FORMATION OF SHRUBBRIES. 455 



in modern shrubbries. Much more character and 

 distinctness may be given, by judiciously grouping 

 them, than by following the common methods of 

 planting. 



Tall-growing kinds should not be introduced in 

 a very small shrubbry (unless it be merely a screen- 

 plantation) ; and in any, the dwarf and more bushy 

 growing kinds, should be placed next to the walks 

 or edges, in order to cover up the naked stems of 

 the others. It is a mistake to plant too thickly. The 

 plants should at all times stand, as it were, distinct 

 from one another, in order that they may be the 

 better shown off. The small-growing kinds may be 

 planted at four or five feet apart ; the large, at six 

 or eight, according to the quality of the soil. It 

 is not necessary to plant in lines. Regularity, in 

 this respect, is rather to be avoided. 



The conducting of walks through the shrubbry 

 is a matter both of conveniency, and of taste. Of 

 conveniency, when the shrubbry is merely a pas- 

 sage from one place to another, or a narrow screeu 

 to the garden. In the former case, the walk should 

 be simple and direct. In the latter case, it may be 

 circuitous ; and if there be any variety in the 

 ground, it ought to lead to particular points of view. 

 The walks, however, should seldom cross one an- 

 other ; they should rather take offat oblique angles ; 

 nor should one run parallel to another, within view. 

 It is proper to show off the shrubs ; but too many 

 walks perplex. 



Their breadths may be various. If short, they 

 should be narrow \ if long, and if a considerable 



