22 THE FLORIST. 



our deciduous flowering trees and shrubs, we should suggest that 

 the latter are frequently planted too largely by amateurs, to the all 

 but entire exclusion of Evergreens ; and were many to set about 

 planting an abundance of the latter in appropriate situations, they 

 would add greatly both to the beauty and interest of their gardens. 

 What have we at the present season, even in the most extensive 

 and best-kept grounds, that can be compared with a well-arranged 

 and luxuriant group of Evergreens ? A mass comprising the following 

 plants in the following order might be introduced into many gardens 

 with good effect. Let the back consist of Evergreen Oaks (Quercus 

 Ilex) ; flanking these let there be some fine examples of Phillyrea, 

 which might be succeeded by bushes of Arbutus or Strawberry Tree, 

 whose tempting and not unwholesome fruit renders it highly interesting 

 during the autumn. In front we would have a quantity of Laures- 

 tinus, with here and there a few deciduous flowering shrubs ; between 

 them, the Arbutuses ; Laurestinus and the latter being planted alter- 

 nately with Pyrus japonica. Such an arrangement off'ers many attrac- 

 tions ; but we would not recommend its introduction in situations 

 where the plants would not have space to obtain their natural size, 

 or develope their massive forms. We have, however, seen few places 

 in which such plants might not with propriety be made to supersede 

 more common things. But there is another tribe of Evergreens, 

 which, in their way, are perfect gems, and which are seldom found 

 to grace the amateur's garden. We mean, the varieties of coniferous 

 plants which grow in a pyramidal form, and which, from the small 

 dimensions which many of them attain, are remarkably well fitted 

 for planting in little places. And when so arranged as to be seen 

 to good advantage, they never fail to please. To beginners, The 

 Synopsis of Coniferous Plants, lately published by Messrs. Knight and 

 Perry, will be found a useful guide both as to culture and selections 

 of sorts ; and the Horticultural Society has also given in its Journal 

 a capital list, with synonymes ; a thing which we all stood much in 

 need of. 



Flower-Garden. At this season few floral attractions remain 

 in the open garden ; hence much necessity exists for having every 

 spot in the neatest possible order. Collect fallen leaves, and store 

 them in some back corner, where they can remain until they become 

 decayed, when they will be found invaluable for many purposes. 

 Sweep walks, divest them of weeds, and keep them hard and smooth 

 by frequent rollings. Grass will be benefited by occasional sweep- 

 ings and rollings ; without such attentions it will neither look well 

 at present, nor be easily put into proper order in spring. Avoid 

 such work, however, in frosty weather, or the evil will be augmented 

 by breaking the grass, and giving the whole the appearance of having 

 been burnt. Flower-beds, or portions of them not occupied by plants, 

 should be dug up roughly, in order to expose the surface as much 

 as possible to the influence of frost ; and it is of importance that 

 they be dug deep. Two feet is a very proper depth ; and if this be 

 secured in a soil moderately good, very little manure will be neces- 

 sary. We have only twice applied slight dressings of thoroughly 



