2 | o [ pr0c - B.N.F.C., 



singular interest and of curiously diverse origin. Plants which are 

 usually Alpine in their range, such as the mountain avens, the 

 spring gentian, the bear-berry, Euphrasia satisburgensis, Saxifraga 

 Sternbergii, &c, grow in sheets right down to sea level, and with 

 them grow other plants of quite southern origin, such as the little 

 Mediterranean orchis Noetinea iniacta, and the maidenhair fern. 

 The flora here was probably a very ancient one, and presumably 

 owed its survival to the unusual conditions which prevailed — the 

 damp climate and the peculiar soil conditions. Alpines and rock 

 plants are very highly specialised, and it might be thought that 

 they would, therefore, be difficult to cultivate under the conditions 

 prevailing in an ordinary garden. But most of them are of easy 

 growth if care is exercised. The drainage must be exceedingly 

 rapid, the soil light and open, the situation open and sunny. The 

 imitation of their natural surroundings by the construction of 

 rockwork ensures good drainage, and provides chinks, and 

 surfaces of rock such as are beloved by many species. The 

 construction of rock gardens was then discussed, and many slides 

 shown of rock gardens built in various styles, the good and bad 

 points of which were pointed out. The lecture, which was 

 illustrated by a large number of exceedingly beautiful lantern 

 transparencies, largely original, was listened to with marked 

 attention and appreciation. An interesting discussion followed, 

 in which the following took part : — The Chairman, Messrs. John 

 Hamilton, R. M. Young, M.R.I.A. ; W. J. C. Tomlinson, Wm. 

 Gray, M.R.I.A.; R. Welch, M.F.I. A. ; and Rev. Canon Lett, 

 M.A., M.R.I.A. 



