with borders of blue Delphiniums, stately Hollyhocks and The Land- 

 Lilies, one may look across the Firth to crags crimson with scape as 

 Heather, the blue hills of Sutherland in the distance, and, half Background 

 encircling all, the ever-changing sea. Earlier in the year these . o ^ e 

 borders are filled with Daffodils, overhead hangs pink Apple- /- j 

 blossom, while the heathery cliffs are wearing a robe of 

 rich warm brown, and the Alp-like hills in the distance are 

 still snow-covered. 



In the Perthshire garden of which a sketch is given the 

 central beds are laid out with Begonias in carefully selected 

 colours, and pale blue Lobelias. Sentinel-like Irish Yews 

 of a stately aspect form a striking contrast to the brilliancy 

 of the flowers; and a high Beech hedge enclosing all gives 

 shelter from cold winds. A long grass walk, with hedges 

 of Roses on either side, divides the flower from the vegetable 

 garden. Gazing along this walk to the far-away Grampians, 

 what a picture is presented ! in the foreground a glorious 

 touch of colour is supplied by Carmine Pillar Roses, and 

 looking down the long herbaceous borders fresh charms are 

 disclosed, the purples and blues of the Delphiniums, massively 

 grouped, being repeated in the lights and shades of the distant 

 mountains. Surely there is no more exquisite sight than the 

 beauty of a well-cultivated garden of flowers allied with the 

 wild grandeur and primeval loveliness of nature. 



In the Lowlands, natural scenery is less obtrusive than in 

 the North, but there, too, advantage has been taken of long- 

 reaching sweeps of country, with the undulating tops of the 

 Cheviots, the bolder Pentlands, or the flatter Lammermoors, to 

 break the skyline. 



In one such walled garden, standing on the little terrace which 



45 



