CHAPTER IX 



Practical Directions 



Questions of taste having now been discussed to as great 

 an extent as is compatible with the limits of a book like the 

 present, I have only further to notice a few things respecting 

 the actual execution of work; and these refer rather to mat- 

 ters of expense or comfort and the elements of success in 

 cultivation. Of them, likewise, it may be truly said, as of 

 points in taste, that little considerations will often be far 

 from light or trifling in their influences but may determine 

 altogether the propriety or undesirableness of any particular 

 course. Indeed the nearer we approach to subjects entirely 

 practical the more weighty and important will every topic of 

 inquiry become, in proportion as necessary things are of 

 greater moment than such as are merely desirable. 



As books, however, can only deal with general points of 

 practice there will not be much in this part of the work to 

 detain us long. The more minute details belong rather to 

 the business of ordinary gardening than to that of laying 

 out and forming a place. 



I, Drainage. — The first operation on land that has to be 

 newly arranged will be to drain it thoroughly. No descrip- 

 tion of ornamental or useful plants will thrive well upon 

 undrained ground that is not naturally dry and open nor 

 can such land ever yield any permanent enjoyment and com- 

 fort. A cold damp soil is decidedly uncongenial to both 

 animal and vegetable life. 



Drainage is not merely valuable in the removal of the stag- 

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