200 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



to be taken into account. I do not propose here to go into tbe 

 question as to which is the best position for a kitchen-garden, be- 

 cause in the majority of cases there is no choice ; so I would rather 

 take them as we find them : and what we cannot secure by choice 

 we must endeavour to obtain by a liberal outlay and skilful 

 management. 



"Walls afd Hedges. — The position being decided upon, we 

 have to deal with the subject of walls or fences. In the first place, 

 a wall, running the whole length of the south side, ten to twelve 

 feet high, is not only desirable, but absolutely necessary to a good 

 garden ; and it would add considerably to the value of the garden if 

 walls on the east and west ends, of tbe same height, were added, and 

 an eight-feet wall on the north side ; but where expense is a con- 

 sideration, the two ends and north side-walls may be substituted 

 with a close oak fence, at least six feet high. I never advocate any 

 kind of hedge to enclose a kitchen-garden, on account of the num- 

 ber of slugs and other vermin it is likely to harbour. But, never- 

 theless, hedges are sometimes required, and when such is the case 

 I prefer a yew or box hedge, as they afford more shelter than any 

 other evergreen or deciduous shrub that can be used ; and the 

 number of years they last in good condition, when annually clipped 

 and otherwise well cared for, would astonish inexperienced peo- 

 ple. The yew is to be recommended on the score of the height 

 it attains, as it may be induced to go to the height of eight or 

 ten feet. 



ExTE]s^T OF GrKOTJifD. — I know of uo general rule which I can 

 give to guide any one as to the extent of ground required, as the 

 requirements of some families are so different from others, from the 

 fact that with some, plants and flowers are the greatest consideration, 

 while with others good and successional supplies of vegetables are 

 equally important. But I may say, in connection with this subject, 

 that it is a very important part of the business in forming a new 

 garden. One important matter is the observance of a strict economy 

 in space (and the reader will grant that it applies with great force 

 to a villa garden) ; but in wishing the reader to take into con- 

 sideration the subject of space, I do so with a full knowledge of its 

 important results, as there are hinged upon this point two essential 

 features : first, to secure sufficient land to grow breadths of vege- 

 tables, according as they are likely to be required ; and, secondly, 

 not to embrace more than the labour power allowed will keep in 

 good condition. But on this point many make a great mistake ; and 

 this brings us to the second principle to be observed in this matter ; 

 for they forget that a garden one acre in extent, properly and skil- 

 fully cultivated, will yield more pleasure and a better result than 

 one double the size indiflVrently cultivated. Therefore, if we would 

 avoid dissatisfaction and disappointment hereafter, we must be guided 

 entirely by the means that can be brought to bear the burden of 

 the expense. If the case be so favourable that this need not be a 

 consideration, so much the better ; but if the means wherewith to 

 find labour and all other necessaries be limited, then, I say, by all 

 means reduce the size of the garden to an extent equivalent to the 



