JAN.] FLOWER GARDEN. 89 



Detached trained figures of evergreens, as yew, cypress, juniper, 

 holly, box, and various other close-growing evergreen plants, were 

 also very predominant in ancient designs, and generally disposed in 

 regular ranges along the borders and other verges of grand walks ; 

 being trained by clipping into various formal shapes, as pyramids, 

 obelisks, columns, &c., in a variety of forms, with other formal 

 figures, all placed in the most exact arrangement. 



Straight rows of the most beautiful trees, forming long avenues and 

 grand walks, were in great estimation, considered as great ornaments. 



Regular grass slopes also greatly prevailed in most old gardens as 

 ornaments to particular divisions ; sometimes such were formed at 

 the beginning of some rising ground, and sometimes at the termina- 

 tion or lower part ; frequently canals and other pieces of water were 

 bounded by a range of them, and likewise the sides of terraces and 

 other elevated places. Moderate grass slopes, also, often formed 

 a boundary to some open spaces, such as bowling-greens, flower garden, 

 &c., forming a sort of terrace all around, and frequently having a 

 gravel walk at top ; these slopes were always formed with the greatest 

 regularity and exactness, which in some situations were very orna- 

 mental. 



Regular terraces, either on natural eminences or forced ground, 

 were often introduced by way of ornament for the sake of prospect, 

 and of enjoying the fresh air in summer; they were of various di- 

 mensions with respect to height, from two to ten, or twenty feet ac- 

 cording to the nature of the situation and purpose they were designed 

 for ; some being ranged singly, others double, treble, or several, one 

 above another, on the side of some considerable rising ground in 

 theatrical arrangement. 



For the sake of diversity, some of the more elegant regular works 

 ought still to be admitted, which would form a beautiful contrast with 

 the general rural improvements, and diversify the whole scene, so as 

 to have a most enchanting effect. 



GENERAL CARE AND CULTURE. 



With respect to the general culture of the ground, neatness must 

 ever be observed in every part ; the walks, lawns, shrubbery, clumps, 

 &c., and the several compartments of trees, shrubs, and flowers, kept 

 duly furnished with a proper stock of the various plants. 



In the provision of plants, both of the tree and shrub kinds, let it 

 be remarked, that when such are taken out of the woods or swamps, 

 and planted in open exposures, they seldom succeed ; therefore the 

 better way will be to propagate them in your nursery, either by cut- 

 tings (of such as grow that way) or by seed ; and when arrived there 

 at a proper size, they may be transplanted into the pleasure-ground 

 or elsewhere with success. 



The gravel walks must always be kept free from weeds and all sorts 

 of litter, and should be rolled at least once every week or ten days 

 in summer, particularly the principal walks; previously trimming the 

 edges, especially if verged with grass-ground, and sweeping off all 

 loose litter. 



