REVIEW. i85 



HE V I E \V . 



(Continued i'roin page 162.) 



A north wall of moderate extent and moderate elevation, is often desir- 

 able, as affording space for ornamental climbers, and half acclimatized 

 exotics, and as forming- a point cfappui for the conservatory and other bo- 

 tanical structures. Such a wall may be surmounted with urns and other 

 architectural ornaments, and screened at some little distance behind by 

 trees. The other fences may be of wire- work, generally called invisible, or ot 

 wooden rails, or of holly hedges with rails. 



Formerly the flower-beds were made either circular, straight, or in curves, 

 and were turned into knots, scrolls, volutes, and other compartments ; and 

 this taste prevailed, perhaps, in some measure from a desire on the part ot 

 the contrivers, to compensate by their ingenuity for the paucity of the orna- 

 mental plants which they then cultivated. Now that the riches of Flora 

 have poured into our gardens, a simpler taste lias obtained. Of the figures 

 in fashion at present in the lawn flower garden, perhaps the kidney shape 

 and its varieties occur too frequently. It is needless as well as impossible 

 to specify the numerous configurations of flower-pots, for they abound in 

 kaleidoscopical variety. Good taste will suggest that those only should be 

 associated, which harmonize well together ; and it is better to incur the 

 hazard of an apparent monotony, than to excite wonder by incongruous 

 combination. When the figures are separated by turf, it is necessary that 

 the little lawns or glades should have a considerable degree of breadth, as 

 nothing has a worse effect than over-crowding. A multitude of litte figures 

 should also be avoided, as they produce what Mr. Gilpin calls spottiness, and 

 which, as he has correctly pointed out, is a grevious deformity. In this 

 sort of flower garden, it is desirable that a gravel walk should skirt along 

 at least one side of the principal figures ; in our humid climate, the grass 

 would otherwise render them inaccessible with comfort during a great 

 part of the year. In those gardens from which tuif is excluded, the com- 

 partments should be of a larger and more massive character. Narrow 

 borders bounded by parellel straight lines and concentric curves, should be 

 avoided. The centres of the figures should be occupied with tall-growing 

 shrubs, and even with an occasional low evergreen tree, such as a yew or 

 a holly. The walks arranged in long concave curves, may communicate here 

 and there with one another. A dial, a few seats and arbours, with an urn 

 or two or a vase, may be introduced with good effect. It is to be regretted 

 that so few good specimens of this species of flower-garden have hitherto 

 been executed in Britain. 



Amongst the accompaniments of the flower-garden may be mentioned the 

 rock-work. This consists of variously grouped masses of large stones, 

 generally such as are remarkable for being figured by water-wearing, or 

 for containing petrifactions or impressions ; and into the cavities between the 

 stones, filled with earth, alpine, or trailing plants are inserted. These are 

 numerous and may be endlessly diversified. Several species of Helianthe- 

 mura Gentiana, Pentstemon, and Primula; Campanula pumilla, blue and 

 white varieties, carpatica, and nitida; Saponaria ocyiuoides, and Adonis 

 vernalis, may be recommended. In proper situations, a small piece of water 

 may be introduced for the culture of aquatic plants. One of the walks is 

 sometimes arched over with wire work, and covered with ornamental 

 climbing shrubs, forming a delightful promenade in the glowing days of 

 summer. A separate compartment, generally of some regular figure, is set 

 apart for roses. A moist, or rather a shady border with bog earth, is de- 

 voted to that class of shrubs, commonly but not very accurately designated, 

 Vo., VI. No. 65. t 



