336 THE FLORIST AND 



on the hardest timber. Others, as the vine and passion-flower, rear them- 

 selves by means of corkscrew tendrils, which hold so fast that the strongest 

 winds seldom disunite them from their support. Some plants climb by 

 means of a hook in their leaf-stalk, or have a kind of vegetable hand given 

 them, by which they are assisted in mounting, as the pea and several others. 



To return from this digression. — The sombre, gloomy walk of yew, 

 cypress, or holly, should lead to the spot from which there is the most beau- 

 tiful prospect, or to the gay parterre, where Flora has diffused her flowery 

 beauties ; as the contrast, particularly if sudden, adds greatly to the cheer- 

 fulness of the terminating view. 



Bad taste is seldom more conspicuous than when we see trees or plants 

 marshaled in regular order, and at equal distances, like beaux and belles, 

 standing up for a quadrille or country dance. Where the situation will 

 permit, four or six lilacs should be grouped in one place, and as many labur- 

 nums in another, so as to give effect in various parts by a mass of color. 



The guelder rose should appear as if escaping from the dark bosom of 

 evergreens, and not a plant should be set in the ground without adding to 

 the harmony of the whole. A shrubbery should be planted as a court or 

 stage is ornamented, for general effect, and not particular and partial inspec- 

 tion. Boldness of design, which seems to be more the offspring of nature 

 and chance, than of art and study, should be attempted; but though bold- 

 ness is what the planter should aspire to, all harshness, or too great abrupt- 

 ness, must be avoided, by a judicious mixture of plants whose colors will 

 blend easily into one another. 



The most beautiful shrubs should occupy the most conspicuous and prom- 

 inent places. For instance, a projecting part of the plantation should be 

 reserved for the purple rhododendron, the flaming azalea, and other bog 

 plants. Here it must be observed, that unless proper soil be provided for 

 these American plants, the cost of the shrubs will be lost, as they will soon 

 decay when not placed in earth congenial to their nature. With these 

 shrubs may be planted the hardy kinds of heath, as the same soil suits both 

 species. With respect to evergreens, considerable judgment is required, in 

 order to relieve their uniform appearance during winter. This may be done 

 by skilfully arranging different kinds, and those with variegated leaves, or 

 such as retain their brilliant berries during the cold months. 



However, a well planted shrubbery depends not so much for its beauty 

 on the expense or rarity of the plants it contains, as on the selection of trees 

 and shrubs which succeed each other in blossoming throughout the year, or 

 whose various-colored fruits grace them for the longest duration of time. 



