54 Overhead Dryness 



lights and wall plates were of the usual pattern. Studs, 

 six inches long, were screwed to the latter so that the 

 lights could be raised in wet weather. The pit portion 

 of the frame was filled rather more than half its depth 

 with rubble, clinker and ashes, and these, while instu-- 

 ing perfect drainage to the plants, raised them^ well 

 above their general surroundings. Thus root-dryness 

 with perfect drainage — a not unimportant item — was 

 secured. The point to which I attach the greatest 

 importance, however, was the pigeon-holed condition 

 of the walls at back and front, a condition which, no 

 matter what the weather, provided a constant stream 

 of air over the heads of the plants day and night. Of 

 the efficacy of this I have had abundant proof over 

 and over again. Upon no occasion was any attempt 

 made to stop any of these holes. , What was especially 

 aimed at was root and overhead dryness. Thus 

 secured the plants were capable of enduring any frost 

 experienced in these islands. 



A Good Second to the above is the span-roofed gar- 

 den frame of the leading horticultural builders, while 

 a more exaggerated form of it might prove almost its 

 equal. By this is intended a frame set upon brick- 

 work two feet high, the pit thus formed to be filled 

 with rubble of any description to afford drainage. It 

 will thus be seen that great importance is attached to 

 drainage generally and to lifting these frame-protected 

 plants above their immediate surroundings. The soil 

 at ground level is of necessity cold and damp or wet. 

 To choice alpine vegetation these combined forces are 

 often fatal; continuous damp is death. 



A Matted-up Frame for Alpines is a delusion and a 

 snare, and we say at once, with all the emphasis we can 

 command that it is not only unnecessary, but, in certain 

 circumstances, may be positively harmful. Hence we 

 discourage it by every means at our disposal. These 

 plants are made hardier and sturdier by perfect drain- 

 age, root and overhead dryness, and by continuous 

 ventilation, and, given these, are capable of enduring 



