INTRODUCTION 



5 



the earth. Here the wind that swirls the dead leaves to 

 and fro about the trim garden plots has but little effect, 

 the countless tree trunks and myriad interlacing branch- 

 lets forming an effectual barrier, as may be verified by 

 anyone who seeks the recesses of a wood during a gale, 

 even in the winter when the trees are bare of leaves. 

 In the spring may be seen the tall dead stems of lilies 

 that have never known a stake still standing upright, 

 proof positive that they have escaped the rude bufferings 

 endured by their relatives in the open border. These 

 considerations lead to the recognition of how much 

 plant-life generally owes to the encompassing shield of 

 the wood. Many subjects, such as bamboos, suffer far 

 more damage from biting winds than from severe frost, 

 provided the air be still. Moreover, the wood does not 

 limit its protection to the winter season alone, for in the 

 summer heat when wavering exhalations arise from the 

 baked earth beyond its confines, it provides a cool retreat 

 gratefully appreciated by many a lowly plant. Such 

 things as the Cyclamen and Hepatica are never as happy 

 in the open border as they are in the shade of a wood. 

 With regard to dwarf-growing plants, for many of 

 which cliff-ledges or steep, rocky slopes offer desirable 

 sites, an early autumnal visit is desirable, especially the 

 first season after planting, in order that their condition 

 may be noted, for it is not wise policy on the part of the 

 planter of a wild garden to allow any of his small protegees 

 to slip through his hands for the want of a little timely 

 assistance. Sometimes a light mulch of leaf-mould and 

 sand into which the surface roots may run, will save the 

 life of a plant that would otherwise have succumbed to 

 the winter. Sometimes a change of exposure may appear 

 desirable, sometimes a too exuberant neighbour needs 

 reduction or removal, and if, happily, none of these 

 labours of love are required, the proprietor's tour of 

 inspection will have proved all the more satisfactory. 



