Introduction, etc. 13 



grass and the slender wands of the bamboo the ex- 

 quisitely graceful heads of the Monterey and other 

 cypresses and various pines towered high in the 

 air, it was one of the most charming scenes I have 

 yet enjoyed in the pleasure-grounds of the British 

 Isles. And this, which was simply the result of 

 judiciously planting three or four kinds of hardy 

 plants, will serve to^ suggest how many other 

 beautiful aspects of vegetation we may create by 

 utilising the rich stores within our reach. 



We will next speak of arrangement and sundry 

 other matters of some importance in connection 



Clumsy mass of Cannas in a London park. 



with this subject. The radical fault of the " Sub- 

 tropical Garden," as hitherto seen, is its lumpish 

 monotony and the almost total neglect of graceful 

 combinations. It is fully shown in the London 

 parks every year, so that many people will have 

 seen it for themselves. The subjects are not used 

 to contrast with or relieve others of less attractive 

 port and brilliant colour, but are generally set 

 down in large masses. Here you meet a troop of 



