208 



THE PARKS AND GAEDBNS OP PAEIS. [Chap. XIV. 



depriTed it of Cowslips and Ladies'-smocts, wliich abound in the 

 grass. When shall we cease to mow and mutilate the sweet flowers 

 that love to grow in the grass ? It is sad to think of the eternal 

 shaving of lawns and slopes with the mowing-machine ; many of 

 these might be bright with lovely flowers in early spring. Many 

 flowers, natives of our own and other countries, would be happy in 

 the turf, which might be cut once or twice a year without injuring 

 their foliage. It is to be hoped we shall some day see a wisely- 

 modified use of the mowing-machine and the scythe. There are 



Cottnge in the Little Xrianott. 



many primly-shaven acres in pleasure-grounds from which flowers 

 might be gathered and grasses cut that are now shaved close every 

 fortnight. A carpet is pleasant to the feet, but we do not want 

 carpets everywhere. Pictures, for example, are better still, and 

 these in gardens may be on the grass. 



It is a common belief with French people that the climate and 

 soil of Paris are unfavourable to trees. They speak of England 

 as the land of " fine trees." No wonder this is so, considering 

 the mutilation and overcrowding of trees around Paris. Five 

 minutes in the Little Trianon prove that trees grow as well there 

 as in any country. Here, in this " English garden," the trees 



