A FEW NOTES ON ROCK-GARDENS. 
449 
know why, but while dwarfs and pigmies seem ugly in the 
animal, they are likeable in the vegetable world. 
The Yews yield some, but not many, dwarf forms suitable 
for our purpose ; and the Scotch Firs a few more, including a 
good dwarf golden form. Some of these would in course of 
years pass the assigned limit of height, and have to be shifted 
to the rear, but they are such slow growers that for a great 
number of years they will remain dwarfs. The well-known 
TJiiuoj^Jsis dolahrata is a conifer of this class ; and a great 
favourite with me for the purpose in hand is the little T. Icetevirens^ 
which is not unlike a giant Selaginella. Unfortunately large- 
sized stock of it is none too plentiful, growers who cater for the 
many seeming to shirk a plant so slow growing. 
The dwarf flat-headed miniature of the Weymouth Pine 
(P. strobus nanus tahulceformis) is another choice form to be 
specially named, and there are a few globose dwarf forms of 
Thuja and of Lawson's Cypress of beauty and value. But I 
have instanced enough among conifers. 
Passing to other dwarf evergreen shrubs, th6 small mountain 
Rhododendrons, popularly known generally as *' Alpen Roses," 
are many, characteristic, and invaluable. These, of course, con- 
tribute blossom colour, as well as evergreen foliage. Mention 
must specially be made of the hybrid B. jprcecox, for the beauty 
of its early pink Azalea-like flowers. Often have I seen the snow 
lying thick beneath them. 
Of Cotoneasters dwarf enough, the little thymifolia is one of 
the best ; microphylla becomes too large too soon. Both are fine 
in berry, but with me they are not of the very hardiest, nor are 
they the easiest to transplant successfully. In a somewhat 
different category are the two creeping Cotoneasters. C. rupestris 
and C. congesta, which closely follow the surface of a stone in 
their growth. They are thus very useful. Perhaps, however,, 
the very best of the Cotoneasters is the comparatively new 
C. liorizontalis, which is, however, deciduous. On the other 
hand, it has neither of tbe weak points just named, and for its. 
splendid sail-like habit and the beauty both of its leafage and 
fruit it is quite indispensable, and in the forefront of rock- 
plants. 
Then there are the Daphnes, among which the beautiful white- 
flowered and early, almost winter-blooming, D. BlagayaneL 
