with borders of blue Delphiniums, stately Hollyhocks and The Land- 
Lilies, one may look across the Firth to crags crimson with scape as 
Heather, the blue hills of Sutherland in the distance, and, half Background 
encircling all, the ever-changing sea. Earlier in the year these to the 
borders are filled with Daffodils, overhead hangs pink Apple- Carden 
blossom, while the heathery cliffs are wearing a robe of 
rich warm brown, and the Alp-like hills in the distance are 
still snow-covered. 
In the Perthshire garden of which a sketch is given the 
central beds are laid out with Begonias in carefully selected 
colours, and pale blue Lobelias. Sentinel-like Irish Yews 
of a stately aspect form a striking contrast to the brilliancy 
of the flowers; and a high Beech hedge enclosing all gives 
shelter from cold winds. A long grass walk, with hedges 
of Roses on either side, divides the flower from the vegetable 
garden. Gazing along this walk to the far-away Grampians, 
what a picture is presented!—in the foreground a glorious 
touch of colour is supplied by Carmine Pillar Roses, and 
looking down the long herbaceous borders fresh charms are 
disclosed, the purples and blues of the Delphiniums, massively 
grouped, being repeated in the lights and shades of the distant 
mountains. Surely there is no more exquisite sight than the 
beauty of a well-cultivated garden of flowers allied with the 
wild grandeur and primeval loveliness of nature. 
In the Lowlands, natural scenery is less obtrusive than in 
the North, but there, too, advantage has been taken of long- 
reaching sweeps of country, with the undulating tops of the 
Cheviots, the bolder Pentlands, or the flatter Lammermoors, to 
break the skyline. 
In one such walled garden, standing on the little terrace which 
45 
