UiO THE PRACTICAL GARDENER. [Ocf, 



covered. Nothing appeared during summer of a pit, when the 

 whole was covered with plants. The wooden wall-plates and 

 rafters were removed as soon as the Mesembryanthemums had 

 established themselves, and were only replaced in autumn, 

 when the others were placed into it ; the lights, &c. were 

 used during summer for other purposes. In this pit, which 

 was elevated about a foot in front and two feet behind, we 

 cultivated for three years one of the richest private collections 

 of these interesting plants probably ever brought together in 

 this country. 



At first sight there will appear something incongruous in 

 placing a pit in any part of a well-arranged flower garden, 

 but as rock-work and similar things are admitted sometimes, 

 though rarely, in imitation of rocky strata or mountains in 

 miniature, but for the most part with a view to form a proper 

 situation for plants which are natives of rocky soils to grow 

 in, we can see no difficulty nor objection in constructing and 

 arranging a rock- work so as to be capable of being rendered 

 a fit receptacle for such plants during the winter. But as 

 many, and by for the greater part of the rarer species of 

 these plants, can only prosper in a low temperature, their re- 

 moval to a shaded cool spot during the heats of our summer 

 becomes necessary, and will of course leave a space unoccupied. 

 Few plants, therefore, can be brought in as substitutes that 

 will have a better effect than the genus in question. Their 

 rapid growth, and capability of withstanding our hottest suns 

 without requiring much water, fits them in a particular degree 

 for such a purpose. 



