TREES AND SHRUBS 247 



a horrid untempting-looking clay, is left bare. The poor 

 little berberis shrubs have swaying tin plates tied as labels 

 to iron uprights, which make us think of a botanic garden. 

 Fifty different varieties are crowded together, without 

 meaning, much as one sees twigs stuck into a child's 

 garden. 



The greatest master of tree-planting in modern times 

 tells us to arrange together groups consisting of two or 

 three varieties of trees. From personal observation, too, 

 of wood and hillside, we know that good effect is only 

 achieved by a few kinds grouped together in restful 

 repetition. We tire sadly at sight of this one family of 

 berberis, and long for a free hand and permission to 

 rearrange the whole. Why not have had a group of 

 hollies or ilex, some lilacs, olearias, and a few berberis ? 

 Variety, in short, is needed in so extensive a plantation. 

 Then, too, low-growing St. John's wort, ivy, Solomon's 

 seal, foxgloves, mulleins, violets, anything to carpet the 

 ground, would be of interest, as well as helpful to retain 

 moisture and to keep down weeds. Rosemary and broom 

 interspersed amongst taller bushes, with bulbs coming up 

 between, would also be of assistance. 



It is after some hours spent in such disturbing 

 surroundings that the question arises : How can people 

 best learn about tree and shrub planting ? Is the subject, 

 then, so difficult ? Why is it so often badly done .■* 

 Perhaps many do not use their own observation, or have 

 not been shown how to be watchful. 



The speediest lesson is a long journey, with the 

 incentive to note each good colour-effect, every happy 

 combination • of tree and plant upon changing hill and 

 plain. If time and money have to be considered, a 

 student of this subject would be well repaid by taking a 

 cheap Polytechnic tour, so as to pass through many 

 countries in a few days. Without necessarily getting out 



