3o8 



MY GARDEN. 



the Central brook, where their blossoms light up the scene with their 

 brilliant flowers. 



In these three alpine gardens hundreds of species are grown. 

 Many, of the most surpassing beauty, are easily passed over and 

 neglected unless sought out with an intelligent eye. It is seldom 

 that I visit the alpineries without finding some new object of interest ; 

 and I observe that my visitors linger over these mounds with satis- 

 faction, delight, and admiration. 



My alpineries are merely degenerate productions when compared 

 with the glorious example constructed by Messrs. Backhouse of York 

 in whose garden stones of many tons in weight are used, and where the 

 whole design has the appearance of nature. They are, moreover, not 

 to be compared with the beautiful rockeries which can be made where 

 quartz spar can be procured. The Rev. W. Macpherson, of Monnymusk 

 in the valley of the Don, in Scotland, has a pretty rockery made of 

 selected stones. The Rev. Mr. Milne, in the same valley, has also 

 another, formed of quartz spar, which, during a number of years, he 

 has selected from the hills, and transferred to his garden at great labour 

 and cost : these he has arranged as a rockery, on which alpine plants 

 grow in all that luxuriance which a proper soil and a natural climate 

 can alone ensure. 



Fig. 649. — Saxifraga 

 oppositifolia. 



FlG. 650.— S. granulatii. 



Fig. 651. — S. granulata (double 



The Saxifrages are plants of much interest and great beauty for 

 rock-work. First and foremost, the purple Saxifrage {Sixxifraga 

 oppositifolia, fig. 649) is very beautiful. There are several varieties, the 

 blossom of one being white, and that of another being rosy pink and 



