106 
GARDEN DECORATIONS, 
ill-grounded assumption. An unpresuming garden, like a modest 
individual, may have great defects without challenging criticism ; 
and will even be liked and praised because of its very unobtrusive- 
ness. But where a great deal is attempted, and there is much of 
pretension, whether in persons or things, scrutiny seems invited, 
incongruities are magnified, and actual merits are passed by un- 
noticed, or distorted into something quite ridiculous.’^ 
The improver must decide, before he begins to plan for plant- 
ing, what the size and features of his lot, and his own circum- 
stances, will enable him to accomplish most perfectly. 
If there are trees or shrubs already of good size growing on 
the lot, the first study should be to develop and exhibit all their 
traits to the best advantage ; and to this end a rich soil and a 
perfected lawn are the most essential. 
If the lot is bare of trees, a smooth surface and fine lawn are 
still ground-works precedent to planting, whether the lot be large 
or small. If large enough, choose among large trees the principal 
features of its embellishment ; if less than an acre, plant sparingly 
trees of the first class ; if a rood, or but little more, then lawn, 
shrubs and flowers should be its only verdant furniture. 
We class among shrubs many dwarf evergreens, which, be- 
cause they belong to species which usually attain large size, are 
included in nursery catalogues under the head of trees. They 
will be found classified in our Appendix. We also regard as 
shrubs, in effect, those vigorous growing annuals or perennials 
like the ricinus, cannas, dahlias, and hollyhocks, which grow too 
high to he seen over.^ and which cast shadows on the lawn near 
them. 
