72 THE FLORIST AND 



The soil of the greater portion of the region, the vegetation of which we 

 have given the reader a faint idea, consists principally of a tenaceous red 

 clay ; but from the mild heat and great quantity of rain that falls, vegetation 

 is very rank, and decomposition of the parts thrown off is constantly going 

 on, so that a vast accumulation of vegetable earth prevails all through the 

 forests, affording food for plants of all kinds. 



At some future time we may say something of the natural and cultivated 

 vegetation in the vicinity of Rio. Peregrin us. 



FLOWER GARDENS. 



Geometrical flower gardens when properly located and tastefully ar- 

 ranged are always inviting. Objection has frequently been urged against 

 this species of garden as being of too artificial a character for introducing 

 into natural scenery, but I apprehend that all such objections may arise 

 from the misapplication of the principle. Artificial rockeries, lakes, and 

 all other miniature representations of natural scenery require much taste 

 both in their immediate formation, and the suitability of the locality in 

 w T hich they are placed. So with the geometrical flower garden* In pleas- 

 ure grounds of an undulating nature, traversed by serpentine and abruptly 

 curved walks, irregular masses of shrubbery and broad patches of flowers 

 will seem more appropriately decorative, than any formal arrangement of 

 straight lined or circular shaped beds. Nothing can be more out of char- 

 acter than laying down one of these gardens on an extensive lawn, or open 

 pleasure grounds. Equally objectionable is that system of dotting lawns 

 indiscriminately with flower beds and trees, as unmeaning as out of place. 

 Many fine pleasure grounds are rendered tame ond uninteresting from the 

 ineffective sameness thus produced. 



These designs are very effective in retired situations, hemmed in by trees 

 and shrubs, more especially when surr ounded with an elevated terrace walk, 

 that it may be comprehended in one view. Perhaps their most appropriate 

 position is within, or rather, placed so as to grow an extension to, the ar- 

 chitectural boundary of the house. Here they can be viewed from the 

 windows of the dwelling, and may be decorated with vases, sundials, and 

 other appropriate architectural devices. The fkwer beds are either inter- 

 sected by gravelled walks, or cut out of the grass. The accompanying 

 woodcut is intended to illustrate the general character of those surrounded 

 with grass. With regard to the planting of these spots, there is much 

 room for artistic skill and taste. The modern system is to fill each bed 

 with a distinct colored flower 3 contrasting the colors so as to produce a 

 striking effect when viewed as a whole. Notwithstanding that this ar- 

 rangement of contrasting colors is very frequently attempted, I have met 





