EMBELLISHMENT OF SMALL AREAS. 
393 
the golden willow meeting in an arch, and fixed by cord to groinings 
of the same material, both lateral and parallel to the line formed by 
the points of the intersection. The first year’s, and perhaps the 
second’s, defective foliage should be thickened by runner-beans—inex¬ 
pedient the third year, from the willow’s full-sized leaves and two 
years’ shoots. To the termination of such shaded vista, productive of 
the solemn impression of gloom, through contrast with the surrounding 
sunshine, is adapted a cinereal urn, supported by a pedestal of correct 
proportion. This decoration combines elegance of effect with cheap¬ 
ness of purchase, being obtainable, in the vicinity of free-stone, at the 
trivial expense of five-and-twenty shillings, although of competent size 
and beautiful shape. In less favoured districts, a succedaneum may be 
supplied by a painted, coarse, earthen jar, covered with a top turned 
to the pattern of any common urn, and placed on an oblong-squared 
wooden base. In the absence of stone, a pedestal may be supplied by 
a squared and oblong block of wood, or by a pile of brick-work, sur¬ 
rounded by a carved base and sur-base. The entire cost is very trivial 
indeed, although the ultimate effect be good, as furnishing a handsome 
and corresponding appendage. Such a diminutive avenue is merely 
suggested for convenience, in the absence of superior accommodation 
for shade ; and by the assistance of a few exterior shrubs or creepers, 
particularly if placed by the side of a bushy hedge, is not attended with 
stiff appearance. 
“ Parterres, or flower-beds, require consideration, to prevent a garden 
from disgracing, by discordant character, the contiguous lawn, when 
planned on principles of picturesque taste. While architectural vistas 
were imitated by planted avenues, the charge of inconsistency could 
not be advanced against the disposition of a flower garden into beds of 
unnatural shape or geometrical figure, not unfrequently assimilating 
with the ridiculous shape of what is termed a f Pope-Joan table.’ 
Happily, this Dutch style was for some years superseded by one of 
superior, because of more natural, character; but, in consequence of 
renewed intercourse with France, through the termination of the revo¬ 
lutionary wars, English principles have been injured, and English taste 
impaired by adaptation to the French style. Among other innovations, 
French parterres have been introduced, through a servile, indiscrimi¬ 
nate imitation of French fashion, producing contempt of natural 
beauty, imitated by horticultural art. But, unless it be really ac¬ 
counted as well to be out of the world as out of the fashion, the modern 
devastator of a good grass-plot, for the idle purpose of cutting out 
rondos or ovalos, triangles or quadrangles, double hearts or single 
diamonds, true-lovers’ knots or hateful labyrinths, should consider 
VOL. IV.—no. Lir. u u 
