74 ROCK GARDENING FOR AMATEURS 



expense of building a moraine proper may, with great 

 advantage, carry out the principle in some modified 

 form. The simplest way to imitate moraine conditions 

 is to cover the soil round about and close up to the plants 

 with a layer about two inches deep of stone chips or 

 clean, sifted gravel. Surprisingly good results are often 

 obtained by this means, though the ground must, of 

 course, be well drained. Still more successful is the plan 

 adopted by some who have very small gardens, which 

 consists really of making a miniature moraine wherever 

 some choice plant is grown. The soil is taken out to 

 the depth of about twelve or eighteen inches, and some 

 rough stones are put in the bottom for drainage ; the re- 

 maining space is then filled in with the moraine mixture 

 of soil and stone. This plan is especially beneficial 

 when the cultivation of choice and difficult alpines is 

 attempted. When so cared for they will succeed, while 

 almost certain to fail in the ordinary rockery. 



