94 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



or so of common stony soil, next a layer of rough stones, among which may be 

 intermingled some of the best of the surface soil thrown out when excavating. The 

 first of the larger stones to show above the ordinary level should be fixed sloping 

 outwards and sunk to half their depth in soil and stones packed tightly about them, 

 and, if need be, to rest on others or a bed of coarse stones and soil, the work proceeding 

 in this way till the highest point is reached, and for which the larger stones ought to 

 be principally reserved. 



Instead of the stones pressing against each other, as too often happens, they ought 

 really to be kejjt well apart, the interstices properly filled in aff'ording the necessary 

 deep, free-rooting medium for the plants. There are right and wrong ways of filling 

 in these fissures between the rocks. If the right way is followed the fissures will be 

 the widest at the top, the smaller stones also being arranged thinnest end uppermost. 

 Should the opposite method be adopted, the stones pinching together near the top, a 

 settlement of soil is bound to take place. Where there is the most space between the 

 rocks at the highest point it will become wedged more tightly to them, whereas it will 

 shrink away from the rocks to an injurious extent when the fissures are widest at the 

 bottom, the plants thriving under one set of conditions and failing under the other. 

 If it should happen that the pockets or fissures be much larger than required for the 

 plants occupying them, flat stones ought to be laid on the surface to arrest undue 

 evaporation of moisture. Let it be clearly understood that the sectional view (Fig. 48) 

 conveys no idea as to the appearance of a front view or elevation of a rockwork, and 

 is given for showing how to provide for the well-being of plants. 



Small mounds of stones and prepared soil may be similarly formed as if springing 

 out of the turf on a lawn and not showing more than 18 inches above the ground 

 level. This is mentioned to show that rock-gardens, such as those illustrated on 

 page 90, are within the reach of most owners of small pleasure-grounds. 



For the formation of more solid rockwork that is to present a massive appearance, a 

 good supply of large stones will be needed. These ought not to be arranged as formally 

 as a mason would construct a stone wall, but should be of varying thicknesses, though 

 always in the form of regular layers or strata. Some idea of what is wanted can be 

 gathered from Fig. 49 — a rockwork formed in a bank alongside a carriage drive. The 

 large stones can be blocked clear of each other with the aid of smaller pieces and soil, 

 the interstices forming a suitable root run for plants that succeed in such positions. 

 If the stones have no appreciable spaces between them, the plants will not thrive. 



