REVIEWS OF BOOKS 



551 



given, and the quantities to be used to the acre to make a good green 

 sward, following, of course, thorough preparation of the soil. The 

 importance of properly making both lawns and walks is well described, 

 and should be carefully read by all garden lovers. The subject of water- 

 gardening is so great that a whole volume could easily be rilled with it ; 

 but in a limited space the author deals practically with all the most 

 important features ; and although it is impossible to get water in quantity 

 in some gardens, it is shown how in many, lovely lakes and streams 

 may be made at a comparatively light cost. The advice on the 

 arrangement of hot-houses is excellent, and Mr. Mawson lays special 

 stress on the compactness of these structures ; for, as he truly says, the 

 loss caused by the hot- houses being far apart is very great ; we are 

 also glad to see he does not recommend lofty houses. Not only are lofty 

 houses more costly, but they are not so suitable for plant or fruit 

 culture. Excellent descriptive lists of trees, shrubs, hardy flowering 

 perennials, &c, in fact, nearly every subject that comes under the title 

 chosen for the book is comprehensively and ably treated. The book has 

 a first-rate index. 



" Sweet Peas and their Cultivation for Home and Exhibition." By 

 Charles H. Curtis, F.K.H.S. 8vo. 90 pp. (Collingridge, London.) 

 Is. net ; cloth, Is. 6d. net. 



Although there are a number of books on sweet peas this is the most 

 practical and best we have seen, and the most ignorant novice could 

 scarcely fail to be a successful grower if he followed out the directions 

 so clearly and ably set forth. We are very glad Mr. Curtis writes so 

 emphatically on the importance of thin sowing. A very fine example 

 is shown on page 21 of what single seeds will do, provided they have an 

 opportunity to develop properly. Plants are shown well over seven feet 

 high and at least two feet through, raised from single seeds. Many will be 

 surprised at the author recommending thinning out the seedlings a foot 

 apart in the rows, but experience has shown for some years that this is 

 the correct thing to do : not only are finer flowers produced, and more of 

 them, but they are far more vigorous, and continue to blossom for a 

 longer period. The Cupid section is only faintly praised by the author, 

 for though a few may grow this class well, the great majority of people 

 who have tried them soon give them up. They are disappointing 

 things, and seldom worth the space they occupy. Excellent chapters on 

 Watering, Manuring, Pests, and Diseases are given, and we have nothing 

 but praise for this valuable little book, which is well printed and has a 

 very good index. 



" The Art of Garden Designs in Italy." By H. Inigo Triggs, 

 A.R.I.B.A. Imp. 4to. 131 pp. Illustrated by 73 photographic plates 

 reproduced in collotype, 27 plans, and numerous sketches in the text 

 taken from original surveys and plans, specially made by the author, and 

 28 plates from photographs. By Mrs. Aubrey Le Blond. (Longmans, 

 London.) £3 13s. 6d. net. 



This is a really magnificent work : the printing is bold and very clear, 

 and the numerous plates are quite works of art. Gardens and their 



