ON THE APPROPRIATE EMBELLISHMENT OF GARDEN SCENERY. 
45 
open above head. It is formed of a large mound of earth faced with large angular pieces of rock, 
which advance and recede, project prominently forward, or fall far back, so as to produce a great 
diversity of surface, and plenty of light and shade, such as an artist’s eye delights to rest upon. In 
the centre is an irregular shaped basin for water, the large stones which form the base of the 
surmounting rock-work projecting over the edges of the basin, and have a fine effect, giving at a 
little distance great depth of shade. The walk, which curves around the base of the rock-work, 
is trellised over to the height of eight feet, quite to the ground on one side, but with wide openings 
on the side nearest the Ferns. This trellis is covered with Roses, Clematis, Glycine, and other 
climbers, and is of itself very pleasant, forming what Dr. Cams, in the King of Saxony’s Tour, has 
amusingly called “ a leafy alley of Psoralea at all events, it forms that kind of shade to the lower 
part of the Fernery which the plants so much delight in. 
As this short description of what is known to succeed well, embraces most of the points necessary 
to a good choice of situation, I will only here remark that there is room for an infinite diversity of 
taste in the arrangement, only observing to secure a good amount of shade to the lower part; but not 
by covering over, as Ferns will not flourish well under too much drip, neither will they do so well 
when the shading is produced by any opaque substance, as a wall. I do not mean to assert that they 
will not grow under different circumstances, but I do say, that the kind of shade I recommend 
approaches nearer to that under which, in a natural state, Ferns are found most luxuriant. 
[The hardy Ferns at Redleaf have an admirable effect, growing in the situation described by Mr. 
Cox; and which they appear to enjoy infinitely. At the time we saw them, they were in a very 
luxuriant condition, proving without doubt the perfect adaptation of the situation to their growth. 
Most of our native species were noticed there, though the effect en masse was chiefly produced by the 
larger Ferns, such as Osmunda regalis, Athyrium Filix-femina, Polystichum angulare, Lastrea Filix- 
mas, Scolopendrium vulgare, Blechnum Spicant, and the Lastreas of the “ dilatata” group. Onoclea 
sensibilis was also conspicuous, growing with remarkable vigour, both here and in other parts, having 
fully localized itself about the bases of the large blocks of sandstone, which give such an expression to 
the pleasure ground at Redleaf. Of rarer kinds we particularly noticed fine tufts of Osmunda specta- 
bilis, and of Adiantum pedatum, two very elegant North American species.—M.] 
ON THE APPROPRIATE EMBELLISHMENT OF GARDEN SCENERY. 
By Mr. H. BAILEY, C.M.II.S., Gardener to G. Harcottrt, Esq., Nuneh.au Parr. 
7RHERE are, perhaps, few persons in the present day, who are in possession of a garden, who would 
A not feel offended if their taste, or rather dogmatical caprice, in the use of decorative objects were to 
be called in question. Notwithstanding this, however, it is a fact that the most crude misconceptions 
prevail, and the most egregious absurdities are perpetrated. 
Without attempting to impugn the right which every man claims “ to do what he likes with his 
own, ” it will readily be admitted that all are amenable to criticism, and that what is commonly called 
taste, instead of being a mere ad libitum impulse, is, in fact, founded upon fixed and recognised prin¬ 
ciples, which can no more be departed from with propriety, than the just proportions of architecture 
can be deviated from in constructing a Grecian temple. 
An object may be in itself highly beautiful, or possess that indefinite quality which is termed 
“pretty; ” but it ought also to have some relation to other objects in the scene of which it forms a 
part. A perfect whole can never be composed of incongruous parts, and harmony and unity of expres¬ 
sion are indispensable qualities in a perfect garden, no matter whether it is that of an unpretending 
cottage residence, or Palladian palace, the baronial castle, or the old conventual religious house. 
The use of what is called “ rustic ” ornaments, as vases and baskets for flowers, has latterly been 
carried to a great extent, and in too many instances with the most unhappy effects. How often do 
we see these things associated with architectural balustrades, Grecian vases, piles of stones (misnamed 
rock work) on smooth lawns, each of which may have its proper and legitimate place in a garden and 
be introduced with admirable effect, but thus mixed, forming a discordant whole, “ a thing of shreds 
and patches.” 
We should not, and do not, object to rustic baskets in the garden of a romantically situated cottage; 
but in a residence of any architectural pretensions, the whole of the subordinate objects pertaining to 
the garden, as seats, flower-baskets, vases, &c., should have the same expression as the house, the im- 
