ON ROCKERIES AND ALPINE PLANTS. 
229 
water, or a self-acting pump may be erected to force it back again into the reser- 
voir, in which latter case a great saving of water will be effected. 
The groundwork or foundation of a rockery may be formed of different mate- 
rials, according to its extent, and the size of the fragments of rock. If it is to be 
introduced into the flower-garden, and is intended to be of a purely ornamental 
character, it should either be of a pyramidal or conical form ; we use these terms 
as expressive of the general outline, by no means intending to convey the idea of a 
smooth and even surface. In such a case, the foundation should be made of any 
old and unornamental pieces of rock, stone, old bricks, or similar rubbish, roughly 
cemented together with common mortar ; and if the ornamental pieces of rock or spar 
are small and scarce, the form and contour of the whole should be determined upon, 
and accurately delineated, previously to fixing them upon it ; so that, by merely 
attaching them to the surface, and carefully concealing the point of union, and the 
material by which it is effected, — which should be any common cement, — -the 
erection will have the appearance of a solid mass of rock, and, to the uninitiated, 
will be valued and admired accordingly. Where, however, the fragments of rock 
are large, abundant, and diversified in form, and the object is to form a complete 
group, a foundation of clayey soil, firmly beaten, will be sufficiently solid, and on 
this the pieces of rock may be laid or piled, according to the taste of the proprietor. 
Bat if they are piled to any considerable height, they must likewise be cemented 
together, to preserve them from being blown down by the wind. 
It is impossible to prescribe rules for the arrangement of the different pieces of 
rock or stone, as this will depend entirely on their size and form, or the taste or 
caprice of the workman or his employer. We can only suggest, that the outline, 
and also the more minute details of it, should be as diversified as possible, and that 
no two portions of it should bear the slightest resemblance to each other. The 
design might even be taken from a piece of natural scenery in the neighbourhood, 
or one with which the constructor is familiar, and if the original is at all connected 
with any pleasing associations, — and perhaps situated at such a distance as to 
render a frequent visit to it impossible, — the imitation, if faithfully executed, will 
be doubly interesting. 
But the situation for a rockery being chosen, and the ground prepared for its 
construction, the materials of which it is to be composed must be sought and obtained 
before they can be arranged. These will be varied according to the locality of the 
garden, and the means of the owner. If the estate be situated near the sea shore, 
a rich variety of fragments of rock, stones, and shells, may soon be collected, of a 
sufficient size for a small erection ; but it is only from the mountainous districts, and 
from mines and other excavations, that an adequate quantity of larger masses can 
be procured. Where large flint stones abound, — as in many parts of Surrey, — ■ 
they may be made to form a very neat and ornamental group, particularly if they 
are only required to skirt a basin or pool of water. In the northern parts of 
England, where huge masses of rock are plentiful and easily procured, the artificial 
