Shrubbery and Ornamental Planting. 481 



furze in the same manner as quicksets, and find it answer per- 

 fectly, if carefully done. If your depth of ground should not 

 exceed twenty yards, the first set of trees from the fence should 

 consist of the pine and fir tribe ; and not, as we commonly see, 

 of the fastest-growing deciduous trees, which answer neither of 

 the purposes required during six months of the year, when it is 

 of the most importance that they should do so. I would never 

 plant two of the same species, unless the line were very extensive ; 

 but would let the plantation assume, as much as possible, a scien- 

 tific as well as an ornamental character. I can conceive no back- 

 ground more beautiful and interesting than one formed by a 

 collection of the numerous and splendid species of pines and 

 firs ; displaying, as they do, such an infinite variety of tints, 

 foliage, and cones. These should be planted 8 ft. or even 10 ft. 

 from the fence, and 20 ft. apart. If the depth of ground be 

 thirty yards, I would recommend a selection of the most orna- 

 mental forest trees to be planted at least 30 ft. behind the firs, 

 and at 20 ft. apart; every other one of which must eventually 

 be removed. At 20 ft. in advance of the firs, plant deciduous 

 flowering trees or shrubs, each forming the apex of a triangle, 

 having two of the pines or firs for its base. Here, again, if the 

 line be extensive, the shrubs should be arranged in classes ; 

 placing together the numerous and ornamental species of the 

 genera Crataegus, .Mespilus, Pyrus, Cytisus, Syringa, Sec. &c. 

 For this purpose, those varieties which do not ordinarily attain 

 a height of at least 12 ft. would be inadmissible. In advance 

 of these, plant evergreen flowering shrubs at 10 ft. apart. The 

 class of shrubs suitable for this situation is comparatively limited ; 

 and amongst those selected will occur individuals varying con- 

 siderably in the space they occupy at maturity. The Portugal 

 and common laurel, for example, attain a much larger size than 

 most other common shrubs. All the smaller growths in this 

 class, therefore, should be planted directly opposite the deciduous 

 shrubs, and 10 ft. in advance of them ; and those of larger growth 

 should be placed in the intervals angled with the shrubs behind, 

 and 5 ft. in arrear of the line of the smaller growths of the same 

 class. Should the plantation form the margin of a lawn, or of 

 that portion of the approach to the house which is within the 

 dressed pleasure-ground, a space of from 15 ft. to 20 ft. may be 

 left in front of the shrubs for flowers. These should also be 

 disposed with reference to the height they attain, keeping the 

 highest growers nearest to the plantation. Classification should 

 also be attended to in this case, if the gardener or his master 

 have sufficient knowledge of flowers ; if they have not, your 

 Hortus Britannicns will supply all the necessary particulars. I 

 am glad to see the principle so essential to the producing of a 

 striking effect in garden scenery; viz., of planting the different 



