40 THE WILD GARDEN. 
of blossoms—but in gardens not yet. Some may say that 
this cannot be done in gardens; but it can be done infinitely 
better in gardens than it has ever been done in nature; because, f 
for gardens we can select plants from many countries. We 
can effect contrasts, in which nature is poor in any one place 
in consequence of the comparatively few plants that naturally’ 
inhabit one spot of ground. People seldom remember that “ the 
art itself is nature;” and foolish old laws laid down by land- 
scape-gardeners are yet fertile in perpetuating the 
notion that a garden is a “ work of art, and there- 
fore we must not attempt in it to 
imitate nature.” 
Sometimes, where there are 
large and bare slopes, an excellent 
effect may be obtained by planting 
the stouter climbers, such as the 
Vines, Mountain Clematis, and 
_ Honeysuckles, in groups or masses 
on the grass, away from shrubs or 
low trees; while, when the banks 
are precipitous or the rocks crop 
forth, we may allow a curtain of 
climbers to fall over them. 
The Nootka Bramble; type of free- * i 3 
SioWInE Rowerlne sini Fer Endless charming combinations 
ee as may be made in this way in many 
spots near most country houses. The following genera 
are among the climbing and clinging hardy plants most 
suitable for garlanding copses, hedges, and thickets :—Ever- 
lasting Peas (many kinds), the hardy exotic Honeysuckles, 
Clematis (wild species mainly), the common Jasmine, 
