22 OF PLANTING SHRUBS, ETC. [Feb. 
left exposed to the chilling winds, but for the shelter they 
afford. 
Likewise, they produce a great variety of flowers, a varied 
foliage, and are standing ornaments that give no great trouble. 
In the character of screens, they are particularly useful, 
whether to hide disagreeable objects, or as a guard against 
the weather ; or, if they are planted in masses at a distance, 
they soon become agreeable objects, frequently very much 
improve the scenery of the place, become objects of utility as 
well as ornament, and, in such case, afford the highest satis- 
faction. When formed so as to exclude offices from the view 
of the house, or for sheltering the latter, or for connecting the 
house with the garden, orchard, or any similar purpose, shrubs 
are both useful and interesting. 
Where many shrubs are to be planted, the disposing of 
them properly is a matter of considerable importance to the 
future welfare of the whole ; and, whether deciduous or ever- 
greens be mixed or grouped, that is, indiscriminately planted 
together, or the evergreens planted by themselves, as is fre- 
quently done, a regular and natural arrangement is indis- 
pensable for establishing ornament. 
Arranging, no doubt, depends very much on fancy; still, 
there ought always to be plenty of evergreens planted, that 
the whole may be more cheerful in winter. 
If shrubberies were made to a great extent, the scenery 
would be much more varied and characteristic by grouping 
judiciously than by indiscriminately planting. 
However, in small flower-gardens and shrubberies, the 
latter has to be adopted. In such places, tall-growing kinds 
should never be introduced, unless merely as a screen from 
some disagreeable object, for they crowd and confuse the 
whole. The dwarf and more bushy sorts should be placed 
nearest to the eye, in order that they may conceal the naked 
stems of the others. Generally, when shrubs are planted, 
they are small ; therefore, to have a good effect from the be- 
ginning, they should be planted closer than they are intended 
to stand. When they have grown a few years, and interfere 
with each other, they can be lifted, and such as have died, 
or become sickly, replaced, and the remainder can be planted 
in some other direction. Keep them always distinct, one 
from another, in order that tiny may be the better shown 
off. But, if it is not desired that they should be more 
