46 PLANTING. 



Upon the arrangement of plants in the flower-garden a diversity of 

 taste exists. The connoisseur Florist, who studies only varieties of 

 particular species of pink, carnation, polyanthus, auricula, &c., prefers 

 having whole beds of each of these flowers ; he is anxious for the 

 number of varieties, and most ardently solicitous for those which 

 are rare. The Botanist, in his scientific pursuits, looks not for an 

 unprecedented variety of colours, nor particular construction of forms, 

 but arranges them in classes; and prizes a new species, although 

 possessing no beauty, to the gayest flower in the garden : while the 

 General Observer prefers a judicious arrangement of beautiful flowers ; 

 his pleasure is in admiring the harmony, the variety, and the splen- 

 dour of the blooms. 



The disposal of plants in the beds of a flower-garden must, there- 

 fore, depend on the taste of the proprietor. Where there is no 

 particular inclination to study plants scientifically, but a flower-gar- 

 den is required for recreation and amusement, the object must be 

 to produce a pleasing variety throughout the season. Beds may be 

 allotted to a general mixture of flowers, or to any particular species 

 of choice or rare plants. Where there is an extensive collection 

 of plants, flowers in pots may be reserved for adorning some beds, 

 by a process denominated plunging, to secure a continual succession 

 of variety and bloom. This arrangement, if judiciously conducted, is 

 best calculated to give general satisfaction, as it may afford attractions 

 for the Botanist, the Florist, and the General Observer. The plants 

 for beds should consist of the handsomest flowering shrubs, the most 



