444 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



pleasure-grounds, it may be attained in another way ; that 

 is, by planting irregular groups of the most vigorous and 

 thrifty growing shrubs in lawn, without placing them in 

 regular dug beds or belts ; but instead of this, keeping the 

 grass from growing and the soil somewhat loose, for a few 

 inches round their stems (which will not be apparent at a 

 short distance). In the case of many of the hardier shrubs, 

 after they become well established, even this care will not 

 be requisite, and the grass only will require to be kept short 

 by clipping it when the lawn is mown. 



As in picturesque scenes everything depends upon 

 grouping well, it will be found that shrubs may be employed 

 with excellent effect in connecting single trees, or finishing 

 a group composed of large trees, or giving fulness to groups 

 of tall trees newly planted on a lawn, or effecting a union 

 between buildings and ground. It is true that it requires 

 something of an artist's feeling and perception of the pic- 

 turesque to do these successfully, but the result is so much 

 the more pleasing and satisfactory when it is well executed. 

 When walks are continued from the house through dis- 

 tant parts of the pleasure-grounds, groups of shrubs may be 

 planted along their margins, here and there, with excellent 

 effect. They do not shut out or obstruct the view like 

 large trees, while they impart an interest to an otherwise 

 tame and spiritless walk. Placed in the projecting bay, 

 round which the walk curves so as to appear to be a reason 

 for its taking that direction, they conceal also the portion 

 of the walk in advance, and thus enhance the interest 

 doubly. The neighborhood of rustic seats, or resting points, 

 are also fit places for the assemblage of a group or groups 

 of shrubs. 



For the use of those who require some guide in the 



