. FLOWER-PLATS, &C. 4,57 



dodendron. Deciduous shrubs in general thrive 

 well in light loams, or sandy soils; but certain kinds 

 flower better in rich mellow earth ; as the moss- 

 rose, and the robinia. 



SECT. III. 



ON THE FORMATION OF FLOWER-PLATS, &C. 



THE laying out of flower-plats, or parterres, is a 

 matter very much of fancy ; and a variety of forms 

 may be indulged in, without incurring censure ; pro- 

 vided the figures be graceful, and not in any one 

 place too complicated. 



An oval is a figure that generally pleases, on ac- 

 count of the continuity of its outline ; next, if ex- 

 tensive, a circle. Next, perhaps, a segment in form 

 of a half-moon, or the larger segment of an oval. 

 But hearts, diamonds, triangles, or squares, if small, 

 seldom please. A simple parallelogram, divided in- 

 to beds running lengthwise, or the larger segment 

 of an oval, with beds running parallel to its outer 

 margin, will always please. 



Too many gravelled alleys offend the eye, es- 

 pecially if they be much twisted, or run cross ; as it 

 comprehends the whole at once. Their breadths 

 should be proportioned to that of the beds ; nor 

 should they be much sunk ; seldom more than an 

 inch ; otherwise they have a .bad effect, and look 

 rather like furrows than alleys. 



They may be edged with box, with daisies, with 



