•I.-. I 
ALPINE OR HOCK PLANTS. 
could find appertaining to the culture of a par- 
ticular tribe of plants, and after trying all the 
rational expedients or modes of growing, tie 
gives us the benefit of the successful, without 
surfeiting us with the theories and the failures. 
As he observes is the Preface : — 
" In submitting to the public the following 
remarks on the Treatment of Alpine and other 
Plants, the author makes no pretensions to 
originality. He has carefully perused the 
many useful works containing instructions on 
the subject, and he trusts he has been candid 
enough to acknowledge the assistance he has 
received from them. Having, however, had 
considerable experience in their cultivation, 
under the direction and auspices of a worthy 
master, one of the most eminent cultivators of 
the present day, and having all along been 
much interested in their study and culture, 
the following observations are chiefly the re- 
sult of experience ; and he trusts they will not 
be altogether unacceptable or useless, to such 
as admire this beautiful family of plants. 
" Regarding the Treatment recommended 
for Mosses, Succulents, &c, he has proved it 
superior to any other which has come under 
his own observation ; and he has had the ad- 
vantage of assisting in the formation of a 
Rockery and Pond on the most extensive scale. 
" As he has long felt that this beautiful and 
interesting group are too much the victims of 
neglect, he has been induced to make the 
attempt of being useful in assisting the inex- 
perienced botanical cultivator (for whom it is 
chieily designed) to a knowledge of their cul- 
ture ; and to draw the attention of the ad- 
mirers of Flora in general to this much 
neglected, but very interesting tribe of plants ; 
and, by perusing these hints, the practical man 
may likewise be stimulated to greater exertions 
in their cultivation. 
" There is no class of plants more worthy 
the attention of ladies, as they are, in them- 
selves, very interesting and beautiful ; and 
when once a collection is formed, the major 
part of them are easily managed, as they do 
not, like many other families of plants, require 
the application of manures and composts, or 
any extra labours which ladies could not well 
overtake. Those who may try the "Wardian 
Case, recommended at the close of the Treatise, 
Avill find it well suited for the growth of most 
of these plants, and a source of much pleasure 
and amusement, either in town or country." 
— Pp. ix. x. 
He has arranged the work well. We have, 
first, the situation to be chosen ; directions for 
the Rockery ; the Pond ; the arrangement of 
the plants ; the illustrations, which are neat 
and pretty, whether on a large or small scale. 
The main collection of Alpines ; spring treat- 
ment ; summer, autumn, and winter treat- 
ment of the tenderer and rarer kind of Alpines; 
and then, in an Appendix, we have the Plants 
for the Rockery, Pond, &c. ; list of Alpine 
plants, Ferns and their allies, marsh or bog 
plants, aquatic plants for Pond, American 
shrubs to complete the picture, and Mosses. 
For the details, we shall quote from the second 
part a portion of the author's remarks on the 
" Main Collection of Alpines?' 
" As there are many Alpine plants that 
will not endure the severity of our winters, 
and some that cannot be exposed at all in this 
climate, it hence becomes necessary to have 
a plant or two of each, according to the genus 
or species, in pots, that they may, with more 
facility, be covered or protected during severe 
or frosty weather. This will also afford the 
means of replacing any plants which may have 
died during winter on the Rockery; it will 
serve, besides, for giving a better acquaintance 
with the names, and a general knowledge of 
each genus and species, which, when in pots, 
can be more advantageously studied, and cor- 
rectly tallied ; and, when in flower, the seeds 
of some, which are annuals, are more easily 
collected for general propagation. 
" As it not unfrequently happens, that a 
suitable place for the main assemblage of these 
cannot be had convenient to the rock-work, I 
beg to make a few remarks regarding a situa- 
tion for this purpose. 
" A great space is not required, though the 
collection be very extensive, as they take up 
little room when in pots. The spot where the 
green-house plants are sometivies placed in 
summer, may be rendered a suitable situation 
for Alpines also ; but where this cannot be 
spared, or where there is no green-house, a 
separate situation for themselves must be 
sought. 
" Should a site not naturally suitable present 
itself, it must be rendered so artificially ; on 
the south side of this locality it is requisite to 
have a belt, or clump of shrubs and trees, 
planted promiscuously, to prevent the sun in 
summer from beating too intense upon the 
plants, and consequently causing excessive 
evaporation. By being thus partially shaded, 
they are kept in a moist and cool state. The 
north side ought also to be sheltered, at some 
distance from where the plants are placed. 
" The space where the plants are intended 
to be placed, must be covered with a stratum, 
composed of a mixture of clay, coal ashes, and 
a little lime (in the same way that cottage 
floors are sometimes done), and beat down 
firmly; then a coat of ashes, finely riddled, can 
be laid on, previous to placing the plants on it. 
This prevents worms, slugs, and other vermin 
visiting the spot. 
" In order to protect the plants from frost, 
and very heavy rains, a frame of some descrip- 
