HORTICULTURAL JOURNAL. 49 
THE FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND. 
Action is the mechanism by ■which Horticulture moves, while foresight 
is the motive power ; and taking this view of the subject at the present time, 
it appears necessary that we should arouse that mental activity which will 
shortly be needed, that we may be prepared for the physical in due time; 
and here, by the way, are some sober thoughts and judicious calculations 
needed for the guidance of our future prospects. To those who are con- 
tented to go along in the old fashion, who wake by the same influence that 
disturbs the Dormouse, these observations will be of no use, but we may 
now be pleased to know that such inaction is only a rare exception to the 
general rule, and must as a matter of course, sooner or later, become 
obsolete. Horticulture is now becoming a recognized fashionable feature 
amongst the utilitarian state of society in which we live, and this hold upon 
the general mind, as it becomes more and more developed, will be sure to 
lead to the universal practical calculation of our people, which of itself is 
sufficient to promote progress in all that will pay; but, we are strongly dis- 
posed to believe that there is a greater desire each season, to appreciate the 
beautiful, and to take an increasing pleasure in the well laid out and neatly 
kept garden ; but to the point. We started with the intention of making a 
few remarks upon the flower garden and pleasure ground, with regard to 
improvement and intended alterations. 
In the first place, how is the lawn? Are there any inequalities in the sur- 
face, coarse weeds to pull out, or bare spots to cover over by fresh turf or 
seed ? If so, when the frost breaks up, smooth down by removing the upper 
crust and filling up or lowering underneath, as the case may require, and 
afterwards laying down again, when all should be well rolled or beaten 
down while the ground is yet soft. A good mixture of seed for this purpose 
is, Red Top, Kentucky Blue G-rass, and White Dutch Clover. 
What is the form of the flower bed ? Do the outlines, size, and various 
positions, produce the desired eff'ect, and harmonize with the surrounding 
precincts ? If not, sketch a plan for improvement. Nothing gives more 
pleasure or greater dissatisfaction to a well organized mind, as it scans over 
and expects to find the harmony of efi'ect, than to see a medley of incongrui- 
ties ; multum in parvo is a bad maxim here : a few judiciously formed, 
easily undulating, and well placed flower beds along side of the walks, and 
bordering at intervals a surface of grass, will always be more in keeping 
with the eye of good taste, than a crowding and breaking up of the whole ; 
of course there are modified exceptions, as for instance, a purposely designed 
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