234 MANUAL OF GARDENING 
hold moisture and into which roots may penetrate. The pock- 
ets are filled with good fibrous moisture-holding earth, and 
often a little sphagnum or other moss is added. It must then 
be arranged so that the pockets never dry out. 
Rock-gardens are usually failures, because they violate these 
very simple elementary principles; but even when the soil con- 
ditions and moisture conditions are good, the habits of the 
rock plants must be learned, and this requires thoughtful ex- 
perience. Rock-gardens cannot be generally recommended. 
1. PLants FoR CARPET-BEDS 
(By Ernest Walker) 
The beauty of the carpet-bed lies largely in its unity, sharp 
contrast and harmony of color, elegance —- often simplicity — 
of design, nicety of execution, and the continued distinctness of 
outline due to scrupulous care. A generous allowance of green- 
sward on all sides contributes greatly to the general effect, — 
in fact it is indispensable. 
Whatever place is chosen for the bed, it should be in a sunny 
exposure. This, nor any kind of bed, should not be planted 
near large trees, as their greedy roots will rob the soil not only 
of its food, but of moisture. The shade also will be a menace. 
As the plants stand so thick, the soil should be well enriched, and 
spaded at least a foot deep. In planting, a space of at least six 
inches must be left between the outer row of plants and the 
edge of the grass. The very style of the bed requires that lines 
be straight, the curves uniform, and that they be kept so by 
the frequent and careful use of the shears. During dry periods 
watering will be necessary. The beds, however, should not be 
watered in the hot sunshine. Foliage plants are most in use, 
and are the ones which will prove the most satisfactory in the 
hands of the inexperienced, as they submit to severe clipping 
and are thus more easily managed. 
