May 16,1895. 
JOURNAL OF HORTIGULTUhE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
421 
almost too modest to show themselves, and love to hide away in 
quiet sequestered nooks, to such an extent in fact that it is often 
a puzzle to find them. This love of solitude seems to bear out the 
words of the poet Gray, when he sajs, “ Full many a flower is born 
to blush unseen.” 
That they are not, however, always grown under these conditions 
was proved in a recent visit to Dulwich Park, where they may be 
seen blooming in profusion sufficient to raise the enthusiasm of any 
true lover of the species. “Alpines in a London park ?” I fancy 
I hear some reader exclaim, Yes, my friend, and such a collection 
that you would have to go a long way to excel. In recent issues 
of ihQ Journal of Horticulture I have endeavoured to give some 
idea of the flowers in the metropolitan parks in the West and East, 
but at Dulwich, in South London, the display, though equally 
effective, is of a very different character. 
^ The rockeries are situated in the most conspicuous places, 
chiefly facing the main entrances, and in the character of their 
forrnation it is easy to see that artistic rockwork was not the end 
in view, but rather to provide a suitable home for the plants, and 
indeed in this the point has been gained, for in spite of the severity 
of the past winter they look exceedingly healthy, and present such 
a variety and profusion of bloom that cannot fail to be appreciated 
by the public, for whose sole benefit they are provided under the 
auspices of the London County Council. 
So varied are the conditions under which rock plants grow that 
there is hardly a conceivable position which cannot be made 
beautiful by careful planting, some delighting in the deepest shade, 
while on the other hand others luxuriate in the brightest sunshine. 
Very conspicuous along the rockeries at Dulwich are the bright 
yellow flowers of Alyssum saxatile compactum (Gold Dust). So 
well known is this free-blooming variety that it seems needless to 
dwell on its beauty, and so striking is it that no rock garden could 
be considered complete without it. Saxifragas are to be found in 
such nunabers that it would be difficult to attempt to describe 
every variety, so I shall be content with naming a few of the most 
striking. 
Very pleasing in effect is S. Wallacei, which for the number 
and purity of its charming white flowers, in addition to its dwarf 
compact habit, cannot fail to attract special attention. S. pyramid- 
alis is certainly one of the finest of the genus, though scarcely yet 
in full bloorn, throwing up as it does tall pyramid-like flowers 
(from which it takes its name) resembling somewhat a cloud of 
foam. Very different in character, but no less pleasing in its pure 
simplicity, is S. muscoides purpurea, producing its large numbers of 
delicately coloured flowers from cushions of compact verdure. 
S. Burseriana and S. (Megasea) crassifolia are of course over, 
though the latter by its handsome foliage relieves any monotony 
that might otherwise exist. 
S. Stansfieldi and leptophylla are both pretty whites, while in 
the mossy-like foliage of S. hypnoides there is a wealth of beauty 
independent of the flower. Very distinct is S. Macnabiana, as the 
foliage, of a whitish tint, has the appearance of being studded 
with beads. A very pretty and free-flowering variety is S. Aizoon 
minor, while may be seen a curiosity in S. peltata, with its tall con¬ 
spicuous spikes of flower, which come before the plant makes its 
new leaves. S. decipiens is chiefly noted for the thick carpet-like 
form in which it grows, and in S. zealandica we have a pretty 
climbing variety indispensable in its capacity for covering rocks. 
S. Andrewsi bears a charming flower, and has large handsome 
foliage. The verdure of growth and brightness of the blooms of 
S. Haworthi formed a bright contrast, and the tall white flowers of 
S. incurvifolia swayed gently in the breeze. Amongst many others 
of the genus which go to make up the complement of Saxifragas at 
Dulwich may be mentioned S. rotundifolia with its greenish white 
leaves, cochleata, capillaris, and oppositifolia. 
In addition to the above many other flowers claim attention. 
There is Aubrietia Campbelli in its intense vigour covered in great 
profusion with its violet-purple flowers of dwarf habit, and in a 
shady corner was noticed the rosy purple flowers of Primula cortu- 
soides. Iberis sempervirens is very effective with its pretty white 
blooms, and the graceful flowers and leathery leaves of the Epime- 
diums (more commonly known as Barrenwort) add variety to the 
collection. Phlox setacea is truly at home at Dulwich, its dwarf 
compact masses of evergreen foliage covered with bright rose 
flowers being particularly effective. Growing close by is P. pro- 
cumbens, with purplish-green foliage studded with clusters of 
lilac-coloured blooms, and very charming also in its creeping habit 
is Veronica rupestris. 
