288 SYLVA FLORIFERA. 



dens of Europe were laid out on geometrical 

 principles, therefore, these shorn hedges were 

 well adapted to the formal and gloomy dig- 

 nity of the gardens of that age of avenues, 

 right angles, and octagons ; yet we are of opi- 

 nion with Mr. London, that this style is not 

 altogether to be condemned, it is well adapted 

 to the Palace of Versailles and of the Thuil- 

 leries, and all edifices which unite formality 

 with splendour. 



Few trees are better adapted for the lawn 

 than the holly, as the colour, either of the 

 darkest or the most silvered, contrast equally 

 well with the turf, and when 



" The cherish'd fields 



Put on their winter robe of purest white," 



It shines still more conspicuous ; for the 

 snows glide off the slippery leaves, as if dis- 

 solved by the fiery colour of its fruit, around 

 which the feathered tribe crowd to claim the 

 boon which nature has provided for them 

 when other food is buried deep beneath the 

 fleecy waters. 



The holly, which forms a verdant pavilion 

 for the chirping tribe, protecting them from the 

 inclemency of the stormy season, forms also a 

 snare for their destruction ; for the fowler ob- 

 tains a viscid substance from the bark of this 



