256 



THE PARKS AND GARDENS OF PARIS. [Chap. XVI. 



Boulogne, oflfors, in tins respect, a pleasing contrast to the many 

 places in Avliicli the ahovc-nametl Lleniish is conspicuous. Here 

 ■\ve have broad easy glades, so gently, though artificially, hollowed, 

 that they rarely suggest the artificial or the incongruous. Here, 

 too, may be seen successful attempts to open-up charming views, 

 both in the garden, and from it into the surrounding country. 

 Happiest of the features, however, is the way these glades and 

 vistas are planted. Instead of the usual plum-pudding-like 

 mixture everywhere, we have small groves of distinct trees, with 

 turf spreading beneath them, and natural-looking groups of dif- 

 ferent kinds, and sometimes a cluster of one kind only. There is not 

 a trace of the dot-a-tree-everywhere system, by which so many 

 garden-landscapes are spoiled. Open breezy turf^carpets abound, 

 and afford a foreground from which the various beauties of trees or 



shrubs or landscape may be seen to advantage from the diflcrent 

 points of view. Groups of Yuccas are effective here ; also groups 

 in threes of various Tree-peonies and other vigorous hardy plants. 

 Many of the older trees, with high stems, are clad with a mantle of 

 Ivy, which, however, is confined to the bole only. Where a 

 number of tall trees thus covered occur, one may sometimes fancy 

 (seeing only Ivy-clad boles) that it is an evergreen-grove, the heads 

 of the deciduous trees being high overhead. Two large groups of 

 artificial rock here are more successful than they generally are 

 in France ; both are gracefully embellished with suitable plants, 

 and so well supported with masses of trees and shrubs that they 

 have a picturesque effect in the grounds. Here, however, as 

 in other places, no attempt is made to grow the true Alpine 

 plants in or near these inviting positions ; that is work for the 

 future. Where there is so much to praise, one may venture to point 



