Rock Gardening. 5 i 



But, notwithstanding every difficulty, even tyros are 

 surprised, after some perseverance, at the amount of 

 comparatively inexpensive pleasure they enjoy, partly 

 in giving pleasure to others. 



We may well expect that the judicious care which 

 Sir Arthur and Lady Olive Guinness will bestow on 

 the alterations they are commencing in St. Stephen's- 

 green will make it, as to ornamental plants, the most 

 interesting city square in the kingdom; and that 

 whatever head devises the improvements will bear in 

 mind that the placing a shrub or other plant a few 

 feet from others one way instead of another may 

 give it opportunity of being ornamental or un- 

 sightly. 



ROCK GARDENING. 



The increasing attention which this subject has of 

 late received may lead us to expect corresponding 

 improvement in various ways ; and everywhere there 

 is room for indulging taste in design, and proving 

 skill in execution. Let us have but a few feet of 

 ground to spare in a city area, or acres of inland glen, 

 or of wild and picturesque sea-side slope, we may 

 find a gem to suit each nook and cranny ; and many 

 lovely plants look better in such places than on level 

 ground. It is found not easy to prescribe specific 

 rules as to the construction of all rock-gardens, so 

 much depends on situation and general circum- 

 stances ; but I venture on a few suggestions which 

 may be generally useful. Good drainage and mate- 

 rial in the foundation and lower parts, and provision 



