Rustic A dornments. 
with the simple arrangement here advised, the body of soil will be sufficiently 
ample for all purposes. When everything is in readiness, insert the plants 
between the crevices ; and if any are taken out of pots, reduce the ball of 
soil, and carefully separate the roots; and in planting, whether from pots or 
not, see that a little soil is placed between the roots and the rock work. 
Very little attention will be necessary after the planting is completed, but 
from the end of May until the end of August the soil should not be allowed 
to become quite dry, although the plants will not take much harm if they 
suffer neglect occasionally. 
Having pointed out the best and most simple way of constructing the 
rockery, it will be a very easy matter to name a few plants suitable for 
growing upon it. The most prominent points should be taken advantage of 
for planting the several members of the houseleek family, and of these the 
most beautiful and distinct are Sempcrvivum arachnoideum , S. Calif or nicum, 
S. ciliatum , S. globiferum , S. hirtum , S. montanum , S. pyramidalis , S. 
soboliferum , and S. tectorum. For planting between these, nothing can sur¬ 
pass the thymes, stonecrops, and saxifragas. The former soon form huge 
tufts of vegetation, and must be kept in subjection by an occasional cutting 
back. Thymus corsicus, T. lanugmosus , and T. serpyllum album are the 
most distinct in character. The saxifragas are remarkable for the dense tufts 
of moss-like verdure they so quickly form in positions the most unsuitable to 
vegetable life. S. aizoon , S. androsacea , S. ccespitosa , S . cochlearia , S. hirta , S, 
hypnoides , S. incurviflora, S.longiflora , S. pedata, S.pygmea, and S. pyramiding 
are all good. The best stonecrops for carpeting the surface are Sedum acre 
aureni , S. azoideum , S. glaucum , S. Hispa 7 iicum, and S. sempcrvivoides. A few 
stronger kinds may be added, such as S. atro-purp&reuvi, S. fabarium , S . 
Jap on < cum, S, purpureum , and S. Sieboldi. These are more suitable for 
planting in the lower parts of the rockery, where they will have the advantage 
of a greater body of soil than they would have in more prominent 
positions. 
In. the management of a balcony garden, one of the chief anxieties of the 
possessor should be to afford the plants sufficient nourishment. Every reason¬ 
able opportunity should be embraced of introducing fresh soil, but not to the 
great disturbance or injury of the roots of permanent occupants. In every 
case sound loam should be employed if possible, and means should be pro¬ 
vided for the ready escape of surplus water, and also for the regular supply 
of water in dry weather. As renewal of the soil of a balcony garden is usually 
m 
