130 Alpine Plants. 
dykes” may be followed on the level in all cases 
where there is a sufficiency of soil, a firm, dry subsoil, 
and an adequate fall and outlet for surface drainage 
available. 
When space is limited and the rockery is backed 
by a wall not actually incorporated in its structure, 
by a planked fence, or by a hedge, it is well to 
provide a narrow path between the two, as this 
serves to reduce the effect of reflected heat from the 
adjacent barrier, and, in the case of a hedge, also 
assists in checking the passage of roots into the 
soil of the rockery. 
In the case of rockeries that consist chiefly of an 
elevated plateau, too small for track-ways over it, 
such an arrangement is of especial value, as it also 
greatly increases the facilities both for convenient 
access to every part and for the close inspection 
of those small plants which are most appropriately 
placed in such a situation. 
In all cases narrow paths should render every 
portion of the rockery easily accessible at any 
season, and the main path through it and any which 
may outline the rock-garden should be wide enough 
and smooth enough to admit of the easy passage of 
a wheelbarrow, the remaining tracks being quite 
informal in character and not more than from 14ft. 
to 2ft. wide. 
In planning such a rockery as is in view, it will 
probably be found desirable to form several beds, 
of which one predominates over the rest by size 
and importance. 
This chief mound should have its main bulk 
