322 THE FLORAL WORLD AND GARDEN GUIDE. 



would be better, as it would be possible to include a greater number 

 of species, have bolder groups of each, and also allow of a greater 

 breadth of turf between the groups, which, it need hardly be said, 

 will materially assist to heighten the general effect. Three or four 

 acres would be even better ; but, excepting in the cases where the 

 pleasure grounds are very extensive, four acres should not be ex- 

 ceeded, as it is not desirable that the arboretum should be out of pro- 

 portion to other parts of the ground. A situation contiguous to 

 or forming part of the pleasure grounds should be selected, and 

 as an undulating surface is preferable to one that is perfectly flat, 

 due regard should be paid to that point in making a selection of 

 the site. 



It will iu the first instance be desirable to form belts with trees 

 of a suitable character along the boundary, for the purpose of enclosing 

 it somewhat, and for forming a background to bring out the colour 

 of those with variegated foliage. J'or these belts none but the 

 finest garden trees should be employed, and they should be disposed 

 in groups, each of these to be formed as far as practicable with 

 species and varieties of the same family. 



As it is not at all necessary for the full enjoyment of the trees that 

 the grass should be closely shaven like the lawn or bowling-green, the 

 turf need not be disturbed beyond what is necessary in planting the 

 trees. To enable the arboretum to be visited during the winter 

 season, there must be a gravel walk, and this should be of a suffi- 

 cient breadth for two to walk comfortably abreast, and wind in a 

 somewhat natural manner round and about the more important 

 groups. The gravel walks must not be overdone, for they are 

 costly to make and expensive to maintain in proper order, and 

 during the summer season, when the trees are at their best, it ia 

 more pleasant to walk upon grass than upon gravel. 



It will not be necessary to dwell upon the arrangement of the 

 trees, but a few rules for the guidance of the amateur will undoubt- 

 edly be of service. It has been already suggested that groups 

 should be formed along the boundary, and that these should repre- 

 sent as far as practicable particular families. These should consist 

 in the most part of trees with deep green or dark bronzy foliage, and 

 possessing boldness of character, for the purpose of bringing out 

 more prominently the characteristics of those of slender growth or 

 having finely-cut or coloured leafage. The central space must be 

 devoted to groups representative of distinct genera, or hues of 

 colour, with a few specimens standing out singly. Anything ap- 

 proaching a formal arrangement must be avoided, and as far as pos- 

 sible the trees of small growth should be placed nearest the walks ; 

 but upon this point the planter must be guided by the conformation 

 of the ground and the character of the surrounding groups. 

 Although no allusion will be made to shrubs, there is no objection 

 to the presence of clumps of these ; indeed, a few, judiciously placed, ' 

 will contribute materially to the beauty and diversity of the scene. 

 For the names of the best of the flowering shrubs, our readers can 

 refer to the list published in the Floeal AVoeld for August. 



In connection with and forming part of the arboretum should 



