The rock garden at Chatsworth is perhaps the most extensive specimen of this kind of gardening in Europe of an artificial character, although specimens of rock gardening more extensive, and incomparably more interesting are to be found in many places of moderate dimensions, and without dogmatising on the subject, it is yet doubtful, to say the least, whether such a piece of landscape gardening is worthy of imitation, under circumstances similarly favorable to its execution, and no less essentially required as a concomitant of a garden landscape. The impression made upon the mind by the rock garden in question, is decidedly unfavorable to it, when compared with the other parts of the garden. On examining the rockery some time after its completion, with some others, we were particu* A very striking illustration of what is hare stated, may be seen in the vicinity of Cambridge, Mass., where a country mansion lately erected, that, taking it as a whole - is probably the finest of which that State can boast, is built on a narrow strip of a few acres of low marshy land, with the said marsh on one side and the public highway a few rods from its front, and considerably higher than its own ground level, on the other.

Larly struck with the tameness and insipidity of a work about which bo much had been said and written; and instead of being the expression of highly cultivated and refined taste in a gardenesque landscape, seemed rather intended as a practical lesson to the next incipient volcano, that became active in England, that it might heave up the rocks and scatter about its boulders according to the principles of taste displayed in the Chatsworth rockery.

Large rockeries, like large flower gardens, lose their interest with their limited space. A large, open artistical or geometrical flower garden, of ten or more acres, has a far less pleasing effect upon the mind of the spectator, than one a quarter or half an acre in extent, situated in a retired recess of the pleasure ground. In like manner a large mass of rocks, however tastefully arranged, in a spacious pleasure ground, has less influence on the imagination than a small irregularly arranged group, in a confined and secluded nook, with all the wild savageness of primitive nature around it. Indeed, a low confined dell, the channel of a ravine, or a quiet secluded hollow, retired from everything architectural or artificial, appears to be the most proper place for a rockery. The spectator should come upon it quite unexpectedly, but not by a sudden transition of the general scene, although circumstances may often occur to render sudden transitions unavoidable.

One of the prettiest rockeries I ever beheld, was made in an old stone quarry, which in its original condition, was not only dangerous, but a serious disfiguration to the place. Trees were planted on the margin, and threw their dependent branches irregularly down the faco of the rocks. Ferns and other plants, were planted in niches and clefts made in the rock in different places; paths were also cut for walking along the steep sides; groups were arranged in different forms and of different heights; jets were introduced in different places, in small basins, and formed the most enchanting spot imaginable.

It is not, however, absolutely necessary to deprive a small garden of rockwork, and the cottage architecture of this country, permits the nearer approach of rockwork than the enormous mansions of English gentlemen. The monotony and tameness of a villa garden may be considerably relieved and diversified by the introduction of rocks, especially if the grounds afford a position naturally favorable, such as natural rocks, or a secluded corner, or water in any form - for water, if possible, should invariably form an appendage to a rockery. But to introduce large stones and boulders on a lawn, or in a shrubbery contiguous to the house, or having them scattered about singly, on the grass, on the margins of a lake, or beside a bridge, as they are frequently to be seen, may justly be regarded as a monstrous infringement on taste, and a foolish mockery of nature.

Rockwork may sometimes be placed in the proximity of glass structures, and even in flower gardens, with good effect, when these are of a gothic or rustic character, but here the rockwork must have none of the savage wildness of nature about it, and consequently nothing of the impressive picturesqueness of natural rocks. It should be rendered conformable to the objects around it, and appearing to be placed there for the purpose of cultivating those plants that succeed best among rocks; or for showing the natural habits of plants that grow naturally among rocks, or those that produce a better effect when planted on them. In these cases the rocks should be more artistically and tastefully arranged. It should be clearly shown by their arrangement and accompaniments, that no attempt is made to imitate nature, but rather a proper place for displaying and cultivating the plants that are grown upon them.

Rockeries of this kind depend for their interest and beauty, more on the disposition of the plants than on any influence possessed by themselves,and therefore they should never be allowed to become bare, otherwise they dwindle down to meaningless conceits. They ought also, to be formed of choice materials, as specimens of rare minerals, metallic ores, rich conglomerates, stalagmites, fossils, scoria, fine specimens of crystallography and vitrification, forming a kind of cabinet which excites the attention of the spectator, and affords interest and gratification to the more curious examiner, and tending also to divest the rockery of any incongruity which might arise from its being out of place.

It may likewise be observed that rockeries should always be in detached groups, and whether large or small, should never present straight lines or flat surfaces. The more irregular the arrangement, the more striking the effect produced. It should also be so situated as to be partly shaded and overhung by pendulous trees, to screen it from the glare of sunshine; it should always be rather cool, and if possible, shut in by itself by shrubbery, and if possible, also, should be accompanied by a jet d'eau or basin of water, or both.

To attempt giving rules for the arrangement of rockeries is useless, as their forms entirely depend upon the taste of the builder; and in this kind of work, more than any other branch of ornamental gardening, will the taste of the builder be brought out, and here, also, will be perceived the difference between those who have studied from nature, and those who have no vivid conceptions of natural beauty. It may here be observed, however, that the whole design should be diversified in its outlines, in its heights, and in its general forms. No two parts should bear the slightest resemblance to each other, and the greater the irregularity, the more interesting the effect.

The great artificial rock gardens at Chatsworth and other places in England, can neither be regarded as works of instruction, nor models of imitation, but rather monuments of extravagance, and may be viewed in the same light as the famous hanging gardens of Babylon. No person of refined taste and correct judgment, can view these costly monstrosities of vanity and uselessness, without regarding them as a repetition of the vanity of the eastern monarchs, and a revival of the relics of a barbarous age.

I hope it will not be supposed that the above remarks are intended to deter any one from the imitation of nature on a large scale, in the formation of rockeries; but it is to be hoped that this absurd kind of landscape gardening will never be carried into so ridiculous extremes in this country. Natural cropping clefts, and romantic rocky spots, may be easily turned to excellent advantage, and far excel those artificial rock gardens, at comparatively small cost; and sure enough, such spots are sufficiently numerous in this country, if wealthy men who build fine country houses, would bring themselves to choose locations where they might have trees, landscapes, and rock gardens, ready made.

R. B. L