CHAP. II. THE LAYING OUT OF A GARDEN. 25 



principal extent, from which paths of smaller width are made 

 to strike out and ramify. 



In Bengal the paths are usually made with a foundation of 

 broken bricks, over which a layer of khoa, or bricks broken into 

 pieces of the size of a walnut, is spread. Over the whole a 

 coating of soorkee or brick-dust is then laid, and well beaten in, 

 till the surface is perfectly level and smooth. 



In planting out flowering shrubs, one thing of essential im- 

 portance is, that the situation selected for them in the border be 

 where their sunny side is most presented to the sight ; for it 

 may be often witnessed that, while the southern side of a plant 

 is loaded with a profusion of blossom, the northern side, shaded 

 from the ripening influence of the sun's rays, remains unadorned 

 with a single flower. This is frequently very conspicuous in the 

 instance of Millingtonia hortensis, and more especially of that 

 magnificent creeper Bignonia venusta. If Sweet-peas, likewise, 

 are grown on the southern side of a path, the flowers they put 

 forth are completely lost to view. 



The modern plan of laying out small separate beds for groups 

 of particular species of annuals is a very beautiful and effective 

 one ; and where the garden admits of it a portion of ground 

 near the dwelling-house may be well devoted to this purpose. 

 The disadvantage attending the plan in Europe is, that during 

 the long period of the winter months the beds remain bare and 

 unsightly. But in this country such beds need never lie vacant, 

 as when one class of annuals is over, another may be immediately 

 brought to succeed in its place. During the cold months there 

 wall be the usual English annuals ; during the hot months, 

 Petunias, Verbenas, Phloxes, Salpiglossis, &c^ will bloom 

 beautifully ; and during the rains these may be succeeded by 

 Balsams, Zinnias, Martynia, Pentapetes, &c. 



In the formation of these small beds it would not be advisable, 

 perhaps, to venture upon any figures besides merely the circular 

 and oval. These are easily designed and always look well; but 

 many of the geometrical and contorted figures one frequently 

 sees are at the best anything but pleasing, and when attempted 

 by the rude skill of the inalee would in all probability prove 

 only ridiculous. 



