62 Hints on Planting 



against such happenings. Not all the Saxifragas are, 

 however, of the apiculata class, though a large num- 

 ber, and the figure includes sancta, Rocheliana, Coch- 

 learis, alberti, and the whole of the "mossies," respond 

 to a like treatment. Even the Burseriana and Boydii 

 sets, Valdensis (of gardens), and others of diminutive 

 growth must be included in this principle of free treat- 

 ment; or, better still, to that of propagation by means 

 of cuttings, to which one and all are alike amenable. 

 But whether by cuttings or division the twain, in con- 

 junction with replanting, tends to a fuller, freer 

 development of the plant, the precursor of greater 

 vigour, and a more abundant flowering. Hence such 

 work is worthy of our best endeavours. 



It should be noted that many alpines, Saxifragas, 

 Primulas, the tufted Androsaces, and others, root 

 afresh from the base of the rosettes of leaves, hence in 

 replanting the divisions should be inserted low down, 

 i.e., almost level with rock or soil. In Nature, these 

 children of the mountain receive frequent liberal 

 mulchings of grit, rocky debris and the like brought 

 down by snow and rain, and without which many 

 would doubtless perish. In our dealings with these 

 plants the principle it involves should be kept in view. 

 Mulching, indeed, is of inestimable value to many 

 alpines. The planting of seedlings does not differ 

 materially from that of the divided specimen, and the 

 main object of both is to create effective groups as 

 opposed to the far feebler effect of solitary examples. 

 Draba, rocky mountain and other Columbines, Morisia, 

 Ramondia, Haberlea, and the great Pyrenean Rockfoil 

 (Saxifraga longifolia) are among those easily raised 

 from seeds, and a score or a hundred may be seen and 

 enjoyed where a solitary plant would fail to attract. 



In Fissure or Crevice Planting it is essential that no 

 vacuum exists. In other words, that the fissure or 

 crevice be fully charged with grit, pulverised rock and 

 soil. If these are supplied in about equal parts there 

 need be no fear as to the results, for successes with rare 



