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B-JUL 21

NOV 16 1932

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LANDSCAPE GARDENING:

OH,

PARKS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS.

WITH

PRACTICAL NOTES

ON

COUNTRY RESIDENCES, VILLAS,

$uhlir guilts uift dftnta.

BY

CHARLES H. J. SMITH,

LANDSCAPE GARDENER, GARDEN ARCHITECT, ETC.

NOTES AND ADDITIONS,
BY LEWIS F. ALLEN,

Author of " Rural Architecture," &c.

NEW YORK :
C. M. SAXTON,

AGRICULTURAL BOOK: PUBLISHER.

1853.

$0 0% I,

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1853, by

C. M. SAXTON,

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern
District of New York.

EDITOR'S PREFACE.

It may appear superfluous to re-edit, in the United States,
a work of the kind now presented to the reader : particularly
if it be one of competent authority on the subjects of which
it professes to treat. In answer to this suggestion it may be
remarked, that scarce any European treatise on the manage-
ment of grounds, the vegetation belonging to them, or the
structures to be erected on them, can, in every thing, be ap-
plicable here. Our climates and soils; our trees, shrubs and
plants; our habits and tastes, all differ in various degrees
from those of Europe, and Europeans, to which and to whom
we have hitherto chiefly looked for example and authority in
matters of this kind.

Parks and Pleasure-grounds are a part of the "Institu-
tions" of Great Britain. Parks came into England with
William the Conquerer. Among his first acts of oppression
and injustice, he laid waste of its homes, its villages, cottages,
and cultivated fields, one of the richest counties, to form a
vast forest and hunting-ground, for the recreation of himself

IV EDITOR'S PREFACE.

and his retainers. His noblemen followed the royal example,
and a great part of England was parceled out into wide do-
mains— the spoils of the conquered Saxons — and appropri-
ated to themselves, in ranges of park and cultivated lands.
Hunting was their pastime — -war, agriculture and legislation
their employment. Through Succeeding centuries, becoming
more refined and domestic in their pursuits, they studied the
improvement and cultivation of their estates; and, retaining
their attachment to the soil, which they held by hereditary
title, the planting and preservation of their trees, and the ,
decoration of their gardens, became with them a passion, as
well as a duty. It is so with their descendants in the present
day. It has become a national taste in England, and has
spread into Scotland and Ireland, until no country in the
World can equal Great Britain in the luxuriance and beauty —
the costliness and splendor — the extent and the wealth of
her Parks and Pleasure-grounds. Few, indeed, can indulge
in such extent of luxury as the parks of the aristocracy dis-
play; yet the taste for rural embellishment extends among
all classes of the people, from the royal mistress of Windsor,
Osborne, and Balmoral, to the humble cottager upon his mea-
ger allotment by the hedge-row.

It is not so in America. We have broad lands, and a pas-
sion for lands; but not a passion to improve and embellish
them for domestic occupation, as they have in England. Yet
we are learning this, and we wish to learn more. Our taste

EDITOR'S PREFACE. V

is improving. We are encouraging skillful and ingenious men,
who are aiding us in forming our tastes, by their writings and
their labors. We require practical treatises, adapted to our
own country. Foreign books are not sufficient for us. Good,
many of them are : suggestive in many things, and instruc-
tive in others. The work here presented has appeared to the
undersigned better suited to the American inquirer than any
other which has issued from a foreign press. It is plainly,
unambitiously, sensibly written, and by a thoroughly practical
man. It will do much to instruct us in the subjects on which
it discourses, and with suitable notes appended, may, perhaps,
be more useful to the American reader than without them.
Such notes have been attempted by the undersigned — whether
acceptably, or not, is submitted to the reader.

LEWIS F. ALLEN".
Buffalo, August, 1853.

AUTHOR'S PREFACE.

The design of the following work is altogether a practical
one. While engaged in his profession, during the last eigh-
teen years, the author has often been requested to recom-
mend a book, which might enable persons consulting him to
acquire some general knowledge of the principles of Land-
scape-gardening, and which might aid them in carrying his
suggestions into effect. He has been in the habit of naming
certain well-known works, such as Price " On the Pictur-
esque," and Gilpin " On Landscape-gardening." He has often
felt, however, that such advice was, in great measure, illusory ;
and that if implicitly followed, it would tend rather to puzzle
than to enlighten or direct those who might adopt it. He
himself had experienced the difficulty of making practical ap-
plication of the general reasonings, and of the diffuse, and,
at times, irrelevant discussions to be found in some vof these
authors; and it was only by means of light derived from his
own practice that he was able to put them to profit. In the
work of Price, for example, the leading precepts substantially

author's preface. vh

are: Study pictures — familiarize your taste with scenes
which painters would delight to copy — become acquainted
with the elements of the picturesque, and seek to realize the
resulting ideas in and about your residence. Most gentlemen
of liberal education know something of pictures; but there
are few who would not disclaim such a special culture in
the fine arts, as would fit them to apply the principles of
painting to the improvement of their grounds. To prescribe
such a course is virtually to require a professional education,
or to impose the amateur labor of half a lifetime. The ob-
ject of the present work is to preserve a plain and direct
method of statement, to be intelligible to all who have had
an ordinary education, and to give directions which, it is
hoped, will be found to be practical by those who have an
adequate knowledge of country affairs.

The author earnestly disclaims all intention of detracting
from the acknowledged merit of his illustrious predecessors.
He has been willing to sit at the feet of Wheatley, Price and
Gilpin. He has learned much from their writings. His aim,
in this volume, has been to popularize their principles, and to
simplify and extend their processes in practice. He has, how-
ever, sedulously avoided those redundant and often merely con-
troversial discussions by which some of their literary works are
encumbered. At the same time he is convinced that Land-
scape-gardening, like the other fine arts, is of a progressive
nature; and that its ascertained principles compose a fabric

V1U AUTHORS PREFACE.

to which successive writers have added, or have yet * &. i,
each his stick and his stone. He has endeavored to do his
part. While, however, he has not been inattentive to the
literature of his profession, he has looked even more intently
at nature ; he has sought to draw directly from her inexhaust-
ible stores; and in offering to the public the results of his
observations, he humbly trusts that he has contributed to the
progress of the art.

In adding to his original plan two chapters on the Arbor-
etum and the Pinetum, the author has sought to supply a
want in regard to ornamental collections of trees, which is
becoming daily more apparent. So far as his limited space
has allowed, he has endeavored to treat these subjects on the
principles both of science and taste; and he hopes that the
botanical information, which he has drawn from the best
sources, though it may be uninteresting to the general reader,
will not be unacceptable to the lovers of these pleasing de-
partments of Arboriculture.

Edinburgh, August, 1852.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

THE HOUSE AND OFFICES.

Introduction — Climate of the site — Soil and Subsoil — Drainage —
Supply of Water — Shelter— Position of the House in the Park —
Elevation of the Site — Extent of the Site — Style of the House —
Arrangement of the Interior of the House — Conservatory — Stable-
court and Offices, . . • . . . .13

CHAPTER II.

THE APPROACH.

Definition — Direction of the Approach — Site of the Entrance-gate —
Style of the Gate and Lodge — Line of Approach through the
Park — Gates on the Line of Approach — Termination of the
Approach — Roadway of Approach — Decoration of Approach —
The Avenue — The Fine Approach, . . . .52

CHAPTER III.

PLEASURE-GROUNDS AND FLOWERr-GARDENS.

Position of the Pleasure-grounds— Composition of the Landscape —
Terraces — Walls — Grass Slopes — Shrubs on Terrace-banks —
Stairs on Terraces — the Upper Surface of Terraces — The Flower-
garden — Site of the Flower-garden — Ground Color — The Par-
terre— The Rosary — The American Garden — The Mixed Flower-
garden — Artistical Decorations — Rockworks — Shelter of the
Flower-garden — Planting in the Pleasure-grounds — Walks in the
Pleasure-grounds — Formation of Lawns, . . . .73

i*

X CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV

THE PARK.

Definition — The Unity of the Park— Natural Character of the
Ground — Acquired Character of the Ground— Planting in the
Park — Surfaces to be Planted— Arrangement of Woods in the
Park — a Group — a Clump — a Mass — Carrying out the Arrange-
ment of Woods — Grouping of Plantations in the Park — Outlines
of Plantations— Belts and Circles — Artificial Style — Avenues, . 105

CHAPTER V.

ORNAMENTAL CHARACTERS OF TREES, DETACHED AND
IN COMBINATION.

Introductory Remarks.

Sect. I. The forms of Single Trees — Broad Round-headed Trees —
The Spiry, Conical, or Pyramidal Configuration — The Upright or
Oblongated-— The Weeping or Pendulous.

Sect. II. The Color of Trees — Table of the Colors of Foliage of
Trees— General Remarks.

Sect. III. The Ornamental Character of Trees in Combination —
Conical or Pyramidal Trees — Round-headed Trees — Intermin-
gling of the different Forms and Colors — Concluding Remarks, . 135

CHAPTER VI.

PLANTING.

Preparation of the Ground — Trenching — Draining — Roads through
Plantations— Planting of Forest Trees — Pitting — Pruning — Thin-
ning— Transplanting Forest Trees — Planting and Transplanting
of Evergreens, . . . . • . .166

CHAPTER VII.

FENCES OF THE PARK AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

General Remarks — Boundary Fence — Internal Fences— Fence of the
Deer Park— Pleasure-ground Fences— Malleable-iron Fences-
Sunk Fences — Stone Walls-— Hedges, . . * . 184

CONTENTS* XI

CHAPTER VIII.

WATER.

Artificial Lakes — Islands— the Head or Artificial Embankment-
Decorative Accompaniment — Artificial Rivers—Jet Fountains* —
Jets d'Eau— Propriety of Introducing Water, , . . 191

CHAPTER IX.

THE KITCHEN, FRUIT, AND FORCING GARDENS.

Introduction— The Site — Drainage — Soil— The Form— The Walls—
The Fruit Garden— The Forcing Garden, . . . .203

CHAPTER X.
PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS.

Sect. I. The Public Park— Site of the Public Park— Laying-out
of Public Parks-— Educational Institutions.

Sect. II. Street Gardens.

