Paet III. CHOICE OF PLANTS. 375 



when nothing but sky is to be seen beyond, still openings 

 should be made, with a similar view of giving an impression 

 of extent ; and the same rule regarding belts of trees applies 

 equally to grounds of large, as well as of limited, dimensions. 



Next to the arrangement of the geometrical beds, another 

 great element of beauty in a dressed garden, is the deter- 

 mination of the colours for harmonious combinations, and the 

 proper selection of the flowers according to those colours ; 

 and due attention must be paid to the effect they are to make 

 in the beds as well as to the maintenance of a succession 

 of them during different seasons. For this purpose, after 

 having decided on those whose hues accord with the pro- 

 posed design, it is necessary to ascertain what flowers best 

 suited to it blossom at the same periods ; and a succession of 

 those of the same colour must be fixed upon to take the 

 place of each, and continue the same designs at successive 

 seasons. They should also be, as near as possible, of the same 

 height as their companions ; so that the blue flowers be not 

 over tall in one bed, or the red too short in another; for 

 which purpose some may be pegged down ; and when any 

 plants of good colour blossom during the greater part of the 

 year, they may be advantageously chosen on this account. 



It is by no means necessary or advisable to select rare 

 flowers for the beds ; and some of the most common are the 

 most eligible, being more hardy, and therefore less likely to 

 fail, or to cover the bed with a scanty and imperfect display 

 of colour. Indeed it is a common mistake to seek rare flowers, 

 when many of the old and most ordinary varieties are far 

 more beautiful : and there are other and far better positions 

 for the display of rare plants, when they will grow without 

 glass, than in the dressed garden. 



Of the arrangements of colours in the beds it will suffice 

 to give a few examples, which will show how they may be 

 combined for a harmonious and brilliant effect ; as in 



1)1) 4 



