28 THE PAEKS AND GAEDBNS OF PARIS. [Chap. II. 



the tenderest exotics. Acanthuses too, when well-grown, are very 

 suitable for this use. Then we have a hardy Palm, that has pre- 

 served its health and greenness, in sheltered positions where its 

 leaves could not be torn to shreds by storms, through many hard 

 winters. 



And when we have obtained these, and many like subjects, we 

 may associate them with not a few things of much beauty among 

 trees and shrubs — with elegant young Pines; not of necessity 

 bringing the larger plants into close or awkward association with 

 the humbler and dwarfer subjects, but sufficiently so "to carry the 

 eye from the minute and pretty to the higher and more dignified 

 forms of vegetation. By a judicious selection from the vast number 

 of hardy plants now obtainable in this country, and by associating 

 with them, where it is convenient, house plants that maj be 

 placed out for the summer, we may arrange and enjoy charms 

 in the flower-garden to which we are as yet strangers, because 

 we have not utilised the vast amount of plant loveliness now in 

 our garden-flora. 



In dealing with the tenderer subjects, we must choose such as 

 will make a healthy growth in sheltered places. In all parts the 

 kinds with permanent foliage, such as the New Zealand Flax and 

 the hardier Dracaenas, will be found as effective as around London 

 and Paris ; and to such the northern gardener should turn his 

 attention. Even if it were possible to cultivate the softer-growing 

 kinds, like the Ferdinandas, to the same perfection in all parts as 

 in the south of England, it would by no means be everywhere 

 desirable, and especially where expense is a consideration, as these 

 kinds are not capable of being used indoors in winter. The many 

 fine permanent-leaved subjects that stand out in summer without 

 the least injury, and may be transferred to the conservatory 

 in autumn, there to produce as fine an effect all through the cold 

 months as they do in the flower-garden in summer, are the best 

 generally. 



But of infinitely greater importance are the hardy plants ; for 

 however few can indulge in the luxury of rich displays of tender 

 plants, or however rare the spots in which they may be ventured 

 out with confidence, all may enjoy those that are hardy, and that 

 too with infinitely less trouble than is required by the tender 

 ones. Those noble masses of fine foliage displayed to us by 



