VI. 



HERBACEOUS PLANTS. 



N all temperate countries, the herbaceous flora 

 forms a very important part of the natural 

 scenery. The ground is closely carpeted with 

 grass and flowers, forests and fields vie with 

 each other in variety and color. Along rivu- 

 lets, and streams a hundred forms of the daintiest flowers 

 make their home ; and water plants abound in ponds and 

 lakes. Even the rucks and cliffs and dry, sterile sandfields 

 produce a flora as beautiful as it is characteristic. 



These plants are just as important factors in landscape 

 gardening as in nature itself; but it is necessary to understand 

 fully their nature and habit in order to use them rightly and 

 with the most pleasing effects. Most herbaceous plants will 

 grow well in light and moderately rich garden soil, whether 

 they are natives of dry and sunny fields or of moist and 

 shady woods. But it is necessary to bear in mind the 

 character and habit of each and every species and use it 

 only in the position for which it is best adapted by nature. 

 The following selection contains only choice and orna- 

 mental plants, and, as it is sufficiently rich in number and va- 



264 



