PLANTS FOR SPECIAL SITUATIONS 285 



irregular as to shape may be of various sizes, but small 

 stones, of course, are not suitable. The soil beneath the 

 stones should be a good sandy loam to the depth of 

 several inches, and the cracks between the stones will 

 serve as a lodging place for many a charming creeping or 

 tufted thing. 



One must, however, use restraint in this sort of gar- 

 dening and keep in mind the fact that the path is first of 

 all designed for the pedestrian, and one does not wish to 

 have one's feelings harrowed at every step by crushing 

 some helpless green thing beneath one's heel. We do 

 not mind picking our way a bit, though, and if this 

 diminutive tenantry is kept a bit to one side they are in 

 no great danger. Some of the small plants seem quite 

 indifferent to being trod upon. Thyme is one of these 

 and sends up clouds of welcoming perfume behind our 

 lagging footsteps. Only the most diminutive subjects 

 are suitable for the centre of the path, but along the 

 sides, if the path be wide enough, some of the larger 

 alpines may have a place. In planting, seedlings or 

 very small bits of plants should be used, or seeds may be 

 inserted between the cracks. A narrow wooden plant- 

 label is a useful tool in setting out the tiny plants, for 

 any real tool known to me is far too large. 



One must have the eye of a lynx for weeds in the 

 paved path and slaughter them in infancy, for once well 

 rooted beneath the stones it is a terrible task to get 

 them out. Except for this the path will require little 