Sect. III. Botanic Gardens— Special Purposes of Botanical Gai
dens— Botanical Museums— Laying-out of the Botanic Gardens.

Sect. IV. Gardens belonging to Horticultural and Zoological Socie-
ties— Gardens of Horticultural Societies— Laying-out of Horti-
cultural Gardens— Horticultural Museum — Zoological Gardens, . 215

CHAPTER XL

THE VILLA.

Introductory Remarks.

Sect. I. General Properties of the Villa— The Locality— The Site-**
Roads— Position of the House — Style and Arrangement of the
House.

Sect. II. Laying-out of the Grounds of a Villa— Seclusion— The
Approach — Kitchen -garden — Trees and Shrubs* — Water — Lead*
ing Varieties of Villa Scenery — The Pleasure-ground Villa— The
Park Villa, ....... 255

Xll CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XII.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE LAYING-OUT AND
IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS.

Landscape-gardening — Analogies to Landscape-painting — Com-
parative Power over Materials — Simplicity and Multiplicity of
Points of View — Processes wholly and partly Tentative — Pro-
priety of Revision—Utility of Plans — Hazard of Preparatory
Operations, ........ 287

CHAPTER XIII.

THE ARBORETUM.

Definition— Recent Introduction — General Idea of Arrangement —
Sect. I. Scientific Treatment of the Arboretum — Introductory Re-
marks— Dr. Lindley's Classification of the Natural Orders —
Explanations — Synopsis of Orders and Genera — Application of
Principles — Transference of the System to the Ground.
Sect. II. Decorative Treatment of the Arboretum — Object in View —
Employment of Larger Trees — Lawns — Surfaces planted — Ever-
greens— Arboretums attached to Private Residences — Sites in
Pleasure-grounds, . . . . . . 303

CHAPTER XIV.

THE PINETUM.

Remarks on Special Collections of Trees — The Pinetum — Materials
and Arrangement — Enumeration of Species, with Observations on
the Groups — Effects of Climate — Soil — Early Cultivation of the
Plants— Planting of the Pinetum — Pruning of the Trees — Deco-
rative Treatment of the Pinetum, ..... 333

PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS

AMERICAN NOTES.

CHAPTER I.

THE HOUSE AND OFFICES.

Introduction — Climate of the Site — Soil and Subsoil — Drainage — Sup-
ply of Water — Shelter — Position of the House in the Park — Elevation
of the Site — Extent of the Site — Style of the House — Arrangement
of the Interior of the House — Conservatory — Stable Court and Offices.

The house, being the head-quarters of the family —
the capital, as it were, of the park or demesne — is by
far the most important object within the grounds, and,
as such, the selection of the site must take precedence
of all other matters, whether it be a castle or a cottage,
and whatever be its form and construction. While
this ought to be the dominant principle in the forma-
tion of a country residence, and while the house should
be made the central point, to which all operations con-
nected with the laying out of the park and pleasure-
grounds should be referred ; there are certain require-
ments belonging to a mansion-house, as a comfortable
dwelling, which must be allowed to modify the final
choice of site as the best upon the whole world.

14 PARKS AHD PLEASUBE-CKROtrNBS

Climate of the Site.— The general temperature and
dryness of the air have a material influence on the
health and comfort of a family, and, therefore, must re-
ceive due consideration. These qualities resolve them-
selves very much into those of the park, and of the
district in which it is situated. Along the eastern
shores of the United Kingdom, and in the country ad-
jacent to these, in some places to a considerable dis-
tance inland, the climate is comparatively dry and
good ; but in spring and in the beginning of summer,
when cold withering winds from the sea are prevalent,
the east coast is found to be very trying to the consti-
tutions of some individuals. On the west coast, and
in the districts bordering on it, there is a much greater
degree of humidity, which, though in itself disagree-
able, is accompanied with a softness and mildness that
at certain seasons make the climate pleasant and ben-
eficial to those whose health is affected by the rude
severities of the center and the east. The interior hilly
or mountainous regions of our island have a climate
peculiar to themselves ; yet, with a varying amount of
moisture and dryness, and of cloudy or clear atmos-
phere, they are generally healthy and bracing, and
partake of the characters of the east and west, according
as they approach to either coast. Some of the inland
and slightly hilly districts toward the east have much
of its dryness without its peculiar severity in spring,
and may, therefore, be accounted the best. The gen-
eral climate of the park, then, may be said to be the
ruling one for the mansion-house ; but in large, and
even in what may be considered small parks, there
are often localities which have modifications peculiar to
themselves. These variations, though inconsiderable

CLIMATE OF THE SITE. 15

on flat surfaces, are sufficiently marked on undulating
and hilly ones. Southern exposures are decidedly su-
perior, in point of warmth, to northern slopes, or places
lying toward the east or west. Good sites are found
in the latter direction, but they are occasionally in-
clement ; when such positions are selected, they should
occupy, if possible, a western declivity on the east, and
an eastern declivity on the west side of the country.
High and exposed situations are cold, but have a clear
and bracing atmosphere. "Windy positions are to be
avoided ; as also those which are exposed to draughts
of cold air, a peculiarity less apparent to slight inspec-
tion than the other, but not less disagreeable and in-
jurious in its effects. Aware of this, the inhabitants
of hilly countries generally place the ends of their
houses toward the length of the valleys, as the winds,
for the most part, sweep up and down them, in what-
ever direction they run ; and by this arrangement the
houses are assailed by fewer cross-draughts than when
they are set down across the valley. In dry,, well-shel-
tered localities, near the sea-coast, these peculiarities of
climate are less frequently experienced than in more
inland regions.

Note. — Although written for the humid climate of
the British Isles, these remarks are worthy of consider-
ation in the dryer atmosphere of America. In many
localities of our new states, owing to causes of disease,
which a more extensive improvement and clearing up
of the country will abate, the best sites for dwellings
can not with safety be occupied. In the older states
there are districts still subject to autumnal fevers,
chills and agues, chiefly in the vicinity of sluggish
water-courses, or undrained swamps, or marshes. In

16 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS

such, the best positions for a dwelling cannot be oecu^
pied until a more rapid flow of the water be effected
by clearing the streams of their obstructions, and the
low grounds are drained of their standing water. In
^,11 open country, long settled, and its climate defined,
every one desirous to build, will readily ascertain the
advantages or defects of the site on which he prefers
to erect his dwelling. A combination of objects usually
control the selection of the site, and no rule can be
laid down which will govern in all cases. To those
who have a wide range of choice in this particular, and
are not pressed for time, we would suggest the erection
of a temporary cottage on one or more sites which
please their taste, in which a family might be lodged,
with a thermometer to note the ranges of heat and
cold, and the currents of wind, as they affect the spot
adversely, or otherwise. We have known instances
where an apparently well-sheltered valley, by the pe-
culiar conformation of the adjacent hills, was swept
with stronger and harsher winds than an exposed prom-
ontory in its immediate neighborhood. A hilly or
a mountainous region requires closer examination to
determine accurately the degrees of temperature, and
the currents of air to which they are exposed, than an
open, flat country, with nothing to break off or interrupt
the winds but the occasional shelter of trees. As a
general rule, too much importance cannot be given to
climate in the selection of the grounds for a park, or
the buildings within it. A mistake in this particular
may be attended with the most calamitous results, not
only affecting the amount of capital invested, but ex-
tending even to life itself. — Ed.
Soil and Subsoil of the Site.— The nature of the

SOIL AKD SUBSOIL OF THE SITE. 17

soil and subsoil of a place have a much greater influ-
ence on its climate than at first sight might be sup-
posed. In our visits to country residences, we have
often found remarkable differences of climate, which
could be assigned to no other cause. Those on light
dry soils and subsoils seemed cheerful and agreeable
during winter, while others, in the same district, with
wet soils and retentive subsoils, were damp, muddy,
and uncomfortable. These differences could not fairly
be attributed to differences in artificial drainage, for
they were often visible on the same estate, and perhaps
in the same park, one field being moist and slabby,
and another being dry and airy. A little observation
only is required to note these peculiarities in the various
localities. Invalids are very sensible to their influ-
ences. Those places to which slight frosts are most
easily attracted will always be found, if not with wet
surface soils, certainly with cold, retentive, humid sub-
soils. These evils are best counteracted by thorough
drainage ; but this remedy is not always effectual, or, to
be so, would need to be extended to a considerable range
of country. Where perfect drainage cannot be secured,
no residence should be formed. We should even hesi-
tate to recommend the erection of a house on a cold
site, with a tilly subsoil ; for, however well drained the
surface may be, the air in such situations is commonly
raw and chill.

Note. — The above is sound doctrine, which cannot
be too closely studied by all who build a residence in
the country. We have known spots, beautiful in loca-
tion, but so irreclaimably unfit for a family residence,
that after all the desired improvements had been made
at a great expense to fit it for occupation, it had to be

18 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

abandoned. There are other places, apparently as for-
bidding when in a natural state, which are susceptible
of entire amelioration by draining. These can usually
be determined by a geological survey of the grounds,
and a thorough examination of the kinds of tree and
shrubbery which most incline to grow upon them. In
all cases of doubt of the practicability of a thorough
drainage, and a consequent warmth and kindliness of
the soil for the objects required, the proposed site for
the residence should at once be abandoned. The selec-
tion and improvement of a position which shall prove
unfit for a perfectly wholesome and satisfactory resi-
dence, will remain a source of perpetual annoyance
and regret. — Ed.

Drainage of the Site. — It is important that the
site should at least possess that moderate elevation
which will facilitate the drainage, not only of the
locality which it immediately occupies, but the whole
of its environs. The lower apartments of the house
should be made completely dry, and free from the
effects of surface-water or neighboring springs. Easy
and well-concealed sewerage from the house and offices
is matter worthy of careful attention. Indeed, the thor-
ough drainage, not merely of the house and grounds,
but of the park, and of the whole estate commanded
by the windows, should be deemed indispensable. Let
the reader imagine a house set down on a bank over-
hanging a flat, marshy country of many hundred acres
in extent: nothing would be more dismal than the
prospect in the first instance, and nothing might be
more difficult and laborious than the subsequent efforts
to improve it.

