lOG MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



quiet, country life, or to be greatly influenced by the beauties of 

 Nature. 



The formal style was in vogue up to the eighteenth century, in 

 all civilized countries where royal gardens were built. The general 

 plans seem to have been closely allied, but influenced by natural 

 conditions. The most noted example of this style is the gardens 

 of Versailles, built in the time of Louis XIV, under the landscape 

 architect, Le Notre. A short description of some of its principal 

 features will give an idea of the whole. 



Versailles was built in an age of pomp, display, and vanity, 

 and Le Notre seems to have been just the man to sink the 

 extraordinary sum of forty millions of dollars into these gardens. 

 Hardly a style of gardening suitable for the American public at 

 the present time ! 



As we pass through the palace and take a first look at these 

 gardens, one is impressed by the enormous gravel terraces, which 

 in warm weather the I'adiation of the sun renders almost impos- 

 sible to walk upon with any comfort. 



There is a central vista which carries the eye for miles into the 

 country beyond, enhanced by means of a formal water basin, a 

 '•'■ tapis vert" and a long canal-shaped stretch of water. The 

 whole is framed by groves of clipped trees, which save the vista 

 from utter tameness and soften the lines of crude formality. 

 The grounds, on either side of this main vista, are divided into 

 many gardens, some of which are very pleasing with their box 

 edging, clipped yews, and statues, effectively standing against a 

 background of horse-chestnut trees. 



The flower borders, typical of the French method, are a com- 

 bination of ribbon and mixed planting. Along the centre of the 

 borders are lines of permanent, high-growing plants, such as 

 standard roses, small Persian lilacs, etc. These are kept in 

 neat, round heads, and in no way injure the bedding plants. This 

 green line is very effective and saves the border from monotony and 

 over coloring. Around each standard are rings of bedding- 

 plants — fuchsias, veronicas, and the like — and between these 

 rings are other plants. On the outside of the border run low- 

 growing plants in straight lines, each of which forms a continu- 

 ous, separate color ; the whole effect is very good. 



The tapis vert, a large, long, turf avenue, is a delightful place 

 to walk, sheltered by trees and adorned with rows of costly 

 statues and vases. 



