Pla7iting a Subttrban Villa. 



2o^ 



corners or angles of the ground by deeper curves, and never allow the 

 walk to come nearer the outside wall than four feet, nor be farther 

 distant from it than eight feet, unless at the angles of the ground, 

 where the curve at its centre may be twelve feet. This may be carried 

 all round the grounds ; and where cross walks are required, these 

 should also be laid down in curved lines, unless where compelled to 

 run in straight lines by buildings, &c. The effect is good where the 

 average breadth of border next a wall is not more than six feet ; and in 

 a word, let straight lines be avoided wherever possible. 



Then, as for the trees and shrubs to be planted, we cannot too 

 strongly recommend that evergreens be adopted, and all deciduous, 

 things be avoided as much as possible. 



For the surrounding screen within the boundary wall the fastest 

 growing coniferous trees should be selected, getting them for speedier 

 effect as large as can with safety be transplanted. For this purpose 

 take Ciqjresstis macroearpa, C. Lambcrticina, C. Laivsonii, C. fragrans, 

 Thuj'opsis borealis, Thuja gigantea, T. occidentalis, and Biota orientalis. 

 And among these at intervals may be gracefully introduced Cedrus 

 Atlantica (a hardier, handsomer, and much better grower than G 

 deodara), Abies Douglasii, Pinus cemhra, P. Austriaca, or any other 

 of the hardier pines to suit the fancy. To fill up interstices in front 

 next the walk, the various species of Arbutus may be used, such as 

 Arhukis a7idrachne, A. Menziesii, A.procera, and A. Crooini ; a few 

 evergreen barberries and laurels, of which there are many new sorts 

 finer and hardier than the common laurel. The commoner species of 

 rhododendrons, aucubas, and hydrangeas, peeping out at intervals, 

 tend much to vary, and, when in flower, to enliven the general mass. 

 There might be within the grass verge a border about one foot wide, 

 where numerous _^hardy border flowers, such as snowdrops, primulas, 

 crocuses, winter aconite, and other early flowering plants might be 

 very effectively introduced. If the walls behind the screen are not 

 utilized for other creepers, train upon them the different varieties of 

 ivies, which, seen through the openings, look well, and are quite in 

 harmony. 



It is assumed that, with the exception of sites for a greenhouse, a 

 conservatory either attached to or separated from the mansion, a vinery, 

 and perhaps a house for camellias and tender rhododendrons, the 

 surrounding grounds shall be laid out in grass studded with clumps 

 oval or circular, of the hardier hybrid rhododendrons, which, whether 

 in flower or not, are very effective on the greensward. We shall not 

 attempt to select the varieties ; their name is legion. But free flower- 

 ing kinds of good habit, and of all colours, from pure white to the 

 deepest crimson, can be easily secured, and at moderate prices, from 

 any good nursery collection. 



