Directions for Specific Culture. 5I 
compost of hard fibrous peat, leaf-mould, and grit, in 
equal parts ; this should be broken up fine, and put 
through a +in. sieve, a fine sieve being then used to 
take out the dust. Add a little sand to what 
remains in the sieve, and mix well together. This 
makes an admirable compost for the roots, which are 
almost like silk and require something fine to work 
into. Having prepared this compost, place a stone 
ina slanting position on the site selected, inclined 
backwards and downwards towards the bank, put a 
layer of compost on the stone, lay the plant on this 
and add more compost, so that the roots may be 
well covered up; then lay another stone upon the 
compost and press it firmly down, taking care not to 
bring the stone right over the plant, but to leave just 
enough room for the soil to show between the stone 
and the plant, so as to ensure that the neck itself of 
the plant is left free, afterwards filling in the whole 
space behind the stones, and finally setting another 
flat stone on the top of all, so placed and inclined 
that it will hang a few inches over the plant at a 
distance of 6in. above it, and at the same time 
prevent any water from ever falling on the face of 
the plant, and direct any water which may fall upon 
itself straight to the roots of the plant. In this way 
a dry atmosphere for the foliage will be secured, 
while the root will have ample moisture from behind. 
In autumn a stone should be placed over the whole 
plant, and be left over it until towards the end of 
January, when it should be removed, as the plant will 
then begin to require water again. In spring a little 
top-dressing should be given. 
E 2 
