Flowers and Gardens 



as if they were growing in a meadow, but 

 growing unusually close. Summer flowers 

 may be arranged more massively, but are 

 often cut without sufficient length of stalk, 

 so that the Larkspurs cannot rise well out 

 of the Sweet-Williams and shorter species. 

 Always, then, look well to the forms, and 

 let these be clearly seen and skilfully com- 

 bined. Take care of them, and the colours 

 will take care of themselves. For nine 

 people have an eye for colour to one who 

 thinks about form; and those who care 

 nothing for colour will seldom be much 

 interested in flowers. 



But are these faults we have been 

 speaking of universal ? That I really 

 cannot say ; though well acquainted with 

 flowers, I know comparatively little about 

 gardening. I merely allude to faults 

 which we are continually meeting with 

 in greater or less degree, and which 

 seem to be fast spreading in our private 

 gardens ; and I have thought best to 

 attack these evils in their boldest and 

 most decisive forms. At any rate, I 

 have shown my meaning ; and where 

 the charges do not apply, they will do 

 no injury. 



ii8 



