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plants of similar habits to flourish as luxuriantly in an artificial state 

 as they do in their native wilds. 



A circular basin, 8 or 10 feet in diameter and 12 to 16 inches in 

 depth, surrounded by a rock-covered mound of varied breadth and ele- 

 vation, will afford space for a large number of plants. It will also 

 allow scope for tasteful arrangement, both in the construction of the 

 work and in the distribution of the plants. If some of the largest 

 pieces of rock are allowed to project over the water, in varied shapes 

 and masses, some of them forming foundation for miniature perpen- 

 dicular cliffs, and others for rapidly receding cavities, a pleasing play 

 of light and shadow will be thrown over the surface of the water. 



An additional feature may be given by running through and around 

 the rockwork a concealed pipe, with numerous small perforations over 

 its surface through which water will be conducted to the plants, trick- 

 ling over the rocks and dropping into the pool below, producing at once 

 a charming rural effect and a congenial atmosphere for the vegetation. 



This, or some similar simple method of arrangement, will usually be 

 more satisfactory then an iron or even a marble fountain, with numer- 

 ous fanciful jets and basins, supported by questionable statuary, dis- 

 played in a conspicuous position on the lawn. 



By the use of small stones and cement a center ornament may be 

 erected in the basin, and a jet inserted, through which the water is 

 delivered in a finely divided spray. This will provide hygroinetric tem- 

 perature peculiarly adapted to such situations and objects. 



There are but few country places where the means for securing these 

 specialties can not readily be obtained. The water supply may not 

 always be convenient, still by exercising a little ingenuity plans may 

 be devised for its introduction, either by utilizing the waste from cis- 

 terns or forcing it into elevated receptacles. It may be mentioned that 

 small jets are sometimes supplied by rainwater collected in cisterns, 

 although this is not recommended as a plan likely to prove satisfactory. 



A species of rock garden of more elaborate character may be formed 

 by laying out a small geometric plan of raised beds of earth, supported 

 by irregular-shaped stones. Old tree-roots may also be used to elevate 

 and diversify the sky outline. These will in time become covered with 

 foliage of creeping plants, ferns, mosses, and other low growths. The 

 beds should be planted with low-growing hardy evergreens, such as 

 various species of Juniperus, Cupressus, Biota, Thuja, Taxus, and Retino- 

 spora. The Mahonias are well suited to plant in such positions. Yuccas 

 are admirable, giving a somewhat oriental character when massed in 

 groups. Larger trees may be used where space will admit. The hem- 

 lock spruce is beautiful everywhere ; the silvery deodar cedar will give 

 variety of color; and the Pyracanth, Rhododendrons, and Kalmias, 

 with many others, may be formed into picturesque groups of great 

 beauty, depending very much, however, upon their location and skill- 

 ful arrangement. 