Note. — Any one within the limits of the United

SUPPLY OF WATER. 19

States who should seriously contemplate building in
the borders of an undrainable marsh, contemplating to
use it for a park or pleasure-ground, would be con-
sidered a prominent candidate for a lunatic asylum.
Thanks to the free range we enjoy, no such acts of folly
are likely to occur. Yet the necessity of a thorough
drainage to the site, and which, in many desirable local-
ities, is not at first apparent, is indispensable to the
proper occupation of the premises. A stiff and reten-
tive subsoil, in our dry American climate^ is not objec-
tionable to a building site, if it have sufficient descent
to pass off the drains without hindrance. We should
not make it an objection, if, on other accounts, the
position were advantageous. — Ed.

Supply of Water. — Water, in sufficient quantity
and of good quality, is another requisite which must
receive due attention in determining the site of a house.
Sometimes an adequate supply of this necessary of life
is by no means of easy attainment. Wells, tanks, res-
ervoirs with pipes, and hydraulic rams, have all been
resorted to, according as the natural surface of the es-
tate has allowed or compelled the employment of one
or other of these. A fountain or reservoir above the
level of the mansion-house certainly deserves the pref-
erence wherever it can be formed, though its original
expense may be considerable. This plan affords the
greatest facilities for the introduction of water into the
various apartments of the house and offices, and for
yielding a sufficient supply in case of fire, a matter of
some importance in regard to the safety of the property.
An abundant reservoir, placed as indicated above, will
provide with water the fountains on the terraces, and
in the flower-gardens and pleasure-grounds. In some

20 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

gravelly subsoils, even when the surface is compara-
tively dry, a considerable quantity of water may some-
times be found at no great depth, and may be obtained
by means of wells and force-pumps ; but the supply
can hardly ever be so abundant as that yielded by the
reservoir, and the labor required to raise it is very
great. The hydraulic ram is a very useful instrument
where only a moderate quantity of water is needed. A
small stream, with a few feet of fall, will keep it in
operation, and will enable it to raise the water to a
tank, say on the top of the mansion-house, whence it
may be distributed as required. We have, however,
seen it used, and, independently of the price of the
machine, very considerable expense incurred, where,
but for inattention or ignorance in some quarter, the
much more efficient system described above might
have been successfully adopted, with little or no in-
crease of cost.

Note, — A windmill may oftentimes be substituted
for other machinery to raise water for the supply of a
house and grounds when a suitable site can be ob-
tained for its erection. It is a cheap and simple struc-
ture, and a pleasing object in the landscape. In some
parts of the country they are much used for various
economical purposes connected with husbandry, and
may be thus applied in connection with the raising of
water to supply fountains or reservoirs in pleasure-
grounds.— Ed.

Shelter. — It has already been remarked that situ-
ations exposed to high winds and cold draughts are
ineligible for the site of a house. The proprietor, how-
ever, has sometimes a difficult choice to make between
magnificent distant views, which add so much to the

SHELTER. 21

cheerfulness of a residence, and that warmth which
results from sufficient protection, and tends so much to
promote its comfort. Most likely he will endeavor to
compound the matter between the two rival claims, and,
while he risks some degree of exposure, will seek to miti-
gate it by means of shelter. It is commonly found that
natural shelter is the most effectual. A hill, or knoll,
or low ridge, particularly if covered with trees, is more
efficacious than a plantation on a slope- ascending to
the house. A slight change of position will sometimes
be found to have, in this respect, a noticeable influence.
In an extensive park or district of country, the aerial
currents generally affect a particular track, determined,
perhaps, by a gap in a line of hills, the terminating of
a ridge, or the contracting of the sides of a valley ; and
a small remove from that tract, which may be ascer-
tained by observation, may afford the protection re-
quired, without much sacrifice of beauty. The site
should be open, and, if natural shelter is not to be
obtained, recourse must be had to planting. There
are few places, indeed, except in some marine resi-
dences, in which this expedient is not of considerable
value ; still, in exposed localities, the progress of wood
is slow, and one generation may pass away before the
result desired can be effectually secured. Meanwhile,
the builder of the house may have derived little benefit
from the trees which he has planted and reared with
great expense. Even for a marine residence the shel-
ter of a large rock or knoll is of much consequence.
For the sake of a dry and warm site, I should be much
disposed to forego some other more showy qualities.

Note, — The question of shelter depends somewhat
on the length of time, and the season of the year, in

22 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

which the house is to be occupied. For a summer
residence solely, the view or scenery which the site
embraces — other things contributing to the conven-
iences of access and living — has usually a controlling
influence in determining the question. Shelter, there-
fore, as the term is understood by our author, is not
of the first importance. If the house be built in proper
style, with verandas, and suitable yard and garden
walls, aided by the quickly growing trees and shrubs,
with which our country abounds, the question of shel-
ter will be readily accommodated. — Ed.

Position of the House in the Park. — The rela-
tion of the mansion-house to the various points of the
surrounding domain, requires attentive consideration,
and yet it is a subject on which it is difficult to give
specific directions. The whole circumstances con-
nected with the locality, the surface of the ground, and
the facilities of access, must be taken into account.
"We believe that a site near the center of the park,
other things being equal, is generally preferred. Some-
times necessity obliges the choice of one much nearer
the boundary; and such a position, when well pro-
tected from external annoyances, either by the form
of the ground, or by the intervention of a lake or arm
of the sea, or by a considerable breadth of plantation,
instead of being a disadvantage is the reverse, espe-
cially when the views from the public rooms, park-
ward, are by that means extended both in length and
breadth. This observation, however, relates chiefly to
places of moderate size. In smaller parks, on account
of the limitation of space, it is more difficult to form a
fine piece of lawn or park scenery when the house
assumes a central position ; and there is generally a

POSITION OF THE HOUSE IN THE PARK. 23

want of that depth which is attainable when it is set
down near one side or end of the place. Excellent
sites may often be selected near the shore of an arm
of the sea, on the bank of a lake, or in the vicinity of
a river, as at these points, besides the land scenery, we
have that life and variety which water can alone afford.
There are, however, few rivers forming the boundaries
of estates of sufficient breadth to allow the house to be
erected close to their banks. Besides the risk of inun-
dation and of damp vapor, which is incident to low
situations, there is always the possibility of discordant
or offensive objects being erected on the opposite side.
Note. — The objection to the narrowness of the rivers
in Great Britain is well made ; but not so in America.
The St. Lawrence, Niagara, Detroit, St. Clair, the
Ohio, Mississippi, the Connecticut, Hudson, Delaware,
Susquehannah, Potomac, and an hundred others of our
broad rivers, afford the finest possible sites for dwellings,
in many instances on their immediate banks, where
they are of sufficient width to render " discordant or
offensive objects on the opposite side" so indistinct or
innocuous, as to form no serious objection to improving
them for park or villa residences. A site on the im-
mediate bank of a broad stream, or bay, or lake, will
seldom be chosen, excepting in a level country, where
the -house would, if placed at a distance back, not
command it, and where the banks are of sufficient
elevation to be out of the reach of floods. Water, in
connection with landscape scenery generally, is more
effective when seen from a moderate distance, than
when it makes the immediate foreground of the pic-
ture. This, however, will depend much on the breadth
of surface which the water occupies, and whether it

24: PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS,

forms a part of the whole landscape, or a part only of
one of the views from the dwelling, when such dwelling
commands a separate view from its different fronts.
The subject of the landscape which is to be embraced
in the single, or in the several views of a residence,
cannot be too closely nor too intimately studied, before
determining the site for the buildings.

It may be remarked in this connection, that as no
landscape view can be complete without water, it
should, wThen it can be embraced in the view, always
find a place, far or near, as circumstances may con-
trol. Minor objects in wood, buildings, or extent of
country, may be discarded for the advantage of a grand
view of the water. Indeed, we know of no sensation
suddenly breaking on the mind like that of a fine
water view when we have been long pent up among
wroods and grass alone, however picturesque and beau-
tiful they may be. It expands the heart, exhilarates
the spirits, and stirs the soul as no other natural object
can do ; and — although from being long accustomed
to it we may be over-partial — we would not forego the
daily spectacle of a broad sheet of moving, living water,
for all the petty artificial gettings-up of all the artistic
gardeners in the universe. — -Ed.

A more elevated position, even though it may be
near some public road, will probably command equally
fine views of the river, and at the same time be more
free from intrusion, than any of those lower down. We
may add, that certain baronial residences, and some
of them of no small splendor, are occasionally seen
standing on the side of street or road, having been
erected there because they were places of strength in
ancient times. Such remains of the old feudal glories

ELEVATION OF THE SITE. 25

we should be sorry to see removed from where they
are ; but similar situations are now seldom or never
adopted for new residences.

Note. — At the risk of being prolix on this subject,
we must be permitted to enter a protest on the charac-
teristic tendency of Americans to place their country
establishments in close proximity to the highway or
public road. A prominent object in the enjoyment of
a country residence, is retirement — shutting ourselves
from the gaze and remark of the passing world, and
enabling us to take our own pleasure in our own way.
A familiar connection with the public road, therefore,
should always be avoided; while the park, and the
buildings within it, should still be at a reasonabhT con-
venient distance for the necessary purposes of living.
A suburban villa, simply, may look out upon the pub-
lic street in front, and at a few rods distance from it ;
but a proper country-house, with extensive grounds
around it, appropriated for the use and convenience of
its occupants, should shun all such familiar contact.
In fact, no family, not possessing within themselves
resources of mind, and books, sufficient to keep them
from yearning after the idle gossip of a village neigh-
borhood, should ever think of living in a "park," or
away from the daily intercourse of a pedler's cart, or
the interesting spectacle of a passing drove of cattle,
sheep, or turkeys. — Ed.

Elevation of the Site. — The house should be
placed on ground moderately elevated, of easy access,
and commanding some of the best views of the
park and the surrounding scenery. The expression,
"ground moderately elevated," applies more to an
undulating country, than to a level tract, or to a hilly
2

26 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

or mountainous region. In a low, level, and well-
wooded country, the effect of the mansion from with-
out, and more particularly the views from it, would be
entirely lost were it not built in the highest position to
be found within the park. In a hill country, again, a
comparatively "moderate elevation " would probably
place the house among the mists and clouds, whereas
it might be secured from these, or at least have the
most favorable station in the district, by occupying
the first or second of the lowest platforms of the valley
in which it stands.

