382 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
pleasure-grounds, it may be attained in another way ; that 
is, by planting irregular groups of the most vigorous and 
thrifty growing shrubs in lawn, without placing them in 
regular dug beds or belts ; but instead of this, keeping the 
grass from growing and the soil somewhat loose, for a few 
inches round their stems (which will not be apparent at a 
short distance). In the case of many of the hardier shrubs, 
after they become well established, even this care will not 
be requisite, and the grass only will require to be kept short 
by clipping it when the lawn is mown. 
As in picturesque scenes everything depends upon 
grouping well, it will be found that shrubs may be employed 
with excellent effect in connecting single trees, or finishing 
a group composed of large trees, or giving fulness to groups 
of tall trees newly planted on a lawn, or effecting a union 
between buildings and ground. It is true that it requires 
something of an artist’s feeling and perception of the pic- 
turesque to do these successfully, but the result is so much 
the more pleasing and satisfactory when it is well executed. 
When walks are continued from the house through dis- 
tant parts of the pleasure-grounds, groups of shrubs may be 
planted along their margins, here and there, with excellent 
effect. They do not shut out or obstruct the view like 
large trees, while they impart an interest to an otherwise 
tame and spiritless walk. Placed in the projecting bay, 
round which the walk curves so as to appear to be a reason 
for its taking that direction, they conceal also the portion 
of the walk in advance, and thus enhance the interest 
doubly. The neighborhood of rustic seats, or resting points, 
are also fit places for the assemblage of a group or groups 
of shrubs. 
For the use of those who require some guide in the 
