260 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



much to do, and how much not to do, as it is equally as easy to do too 

 much as it is to do too little, and thus spoil the whole effect. Again, 

 main have an idea that anywhere will do for a wild garden, but to have 

 a really good one means a favourable soil and position, with the best 

 possible judgment on what to plant, where and how. When it can be 

 made a part of the garden scheme, coming quite naturally as a part of 

 the garden, then by all means have it, but it means work and not 

 indolence, as many seem to imagine, and so we welcome the authoress's 

 timely advice. 



"Pansies and Violets." By D. B. Crane, F.R.H.S. 8vo., 128 pp. 

 (Collingridge, London, 1908.) Is. 



Mr. Crane is a well-known grower and exhibitor of these plants, and 

 his little book is very welcome, as there are few books on these plants. 

 The information is very practical and clearly given, dealing with all 

 phases of culture, with botanical and historical notes. We can confi- 

 dently commend this book to all who possess a garden. 



" My Garden." By Mary Pendered. (Sisleys Ltd., London.) Is. 



This is really a notebook of handy size, with one side showing the work 

 of the week, and the other making notes, such as recording work done, 

 and as such useful for the gardener or amateur. 



"La Mosaiculture pratique." By Albert Maumene. Seventh edition, 

 with -254 illustrations, including 4 coloured plates. 8vo. 448 pp. (Paris, 

 Librairie et Imprimerie horticoles, 1908.) Paper cover, 3 f. 50. 



A handbook of formal bedding admirable in its simplicity and breadth 

 of treatment. Its excellence as a manual and the popularity of the subject 

 in France are shown by the rapid exhaustion of the preceding six editions 

 and the issue of the present much enlarged and largely rewritten seventh. 

 In England carpet bedding, ribbon borders, and formal gardening generally 

 have been for many years regarded with but little favour, partly, no doubt, 

 owing to the remarkable influx of new hardy exotics, but also owing to our 

 almost national preference for greater freedom in the treatment of plants, 

 a preference voiced by Bacon when of the coloured sands and formal beds 

 of his day he said, M You may see as good sights many times in tarts," and 

 admitted when those beds laid out in the simplest and least ambitious 

 style became known as " parterres a l'anglaise." But in association with 

 architecture and in frequented walks in our parks and large gardens 

 formal bedding has its rightful place and its inimitable effects, and 

 recent years have seen a noticeable improvement in the taste evidenced in 

 its designs and the judgment applied to its use. The present manual, 

 after a brief historical summary of the development of modern styles and 

 a criticism of their scope and limitations, proceeds to their adoption 

 in the formation of beds of permanent or seasonal interest. Colour 

 harmonies and contrasts are discussed, and every step in the making of a 

 LMnlon, from the preparation of the washes employed in colouring the 

 i" n< .1 d< i m to tin pinching and watering necessary after actual planting, 

 is fully and simply explained. Extensive lists are given of plants for 

 special purposes, s Q that the plants suitable for spring, summer, autumn, 



