u 



destroy the form of the beds. The larger and variously formed beds which 

 may be introduced, should be grouped either with various kinds of plants 

 or of varieties in one family, blending into each other. 



The Aquarium 



Forms a highly interesting feature in the General Flower Garden, in the 

 shape of a natural rivulet, flowing in a devious course through the lowest 

 part of it. Should there not be a natural dingle in the grounds, a suitable 

 undulated course should be made, so that water plants may be grown, and 

 that the sound of a rippling stream, however small, may be heard, with its 

 refreshing and cheerful influence. (See General Plan.) 



Supposing, however, that the formation of such a stream cannot be 

 accomplished, a small compartment may be set apart, and provision made for 

 such plants in round basins, or somewhat careless yet neat looking receptacles, 

 margined with spar or fancy minerals, and cemented, so as to be water-tight. 

 Water may be supplied to them, in any way most suitable or convenient, from 

 time to time. 



In all the compartments to which I have referred, handsome growing 

 flowering shrubs and low trees may be introduced here and there, as shown 

 in the General Plans, not only to produce an effect, but to give a varied 

 imaginary extent to each. Of course, whilst the most agreeable kinds of 

 shrubs are introduced for the sake of beauty and intricacy, strict regard 

 must be paid to their not being introduced too numerously, or allowed to 

 grow. too large, so as to injure the flower beds. 



The Geometrical Flower Garden. 

 This compartment must stand separately from any of the rest, with 

 which it is too formal to harmonize or be in character. I have therefore 

 given specimens of this style of gardening, detached from the natural or 

 English arrangement, but linked with the appendages of the house, (see plate 

 7), and to be used as a winter garden. In the plan, it will be seen that it is 

 walled round, so, as it were, to shut it up and make it secluded, the walls 

 being appropriated to various kinds of climbers. I have shown two modes of 

 arranging this garden on a large scale (see plate 4) : one, with dug beds cut 

 out of lawn ; the other, with walks and beds edged with solid cast iron, terra 

 cotta, or neatly dressed stone, which I prefer to the Dutch fashion of planting 



