rowth.

[Illustration: _DWARF SHRUBS ON ROCK GARDEN._]

_Cupressus pisifera_, almost plumose in one of its many variations, and
_C. obtusa_, both better known perhaps under the garden name of
Retinosporas, are admirable, and may be used either in the normal or the
dwarf forms according to the greater or less space at command. Almost
the last tree, probably, which one would expect to see draping the
vertical face of a rock is the Spruce Fir, yet a weeping variety (_Picea
excelsa pendula_) is exceedingly effective in such a position as a foil
to hanging masses of richly-coloured Aubrietias or Golden Alyssum, while
it looks well at all seasons. Mention may here be made of a remarkable
Conifer, _Cunninghamia sinensis_, of great beauty and very distinct
character, which takes the shape, in our climate, of a spreading bush,
though in its native habitat it grows into a tree of noble dimensions.
It is suitable only for a Rock Garden of some boldness of construction,
and in gardens favoured with a mild climate and a sheltered position,
but under such happy circumstances a place should certainly be found for
this handsome and little-known China Fir.

Another uncommon coniferous shrub, also very distinct and more generally
useful than the last, is _Podocarpus alpina_. Though a native of
Tasmania, it grows at high elevations, and is able to resist severe
frost. Dark green in foliage, only about 2 feet in height, and of a
somewhat spreading nature, it is never out of place in the Rock Garden,
whether large or small.

From Conifers we may pass to Veronicas, certain of which might almost be
mistaken for some minute form of Cypress. Of this character is a small
group known in New Zealand, the natural habitat of a large number of
shrubby species, by the apposite name of Whipcord Veronicas. Being
themselves alpine, they are particularly well suited for grouping with
low-growing mountain plants. Six species or varieties of this
interesting section grow naturally at elevations ranging from 7000 to
4000 feet, and are much more hardy than is generally supposed. These
are: _V. cupressoides_, _V. c. var. variabilis_, _V. lycopodioides_, _V.
Armstrongii_, _V. Hectori_, _V. loganioides_.

The form of _V. cupressoides_, known as _variabilis_, was mistaken, on
its first introduction, for a distinct species, _V. salicornoides_, and
may still be met with under that name. The small violet or white flowers
of these miniature evergreen shrubs are