AIR AND SHADE. 349 



Trees with light shade might be welcome in certain districts, among 

 the last being various Acacias, of which the common old American is 

 good, while several beautiful varieties have been raised in France, 

 light, elegant trees, especially the Mimosa-leaved one. In warm 

 soils this would grow well and give very light shade. There are so 

 many rapid-growing trees that in places devoid of shade trees it 

 would not be difficult to establish some soon. 



Those who have small gardens, and cannot have them robbed 

 by the roots of trees, may get shade from climbers and often great 

 beauty of flower from the climbers that give the shade. It is curious 

 how little use is made of the Vine, with its beauty of leaf and form, 

 for covered ways, loggias, and garden houses, not only in the 

 country, but in town also. It is one of the best of plants for covering 

 the fronts of houses, and good Vines spring out of London areas far 

 below the level of the street, where it would be difficult to imagine 

 worse conditions for the aeration of the soil or its fertility. These 

 remarks apply not only to the common Vine, valuable though it is 

 with all its innumerable varieties, but to the wild Vines of America 

 and Japan, some of which are fine in foliage and colour. 



The last few years we have seen so many hot seasons that one 

 turns to the Continental idea of shade in the garden with more 

 interest ; and why should we not have outdoor loggia and Vine- 

 covered garden rooms ? We do not only neglect the outdoor shaded 

 structures, but the even more essential loggia forming part of the 

 house. A garden room entered from the house, and part of it, is a 

 great comfort, and may be made in a variety of pretty ways, though 

 never without provision for a few light graceful climbers. 



After all is said about shade, the most essential thing about it 

 in British gardens is not to have too much of it. Most of us plant 

 too thickly to begin with ; the trees get too close and we neglect to 

 thin them, the result being mouldy, close avenues, dripping, sunless 

 groves, and dismal shrubberies, more depressing than usual in a wet 

 season. It is only when we get the change from sun to shade with 

 plenty of movement for air that we enjoy shade. We cannot feel the 

 air move in an over-planted place, and there are in such no broad 

 breadths of sunlight to give the airy look that is so welcome. Over- 

 planting is the rule ; the regular shrubbery is a mixture fatal to the 

 play of light and shade and air, and not only the sun is shut out, but 

 often many beautiful views also. 



Very harmful in its effect on the home landscape is the common 

 objection to cutting down, or ill-placed trees crowded to the detriment 

 of the landscape and often to the air and light about a house. The 

 majority of the trees that are planted in and near gardens are planted 

 in ignorance of their mature effects, the landscape beauty of half the 



