334 ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. BOOK I. 



one another to the greatest advantage, and thus form either a 

 varied or harmonious combination j — then the same thing is re- 

 peated, generally without any variation*, ever afterwards, 

 which forms a continued series of the same harmonies. This 

 mode of arrangement is chiefly applicable to flower borders that 

 are carried along the walks of common kitchen gardens. It is well 

 practised by most gardeners, not only in planting the roses or 

 shrubs which they distribute regularly throughout the whole, 

 but also in placing the perennial plants ; and in spring, in 

 sowing the annuals, it is done in a most minute and accurate 

 manner. In some species of flower gardens, as in the culture 

 of tulips or other similar flowers, it may be applicable; but it is 

 too trifling for being generally employed, and ought never to 

 appear in shrubberies, or any sort of extensive works. Being 

 of a simple nature, and easily comprehended by most gar- 

 deners, it has given rise, and is in fact nearly allied, to the er- 

 roneous arrangement reprobated under the preceding head :-— 

 an arrangement which has been followed, as far as can be 

 known, from the earliest ages ; but which is not on that account 

 to be continued, when founded, as I trust I have satisfactorily 

 shewn, upon no just principles. 



* In some Egyptian and Grecian borders of ornaments, perpetual variations 

 have been made, but not with a good effect j of which the unfrequency of the 

 practice may be a sufficient proof. 



