Embellishments 131 



and the more hardy and common sorts along the walks, 

 and in groups, in different situations near the eye. 



When, however, the residence is of larger size, and the 

 grounds have a park-like extent and character, the intro- 

 duction of shrubs might interfere with the noble and digni- 

 fied expression of lofty full grown trees, except perhaps they 

 were planted here and there, among large groups, as under- 

 wood; or if cattle or sheep were allowed to graze in the park, 

 it would of course be impossible to preserve plantations of 

 shrubs there. When this is the case, however, a portion 

 near the house is divided from the park (by a wire fence or 

 some inconspicuous barrier) for the pleasure-ground, where 

 the shrubs are disposed in belts, groups, etc., as in the first 

 case alluded to. 



There are two methods of grouping shrubs upon lawns 

 which may separately be considered, in combination with 

 beautiful and picturesque scenery. 



In the first case, where the character of the scene, of the 

 plantations of trees, etc., is that of polished beauty, the 

 belts of shrubs may be arranged similar to herbaceous 

 flowering plants, in arabesque beds, along the walks. In 

 this case, the shrubs alone, arranged with relation to their 

 height, may occupy the beds; or if preferred, shrubs and 

 flowers may be intermingled. 



Where picturesque effect is the object aimed at in the 

 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 group- 

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

 with excellent effect in connecting single trees, or finishing 



