GARDENS NEAR THE SEA 



often four-square, including many separate plots, 

 each one being in the form of a rectangle. These 

 plots, or beds, were frequently bordered with box, 

 while arches, seats, fountains, and sundials were features 

 looked upon with complete satisfaction. These early 

 American gardens were very homely and sweet, and 

 serve to-day as suggestions from which many modern 

 ones are planned. 



The illustration in plate xxxii. is of an early Ameri- 

 can garden, and is notable because its form has not 

 been changed for over a hundred years. Many of the 

 plants within it are very old. Its masses are inter- 

 grown, often tangled. Yet this is not displeasing; 

 rather it seems to be a place of abundant offering, 

 rich in bloom and delicate foliage. 



The pretty garden illustrated in plate xxxiii. has 

 been placed directly at the back of a modern colonial 

 house, and is, if one might so describe it, an up-to-date 

 interpretation of an old-fashioned plan. Its flower 

 beds are fewer than in the old-time gardens, and box 

 plays no part as a border plant. This garden is, never- 

 theless, fairly well walled in by tall shrubs, in front of 

 which there is a hedge of low spruces. When one en- 

 ters the front door of this house, he has no suspicion 

 of the nearness of a garden. It is only after travers- 

 ing the central hallway and reaching the veranda 

 which extends across the back of the house that 

 this spot of enchantment is seen lying openly in 

 the sun. No corner of it then escapes the eye. 

 It is visible in its entirety, forming a pretty pic- 

 ture. The central water basin is planted with lilies, 



[106] 



