52 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS. 



occupants of the mixed flower-garden should be so 

 arranged, that while they fill certain grouped beds with 

 annuals, greenhouse plants, and roses, they should be so 

 placed as not to detract from the general effect of the 

 scene when their respective beds are empty, or when the 

 plants are small or in a state of decay. Grass is the 

 most suitable groundwork for gardens of this description; 

 but some of its groups of flower-beds may be intersected 

 by walks bordered with edgings of box or low flowers ; 

 and this, by increasing the variety, will add to the 

 general efiect. Terraces are admissible only when con- 

 sistent with the natural form of the ground. They 

 should be connected with the conservatories, or other 

 plant-houses, when these structures are erected in the 

 flower-garden, and in that case they may be faced with 

 walls, and may receive considerable architectural deco- 

 ration. Apart from such associations, they are better 

 formed with grass slopes. Both forms afford good points 

 for viewing the riches of Flora spread out below. Foun- 

 tains, pieces of water, dials, vases, etc., may also be 

 introduced, either grouped together, or made the centres 

 of figures or clusters of figures allotted to the groAvth of 

 flowering plants and slirubs. Some of these means of 

 ornament demand a separate and more detailed notice. 



Artistical Decorations. — Vases and statuary form 

 admirable ornaments of flower-gardens when fine in 

 themselves and when well arranged ; but the latter con- 

 dition is somewhat difficult to fulfil, and therefore 

 requires attentive and tasteful management. Vases are 

 more adapted to geometrical arrangements. They are 

 peculiarly well suited for terraces, on which, however, 

 they should harmonize with the architectm^al forms of 

 smTounding objects. They may be placed either singly 



