ORNAMENTAL GARDENS. 41 



and their foliage is cut into formal and unnatural shapes. During 

 the earlier period of the development of English gardens, when the 

 dwelling was surrounded by barriers for defence, and the garden 

 area was consequently limited, it was the custom for the owner to 

 build a mound of earth, for the purpose of getting a A-iew into the 

 surrounding country. With the passing out of use of the moat, 

 elevations began to be built along the sides of the gardens from which 

 the owner might obtain many and varied views over the enclosure. 

 These were the terraces which are so much in evidence at the present 

 time. 



In many of the gardens there are elaborate pools and waterways, 

 with their formal copings and abundance of aquatic vegetation, but 

 nowhere do we find the abundant use of moving water which 

 characterizes the gardens of Italy. 



One of the most conspicuous materials of the English gardens is 

 the yew. It is not unlike our American hemlock, Tsuga cana- 

 densis, in many of its characteristics. Its extreme plasticity makes 

 it an especially valuable plant for hedges, and for trimming into the 

 formal and often grotesque shapes which may here be seen. By the 

 way, our hemlock is a species which deserves more frequent use in 

 America than is now given it. No one of our evergreens has a 

 more graceful foliage, and none gives us more beautiful winter 

 effects. It is a shade enduring tree, which makes it especially 

 valuable for screens along town or village streets, where the larger 

 trees of the street make such a dense shade that other species are 

 killed by them. The hemlock is also extremely plastic, and will 

 endure severe pruning without detriment to the vigor of the tree. 



Nowhere is rivaled the beauty of the English roses; the cUmate 

 especially suits them, and doubtless their \'igor and hardiness are 

 due also to the protection from driving winds and rains afforded by 

 the yew hedges. 



English gardens abound in the old-fashioned flowers, so dear to 

 the hearts of our grandmothers. Hollyhocks, poppies, larkspurs, 

 columbines, and lavender grow in wonderful profusion, the beauty 

 and brilliancy of the blooms being unexcelled in other gardens of 

 the globe. Beyond the limits of these formal gardens extends the 

 natural style of gardening and the park system prevails. 



Italian gardens are distinct in their composition and accessories. 



