595 
PARK AND CEMETERY. 
compact, neat and orderly. These 
were noticeable features of English 
design, as we shall see, but the con- 
ditions of mediaeval times did not 
lend themselves to a high develop- 
ment of landscape design. 
With the cessation of these harsh 
warlike conditions and the dawn of 
the Renaissance, land- 
scape design entered 
upon a new and glori- 
ous era, for now, espe- 
cially in Italy, great 
protective fortress 
walls were useless, and 
we begin to find coun- 
try places designed 
solely for enjoyment 
and the entertainment 
of guests, not as re- 
treats for protection 
from warlike neigh- 
bors. Then was devel- 
oped that perfect thing 
in landscape design, the 
Italian villa. 
The greatest artists, 
such as Leonardo da 
Vinci, Raphael and 
many others, made 
plans for them, and as 
we study their work in 
this regard we see that 
the best principles of landscape de- 
sign were instinctively used. An 
Italian villa included the entire crea- 
tion of roofed and unroofed build- 
ings, terraces, fountains, paths, walls, 
seats and planting. Everything was 
most carefully provided for with one 
well rounded purpose in view. 
The site was selected in an agree- 
able country, giving access to good 
breezes and rare views; accessibility 
and constructive considerations were 
remembered. It was a hilly coun- 
try and rather high up, but not at 
the top of these hills were placed the 
villas. There was always the closest 
adjustment to topography, but this 
adjustment differed from that of 
mediaeval times. These sloping sit- 
uations led naturally to the develop- 
ment of the terrace, and while the 
Renaissance designers may have mod- 
ified the topography more, they did 
not contradict it, as was done in the 
earlier Roman times. Definiteness 
was retained by a larger unity, was 
introduced dependent more or less 
upon symmetry. Symmetry was al- 
most lacking in mediaeval times, but 
in the later Renaissance was carried 
to extremes. Repetition was most 
effectively employed. Shade and an 
abundant water supply were always 
provi<led. Social conditions were 
ever in mind, in fact, the purpose of 
the Italian villa was largely social. 
These were not hunting lodges, ascetic 
retreats, but places for the social en- 
joyment of wealthy princes and pre- 
lates and their many friends. Here 
we may not mention the many de- 
The value to our readers of detail- 
ed knowledge of improved equipment 
they require, is unquestioned. We are 
therefore glad to show this drawing 
of the Bostrom Improved Levels for 
Park and Cemetery Superintendents, 
and Landscape Gardeners. This de- 
tailed illustration of one of these 
$35.00 outfits illustrates the principal 
working parts of the instrument in 
such a manner as to emphasize its 
simplicity of construction and ease 
of operation. 
For the Park and Cemetery Super- 
How can I get black plantain or 
buckthorn out of my lawns? 
When would you trim hydrangeas, 
spring of year or fall? 
How much lawn grass seed will I 
sow on a lot 15 feet by 30 feet, equal- 
ing 300 sq. ft.? H. H., Pa. 
In answer to your correspondent as 
to how to get rid of black plantain, 
will state that this is sometimes a dif- 
ficult matter. Some superintendents 
have had success by using Ammoniat- 
ed Lime, but this will have to be ap- 
tails thought of, but the Villas Lanti 
and d’Este, to mention only two of 
the more famous, show how perfectly 
all was considered. 
(To be- continued) 
intendent, or Landscape Gardener, 
large or small, the Bostrom Level has 
elements which meet the require- 
ments to a greater degree than any 
other Level within our knowledge, 
at a considerable advance over the 
Bostrom price. 
The announcement of the manu- 
facturers in this issue sets forth de- 
tails and terms which should be in- 
vestigated by all of our readers who 
need or may need a thoroughly de- 
pendable surveyor’s Level at moderate 
cost. 
plied when the weather is hot and 
when there is no likelihood of rain 
for at least 24 hours. 
As to a second inquiry as to the ■ 
proper time to trim Hydrangeas, will 
say it is in the spring of the year. 
The proper rule to follow is that all 
fall flowering shrubs should be 
trimmed in the spring and all spring 
flowering shrubs should be trimmed 
in the fall. 
Third inquiry as to how much grass 
( Continued on page VIID 
BOSTROM’S IMPROVED LEVEL 
ASKED and ANSWERED 
An exchange oj experience on practical matters by our readers. You 
are invited to contribute questions and answers to this department. 