Note. — Happily, in the United States, we possess
all possible varieties of elevation which the fancy of
those seeking park residences may demand, on which
to indulge their preference. Our Atlantic states, from
Maine to Florida, abound with those embracing beauty,
picturesqueness and grandeur, of themselves alone, or
in varied combination in their most pleasing forms.
And in the broad agricultural states of the west, there
are natural parks, of an extent and beauty rarely
equaled, and nowhere surpassed, clothed with the
noblest trees, in dense forest or in open glades, mean-
dered by pleasant streams. These, to the eye of taste,
present the finest features for the indulgence of an incli-
nation to appropriate them to the most luxuriant parks
and pleasure-grounds that can be imagined. — Ed.

Extent of the Site. — On undulating or hilly surfaces
the site selected for the house should always be of suf-
ficient extent, not only to contain the whole of its
buildings, but also to afford ample space for the roads,
and room for carriages turning at the entrance, to-
gether with a broad walk and terrace on the drawing-
room front. Inattention to these requisites will often

EXTENT OF THE SITE. 27

lead to great subsequent expense and inconvenience.
We have seen a fine mansion so put down between
two steep banks that at its entrance there was scarcely
room to turn a donkey-cart, if we may be permitted to
employ a familiar but undignified comparison. At the
same time, the garden front was such that it required
a thick wall, reared up from a considerable depth be-
low, to form a walk a few yards wide, in front of a
pile of buildings which would grace a terrace of mag-
nificent dimensions. Such an error, if we may pre-
sume to call it one, was rendered excusable, or at least
was accounted for, by the circumstance that it was the
site of an ancient ancestral castle that was thus oc-
cupied. We cannot wonder that old feudal associations
and family recollections should lead " afar descended"
proprietors to cleave to some particular spot as their
time-hallowed homestead. Still, we sometimes think
that there is bad economy of cherished memories in
thus enveloping and concealing the old with the new.
If an eligible site were to be found in the vicinity, we
should rather have chosen that for the house, and have
left the ruin in its own inherent dignity: — so would
there have been two objects of interest instead of one;
and the fragment of departed grandeur would have
spoken directly to the eye, and not have been beholden
to the imperfect medium of words for the occasional
telling of its history. Of course, the same excuse can-
not be made for error committed in the erection of a
new mansion, or in tbe rebuilding of one of little his-
torical or family importance: and yet a picturesque
view will sometimes seduce a man to set down a house
on a narrow pinnacle, where there is scarcely room
for a dovecot. Want of judgment like this is not

28 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

unworthily repaid by subsequent expense and incon-
venience.

Note. — More truth could scarcely be condensed into
the same number of lines than our author has here
written. Fortunately, for the exercise of a correct
taste in such Americans as have the inclination and
means to indulge in the recreation of park building,
they have no " feudal associations ;" and, perhaps less
fortunately — for we individually confess to no incon-
siderable degree of respect for family antecedents of
the right kind — as a people, not a superabundance of
u family recollections" to lead us into the absurdities
against which he warns us. We are, therefore, left
with few prejudices or partialities to warp our judg-
ment in the situation of proper sites for our country
homes. The want of proper education on the subject,
and a lack of natural taste, are more frequent obstacles
in the way of a choice of the best ground to appro-
priate to objects of luxury. Room enough in a country
of cheap land, like ours, should be the first item of
consideration with those who set about selecting a site
for a house out of town ; and for the lack of that, to
one who has the means to build at all, there can be no
apology. — Ed.

Style of the House. — This is a matter which, in all
its bearings, does not come within our province. The
rank, the fortune, and the taste of the proprietor, are
all entitled to be consulted, and to have their weight
in its determination. Still, it is universally conceded
that the style of the house should have some adapta-
tion to its site, and to the character of the scenery by
which it is surrounded. Much has been WTitten on the
subject, and much has been said about one style for

STYLE OF THE HOUSE. 29

the beautiful, another for the picturesque, and yet
another for the romantic. "We confess ourselves un-
romantic enough to think that a comfortably arranged
interior is of greater moment to the proprietor than the
finest exterior can possibly be. At the same time, a
good external appearance is not a matter of trifling
importance, nor is it incompatible with a good internal
arrangement. A proprietor of refined taste will natu-
rally wish that his house should unite both of these
desirable qualities, and at the same time that it should
be properly adapted to its site and position in the
park. Before beginning to build, it is well to consider
what style is best suited to the locality. Undoubtedly,
the style should be selected for that site which on
general grounds is considered the best, rather than that
a site inconvenient in itself should be inconsiderately
chosen, on account of some fancied adaptation to a
particular style of house. It appears incongruous, we
might almost say absurd, to place a street-looking
house in a highland glen, or a castellated mansion on
a plain as flat as a bowling-green. Such mistakes are
not unfrequent. We may add, that the external ap-
pearance should have such a relation to the internal
arrangements that the spectator on the outside should
have no room for mistake as to which is the entrance
front, which the drawing-room side, and what portion
of it is occupied by the offices and inferior apartments.
The public rooms should have some external indica-
tion, if not of their individual use, at least of their
general purpose. To the improver of the park and
pleasure-grounds, the external appearance of the house
is always a matter of great interest, as the house is the
central point to which all his operations are referred,

30 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

and from which they take, as it were, their color. A
beautiful and well arranged group of buildings con-
stituting the mansion-house, create an interest in his
mind suggesting felicitous ideas, and stimulate him to
overcome difficulties, while a bald and shapeless mass
of brick or stone contains few or no elements of inspi-
ration. In regard to the former, his delight will be to
bring out and heighten the features of beauty ; in the
latter case, he will make it his duty, so far as it is in
his power, to diminish or relieve the actual inferiority
which unhappily exists.

Note. — For a more systematic understanding of the
subject, we regret that our author had not postponed
the discussion of the "Style of the House" until after
he had disposed of the " Pleasure Grounds" and
"Parks," which comprise the next two chapters.
These being discussed and understood in their several
aspects, the " House" would more naturally follow, in
its appropriate style and arrangement, in keeping with
the grounds which are to embrace it. In other words,
a house can be much better fitted to the park, than the
various features of the park can be moulded to fit the
house, let its style, in itself considered, be ever so in-
viting. Parks, in America, have, practically, a some-
what different signification than they have in England,
In England, almost every landed proprietor who in-
dulges in the luxury of a park, has a large agricul-
tural estate adjoining, usually farmed by tenants,
together with a home farm of more or less extent, for
the accommodation of his household, and to which the
park is an object of convenience, in grazing his herds,
at the same time that it ministers to the gratification
of his tastes and his luxury. Such appropriations

STYLE OF THE HOUSE. 31

of large tracts of ground are not common in a waste
region, and the finest parks are found in the most highly
cultivated counties. The buildings which decorate
these grounds are usually of great extent, in elaborate
styles of architecture, and cost sums in the construction
at which even our richest Americans would shrink in
the contemplation. But the park-building Englishman
builds for himself and his posterity to inhabit The
American, although he may fancy, or flatter himself,
that he builds for the same purpose, in a great majority
of cases, after a few years of possession, either willingly
alienates it into the hands of a stranger, or, enjoying it
for the term of his own life, his heirs usually expedite
that transaction in as brief a space of time after his de-
mise as the forms of law will admit. In his design,
the laws of entail fortify the Englishman. He is already
in possession of a hereditary estate, which has been for
generations or centuries in the family, and he builds
and improves with a knowledge that, in the usual cur-
rent of events, it will continue so to descend. Or, if he
buy a park and build his mansion, he intends to found
an estate which is to remain in his posterity, or in the
collateral branches of his family, with a reasonable ex-
pectation that they will occupy it for generations suc-
ceeding him. In our country, the laws, contemplating
the subdivision of any estate belonging to the head of
a family, perpetually admonish him to a limited ex-
penditure in so costly a luxury, which, if he be a sen-
sible and a prudent man, he will continually bear in
mind. Under such considerations, therefore, England,
the country from which our fancies and tastes are mostly
copied in subjects of this kind, although worthy of
consideration in many features of imitation, is not, in

32 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

the extent and costliness of her parks and houses, a
safe example for the American to follow.

The style of the house for the American park, may
be considered with us in two different lights : the
first as appertaining to the agricultural proprietor, the
second as devoted to country leisure and luxury alone.
In the agricultural states, comprising those lying south,
west, and nortn-west of Pennsylvania, the extent of
land cultivated and occupied by many individuals, will
permit them to appropriate a sufficient space to park
purposes to gratify a very considerable ambition, while
it may remain devoted to economical uses, and at the
same time afford the finest scope for a display of good
taste in landscape gardening and building. Such pro-
prietors are usually the managers of their own estates,
and reside upon them, if not permanently, at least for
several months of the year. These are their homes —
their places of business. Their habitations are for their
business convenience as well as for domestic life, and
should be made altogether for everyday purposes.
Choosing, therefore, to reside in a park — and which
they may do with equal convenience to the manage-
ment of their estates as if huddled into close proximity
to their cattle-yards or their laborers' quarters — they
should consult a due propriety and style of building,
within the limits wThich prudence in the outlay will
admit, as much as the richer man of the city who en-
joys his park and pleasure-grounds for the purpose of
luxury, and lavishes upon them a much larger sum
for the gratification of his taste or the display of his
wealth.

