editor's table. 



Violrt.1 should be divided and jilanted in rows, in rich soil. The tree violet is a useful 

 kind ; cuttings put in now, will form line llowering plauts for next winter. 



Lxwxs. — When the soil is retentive and wet, the grasses are apt to he tlirown out hy the 

 winter frost. A top dressing of surface soil, raked and rolled to an even surface, will impart 

 fresh vigor to tlie roots. A great feature in keeping lawns is, to have them early and regu- 

 larly cut. EsjK'cially should they be kept closely mown in the early part of the season, 

 that the individual jjlants may spread, and form a thick surface, able to resist a dry season. 

 There is no reason why we should not have good lawns, if properly laid down at first, and 

 attended to afterwards. 



Pleasure Grocnps. — In the arrangement of the grounds about country houses, a frequent 

 cause of dissatisfaction is the want of connection between the building and surrounding 

 scenery. A sloping lawn, running directly to the base of the house without any intervening 

 object, always appears defective. In some cases, where the grounds are contracted, even a 

 walk running' parallel with, and surrounding at least the principal fronts of the house, will 

 be found sufficient. But where a terrace can be introduced, although only of a few feet in 

 width, it conveys a pleasing air of propriety to the dwelling ; and, carrying art beyond the 

 mere form of the house, its vertical and horizontal lines are blended by degrees with the 

 accidental undulations of surface. It is not to be inferred that we recommend huge sod- 

 banks to be raised on a level with the first floor, as may frequently be seen. Many fine 

 builiiings have their just architectural proportions completely marred by the quantity of 

 earth piled round their base, looking as if half submerged. It is a wonder that architects 

 do not pay more attention to this subject, and not only suit the style of architecture to the 

 locality, but also provide for the necessary improvements being conducted without abridging 

 its beauty of composition. Houses finished with heavy cornices, are much improved M'lien 

 surrounded with a broad platform, or esplanade, supported by a low wall, with balustrade 

 on top ; a proper position for the display of vases and other artificial objects. An extended 

 terrace of this description on the private front, may embrace a small flower garden in the 

 strictly geometrical style, which will be in good keeping with statuary, sun-dials, fountains, 

 and other works of art. 



The lateness of the season admonishes us to proceed, with all possible dispatch, with 

 planting. Deciduous trees and shrubs should be attended to first ; evergreens may be 

 transplanted with perfect safety even after growth lias commenced. The details of planting 

 have been so often ably reverted to in these pages, that it is unnecessary to enlarge upon 

 the subject here. The disposition of the trees with regard to individual or combined beauty, 

 will also exercise the mind of the judicious planter. Trees of distinct character, as the 

 weeping willow and Lombardy poplar, are said to be " dangerous in the hands of beginners ;" 

 yet, what a beautiful group they form when combined. Plantations of round-headed trees 

 alone, appear heavy and tiresome ; relieve them by a few larches, or deciduous c^-press, and 

 how changed the effect ! the contrasts give animation to the scene. Again, what variety 

 might be introduced by contrasting trees with reference to their changing colors in autumn, 

 or even in their various shades of green during budding spring ? No one who appreciates 

 the beauty and adaptability of trees, will be deterred from planting this because it is com- 

 mon, or that, because it is ugly. Beauty and deformity are only relative appellations. 



Evergreen and deciduous trees should not be indiscriminately mixed. For summer shade, 

 the sugar, silver, and scarlet maples, ash, elm, &c., should be planted near the house ; ever- 

 greens are valuable for shelter, but have a disagreeable effect in winter when placed too near 

 the south side of buildings. A house nestling on the sunny side of an evergreen planta- 

 tion, suggests comfort and cheerfulness ; place too many evergreens in front, and the effect 

 is cold and gloomy. Free growing kinds, as Norway spruce, white pine, and Scotch fir, are 

 well adapted for planting where rapid growth and shelter are desired. Some of the finest 

 spruce and rare pines may be planted singly. Placing them on mounds slightly elevated 

 above the adjoining surface, increases and exhibits their beauty to the greatest advantage. 

 The evergreen and deciduous plantings may be made to blend gradually into each other, 

 by the skilful introduction of larches and deciduous cypress. These are deciduous, but 

 pai-take of the conical outline of the majority of evergreens. 



It may not be a useless repetition to remark, that every care should be given to guard- 

 ing against the drying of the roots during the process of removal and planting ; and that 

 pruning of the branches should follow pruning of the roots — in other words, the branches 

 reipiire shortening back when there has been much mutilation of roots. Filling up the hole 

 to allow for sinkage of the soil, securing the plants by stakes, and mulching over the 

 face, are points which will not be overlooked. 



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