-^ J\}t ferapd^i) and LaLoi). ^ 



THE LEADING IDEA IN PLANTING. 



N any scene it is plainly a mistake to introduce plants which, howt-ver 

 beautiful in themselves, contradict the leading idea. Instead of this, 

 we should carry out the central thought in every possible way. If we 

 have a natural ledge of rocks we can encourage native ferns to grow 

 in its crevices, wild vines to trail over its face, and native shrubs and 

 grasses to grow at its base, and thus emphasize its natural aspect and 

 make an artistic picture at the same time. Where the 'lurroundings 

 of the ledge are rough, it may be the best practice to clear away only the inhos- 

 pitable thickets of brambles and allow Nature herself to weave a tracery of 

 vines upon the rocks, and encourage wild flowers to blossom among ihem. In 

 planting our native trees in a natural landscape we should use them in such 

 positions as they usually affect, not only because a willow will be healthy near 

 the water while a chestnut will thrive on a gravelly hill, l-ut because we are 

 accustomed to see these trees in such places. Stretches of green turf always 

 enhance the effect of trees, but where our object is to preserve as far as possible 

 the wild beauty of an individual spot and bnng out the idea of remoteness, the 

 borders should be broken by capes and b.nys ol" foliage, and outNtanUing single 