Among the Sedums, all of which have a beauty peculiar to 
themselves, may be mentioned brevifolium, kamtschaticum, the 
ever popular glaucum, montanum, grandiflorura, rightly named 
from its fine yellow blooms, and album, one of the most pleasing, 
clothed as it is with pretty white flowers. Mention must be made 
of Spiraea fitipendula, with its Fern-like foliage surmounted by 
double feathery blooms. 
Androsace sarmentosa occupies a prominent position. It is a 
most interesting species, having downy leaves and flowers of a 
bright rose centred with white. Another plant adding its full 
share to the display is Tiarella cordifolia or “ Foam Flower,” as it is 
commonly called from the density of its feathery white blossoms. 
Armenia maritima alba is a charming alpine with pretty white 
flowers ; as also is Arabia albida variegata of the same colour, the 
foliage being described in the name. None of the whole genus is 
deserving of higher comments than Geum montanum, which pro¬ 
duces a mass of star-like yellow flowers on stalks sufficiently tall te 
make them very effective. 
Silenes in variety are perfectly at home here, amongst others 
being the evergreen form of alpestris, covered with white blossoms ; 
acaulis alba of the same colour, and growing in moss-like tufts, 
being no less beautiful. In many places the rockery is ckthed 
with dense masses of the pretty Omphalodes verna, and Dielytra 
spectabilis (Bleeding Heart) also finds a place. Many of the 
Thymuses are worthy of comment, amongst others being montanus, 
coccineus, and lanuginosus. 
A pretty peep in the park is the “ Snake’s Lane ” (why so called 
I fail to imagine), rendered extremely so at this period of the year 
by the presence of many of the above alpines. Unfortunately, the 
severity of the winter has totally destroyed the Wallflowers, which 
are usually so conspicuous here, but in spite of this it is quite a 
feature. Along one side are stumps of trees, dotted diffusively 
about and covered with Ivy, from the base of which may be 
noticed peeping forth clumps of Primroses, Lily of the Valley, 
and Wood Hyacinths, together with large masses of the Asperuls 
or common Woodroff. 
Alpines are not the only flowers grown, as Polyanthuses, 
Auriculas, and late Tulips are planted here and there, while large 
spaces covered with blue Forget-me-nots form a picture in them¬ 
selves. Funkias, Palmonaria officinalis and Scillas were also noted, 
and growing profusely on several of the aforementioned stumps ig 
the simple white Clematis montana. 
Flowering and ornamental trees and shrubs are largely grown, 
and will in the future add considerably to the beauty of the park. 
Among the former the Double-flowering Cherry is very fine, and 
the blossoms of Pyrus japonica and P. Malus floribunda form 
exceedingly bright contrasts. With the Laurels and other tender 
shrubs the frost has played havoc, and many present a pitiable 
appearance. 
In conclusion, Dulwich may be safely called the garden park of 
London, and every part of it tells of constant attention and cul¬ 
tural skill. Situated in a pleasant district with air fresh and clear, 
it has of course advantages over many other such places of its 
kind in the metropolis, and the inhabitants of the southern district 
have every reason to feel proud of this pleasant resort. Any notes 
on Dulwich would be incomplete without mention of the able 
superintendent, Mr. W. Bailey, not only for the efficient manner in 
which he carries out all duties connected with his office, but for 
the kind and courteous manner in which he deals with all with 
whom he comes in contact, and amongst others —Wandereb. 
BOTHIANA. 
(^Continued from page 4.01.') 
Languages. 
“ A little learning is a dangerous thing. 
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.” 
The first experience of self-imposed tasks is one of irksomeness- 
Physical tastes and mental desires are not in harmony. Passing 
this crucial stage a spirit of tolerance ensues, to be succeeded 
by that love for the work which sweetens all labour. As weeks, 
months, and the varying seasons roll away, not any opportunities 
will be lost nor means neglected for progression. Happy and 
satisfied must the young student feel when reaching this stage of 
the journey. Most difficulties have been conquered, but the 
greatest victory is that gained over self. From hence not any 
spurring is required ; in fact, a little restraint may be actually 
necessary. Temptation in a new form may assail you from a 
least expected point. More ambitious subjects than those 
advanced may lure you from work far from completion. The 
modern languages must ever have a fascination peculiarly 
their own when noting that the possession of one (or more) places 
its owner on a pedestal above his fellows. French and German, 
the first the language of chivalry and courtesy ; the latter of the 
higher schools of philosophy, the arts, and sciences ; how desirable 
are these. Yes, how few of us in the bothy could hope to attaic 