In considering the first part of the subject, although
it maybe a fancy, there is a fitness in the^tructure

STYLE OE THE HOUSE. 33

of a house, somewhat comporting with the ground fea-
tures of the country by which it is surrounded. A
mountainous evergreen, or a hilly region in a northern
climate, would naturally suggest a strong-walled house,
with a steep and sheltering roof to protect it from
heavy snows, and give it warmth, as in the Swiss or
Anglo-Italian styles, if placed on an eminence over-
looking a wide tract of country ; or in the old English
cottage style with high gables, in a valley protected
hy high hills, and sheltered by woods. If in a plain,
or an undulating country, a wider choice of style
may be indulged, as the more open Italian, or the
modern pointed Gothic ; or inclining to the Vene-
tian, and low Italian, with broad verandas in both,
as their localities extend further south. For the Nor-
man, Tudor, and Elizabethan styles, as they are
severally termed, we have less attachment, being
too suggestive of fortification, and defense, for which
people of the present day have no use. The indul-
gence of these styles with the architects of our own
time, frequently run into all sorts of absurdities in the
accumulation of buttresses, gables, turrets, and end-
less conceits that lower the true dignity of the house,
and make them more to resemble a costly toy than a
sensible, comfortable dwelling. Aside from such draw-
backs, we cannot with propriety copy the proportions
and parts of the foreign structures which are presented
to us in those elaborate styles. In adapting them to
our use, they should be Americanized, if such a word
may be permitted, into a fitness to our circumstances,
as being different from the people of any country abroad.
They should be plain in the exterior, and simple in

their composition, with every convenience that is
2*

34 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

required where the inmates of a family, save in the
southern states, have to rely much more on them-
selves, than in countries where society is divided into
such castes as compel one portion of the population
to serve the other, of necessity, and where such service
can be readily commanded.

In regard to the material of which the house should
be constructed, there is a manifest propriety in using
that which most abounds in the vicinity, if it be of a
proper kind. In a region affording good stone, being
convenient, durable and cheap, nothing can be more
appropriate. In the absence of stone, and good clay in
abundance, bricks stand next in durability and cheap-
ness— a fitting material always ; while in lumber dis-
tricts, abounding in a choice of woods, they may be
applied to the construction of houses for all purposes,
and in desirable varieties of style.

Situated in a park, or elsewhere, a house should ex-
press in its external appearance its chief purpose of
occupation. For summer resort only, it may be open,
light, showy, and shadowy. It may be relieved of
some appendances which are indispensable in a winter
dwelling. It may indulge in more outward ornament,
and wear a less substantial look ; for its exterior ex-
pression should show that it is a dwelling solely, and
not to be mistaken for a temple, or a pagoda. A house
for permanent occupation should have its one or more
fronts — scarce ever more than two — and such front or
fronts furnished in a style of superiority, or otherwise
corresponding with the uses for which they are de-
signed. It is to be supposed that its site commands
the finest view which the park embraces, and the best
front of the dwelling should look out upon it. The

STYLE OF THE HOUSE. 35

rooms on that front should be the highest finished and
furnished, and devoted to the leisure hours of the
family, to purposes of hospitality and social inter-
course. Such may, under fitting circumstances, be
made the entrance front, when another does not render
the approach more convenient. All the show and
luxury of the exterior finish should here be displayed ;
as, commanding the best and most extended view over
other objects, it is the most prominent and pleasing
subject of contemplation from the same objects in turn.
The house should show, from any point of view at
which it is seen, that it has a principal front, or another
front, if it really be so ; yet that this other be subordi-
nate to the main one, for it is scarcely to be supposed
that any one house can command two opposite fronts,
or even a side one, in addition, of equal interest or
beauty. It should indicate, also, that it has one or
more sides shut off from the general view, which are
appropriated to family rooms, where the inmates may
be retired ; and, as a matter of course, domestic con-
venience demands that there be servants' rooms,
kitchen, scullery, laundry, wood-house, and other appen-
dages, forming a continuous range of building in the
rear, which should be quite shut off from familiar con-
tact with the better and more finished, and protected
by shrubbery, trees, fences, and perhaps additional
buildings, accommodating the stable and other re-
quirements. These, in contiguity with the kitchen and
fruit-gardens, placed in appropriate position and con-
nection with the main dwelling, compose a picture of
completeness on which the eye can rest with entire
satisfaction.
There being a sufficiency of ground, the house

OO PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

should spread over it. There is no necessity, nor con-
venience, in underground rooms for living purposes,
in the country house. For height, full two stories
above the surface is all that it requires ; more than
that gives it an ambitious look, and suggests the idea
of a city house in a wrong place. A broad veranda
on the principal front we would not omit ; it may be
extended around one or more of the sides, or even, in
a southern climate, to the opposite front, if such front
there be, (but not a continuous veranda around the
whole,) provided the style of its architecture will allow
it without a violation of its rules.

NA flanking and rear of wood, composed of either fruit
or forest trees, makes the richest background, as seen
from a distance ; and where nature has not already fur-
nished the forest, a plantation of one or the other should
at once be commenced. By this, the house and its ap-
pendages become, as they should be, the eye of the
picture, other irrelevant and less interesting objects
being shut out of sight. Such, and all such advantages
may be comprised in the dwelling of the wealthy
farmer or planter of the United States, without trench-
ing on an economical arrangement of his family resi-
dence.

Let such a composition of the park mansion be con-
trasted with many a modern one, designed for ex-
pressly the same objects, which are so often obtruded
upon our sight : a tall, sqtiare, castellated structure,
standing on a high basement, having at least two,
sometimes three, and, worse still, four fronts, all
equally approached by a carriage-way or foot-walk
entirely around it. The windows of each room staring
out upon its front, and every apartment exposed to the

STYLE OF THE HOUSE. 37

noise and intrusion of every passer-by ; every door a
public door, and no private ingress or egress whatever.
A cellar-kitchen, with underground offices attached,
sending their steam, smoke, and effluvia into every
room and area above, and concentrating within the
four, six or a dozen lines of outer wTall, as the various
angles and zig-zag lines of said wall may govern, all
the seemly and unseemly kinds of occupation to wThich
the appurtenances of a dwelling-house are devoted !
Of the style of its outer or inner architecture, no matter
now — of its interior arrangement we are at this moment
speaking, and it must be apparent to all who under-
stand either the requirements or necessities of house-
keeping, that it has no true fitness for such purpose.
All and every part is public, and public alike — all
lawn, all approach, all open, all show\ There is no re-
tirement, no privacy about the establishment whatever.
Yet many such houses, mansions, country seats, or
villas, by whatever name, are thought by some, pro-
fessing to have taste and judgment in such matters,
fine houses to live in ! We have seen such, built at an
expense of ten, twenty — even thirty thousand dollars,
and upward, that were eclipsed in all convenient,
family accommodation, at a cost of half the money in
each corresponding degree of pretension.

Now, to any one who will enter into the details of
such an establishment, it will prove a difficult labor to
trace out the sinks, drains, areas, and what not, lead-
ing into and out of it, their cost in construction, the
labor and vexation of living in and keeping it in re-
pair. The stables and carriage-houses — for there are
no out-houses, in the common acceptation of the term
— are at a distance, either in open view, or behind

38 PAEKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

trees or shrubbery, as chance may govern, and all con-
nection with gardens, retired walks, the woods and
fields — a full half of the charm of country life — is as
effectually cut off as though one lived on the opposite
side of a public street. The house may be shaded on
one, two, or on every side by a veranda; but what
matters it? It is still cut off from immediate inter-
course with the grounds which should in all propriety
closely connect with and adjoin one or more sides of it,
and through which should be no public passage, and
only approachable through a door of the house, or
a gate belonging to it. It is a show-house, in fact,
erected to gratify the builder's ostentation, instead
of a dwelling in which to enjoy domestic peace and
seclusion.

The exterior architecture of such a house, as appli-
cable to a dwelling, cannot be good, because there
is a want of fitness in its appearance for the purposes
for which it is built. To apply architectural propor-
tions and beauty to an object like this, it should be
largely extended to embrace an open court, around
which its several parts should extend, like a European
palace, a thing we have no use for in America as a
private country residence. A moderate sized house of
forty, fifty, or sixty feet square, as large as is usually
required here, with a strictly architectural finish, must
look like a public structure, and then it becomes an
absurdity as a dwelling. Its interior fitness is no
nearer the mark, for its convenience must yield to the
demands of the exterior — a show dwelling altogether.

In the second light in which the style of the house
may be regarded, as the permanent residence of the
man of leisure, the scholar, the retired man of business,

STYLE OF THE HOUSE. 39

or of him who resorts to the country for a sojourn
of a few months in the year, and unconnected with
agricultural pursuits, other considerations move him in
its construction than those which control the agri-
cultural proprietor alone. If he retire at the distance
of some miles from the city, and out of the immediate
neighborhood of a village, the man who intends build-
ing a park residence will appropriate a sufficient area
of ground to accommodate his wants in the way of
pasturage for his horses, cattle, sheep, and poultry,
(for without them his establishment must be incom-
plete,) and combine within his own possessions a suf-
ficiency of wood — and water, if possible — to give a
completeness to the domain within his own apparent
boundaries. These accomplished, the house becomes
the attractive and paramount object of his attention.

Although not perhaps exactly within the province
of these notes to give a homily on the financial policy
of house-building in the country, yet for the edification
of such as look to country residence as a recreation, or
a temporary retirement only, it may not be inappro-
priate to suggest some reflections when about to invest
a portion of their capital in an object so fruitful of
pleasurable anticipations. There is probably no de-
scription of real estate which is so fitful in its occupation,
and so temporary in the tenure, as the country places
belonging to residents in our cities. The reasons lead-
ing to this might be given at length, but they will
readily occur to any one who chooses to give the sub-
ject a deliberate thought. Some people buy a place
and retire into the country without the knowledge of
what country life really is — without any true apprecia-
tion of its pleasures or its sacrifices — without reflection

40 PARK3 AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

upon its inconveniences or its expense. They adopt it,
in short, because it is the fashion. One bivys a piece
of ground without knowing its capabilities for the ob-
ject to which it is designed, and throws himself into
the hands of his professional landscape undertaker, and
his architect, heedless of their skill or fitness to execute
their work. They squander his money, and put up a
place — after the fashion — and perhaps before it is
ready for his occupation, he becomes disgusted with
the expense and place together, gets over his passion
for retirement, and sells it on the first good offer, at a
heavy sacrifice. Another may retain his, and try
country life for a year or two, and then, finding it un-
satisfactory, disposes of it at perhaps a better price
than the last, and pockets the loss with the best grace
he can. Another, still wiser, buys a place already built,
at a considerable discount, and occupies it, intending
to make it a permanent residence; but his circum-
stances changing, in business or family, it is again
sold, most usually at a loss, for, coming into his hands
ever so complete, his own propensity for improvement
has involved an outlay of some thousands for its fur-
ther embellishment, for which the new purchaser is
not inclined to pay. And so goes almost the entire
chapter, until there is rarely to be found a " country
place" within striking distance of our principal cities,
which has been occupied for twenty years by the same
family, or name, and but very few.for half that period.
They have proved the most expensive luxuries in
which their proprietors have indulged, and are thrown
off their hands like any other bauble which amused
their fancy for the time, and with quite as little regret.
These are facts which it is well to weigh before

STYLE OF THE HOUSE. 41

involving one's self in a large expenditure in building
a country residence. An investment in land is not so
hazardous a matter. If well situated and well pur
chased, the loss in it cannot be much when one wishes
to dispose of it, even if not valuable for agricultural
purposes. It is usually the house and the other erec-
tions built upon it which sink the capital, and in the
event of the sale of the premises, tastes in such pro-
perty usually differing, the purchaser is fastidious un-
less he can drive a decided bargain. Many familiar
places can be named which half ruined the owners in
building them, and never gave them a moment's en-
joyment in their occupation. The splendor of his
dwelling can add nothing to the consequence of the
proprietor in the community in which he lives, further
than to identify him with the notoriety of his temporary
castle ; and to the man of true fame, an ambitious an(J
costly house counts but little with those whose appro-
bation he is most solicitous to preserve.

