Chap. IV.] THE PARC DES BUTTES CHAUMONT. 



75 



of the absurd practice of using coloured gravels. It is needful 

 to bear in mind that our benefactors in the above way are not 

 wittingly unkind, but simply give us the best they know. If 

 they knew the many " leaf-builders," they would not build where 

 building is out of place, and then cut the lime-trees into shapes 

 to " harmonise " with the stony dreariness thereby created, as is 

 often the case in France. This brings us to the subject — what 

 the landscape-gardener of the future should know. He should be 

 in the most complete sense a gardener. He should know all 

 about gardening, whatever he did not know. He should know 



Kock-shrubs and traiUng evergreens. 



the trees after their kind, from the stateliest forest trees to the 

 lowliest flowering trees — know as far as possible their aspect in 

 age as well as in youth — know the circumstances suited to each 

 as regards soil and position — know their value in the landscape, 

 singly or in groups or groves — know their character in all 

 seasons, whether of spring blossoms, summer green, or autumn 

 glory. 



Then there is the important question of floral embellishment. 

 Is it to be artistic and natural, of materials which we can grow in 

 the open air ? The mountains and hills and plains of northern 

 and temperate countries must ever be the main source of interest 



