106 GARDEN DECORATIONS. 



ill-grounded assumption. An unpresuming garden, like a modest 

 individual, may have great defects without challenging criticism ; 

 and will even be liked and praised because of its very unobtrusive- 

 ness. But where a great deal is attempted, and there is much of 

 pretension, whether in persons or things, scrutiny seems invited, 

 incongruities are magnified, and actual merits are passed by un- 

 noticed, or distorted into something quite ridiculous." 



The improver must decide, before he begins to plan for plant- 

 ing, what the size and features of his lot, and his own circum- 

 stances, will enable him to accomplish most perfectly. 



If there are trees or shrubs already of good size growing on 

 the lot, the first study should be to develop and exhibit all their 

 traits to the best advantage ; and to this end a rich soil and a 

 perfected lawn are the most essential. 



If the lot is bare of trees, a smooth surface and fine lawn are 

 still ground-works precedent to planting, whether the lot be large 

 or small. If large enough, choose among large trees the principal 

 features of its embellishment ; if less than an acre, plant sparingly 

 trees of the first class ; if a rood, or but little more, then lawn, 

 shrubs and flowers should be its only verdant furniture. 



We class among shrubs many dwarf evergreens, which, be- 

 cause they belong to species which usually attain large size, are 

 included in nursery catalogues under the head of trees. They 

 will be found classified in our Appendix. We also regard as 

 shrubs, in effect, those vigorous growing annuals or perennials 

 like the ricinus, cannas, dahlias, and hollyhocks, which grow toa 

 high to be seen over, and which cast shadows on the lawn near 

 them. 



