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The form of the rock-garden will depend largely 

 on the character of the surroundings. Nothing 

 can be more beautiful than a rock-garden at the 

 base of a declivity, with the center, perhaps, 

 forming a natural grotto half smothered with 

 trailers and ferns. A rigid wall of rock will be 

 avoided, while a round or even an oval mound is 

 less pleasing than a form of somewhat irregular 

 outline. Whatever form may be chosen, the 

 rock-work should be constructed with a view of 

 growing Alpine plants, and subordinating geo- 

 logical effects. 



The soil is a matter of prime importance. 

 Often, " potting-earth," as it is termed, is used, 

 which becomes stiff and cakes badly during hot 

 weather. For the majority of rock-plants a 

 sandy loam proves most suitable. In some por- 

 tions leaf-mold should be freely mixed with the 

 soil, to meet the requirements of certain species ; 

 while peat-loving subjects will naturally be pro- 

 vided with the soil they prefer. A top-dressing 

 of fine old leaf-mold and fresh loam every au- 

 tumn will prove of advantage both in supplying 

 the waste of soil from washings, and in serving 

 as a fertilizer. I do not think the stress laid 

 upon an easterly exposure, in England and on 

 the Continent, applies here. The main points 

 with us are shade and protection from draughts. 