We would not be misunderstood as suggesting a
mean and parsimonious spirit in the country dwelling.
Far from it. Every thing relating to it should be on a
liberal plan — large enough, rooms enough for family
and relatives, and complete in every luxury and com-
fort ; but all for use, and not for show. Ostentation
should have no abiding place in the country. Health,
leisure, amusement, quiet, rural beauty, are the objects
for which the country is sought by the jaded citizen,
or the lover of country life. These attained, the pur-
poses of the park and its country house are accom-
plished; and what these cannot provide within the
limits of a reasonable expenditure in a dwelling, uo
amount of money can bestow. On the contrary, an

42 PARES AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

opposite course — the squandering of a large sum on an
object which in its nature and purpose is designed as
a retreat from the throng and bustle of the town, has
often defeated the very design intended, and driven
many an honest seeker of the true pleasures of rural life
again into the labor and turmoil of business, from the
mistakes they had made in the outset. — Ed.

Arrangement of the Interior of the House. — It
may be supposed that the improver of a park and
pleasure-grounds has nothing to do with the interior
of a mansion, and it may be admitted that he is only
indirectly concerned with it; still, both its external
and internal arrangements are to him matters of con-
siderable importance, and come in for a share of his
attention, as they give a character, or at least impart a
coloring, to the scenery which he may endeavor to
create in the vicinity. We therefore deem it proper to
offer a few hints on this subject. Every well-arranged
mansion-house, whether large or small, should have
two principal fronts, the entrance front, and the draw-
ing-rooin front. Of the first, the main door and hall
form the principal features, as the drawing-room and
other public rooms should do of the second. These
fronts should be on opposite sides of the house, or if
this arrangement cannot be adopted, they should be at
right angles to each other, with an end window or two
belonging to one of the public rooms opening on the
entrance front. The former arrangement is calculated
to impart to these rooms a proper degree of seclusion,
and to keep them, as it were, within the best portion
of the dressed grounds, which should be on the draw-
iqg-room side of the house. Another portion of the
interior not unfrequently interferes with the privacy of

INTERIOR OF THE HOUSE. 43

the dressed grounds, — viz., the servants' apartments.
These, when on the ground-floor and under the public
rooms, overlook the pleasure-grounds in a most un-
desirable manner. To obviate this inconvenience, the
clumsy expedient of sinking them, in whole or in part,
below the external level of the ground, is often resorted
to ; but such apartments, even when furnished with an
open area in front of them, have always a damp, un-
healthy look, and not only give to the edifice a mean
appearance, but also seem to indicate that from some
defect in its construction, it had been necessary to stick
it into the ground, instead of allowing it to stand on the
surface. In either position, they interrupt that feeling
of retirement which is requisite to the full enjoyment of
dressed grounds. Servants' apartments may be formed,
with excellent effect, into a sort of wing or minor group
of buildings attached to the main body of the house.
Besides these relations to objects immediately contig-
uous, the arrangement of the interior of the house
should have a reference to the park and the more dis-
tant country. The drawing-room should always com-
mand the finest views which are to be seen from the
windows, whether these occur in the adjacent or in the
external scenery. The views from the hall door are of
minor importance, but they ought not to be overlooked
or neglected. The house, when felicitously arranged in
these respects, may be said to preside over the beauties
of the place. Other considerations, indeed, may be, and
often are, taken into account. If warmth rather than
beauty is the object aimed at, the drawing-room front
should look toward the south, whatever may be the
scenery in that quarter, and the entrance should be on
any of the other sides which may be most sheltered or

4A PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

most convenient. Both the elements of warmth and
beauty, however, may sometimes be secured by placing
the family rooms toward the south, and the public
rooms toward the east or west, with end windows to
the south or north, if the finest views happen to be in
these directions.

Note. — It will be readily seen that our author writes
for an English, Scotch, or Irish climate, in remarking
that " the views from the hall door are of minor im-
portance." Our American climates in summer, when
fine views are most to be enjoyed, are decidedly dry,
as well as warm ; and the hall door, or one of them,
at least, if there be two, should lead on to the veranda
overlooking the best view from the house. The ve-
randa, even in the northern states, is the most pleasant
place of resort in fine weather, and in the southern
states it is indispensable for the enjoyment of the open
air. Thus, the hall door, in that connection, becomes
a prominent feature of the house with us ; while in
England, even in midsummer, it is but little used for
such an object. For the same reason — the compara-
tive coolness and moisture of the summer climate — we
see few verandas on the English houses. They court
the sun ; we seek the shade. Contrary to the text, there-
fore, a hall door and veranda should be on the best front
of the house, whenever the main conveniences of the
dwelling will permit them. With the other quite cor-
rect remarks of our author we entirely coincide, and
with him most heartily beg every builder of a house in
the country to avoid a cellar-kitchen as he would a
pestilence. Such things have no business out of a city
under any pretense whatever. A rear wing to the
house is the appropriate building for the kitchen, and

CONSERVATORY. 45

all other working departments connected with it, as
well as the proper place for the living rooms and dor-
mitories of the servants. — Ed.

Conservatory. — Among the various appendages
which it is desirable that a mansion-house should pos-
sess, none is more important than the conservatory,
which, when happily placed, may be regarded as an
extension of the drawing-room, or at least, if it is in
the vicinity of the house, and properly connected with
it, it is of admirable convenience as a place of walking
and of recreation in all kinds of weather. If possible,
it should be contiguous to some one of the public rooms
or the corridor; if the drawing-room can be made to
open into it, or communicate with it by a short corri-
dor, so much the better ; but it is most desirable that
it should be easily accessible by the family without
their leaving the house, or doing more, at most, than
passing along a glazed passage or veranda. "When the
conservatory enters into the original arrangements,
one or other of these expedients may generally be
practicable; but if it is entirely an after-thought, it
sometimes happens that a suitable site for it cannot be
obtained. It has wants of its own. It requires free
air and open sunshine, and would be rendered useless
were it shaded by the house. It obviously cannot
stand on the northern side of the mansion ; and if the
drawing-room has a central position in that direction,
it is evident that no immediate connection can be estab-
lished between them. There is nothing, however, in
itself, to prevent it from occupying such a site on any of
the other three sides as will harmonize with the other
buildings of the house, or will suit the internal arrange-
ments and communications. In general, it is easier to

46 PARKS AND PLEASTTEE-GftOXTNDS.

make a good adaptation and adjustment in houses of
moderate extent, than in very large ones. The conser-
vatory, when entered from the house, should be consi-
dered as a glazed drawing-room, fitted, by its abundance
of light, and its command of warmth, for the growth of
fine exotic plants. Its internal arrangements should be
simple, its passages of ample width, and its whole ap-
pliances should be such as to permit a free exhibition
of the plants without their admirers crushing upon
them or being incommoded by them. The shelving
and stages, when these are introduced, should be kept
low, so that the plants, if not below the eye, may be on
a level with it, or not much raised above it. Such a
position is required by many plants, as, for example,
most of the heaths, camellias, cacti, pelargoniums, etc.
Others, as the fuchsias, acacias, passifloras, and gly-
cines, are seen with more effect from below, and may
therefore be allowed to grow up, or may be trained in
more elevated places in the house. When the conser-
vatory is constructed on a large scale, the stages, per-
haps, had better be omitted, and the shelves confined
to the north side ; and besides borders round the other
sides, the center may be arranged into wide plots for
the growth of large plants in groups or masses. A
paved walk may encircle the house, leaving a border
between it and the upright glass walls, and the central
space may be irregularly divided by paths of clean
gravel, which will have a more garden-like effect than
when a number of intersecting pavements are em-
ployed. The internal framework of the house should
be simple, but elegant. Elaborate decoration in this
department has a tendency to detract from the effect
«f the plants. Fine mouldings and carvings harbor

CONSERVATORY. 47

insects, collect dust, and, as they are difficult to clean,
contract an untidy appearance in a very short time.
The coloring of the wood or iron-work should be light,
but not glaring; a shade of white is generally the most
suitable, as it brings out the green of the foliage, and
interferes little with the tints of the flowers. A foun-
tain, or a group of statuary, is a desirable addition to
the conservatory, as also a piece of rockwork for the
growth of ferns and succulent plants. The heating of
the internal air is, in ordinary circumstances, best ac-
complished by hot- water pipes, which, for the con-
venience of the walks, must be placed below the floor,
with iron gratings above them, to permit the immission
of the heat. There is one important advantage in
employing a hot-water circulation for raising and reg-
ulating the temperature, — viz., that the furnace by
which the heat is supplied does not necessarily require
to be close to the house, though undoubtedly it is the
more effective the nearer it is. The boiler may be
placed at the distance of more than a hundred feet
without any material disadvantage, provided the pipes
are laid under ground in a dry and double-cased drain,
to prevent the escape of heat from the wrater in its
passage to the house. The external appearance of the
conservatory, and its effect on the group of buildings
composing the mansion-house, require careful and ma-
ture consideration. There may be various positions
which would suit it perfectly as a receptacle for plants,
but in which any of the ordinary forms of glazed houses
would have an injurious effect on the structure to which
they might be appended. There is a certain amount of
incongruity between almost all the forms alluded to and
the architecture of our modern houses. Architects have

