74 
NATURE NOTES. 
The pictures indeed — some from various old sources, others from original sketches 
— would go far to reconcile us with “the formal system of gardening,” although 
the authors protest against this as “a question-begging name.” “The point to 
consider,” says Mr. Blomfield, “ is : Is the garden to be considered in relation to 
the house, and as an integral part of a design which depends for its success on the 
combined effect of house and garden ; or is the house to be ignored in dealing with 
the garden ? ” lie is justly severe on the methods of the modern landscape- 
gardener, in our cemeteries and elsewhere : and deals in scathing terms with those 
who “ bed out asters and geraniums, make the lawn hideous with patches of 
brilliant red, varied by streaks of purple blue,” who “ plant them in patterns of 
stars and lozenges and tadpoles, and border them with ]>aths of asphalt.” The 
ilelightful old writers — Markham, Lawson, Worlidge, and the like — have full 
justice done to them ; and the book is one of those which it is a pleasure to read, 
to look at, or even to handle. By the kindness of the publishers we give a 
-specimen of the illustrations. 
