LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
4 rs 
simultaneously occurred and was as qqickly executed. After leaving ail 
island near the middle, planted with weeping willows, and making a 
shore on the south side (allowing the water to find its own level to 
produce an irregular margin), the whole was planted round with trees 
and shrubs. 
This little lake, in the tasteful way in which it has been managed, 
lias all the appearance of being a natural feature. The water reposing 
in the lowest place is its natural station ; and being surrounded by 
evergreen trees and overhanging shrubs, intermixed with birch, poplars, 
alder, and willows, gives the whole a truly natural aspect, and besides 
admits several aquatic trees, shrubs, and flowering herbs, which would 
be misplaced in any other part of the garden. 
Water dammed up in anyway, except for the purpose of expanding a 
rivulet, is not only improper, but in some measure offensive. This 
element should never be seen but on the lowest surface, or on its way 
towards it. Lakes exist on the tops of hills, as is the case on this very 
estate; but it would be bad taste to form such a thing there if lower 
ground was in sight. 
The leading walk carries us round on the outside of the lake or 
aquarium, as it may be more properly called, and opposite the middle 
of it, and partly under the trees and shrubs, there is a lapidium or 
ridge of rugged stones, formed as a receptacle for alpine, or rock plants, 
as they are commonly called. This site being in the vicinity of water, 
and having a north aspect, is well calculated for the growth and pre¬ 
servation of those minute yet beautiful plants. The Erinus alpinusis now 
beautifully in flower, seated on the surface of the stones, where it sheds 
its seeds and grows like a native. The situation of this rude feature is 
also appropriate, as it cannot be seen at the same time with anything 
soft and gay, the proper inmates of a flower-garden. As an appendage 
to a flower-garden, rock-work should never be made conspicuous, but 
should occupy, as the one I am writing of does, a secluded spot. 
A branch of the leading walk diverges at some distance before 
reaching the aquarium, and passes in an easy sweep on the south side of 
the pool, and among various clumps of shrubs and flowers, and ever¬ 
green shrubs on the turf, falling in again to the leading walk at a cor¬ 
responding distance beyond. 
Thus far, my good Sir, I have conducted you over half the circuit, 
and you must now conceive yourself returning southward towards the 
mansion-house. This side is less varied than the other, but you have 
still to walk among magnificent specimens of trees, and shrubs, and 
flowers. The lilacs, with their feathery tufts of purple and white; 
the mock-orange, breathing refreshing odour; the guelder-rose, with its 
