14 AMERICAN HOME GARDEN. ( 



THE GARDEN. 

 FORM, ASPECT, ARRANGEMENT, &C. 



THERE is, of course, no absolute rule for either the size, 

 shape, aspect, or arrangement of a garden ; each one may follow, 

 in each of these respects, the dictates of possibility, convenience, 

 or fancy. But, keeping in view the main purpose of this work 

 as a directory. for an American home garden, I have given a plan 

 suitable for gardens of various sizes, and such directions for 

 their general arrangements, as will, if adopted, economize labor, 

 and afford facilities for successful culture. 



It is desirable that the garden spot be nearly level, and if 

 with a gentle descent toward the south or southeast, so much 

 the better. 



If convenience and other considerations permit, it is very de- 

 sirable that your garden be located upon high and dry land, 

 rather than in a low and more moist spot. In moist valleys, 

 and even from the small dished hollows in a lot otherwise level 

 and dry, the greater amount and rapidity of evaporation causes 

 the early fall and late spring frosts, which so often injure crops. 

 They result from the operation of the same principle upon 

 which, by the rapid evaporation of ether, ice may be formed 

 even in the sunlight of a summer day. They " fall in the hol- 

 lows," as it is familiarly expressed, and are avoided by choosing 

 an elevated and dry spot for the garden. 



Should any one, disliking the simplicity of the plan given, 

 desire to have his vegetable garden cut up into small beds or 

 fanciful forms, he will find it easy to do it, or hire it done to 

 his satisfaction. On the other hand, the " mechanical prepara- 

 tion" may be less thorough than that proposed, the " protec- 

 tion" omitted, and the "appendages" entirely dispensed with, 

 and the garden be yet made to yield an abundant return, if the 

 directions in regard to planting and culture are observed. 



In form the garden may be square, or nearly so, an oblong 

 form perhaps being preferable, of which the measurement east 

 and west is somewhat greater than north and south. 



The garden-house, if you should build one, with the other 

 appendages described p. 26 and onward, should occupy the 



