J.M.ABBOXX. Rock Plants. 



Typical rock plants are such as are found in the mountainous 

 regions of the earth, and these are invariably subjects of dwarf 

 stature : the plants now grown in rock gardens, however, include 

 not only those above mentioned, but also dwarf species coming 

 from much lower elevations. At the present day the beautj' of 

 this very interesting and popular class of plants is too well 

 known to need comment. 



Although numerous alpines may be grown in the open border 

 without a particle of rock near them, yet they succeed much 

 better in the rock garden ; whilst for the cultivation of the rarer 

 kinds a well-constructed rockery is absolutely essential, and the 

 effect of such a one tastefully arranged is delightful in garden 

 scenery. 



In choosing a site it must be borne in mind that a free, airy, 

 somewhat-elevated position is best, as many alpines, and 

 especially the rarer kinds, are difficult to keep through the 

 winter on level, wet soils. The site and extent will, however, 

 depend largely on the surroundings and on the number of 

 plants intended to be grown. If an elevated position cannot be 

 obtained, and the rock garden has to be formed in a more or 



