 83 



is a ready means of taking the " edge " off its crude 

 whiteness. 



In a few months after planting, given a suitable 

 position full sun in this case, the crevice was entirely 

 hidden with these charming little plants, only here and 

 there peeping forth from between them the wedge of 

 reddish stone, the sloping position being just what 

 these little mountaineers revel in. 



From the many rock gardening books I have read 

 I have drawn the conclusion that on no account 

 should anything in the nature of cement be allowed 

 in the Rock Garden, and while doubtless it would be 

 unwise to use it to any considerable extent to hold the 

 stones in position, I have found the intelligent 

 employment of it in special positions, such as the fore- 

 going, to be most useful, and as far as I can see, no ill 

 effects have followed therefrom. 



It must also be borne in mind, that while it is most 

 necessary, in the largest Rock Garden, to prevent the 

 leakage of soil from one part to another, this is inten- 

 sified when the space available is as tiny as mine, 

 and too much attention cannot be given to prevent it. 

 Often at some leaky spot the use of a small piece of 

 stone fixed with cement will make all the difference 

 between success and failure, while the scale of the 

 whole garden is too small to permit the use of a 

 stone large enough to stop the gap. 



