236 
REVIEW. 
which there accimiulate in the atmosphere ; whilst if the garden be situated o; 
high or sloping ground, a screen of greater density will be essential. 
To promote a healthy vegetation, and abundance of bloom, a flower-gardei 
should decidedly have an aspect laying well towards the sun. Most border plants 
when not confined at the root, require as much light as possible, especially as th 
autumn approaches. But there are some exceptions : for instance, the loveh 
little Nemophila insignis revels in a partially shaded spot. With regard to tli 
exposure to the light, there are some particulars in the after-management of th 
plants in the open air which deserve attention. We allude chiefly to the usualh'' 
crowded state of the shoots of many kinds, during the latter months of summer| 
whereby the leaves are prevented from receiving their full share of solar influ: 
ence ; as, for example, the whole race of Pelargonia. If a little timely pruning 
and occasional thinning out were adopted, not only would the appearance of th(^ 
bed be improved, but the quantity of flowers would be increased, and their colom 
improved. Other plants, again, require stopping back, to keep them fronj 
struggling too far, and to further the development of lateral shoots ; and witl 
others, as the Phloxes and some species of Salma, the same ends will be answerec 
by fastening the shoots to the ground with small pegs. ^ 
It will be seen, that throughout the present article we have expressly had iiji 
view that portion of the pleasure-ground especially styled the flower-garden, an(|| 
devoted almost entirely to the culture of half-hardy plants in beds, each containing 
a single kind. Many of the points inculcated are applicable, either wholly, or t^ 
a partial extent, to other departments ; and some of the plants which unavoidablj 
come under the general description here given, may require some modification it 
the management ; but these are comparatively few in number, and do not afieci 
the general question. 
REVIEW. 
Practical hints on the culture and general management of Alpine or Rock plants. By James, 
Lothian. W. H. Ltzaes, Edinburgh. j 
Not long ago we endeavoured to draw the attention of our readers to a little- valued, but; 
very interesting, class of plants— Lichens and Mosses. The minuteness of the majority, and| 
the singularity of many (such as the Nidularia campanulata), of these plants, together with the| 
rich appearance of some of them when growing in large patches, render them well worth care; 
and culture, wherever there is an appropriate situation for them. But they have no richly| 
coloured flowers to allure and dazzle the eye. The little book before us treats upon another sel; 
of generally minute plants, exhibiting flowers of all hues, and various forms. Perhaps some oi| 
our readers will find such plants more interesting. Certainly there is something extremely 
pleasing in their dwarf habit and diminutive proportions ; and the elegance and delicacy of theii 
several parts will well repay the closest scrutiny. These properties suit them for some detached 
plot, where planted by themselves, they may form a kind of fairy garden. From the greater 
number being naturally found growing in mountainous or alpine situations, they receive the 
common name of Alpines. Many of them are indigenous to our own island, but as they are 
