PART II. 



MATERIALS OF ORNAMENTAL 

 GARDENING. 



There are now estimated to be in the vegetable kingdom 

 about one hundred and twenty thousand different species 

 of plants. Out of this vast number the arboriculturist 

 and florist have selected a great many, which are classed 

 as ornamental. 



In the following pages such description is given of the 

 natural materials which may enter into the work of 

 ornamental gardening, as may serve to convey an idea 

 of their uses. 



CHAPTER IV. 

 THE GROUND AND THE GRASS. 



The soil of the earth's surface has this paramount im- 

 portance, that it is the home of the roots of all ordinary 

 forms of vegetation. While there are many kinds of soil, 

 such as sandy, clayey, loamy, and peaty, varying much in 

 character, yet such is the adaptability of plants to soils, 

 and so susceptible are these to improvement by the arts 

 of culture, that some kinds of plants can always be found 

 that will thrive readily in any properly improved soils. 

 On the preparation of soils, see Part IV. 



Almost as common as the ground itself, are the grasses 

 which clothe it, and which constitute a distinct and 

 extensive botanical order. That they are very important 

 in ornamental gardening, every one knows ; we could 

 imagine nothing more desolate in appearance than the 

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