EMBELLISHMENTS. 373 



Dr. Hosack, which borders the walk leading from the man- 

 sion, to the hot-houses, will be able to recall a fine example 

 of this mode of mingling* woody and herbaceous plants. 

 The belts or borders occupied by the shrubbery and flower- 

 garden there, are perhaps from 25 to 35 feet in width, com- 

 pletely filled with a collection of shrubs and herbaceous plants ; 

 the smallest of the latter being quite near the walk ; these 

 succeeded by taller species receding from the front of the bor- 

 der, then follow shrubs of moderate size, advancing in height 

 until the back ground of the whole is a rich mass of tall shrubs 

 and trees of moderate size. The effect of this belt on so 

 large a scale, in high keeping, is remarkably striking and 

 elegant. 



Where picturesque effect is the object aimed at in the 

 pleasure-grounds, it may be attained in another way ; that 

 is, by planting irregular groups of the most vigorous and 

 thrifty growing shrubs in lawn, without placing them in 

 regular dug beds or belts ; but instead of this, keeping the 

 grass from growing and the soil somewhat loose, for a few 

 inches round their stems, (which will not be apparent at a 

 short distance.) In the case of many of the hardier shrubs, 

 after they become well established, even this care will not 

 be requisite, and the grass only, will require to be kept short 

 by clipping it when the lawn is mown. 



As in picturesque scenes, every thing depends upon growp- 

 ingwell, it will be found that shrubs maybe employed with 

 excellent effect, in connecting single trees, or finishing a 

 group composed of large trees, or giving fulness to groups 

 of tall trees newly planted on a lawn, or effecting a union 

 between buildings and ground. It is true that it requires 

 something of an artist's feeling and perception of the pictur- 



