220 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



our conviction that they have not hitherto sufficiently 

 availed themselves of the treasures recently brought 

 within their reach. If they are acquainted with them, 

 they have not shown the alacrity displayed in other 

 branches of art in availing themselves of their aid ; if 

 they are not, it is surely an important part of their 

 business to study and master them. We predict that he 

 who shall first do this, and display in good taste the 

 almost infinite variety in form and tint now existing 

 among trees and shrubs will not only obtain for his 

 profession a higher rank, but win for himself the best 

 position in it. 



Familiar acquaintance with many of the leading 

 gardens and estates in England compels us to say that the 

 great want in the landscape is VARIETY. There is a 

 monotony in form and colour that should be, and must be 

 corrected. Why indeed should it not ? There is no lack 

 of materials. As to form, there are spreading, columnar, 

 and weeping, large-leaved and small-leaved trees in 

 abundance. As to colour, there are light green, dark 

 green, silver, gold, and purple trees, shrubs and plants ad 

 infinitum, to say nothing of the varied tints of spring, 

 and the changing hues of autumn. When planting an 

 estate or garden these objects, or the best of them, should 

 be so chosen and arranged as to heighten the beauty of 

 each other by harmony or contrast ; and convert the pre- 

 sent unmeaning landscape into a series of beautiful 

 pictures, perfect in themselves, yet sufficiently connected 

 to form a complete whole. 



Are we met by the objection that there is not even 

 yet sufficient variety to accomplish all this ? We join issue 

 with the objector. It is true that we cannot find among 

 trees and shrubs the bright colours and strong contrasts 

 met with in flowers. But we do not want them. We 

 would not have the whole country a flower garden. We 

 seek not repetition or repletion, but would rather avoid 

 both. Quite as appropriate in their sphere are the more 



