NOVEMBER. 
345 
creeping into fashion, and as we do not wish to appear singular, 
we have given two plans which may be edged with box, but at 
the same time we must say that we prefer neat edgings of earthen¬ 
ware, cast iron, wire, &c.” We presume the authors have seen 
La JBlondel, La Theorie et la pratique du Jardinage, as well as 
some of Nesfield’s designs, where edging, embroidery, and scroll 
work, are seen in all the elaborate finish of high art, and which 
belong to the French school, rather than to the Dutch, the prin¬ 
cipal features of the latter consisting of sloping banks, straight 
canals, and clipped hedges, a modification of the French style 
certainly, but with sufficient distinctness to constitute it a sej)arate 
school. We quite admit that geometrical gardens should be shut 
out from natural scenery, or at least should be separated from it by 
some broad line of demarcation ; but that the geometrical style is 
unsuited to be looked upon from the windows of the house, will 
depend on what the authors’ views of a geometric garden consist 
of. We are pretty well read in geometrical gardening, and our 
own idea on the subject is, that geometric gardens are especially 
adapted to accompany architectural features, and of course to be 
looked upon from the windows of the house; but if the figures of 
the design take the fantastic shapes our authors allude to, by which 
we presume they have in their minds’ eye, the stars, hearts, cross 
swords, and the many nondescript-sliaped beds too frequently 
seen even in otherwise good gardens, then we say, the sooner they 
are banished,—not only from the vicinity of the house, but from 
every part of the ground,—the better; they constitute an offence 
against good taste which should render their removal an impera¬ 
tive act on all who have gardens, and who value either art or 
nature. In reference to edgings, we hope in time, and as fashion 
is now a-days everything with professional men, that the authors’ 
scruples as to the use of box as an edging will be overcome, espe¬ 
cially when they consider, as a matter of taste and beauty, how 
much superior it is to any manufactured article. Of the designs 
themselves, twenty in number, many of them give very pleasing 
combinations of easy flowing lines. We prefer ourselves No. 1, 
more particularly if the centre figures were less complicated; the 
centre division of No. 8, which would be a gem planted with good 
taste; No. 10; No. 14, which is a good modification of an original 
French design; and No. 19. The length and narrowness of the 
beds may be considered objectionable to some by not allowing for 
large breadth of colour ; and for these reasons, we should have 
preferred the centre or key beds to have been larger and less com¬ 
plicated. The work, however, will afford many useful ideas for 
laying out grounds to those engaged in this subject, and we can 
therefore well recommend its perusal and study. 
The Wild Florcers of Great Lritain. Illustrated by Charlotte 
Gower, and botanically and popularly described by R. Hogg, 
LL.D., F.L.S., and George W. Johnson, F.R.II.S., editors 
of the ‘‘Journal of Horticulture and Cottage Gardener.” 
