The Holly. 119 



without some previous preparation, and a little of what gardeners term 

 " pruning." 



As regards planting groups for immediate effect, two things ae indispens- 

 ably necessary, premising of course a judicious choice of situation. In the 

 first place, capacious holes, adapted to the size of the tree, in making of 

 which the upper or useful soil (if good), and the subsoil, should be thrown 

 out in distinct heaps ; and last, though not least, sufficient choice of trees, 

 both as regards height and form, reserving the most pendulous or inclining 

 forms for the exterior of the groups. 



If the subsoil be a retentive clay, the trees can of course make no root to 

 be depended on below the general clayey surface, therefore what tiiey cannot 

 do below must be done above. In this case, the tree should be planted on 

 a mound, and the true collar of the tree should be nearly a foot above the 

 common surface. A small cart-load of prepared soil should be ready for 

 each tree, composed of one half free loam, and one half vegetable matter, 

 well blended; this should be trimmed in amongst the fibres, and finally topped 

 up with the original surface soil. 



One of the most general faults that I am aware of, in the pleasure-grounds 

 or shrubberies of the wealthy, is, the definite line formed by the sudden trans- 

 ition from the pleasure-ground to the park. How frequently do we see a 

 wire fence in this position ; studded on the one side like a nursery, with a 

 dense mass of chiefly evergreens, and either suddenly naked on the other side, 

 or with a few large deciduous timber trees, which (in winter at least) form no 

 bond of connexion ! Sir Uvedale Price and others have said much about 

 masses of holly and thorn as connecting links, and to break the browsing 

 line; but how few attend to it, although few dispute the principle! 



After all, the best groups are and can be made out of enclosed plantations, 

 provided the " painter's eje " has been at work. Here, by studying the 

 varying forms, and seizing on what Price or some author calls " accidents," 

 graceful groups may be formed, full of intricacy, possessing a good sky outline, 

 together with a gracefully fringed vista ; and, if the position of the plantation 

 has been well selected, groups complete in themselves as to form, and con- 

 ducive to the general effect, may be produced. 



Oulton Park, near Tarporley, Dec. 184'2. 



Art. IX. The Holly. By Charles Waterton, Esq. 



" See, Winter comes to rule the varied year. 

 Sullen and sad, with all his rising train. 

 Vapours, and clouds, and storms." Thomson. 



I AM very partial to the holly, the yew, and the ivy. They 

 give both food and shelter to the birds ; whilst their charming 

 green foliage makes us almost forget that winter has set in. 

 The holly claims my preference ; for, in addition to food and 

 shelter, it affords an impenetrable retreat to those birds which 

 take np their quarters on its branches for the night. 



Our ancestors knew and felt the value of the holly hedge, 

 when the wintry blast whistled through the naked hawthorn. 

 Hence they raised it as a barrier against the north ; and, on the 

 breaking of the clouds at noon, they would resort to the pro- 

 tection which it offered, and there enjoy the sun's delightful 

 presence. But modern innovation, which, in nine times out of 