4:8 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

labored to overcome this difficulty, and seldom with
much success. Indeed, their efforts have generally
resulted in their making the conservatory a vegetable
dungeon, or perhaps at best something like a Parisian
orangery, rather than a lively and genial abode for
plants, which require, for their healthy and luxuriant
development, more light than our cloudy atmosphere
and our distance from the equator readily afford. When
made an architectural erection, it should be constructed
to admit as much light as possible. If this cannot be
effected while it is kept in harmony with the mansion-
house, it is better to withdraw it into some secondary
position, and to mould it more in conformity with its
main purpose, than for architectural display. In such
cases, it perhaps ought to be at once removed into the
general flower-garden; but before doing so, a place
should be sought for it in the dressed grounds in the.
vicinity of the mansion-house, where it may be deco-
rated with terraces and other ornaments, while it is
treated directly as a glass-house for plants, with inter-
nal arrangements as above indicated. Wood and iron
are generally employed for the framework of such
houses, as they combine strength and lightness in a
higher degree than any other materials. Stone pilas-
ters, of slender proportions, maybe introduced, to give
a somewhat architectural air to the structure. The
glass which is used for the sashes should be good, and
tree from impurities and irregularities, in large squares,
or in panes, long at least, if not broad ; for nothing
connected with plant-houses produces so mean and
slovenly an effect as short panes of glass with a multi-
tude of overlaps.

Note. — The facility with which conservatories are

STABLE-COURT AND OFFICES. 49

now got up in the United States, ought to make them
an appendage to every complete country dwelling.
We can add little to what is so well said in the pre-
ceding. Yet there is one benefit of the conservatory
to which the reader's attention may, with great pro-
priety, be called. Doctor Alexander IL Stevens, a
distinguished physician of New York, thus speaks of
the value of green-houses, in Downing's Horticulturist :

u Having for many years suffered from a pulmonary
complaint, some ten or twelve years since, in visiting
the green-house of Mr. Niblo, then my neighbor in
Broadway, during the winter, I found the atmosphere
exceedingly congenial. It abated my cough, rendered
the expectoration loose and easy, softened the skin,
and induced a comfortable state of feeling, approach-
ing to exhilaration. Wishing to have such an atmos-
phere at command, I constructed a cold grapery, in
which, whenever it has been convenient, I have passed
the hours of reading and study. The climate of a cold
green-house, in a sunny day of the winter or spring, is
a Florida climate, and is entirely different from that
of an artificially heated atmosphere. I venture to re-
commend it, under most circumstances, to pulmonary
invalids, in preference to the more expensive plan of
removal to the south, involving, as it does, much dis-
comfiture, interruption of business, hazard, exposure,
and entire separation from friends." — Ed.

Stable-court, and Offices. — The stables and their
appendages may form a suitable part of the mansion-
house group of buildings, where the latter are not
below the medium size ; but when circumstances do
not permit this arrangement, I would recommend for
them a dry, sunny, airy situation, commanding a good
3

50 PAKKS AND PLEASURE-GBOUNDS.

supply of water, at a medium distance from the bouse,
but certainly not in a prominent position in the grounds.
Scarcely any thing is in worse taste than a large rect-
angular building, with its huge coach-house gates,
central pediment, and a steeple or tower, composing
together a staring object in the park, and competing
with the mansion-house itself. Stables of this descrip-
tion are not uncommon, and sometimes they have their
dignity increased by being erected near the principal
approach. While the stable-offices should be of easy
access, they ought always to be placed on the secondary
approach or back road. A convenient site for them
may frequently be found on the edge of the pleasure-
grounds, where they should be wholly or partially
concealed by planting. A walk leading from the
house through the grounds, and passing near a private
entrance into the stable-court, will be found a great
convenience. It is not unusual to combine the stable-
court and farm-offices into one square. The arrange-
ment is not a happy one, particularly if the farm-
offices are extensive and near the house ; and it be-
comes most inconvenient should the home farm be let,
as it sometimes is, for in that case two masters and
two sets of servants cannot long remain on good terms.
Sevei*al instances of this misarrangement and its con-
sequent annoyances have fallen under my notice. As
a general rule, the farm-offices should be kept at as
great a distance from the mansion-house as the con-
venience of the home farm, and the easy access of the
proprietor will permit.

Note. — The stables should be within convenient call
of the house, say from one to two hundred yards, and
if possible, in a sheltered place on the leeward side, to

STABLE-COURT AND OFFICES. 51

avoid the swarms of flies with which they abound
during the heats of summer, being blown toward the
dwelling. The stable-grounds should be of the driest
description, and if not naturally so, they should be
thoroughly underdrained, to pass off all superfluous
water. Neither horses nor cows can be perfectly
healthy on damp grounds, or in buildings standing
upon them. — Ed.

£2 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

CHAPTER II.

THE APPROACH.

Definition — Direction of the Approach — The Site of the Entrance-
gate — Style of the Gate and Lodge — Line of Approach through
the Park — Gates on the Line of Approach — Formation of the Ap-
proach— Roadway of Approach — Decoration of Approach — The
Avenue — The Fine Approach.

An Approach is a road leading from the principal
highway of the district, and passing through the park
and dressed grounds to the mansion-house. It is not to
be considered as identical with the avenue found in some
old places, which latter is an alley or straight road run-
ning between parallel lines of tall trees. The term
approach, in its general acceptation, may denote every
kind of access to the house ; in common usage, how-
ever, it is mostly restricted to the principal one. In
districts where there are large forests or extensive pas-
ture-farms connected with the estate, the external high-
way may be so private as to assume the character of an
approach, and as such may require to be dealt with on
the principles of landscape-gardening: at present it is
proposed to speak of the approach only as internal to
the park. In the estimation of some, the approach
occupies a primary place in the arrangement of a country
residence. It is probably sufficient, in almost all cases,
to allow it a third-rate position in the scale of import-
ance. The site of the house, as related to the park

THE APPROACH. 53

generally and to the leading road of the district, clearly
ought to hold the first place, and the second may be
safely conceded to the pleasure-grounds and flower-
gardens. These points, indeed, should not be deter-
mined irrespective of the approach, a not uncommon
mistake in the opposite direction; but in forming a
general idea of the whole place, and particularly in the
construction of the roads, care should be taken that the
site of the house and the seclusion of the adjacent
grounds should not be sacrificed, as they too often are,
to the vanity of having a fine approach. In most cases,
there is no great difficulty in making a good approach,
at least when the house, office, gardens, and pleasure-
grounds have been properly arranged ; but when these
objects have been ill-assorted, the work is far from being
an easy one, especially when the house has been set down
with its principal entrance to the south, when it should
have been to the north, or toward the east instead of
the west; or when the kitchen or other offices are
attached to the wrong wing of the house. Such mis-
arrangements may be said to be of daily occurrence,
and they often present almost insuperable obstacles in
the way of properly laying out the various parts of the
grounds. These arise from the circumstance that no
definite plan of the place has been formed, nor even a
general idea of it conceived, till after the site of the
house has been fixed, and perhaps the work of building
has been partially, if not completely executed. The
proprietor then begins to think how he is to get to his
house ; he at length perceives difficulties in the form-
ation of the approach, which render professional advice
desirable, and applies for it when it is too late, or when
all that the utmost ingenuity can effect is a decidedly

54 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROt'NDS.

inferior lino of approach. To avoid these errors the
garden artist should be consulted almost as soon as the
architect, or indeed, at the same time. We have no
intention of disparaging the professional position of the
architect, which, in relation to the house, must be
admitted to be primary and all-important; but as con-
nected with the house, he has generally some ideas
respecting the approach which we must be allowed to
say should be received with caution. He naturally
would make the approach the means of showing off his
own work, sometimes not judiciously even in reference
to that object, and very often at the cost of sacrificing
all the rest of the grounds. We cannot wonder that he
should overlook that of which he has seldom any con-
ception ; but it is to be regretted that, on that account,
a fine place should be deteriorated. Gentlemen who do
not need professional assistance should make themselves
sure that the requirements of the approach are brought
in some degree into harmony with those of the mansion-
house and the grounds, before the building operations
are commenced.

Note. — To bring all the features of the park into
harmony, one with the other, after the ground which is
to compose it is decided on, the whole subject, in all
its combination and arrangement, should be made a
study for months before the work of its cutting up and
formation is commenced. The topography of the ground
in all its peculiarities, should be perfectly familiar to
the planner of the park, and to the architect of the
buildings, that each may harmonize with the other. In
the struggle for supremacy in showing off his own art>
each in his own particular department, it would not be
strings if the larndscape-gard^ner and the- .architect:

DIRECTION OF THE APPROACH. 55

should sometimes be at issue ; but in all such cases the
practiced eye of the proprietor, or a competent judge
in such matters, should at once settle disputed points.

The " Approach " is of no consequence, as giving a
continuous view of the mansion. On the contrary, it
savors of ostentation in the proprietor. A striking
glimpse from a turn or two in the roadway leading to
it, is all that is necessary to impress upon the visitor
the commanding position of the dwelling as the chief
feature of the concern. — Ed.

Direction of the Approach. — The position and
direction of the principal approach, in respect to the
surrounding country, are subjects which require mature
consideration. When the nature of the ground and
other circumstances permit, it should lead toward the
house from that side of the park on which the nearest
city or town of the district is situated, this being the
direction in which the greatest number of visitors may
be expected to arrive, and in which the social relations
of the proprietor will cause him most frequently to
travel. Railways, however, have now become means of
communication of equal, if not superior, importance to
the public roads ; and hence facility of access to railway
stations is more frequently sought for, and in many
cases secondary approaches are, on that account, being
converted into principal ones, and even new ones formed.
In new places this necessity should be taken into account
at first ; and if the principal approach cannot be made to
afford a good and ready way to the railway station, as
well as to serve the general purposes of the mansion-
house, a second, scarcely inferior to the other, must
necessarily be formed. Independently of railways, a
second or even third approach to the mansion-house,

56 PARKS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS.

through extensive parks, is often needful to open up
communication with the different districts of the sur-
rounding country. When the second approach is of
nearly as much importance as the principal one, similar
care and attention must be expended on both. If the
second and third are of quite a subordinate character,
one of them should form a convenient road to the offices
and gardens, while the other may be prolonged to some
extent as a drive through the park. In places of limited
dimensions, a second approach and a back-road to the
house may be usefully combined. The back-road to the
house and service-roads, when well arranged, contribute
much to the domestic convenience of the residence.
They should connect the house, stables, kitchen-garden,
the home farm, and the more frequented roads of the
external country; and they should be such that the
cartages between these various places should never be
brought along the principal approaches, nor do more
than cross them when necessary. Though kept in good
order, the appearance and position of these roads should
clearly indicate their use.

