How to Make a Rockery. 



Answer to H. H. Bradfield, Esq., by Mr. John Craig, of Ottawa. 



The ground space at the disposal of your correspondent is so limited that 

 it will be quite difficult to construct a rockery which will be effective without 

 being formal. Having a space 5x18 feet, and with a tree in the centre of it, the 

 ends only of this become available for constructing a rockery. 



Rockeries are built by throwing up a mound of good, friable earth, to the 

 height and size which the situation calls for. In this case it would necessarily 

 need to be small. Upon this mound the stones are imbedded, leaving spaces 

 between them large enough to receive roots of plants or flowerpots, as the case 

 may be. The openings between the stones should be so arranged as to admit 

 of water without allowing the soil to wash away. Larger spaces should be left 

 at the top for some goodly sized plants which are designed to crown the mass, 

 such as ferns. 



If water pipes can be run through the centre with a tap at the top, 

 screened by plants, so that a liberal amount of water can be supplied as often 

 as desired, it will add much to the ease with which the plants may be retained 

 in a healthy and vigorous condition. 



I am furnished with the following list of plants suitable for such work, or 

 for shady positions, by Mr. Fletcher, Botanist to the Experimental Farms at 

 Ottawa. 



Plants Suitable for Growing on a Rock Work and in Shady Positions. — 

 Aquilegia Canadensis, Saxifraga Virginiensis, Sedum acre, Arctostaphilos uva 

 ursi, Linnaea borealis, Mimulus moschatus (musk), Ferns — natives. Begonias, 

 Crassulas and Sedums, English violets, lily of the valley, periwinkle (vinca) varie- 

 gated, Lysimachia nummularia, tradescantia, Linaria cymbalaria, bulbs in pots. 



Climbers for Back Ground. — Adlumia cirrhosa, apios tuberosa, amphicarpia 

 monoica (this delicate creeper will also do for the front). 



Bingham and Beauty of Naples Plums. 



585. Sir, — Would you kindly give me an idea of the respective merits of Bingham 

 and Beauty of Naples plums. Also, is there an apple by name of Indian Rareripe ? 

 Is it known by any other name '.' 



David A. Blackaddsr, Windsor, Ont. 



Reply by G. W. Chin, Winona, Ont. 

 I would recommend the planting of the Bingham as a worthy plum for the 

 orchard, but would not plant Beauty of Naples, except for trial, as it does not 

 succeed in all soils or parts of the country. We have so many choice varieties 

 of plums that it is hardly necessary to try all the varieties catalogued, unless as 

 sample trees, an experiment which is well enough for those who can afford it. 



(405) 



