WATER-PLANTS. 



I like your flower-garden much; its long, broad, Italian terrace, 

 with geometrical flower-beds on gravel, and bounded by dwarf para- 

 pet -Myalls, ornamented at intervals with vases filled with Scarlet 

 Geraniums, Fuchsias, &c. has a noble effect. But then you are 

 favoured by Nature ; although I admit that you have greatly im- 

 proved her appearance by art. Your garden is altogether a striking- 

 instance of what a refined taste can effect. Out of a narrow valley, 

 through which a small stream meandered, an intellectual flower- 

 garden has been fashioned. I say intellectual, because mind is 

 apparent in its every feature. The once rude slopes have now 

 become the close- shaven lawn. By means of an embankment at 

 its lower extremity, the small stream has put on the form of a 

 lake, whose outlet over craggy fragments forms an agreeable water- 

 fall. And then how delightfully varied the shores of the lake ! Its 

 little island in the middle, planted with Evergreens, Laburnums, and 

 choice shrubs ; the well- managed piece of artificial rock- work on this 

 bank, with its recesses and rustic stone shelves, and the fine masses 

 of Rhododendrons on the opposite side, — here boldly approaching the 

 water's edge, there coyly receding from it, — give to the whole the 

 colouring and finish of a beautiful picture. But take away the 

 water, and how different the scene ! Water, whether in a flower- 

 garden of considerable size, like yours, or in a small one, like mine, 

 has a captivating effect ; for I too have a little lake, by which I love 



