56 breck's new book of flowers. 



work all completed by the middle of October, that it may 

 be in readiness to receive bulbous, and many of the herba- 

 ceous and other plants, and such shrubs as are hardy 

 enough to set in autumn. 



The work may, therefore, be commenced at any leisure 

 time during the months of August and September ; or, if it 

 is more convenient not to commence the work until spring, 

 it should be accomplished as early as possible. If thus de- 

 ferred, the proprietor must necessarily be deprived of the 

 pleasure of having anything in its greatest perfection, ex- 

 cept annuals, and tender bulbous, or tuberous plants, for 

 that season. I should, therefore, advise, by all means, to 

 have the work done in autumn. 



The quantity of land to be devoted to the object may 

 be small; but however limited the space, it is necessary 

 that some order should be observed in the general ar- 

 rangement. 



As to the style of laying out, it will be difficult to pro- 

 pose any plan that would be likely to give satisfaction to 

 all, for most of our readers have a fancy of their own ; 

 and, though they might be disposed to ask advice, yet 

 would, probably, after all, follow the guidance of their own 

 taste, whether it be good or bad. It may not be amiss, 

 however, to throw out a few hints. And, in the first 

 place, if any considerable extent is to be improved, — or if 

 small, and it is desirable to have the business done neatly, 

 and in a substantial, workmanlike manner, — we should re- 

 commend that a thorough-bred, intelligent gardener be em- 

 ployed to execute the work; for the beauty of a garden de- 

 pends very much upon the manner of laying out, the pro- 

 per consistency and richness of the soil, the make of the 

 walks, and laying the edgings, Avhether of box, grass, or 

 anything else. 



The form of the ground may be either square or oblong, 

 somewhat circular or irregular. The interior part may be 



