129 
ROCKS AND ROCK-PLANTS. 
In treating of this subject in a recent paper, we confined our observations 
• { ely to the advantages of rockwork in the culture of plants in the open air. As 
{Supplement to the remarks then offered, we now proceed to suggest the 
ppriety and utility of introducing a similar feature to the conservatory and 
s ve. 
We know the idea has been scouted by some of those who are wedded to the 
5 ff, formal, and monotonous arrangement of plants which prevailed some years 
{), and still exists to a partial extent ; urging as their plea, that the adoption of 
ly such plan would be totally at variance with a formal building. From this 
1 :w of the matter we entirely dissent ; and, happily, the principle, upon which it 
1 ts, is quite at variance with the practice in other points of most of the best 
( tivators of the present day. In the decoration of houses, and the treatment of 
j ints individually, there is a very general reversion of the old system ; and the 
{Q is now — not to render the plants of a character with the regular architectural 
s nmetry of the house, by training with harsh regularity, and tying in all the 
S )ots with even exactitude ; but just the converse — to divest the structure as far 
j possible of its stiffness, by permitting its inmates to retain more of the loose and 
Iwing elegance of nature. 
Under this treatment, more of the real character of a species is developed ; 
] ints are awarded to the peculiar situations and purposes for which they are best 
i :ed by their respective habits ; a more extensive variety is furnished, and they 
{ i exempted from that restrained, tortured appearance, which so largely diminishes 
t ) pleasure of viewing even what are in themselves most beautiful things. In 
ie, the original design of conservatories and greenhouses has undergone an 
(tensive alteration, — from being merely places devoted to the preservation of 
tider plants, they are now expected to afford a combination of good cultivation 
{jji tasteful arrangement. 
Embracing this idea then, of the internal arrangement of floricultural erections, 
can see nothing objectional in the proposal to add a species of rockery that 
uy enable plants to appear more at home, and enjoy a nearer approximation to 
ti stations in which nature has fitted them to flourish, and display themseltes in 
< 3 most attractive light. It is, in fact, the dictation of the same principle. 
I It is almost needless to observe, that rockeries will be most practicable and 
^propriate in the larger class of buildings, particularly in conservatories where 
t,3re are no plants grown in pots, or they are only admitted to a subordinate 
^tent. Their construction in small houses, must always be in some measure 
J maied by local circumstances, and the particular plan of other arrangements ; 
^ 3 utmost extent to which they can be consistently carried, is, in surrounding a 
VOL. XII NO. cxxxviir. 
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