REMARKS ON THE 9HHUBBERY. 85 



AETICLE V. 



REMARKS ON THE SHRUBBERY. 



BY KEV. HENRY HILL, A. M. 



(Continueil from page 64.) 



But it requires considerable ingenuity to hinder these eleva- 

 tions from having the appearance of artificial ones, which would 

 make them as ridiculous as a circular lake on a lawn. As the 

 removal of earth is attended by the expense of labour only, this 

 is one of the most advantageous manners of laying out money in 

 the formation of a shrubbery, since five feet lowered in one part 

 and raised above will give a slope or bank about double that 

 height. A considerable effect will thus be obtained ; for in a flat 

 country a small elevation gives a great command of prospect, and 

 adds itself considerably to the beauty of a landscape, especially 

 when planted with lofty growing trees, as larches and pines. An 

 undulating appearance may be given to level ground, by judi- 

 ciously planting the trees and shrubs. 



The too general error of planting close to the dwelling-house 

 should be avoided ; for although such a plantation may have a 

 pretty appearance in the infant state, a few years' growth will 

 cause it to cast a gloom over the apartments, and keep off a free 

 circulation of air. Besides, as plants give out a noxious air in 

 the evening, it should be more particularly guarded against in 

 tin's moist atmosphere. 



The training of trees to the walls of houses is also objection- 

 able, as they cause damps, harbour insects, and collect leaves and 

 other substances that become offensive by their putrefaction, 

 whilst the view of the plants themselves cannot be enjoyed from 

 the windows. However, all offices, out-houses, and unsightly 

 buildings, may be covered with vines and ornamental climbers. 



However small the plantation be, those abrupt -terminations 

 which mark the limits must not be permitted. The shrubbery 

 should harmonize with the surrounding scenery, and appear to 

 blend with it into one. 



The plants which stand nearest the dwelling must be of the 

 dwarf kind, and of the most beautiful sorts. The trees, also 

 should be selected so as to correspond with the style of building. 

 The villa shows best when surrounded by light ornamental trees, 

 sucli as the birch, the acacia, the sumach, the laburnum, and cy- 

 press: and a clump of poplars may sometimes be introduced, so 



