THE TECHNICS OF GARDENING. 165 



the number of attendants, so that the time and care 

 of the gardener are nearly absorbed in the manual 

 labour of repairing and stocking the beds, and 

 maintaining and sweeping the walks. 



But if not large, the grounds should not have 

 the appearance of being confined within a limited 

 space ; and Art is well spent in giving an effect of 

 greater extent to the place than it really possesses by 

 a suitable composition of the walks, bushes, and trees. 

 These lines should lead the eye to the distance, and 

 if bounded by trees, the garden should be connected 

 with the outer world by judicious openings ; and 

 this rule applies to gardens large or small. 



Ground possessing a gentle inclination towards 

 the south is desirable for a garden. On such a slope 

 effectual drainage is easily accomplished, and the 

 greatest possible benefit obtained from the sun's 

 rays. The garden should, if possible, have an open 

 exposure towards the east and west, so that it may 

 enjoy the full benefit of morning and evening sun ; 

 but shelter on the north or north-east, or any side 

 in which the particular locality may happen to be 

 exposed, is desirable. 



The dimensions of the garden will be proportionate 

 to the scale of the house. The general size of the 

 garden to a good-sized house is from four to six 

 acres, but the extent varies in many places from 

 twelve to twenty, or even thirty acres. (See an 

 admirable article on gardening in the " Encyclopaedia." 



Before commencing to lay out a garden the plan 

 should be prepared in minute detail, and every point 



