PLANTING AND PROPAGATING ALPINES. 91 



new method of increase. Where we find colonies a 

 natural vegetative system of propagation has often 

 been at work, but many perennials increase them- 

 selves by seeds. Thus, if the flower-lover examines 

 the huge tufts of Rock Cresses and Snow-in-Summer, 

 often spreading over an area of several square yards, 

 he finds that they have one rootstock. They have 

 not increased by offsets. The young plants around 

 them have sprung from dropped seeds. 



Nature-planting carries its own commendation. 

 While the flower-lover is willing to play the philosophic 

 part of finding interest and pleasure in a small rockery 

 and single plants if he has nothing better, he will 

 scarcely hesitate to take advantage of any local cir- 

 cumstances with which he may be favoured. He is 

 quite ready to garden imperially. Nothing will rejoice 

 him more than to have the opportunity of forming 

 charming colour-pictures, affording some slight 

 reminder of the glories of those which he meets with 

 in the Alps and Pyrenees. There are many gardens 

 in which Alpines could be grouped. If the site is 

 dry and the soil poor, the stronger kinds must be 

 grown, but with moisture and suitable soil species of 

 more delicate habit may be chosen. Wherever a 

 steep bank exists an opening presents itself for liberal 

 treatment. It is not necessary to cover it with stones 

 arranged in tiers, and so make a formal " rockery'* 

 of it. That would entail an immense amount of 

 labour, plants and expenditure. But a few groups 

 of fairly large stones may be formed to give the desired 

 diversity of contour. 



