PERGOLAS AND VERANDAHS 205 



A pergola ! A home for Rose and Clematis, for Jasmine 

 and Honeysuckle, for Tropceolum and Passion Flower ! 

 A cool covering of verdure and blossom for some favourite 

 path, with borders of Columbines, Paeonies, white Lilies, 

 tall sky torches of Delphinium, fragrant Phloxes and 

 sweeter Bergamot, Bell-flowers, Hollyhocks, Sweet Peas, 

 and other beautiful things ! Can one picture a garden 

 so perfect that a pergola will not improve it ? 



A pergola is not necessarily a costly thing ; why trifle, 

 therefore, with the weak compromise of furtive arches 

 put into places where no arch is called for, and where, 

 consequently, these huddled and ungraceful erections 

 look homeless ? Why not do the legitimate, the called- 

 for thing ? Spend a few more shillings, stretch poles 

 from arch here to arch yonder, and so get something 

 that is at once more coherent, dignified and satisfying. 



So long as the main supports of the pergolas are stout 

 and well weathered it will suffice if they are set eight feet 

 apart. Here let me utter a word of warning with respect 

 to oak. Its reputation for durability is so high that it is 

 often drawn upon for uprights without inquiry as to its 

 condition. Yet green, immature Oak may rot away 

 almost like Elder. Oak by all means, if it is sound, ripe 

 and mellow, not too crooked or too outrageously dear ; 

 but Larch or Chestnut for unhesitating preference in any 

 case of doubt. The great advantage of Oak is its con- 

 sistent appearance and its harmonious hue when barked. 

 Larch is superior, perhaps, while in bark, but not when 

 the covering of the wood has peeled away, which it does 

 sooner or later. But Larch is even and straight, and its 

 reputation for softness is undeserved when well-preserved 

 trunks are chosen. Saplings bought as they fall under 

 the axe in the woods soon perish. 



The life of the uprights can be prolonged by several 



