I'LOTTINU; AND I'LAiNNING 



67 



simple rules: When in doubt, follow nature. Avoid, as a rule, 

 plantint;- flowers in stiff rows, unless, of course, some special 

 occasion may reciuire it. Avoid indulging in fanciful effects 

 and geometrical or picture-puzzle shapes ; lend a willing ear 

 to Sir Francis Bacon, whose advice is as timely to-day as it 

 was three lumdred \-ears or more ago, when first it was written. 



KEEP EACH VARIETY BY ITSELF 



"As for the making of knots or figures," quoth he, "you 

 may see as good sights many times in tarts." 



To venture upon one or two more hints : livery path should 

 lead somewhere; it should not wind without good cause. Tall 

 plants will be most effective if placed behind low ones, not 

 mingled with them. Keep each variety by itself; mass, do not 

 mix. Blue and yellow flowers are cheerful and sunshin\-. Use 

 many white flowers near the ga\--colored ones; this brings 

 out the beauty of both. Avoid monotony by having plenty of 

 green ; therefore protect the foliage of plants from insects as 



