1 1 6 Notes on Gardens and Country Seats. 



but now, in order to form masses in places of large extent (for 

 instance, Dropmore), hundreds of those kinds which are held in 

 the highest estimation must be annually propagated, in order to 

 have a full and rich supply. It is also necessary for the gardener 

 to study, not only the art of propagating, but, also, that of ar- 

 rangement with regard to succession ; so as at all times to have in 

 his possession such a stock of plants in pots as to enable him, at 

 any given pei'iod, to replace such of the masses as are dying off, 

 in order to keep up a constant display of flowers throughout the 

 season. Taste, also, by this mode is called into exercise ; upon 

 which much must depend as to the success that will be gained 

 in the arrangement of the masses, so as to produce an har- 

 monious whole. It is gratifying to observe that, in proportion 

 to the numerous plants lately introduced, there seems to be a 

 corresponding stimulus produced among the generality of those 

 gardeners who have flower-gardens under their care, and through 

 which nothing less than the possession of every new plant that is 

 introduced will satisfy them. It is, also, worthy of remark, that 

 the present system of propagating is so far in advance of what 

 it was in former days, that, in many instances, with one tenth of 

 the care and labour formerly bestowed, ten times the success is 

 gained. 



It has been remarked, that " there is no rule without an 

 exception ; " and I wish to apply this to the practice of fringing 

 round clumps of evergreens with flowers, which, upon a general 

 system, has been condemned, and I think justly so, for places 

 on a large scale ; and more especially in arboretums, or where 

 the shrubs are considered of primary importance. In small 

 places, however, or in compartments where it is desirable to 

 make a floral display the distinguishing feature, I think the rule 

 may be lawfully transgressed. A corroborating instance of this, 

 as far as my judgment goes, may be seen at Taplow House, the 

 seat of Pascoe Grenfell, Esq., which has been already alluded to 

 in the above notices. 



Before I close these remarks, I beg to venture an observation 

 or two upon what I have too frequently witnessed with respect 

 to the situations made choice of for planting such trees and 

 shrubs as are most proper for embellishing the lawn. In many 

 instances, it has been painful to observe trees, such as the red 

 cedar, deciduous cypress, magnolia, with 'many others of, per- 

 haps, more rare qualities, crammed into the shrubbery; while 

 on the lawn might be seen walnuts, Spanish chestnuts, and 

 other trees of less value ; and that, frequently, within a few 

 yards of the mansion, and to the complete exclusion of such 

 trees and shrubs as are peculiarly adapted for the lawn. Thus, 

 although there might be a profusion of the latter scattered 

 through the shrubberies, not a single specimen could be found 



