346 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 



however, have it understood that we object to bedding plants, 

 or masses of fiery colors ; what we would say. is, that all 

 gardens or even any one garden, should not be wholly planted 

 in this way. We admire masses of colors tastefully arranged 

 with a knowledge of the combination of tints ; it is what we 

 have recommended and what we still recommend, — saving 

 this, that everybody is not to follow out the plan without 

 regard to the arrangement of their grounds^ their extent, their 

 situation, &c. What would be effective and brilliant in a 

 beautifully laid-out parterre, with box edgings and neat gravel 

 walks, looked down upon from a terrace, bay window or 

 piazza, would be certainly out of place on a smooth and ver- 

 dant lawn, embowered with magnificent specimens of orna- 

 mental trees. So, too, in gardens of small extent; an attempt 

 at the massing system is almost sure to end in a failure. 

 Thus it may appear, as it truly is, — difficult to know what 

 mode of arrangement is best suited to a place ; true taste 

 must suggest and in fact be the only guide ; but when this 

 is sacrificed to fashion, the real effect of a fine garden is 

 entirely destroyed. 



But we have almost been led astray from our main object, 

 which was to speak a word for the too much neglected her- 

 baceous plants, many of the old favorites of which are dis- 

 appearing from our gardens to make room for verbenas, scarlet 

 geraniums, and other showy flowers. Where are the stately 

 foxgloves, with their tall spikes of nodding bells, displaying 

 their leopard-like spotting, in which the bee 

 " makes her sweet music ?" 



These are now rarely seen, though extremely showy ; with 

 the improvement which has been made in the origination of 

 new sorts, they are truly elegant. 



The Columbine (Aquilegia) too, in its variety of colors, 

 is becoming more rare every year ; and our beautiful native 

 species, A. canadensis, whose pendent scarlet and yellow 

 flowers enliven many a hill-side in June, has ever been scarce 

 in cultivated grounds. 



The Sweet Rocket, (Hesperis) except in its old single 

 state, which, though pretty, does not compare with the dou- 



