please, only it must lead to an abundant supply for deeply-rooting, hungry fibres, that hate both "starvation" and the irregularity of temperature and moisture inseparable from shallow soil. Gentiana verna is a little plant, its tuft of leaves rarely attaining the elevation of an inch; but we are not exceeding the truth in saying that it both likes (and apparently requires for full development) eighteen inches depth at least of rich fibrous loam, interspersed thickly with blocks of limestone! It is almost impossible to get "to the bottom" of its farrooting tiny threads in a native locality. And the same rule holds good with multitudes, and cannot be too closely attended to. Any kind of stone will do for rock-work, but sandstone (millstone grit) is the best. Where limestone is preferable (as with the Gentians), it is generally specially stated in the catalogue.

'A host of beauties are usually ready to expand their blossoms with the earliest days of spring, and frequently even among the snow. For a fortnight past (beginning with the last week in the old year), scores of pots of the lovely Anemone Appennina have expanded their large blue flowers with us on a northern border, in spite of frost and snow. They always appear to bloom sooner in such a position than with a southern exposure-we presume by "wintering" earlier.

'A very large proportion of the most showy species may be grown in an ordinary border in common soil, and nearly the whole range of Alpine plants (which constitute one of the most interesting class of perennials) may also be grown well in pots where a garden is devoid of the rock-work, which best represents their natural "element." Whether cultivated in pots or on rockwork, it may be well here to state that, after long ex

perience, and far too much of that kind of " misfortune" which usually attends "experimenting" upon new plants, we find that, as a rule, it is an error to place in the shade in summer, for the sake of coolness, those species which inhabit very high mountain regions. These plants, as a class, hate the soft, humid, "lifeless" atmosphere, which shady situations in low districts afford. Living naturally on lofty ridges, they are constantly exposed to high winds, and an atmosphere of crystalline clearness, through which the sun's rays dart down with a vehemence which often heats the rocks till you can scarcely bear to touch them. This brilliant sunshine in the day time, alternating with excessively heavy dews or sharp frosts at night, are the summer conditions of a large number of the rarest and most beautiful species in their native abodes. And these, born near vast fields of perpetual snow, receive a rapid and permanent supply of moisture at the roots, which is checked only when wintry winds again bind everything in a mass of ice.

'Very rapid and perfect drainage, combined with an equally rapid and continuous supply of water, are therefore essential to thoroughly healthy development. On rock-work this may be easily accomplished by allowing water to escape from a pipe at or near the highest point, in a very slender stream, or “fast drop," which will keep a large "district" below both more humid and cooler than when similar effects are aimed at by ordinary watering. Some species-such, for instance, as Eritrichium nanum, Androsace lanuginosa, Cerastium alpinum, and those plants generally which have silky or cottony foliage-evidently dislike having their leaves wet by artificial means, especially in winter; as, in a wild state, they are either buried during that season in dry snow,

or subjected to frosts which destroy every particle of moisture. These must either be planted where an overhanging ledge protects from snow and rain, or be grown in pots, which can be placed under a glass frame admitting full ventilation in winter. Not that these plants are tender-they are nearly as "hardy" as the rocks themselves; but their winter Alpine atmosphere is dry, till the spring thaw sets in.

There are many Alpine plants which are found chiefly (and perhaps some exclusively) in the grit of decomposed rocks carried down by torrents, etc. In this there is sometimes very little admixture of earth, though what little there is is usually of the richest kind.

'Crushed millstone grit, or coarse sandstone, forms an excellent substitute, and should, if possible, be largely mingled with the soil of a "rock-work." For some Alpines we use equal parts of grit and earth-a mixture of rich loam and peat or leaf-mould. If not procurable, river-sand is the best substitute. Some species grow well in almost pure grit. There are, however, not a few, we have recently ascertained, which, though found in grit (“in glareosis alpium ") in a wild state, thrive better under cultivation, if placed in pure loam in a fissure of rock. The simple reason seems to be that they are frozen dry, and kept dry for months, in their own land in winter; while, when planted on rock-work, they are necessarily exposed to constant moisture during the winter months with us. The loam, from its compactness, does not receive or retain moisture so much as sandy or gritty soil, so that, though unnatural in one sense, it is more natural in another. Senecio incanus, S. carniolicus, Achillæa, Clavenna, and others of this order, illustrate it well. Their tendency to " damp off"

in winter is notorious, and we believe may be largely rectified by this means.

'Another most important subject is to suspend the abundant supply of moisture, essential for health in spring and summer (in imitation of the melting of Alpine snows), when the annual growth is made, so as to coax the plants "to be quiet" as far as possible, and prevent a second and enfeebling growth. This seems very important to the Alpine Gentians, and to the rare Eritrichium nanum. Natural rains will, as a rule, suffice after the end of August, and earlier if the weather be rainy. All artificial irrigation, except for bog plants, should then cease.'

THE HARDY FERNERY.-This is one of the most delightful departments of a pleasure-garden. To retire from the full glare of noon, and the flower-garden, with all its brilliant colours and somewhat stiff and formal trimness, into cool retirement, perhaps on the north side of a wall or rock, or under the shade of spreading trees, in which Ferns generally delight and luxuriate, makes a most refreshing change to both body and mind. The beautiful forms and varied shades of green which the Fern tribe present, are acknowledged as one of the most pleasing treats of the garden. To correspond both with the requirements of Ferns generally and that situation which the mind associates with these denizens of shade and rock, the fernery should occupy some quiet and shady, and, if possible, romantic retreat. Where the ground presents no romantic features, they are so easily produced with the aid of hillocks and banks of soil, and tree roots and stumps, and rough stones-all of which may be worthless for aught else but to form a rugged,

N

natural-looking site for the fern-that scarcely any need want the pleasure derivable from a fernery.

The following list comprises mostly British varieties, as being both most beautiful and hardy, as well as easily obtained. The few exotics enumerated are also very beautiful and hardy. Many more might be enumerated as being half-hardy-that is, requiring protection in winter and in spring, when commencing to grow; but we have avoided enumerating any except the perfectly hardy. Those who wish to study them minutely cannot do better than get Mr. Moore's work on Ferns. List of British Ferns and Varieties for Hardy Fernery. Allosorus crispus (Parsley Fern).

Deciduous.

Grows from 6 to 9 inches in a stony dry situation. Asplenium trichomanes (Maidenhair Spleenwort), 6 to 9 in.

Evergreen.

var. cristatum,
var. Moulei,

These do not like either much shade or moisture; they are perhaps better grown in pots.

Athyrium filix fæmina (the Lady Fern).

var. coronatum,

1

to 14 feet.

var. Vernoniæ, .
var. Victoriæ,

2 to 2

These all delight in a good loamy and leaf-mould soil, and should be in the dampest part of the fernery. They delight in a shady, calm atmosphere; exposed to either sun or much wind, they are easily spoiled.

Blechnum spicant (Hard Fern),

A good loam and peat, and an exposed part of the

fernery, will answer for this sort.