PUBLIC GARDENS 225 



is his own. Then, too, in the sheltered nooks of arbours 

 it is possible to find permanent homes for climbers and 

 plants that do not like to be disturbed. Rare plants of 

 botanic interest can be grown without fear of their being 

 mislaid, as so often happens in a mixed border. Colour- 

 combinations, too, are enhanced where there is a slightly 

 architectural or formal background. We thus gain 

 somewhat of that intimate, personal touch which we 

 who possibly are over- fastidious miss at times in public 

 gardens. Then, too, we sometimes wish there were more 

 small gardens such as the one near Cheyne Walk, where 

 that lifelike statue of Carlyle sits resting, yet thinking, as 

 he gazes upon the river he knew so well. Statues should, 

 where possible, have a background of green foliage, and 

 there should be some quiet corner near-by where those 

 who understand hero-worship may sit and contemplate 

 the man. All this we find in the small Chelsea garden, 

 and we value it therefore above larger and grander ones. 



In Paris we are astonished at the simplicity of small 

 gardens, the art that is shown in converting waste ground 

 into beauty and symmetry. We recall a small sunk grass- 

 plot, where an oblong-shaped basin for a fountain is in 

 the centre. A raised border of gay flowers forms the 

 boundary of the garden, but to make this look neat and 

 well kept, both in summer and winter, an edging of thick 

 ivy surrounds it To gain more effect the edging is planted 

 so that it slopes up towards the border. 



It is, however, in the gardens of Bagatelle, in the centre 

 of the Bois de Boulogne, that the acme of original and 

 artistic arrangement is reached. There is a feeling of 

 being in a private garden, where small surprises have 

 been planned and all has been thought out by one mind. 

 It is a garden of roses. In our dense, smoke-laden 

 London atmosphere these flowers could not be 

 successfully grown ; but the arrangement of the flower- 



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