Note. — As a general rule, in the United States, the
fewer " approaches ?1 through a park, the better. They
are expensive to make, and expensive to keep in re-
pair. Still, in well-kept places, the main approach
should not be made subservient to common and labori-
ous uses. A hidden — so far as may be — roadway
should accommodate the latter, and, if possible, never
interfere with, or cross the other, when it can be
avoided. — Ed.

Site of the Entrance. — The entrance-gate, and its
necessary appendage, the lodge, form the commence-
ment of the approach, and a suitable site for these,

SITE OF THE ENTRANCE. 57

and an easy access to them, require attention. Their
position is so often governed by the relative direction
of the public roads, and by the boundaries of the park,
that I deem it necessary to refer particularly to some
of the best and worst arrangements regarding them.
When the public road joins the park wall at right
angles, or nearly so, and then branches off* to the right
and left along that wall, the ground being level or
having a gentle rise toward the park, an entrance-gate
placed opposite the junction of the two roads will oc-
cupy one of the best and most imposing positions. If
the road forms a single rectangular bend where it meets
the park wall, this spot affords an excellent, though
perhaps a secondary position. But when the road
and park wall come together at an acute angle, their
point of contact is perhaps the worst place that can be
selected for an entrance, as it seldom admits of proper
arrangements, and should be chosen only when the
nature of the ground makes it absolutely necessary.
"When the first and second positions above mentioned
cannot be obtained, we would recommend a plan equal
in many respects to the second, viz., the selection of
a suitable position for the entrance-gate on the side of
the turnpike road, and the placing of the gate in a
recess, at such a distance from the center of the road
as will permit a carriage to be easily driven through
it. Such a site will often be found more convenient
than one of greater pretensions. In the case of sub-
urban residences, there is generally little scope for the
selection of a site for the entrance. Frequently the
scanty space admits of nothing more than a gateway
in the boundary wall. The entrance-gate to baronial
residences, in the neighborhood of towns or villages,
3*

58 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

is most advantageously set down at the end of one of
the leading roads or principal streets. When it is
removed to the outskirts of the town, or to a distance
from its natural locality, for the purpose of securing a
long approach, it is apt to suggest the ideas of artifice
and unnecessary straining after effect.

Note. — The site of the entrance to a fine park should
not strike off abruptly from the highway, as if by
accident. It should be withdrawn from immediate
contact with the main traveled road, by throwing out
a sufficient area of the grounds to common use, to
render the approach to the gateway easy and natural.
No stint of room, or parsimony in wall, should indi-
cate any thing but a liberal appropriation, in all that
concerns the proprietor. The entrance should look
inviting; and that can never be when the gate and
the walls adjoining it are pinched up close up to the
line of the highway, or turn at a short angle in a
dodging direction, like the hole of a fox, as if in fear
that some one should find it. There should be quite
as much an expression of dignity and character in the
entrance to the park, as in that of the grounds and
buildings within it. — Ed.

Style of the Gate and Lodge should be regu-
lated by the extent and character of the residence as
a wThole. The common rule has been, that the style
of the lodge and gate should follow exactly that of
the mansion-house. Perhaps there is no absolute
necessity that it should be so, particularly when the
buildings supposed to be compared stand at the dis-
tance of one or two miles from each other; neverthe-
less, there should be no marked opposition between
the respective styles, s A Greciar :. ..lodge and gate will

STYLE OF THE GATJC AATD LODGE. 59

not prepare one for a Gothic or Elizabethan mansion.
Mr. Gilpin well remarks, that the style of the lodge
and gate should be made suitable to the local position
in which they are placed. Were this always the case,
their effect would be less open to criticism than it fre-
quently, is. We may add, that there should, be a visi-
ble harmony, not only in style, but in importance,
between the gate and the lodge ; for the one is often
sunk by its marked inferiority to the other. Some-
times, when referring to the principal entrance into a
park, one hesitates to speak of the gate or of the lodge,
from the relative want of importance of the' one or
the other of them. Although the gate is the principal
object, and the lodge only an accessory appendage, in
designing them the result aimed at should be a united
and well-balanced group. When the approach is
short, there is a greater necessity for an exact similar-
ity of style between the entrance-buildings and those
of the mansion-house. The gate should stand at right
angles to the line of the approach, &nd should be
placed sufficiently back from the center of the public
road, when one passes in front of it, as not only to
enable a carriage to stand clear of the road and the
gate while the latter is opening, but to turn easily into
it. It also conduces to convenient attendance on the
gate, that the lodge is furnished with a window which
commands a view of a carriage coming from the house
some time before it reaches the gate.

Note. — The prevailing fault in building gates and
lodges, is in the effort at too ambitious a style of archi-
tecture, and a consequent expense in the structures
themselves. The gate should be in keeping with the
main inclosure,, both in strength and costliness; so,

60 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

also, with the lodge. It is the habitation of a depend-
ent. It should ape no ostentation, nor have expensive
fittings. Yet it should look like a dwelling, as it is,
with all the little conveniences for tidy and comfort-
able living. The attempt, sometimes seen, at building
a gate-lodge in the similitude of a temple, or other
fantastic pretension, is but little above ridiculous.
Utility, in all such cases, is the controlling feature of
beauty, as well as propriety. — Ed.

Line of the Approach through the Park. —
"When a judicious site for the entrance-gate has been
selected, a good starting point for the approach lias
been obtained. After passing the gateway, it should
proceed at right angles to the line of the gate for a
short distance, the length of this part being regulated
in some measure by the nature of the ground and the
extent of the park. It may then turn off toward the
mansion-house, in a line, of which we may remark
generally, that though it may not be the shortest that
can be formed, it should certainly not be unnecessarily
prolonged. A straight line, it is well known, is the*
least possible distance, and persons in haste naturally
take it; except on level surfaces, however, it can
rarely be adopted, even on the public highways, where
rapid locomotion is most desirable, and considerable
detours are often made to avoid the retarding effect of
steep inclinations. In the park, as now laid out, the
straight line is seldom employed, as it cannot be intro-
duced without a stiff and bald appearance. On the
other hand, an approach two or three times longer
than necessary may be regarded as palpably absurd ;
and not less so is an approach which is, for any reason,
led over steep and difficult ground, when perhaps an

LINE OF THE APPROACH. 61

easier line spontaneously suggests itself to the observ-
ant traveler. The exhibition of fine views is a tempt-
ation to commit both of these faults ; but it is a tempt-
ation which should be resisted. While the approach
may display the average beauties of the place, it is
bad taste, as well as bad economy of pleasure, to
lengthen it out for the mere purpose of showing the
extent of the park or displaying the prospects which
its best points may be made to command. Such
waste, as it may be justly called, should rather be
avoided. The extent of the park may well be left to
actual inspection in rides taken for the purpose ; and
the finest views should be reserved for the principal
windows of the house, for rustic seats or other stations
in the dressed grounds, or for walks or drives if these
be necessary. In forming an approach on level ground,
it is proper to introduce a few easy sweeps or curves
round groups or clumps of trees : these we prefer to
the dull insipidity of one great uniform sweep, which
scarcely any planting or other means of decoration
can relieve. On rising and undulating grounds, those
approaches have the most elegant effect whose lines
harmonize best with the natural curves of the surface.
In such cases all cutting and embanking should be
avoided as far as possible. Nothing can be in worse
taste than to cut through a broad swell of ground of
small elevation, or to bank across a wide hollow whose
surfaces vary only two or three feet, for the purpose
of forming a level road, or what may be called some
imaginary gradient. When cuttings and embank-
ments are unavoidable, as they may be on short,
abrupt, rolling undulations, or steep surfaces, they
should be rendered as inconspicuous as may be. Easy

62 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

inclinations in all cases are extremely desirable, and
to obtain these on rough ground considerable sacrifices
must often be made, both in adding to the length and
diminishing the beauty of an approach. Into this
species of work, however, the furor of railway-making
has introduced some of its most violent operations, and
has added very little to approaches, as good roads,
while it has taken much from their agreeableness, as
good drives through a park. Before proceeding to
blast rocks with gunpowder, or to cut into or through
ridges, it is well to see wThether we cannot save expense
and the beauty of the ground by deviating a little to
the right or left. One of these new approaches, formed
in defiance of all such considerations as those now in-
dicated, and executed by a ci-devant railway surveyor,
has been, not unaptly, styled by observant neighbors,
"The Lodge and Stables Direct line," from its passing
close by the latter offices in its way to the house. In
this case, however, there are probably more faults than
cutting and embanking. A well-laid-out approach
will seldom be made to cross the park on the drawing-
room front of the house, in its way to the principal
entrance. It is desirable, however, that the house
should be seen from it in one or two advantageous
positions, and that it should be in part visible from
the windows of the public rooms, in order that the
inmates may perceive the approach of visitors. If
there are circumstances which make it unavoidable
for the approach to pass the drawing-room front, it
should be kept at such a distance, and conducted at
such a level, as to prevent the dressed grounds from
being overlooked.
Note.-?— The approach should arrive at the house in

GATES ON THE LINE OF APPROACH. 63

the easiest possible way, curving round the hills, and
avoiding the hollows — shunning cuttings and fillings
alike. It should, on breaking into the finer grounds
adjacent to the house, rather surprise the stranger at
the magnitude and grandeur of the place, than to show
it only as he had fancied it from the glimpses he had
caught in his passage up. We have seen places which
struck us with disappointment on arriving at the main
points of attraction, from their less imposing character,
in reality, than they showed when approaching them
from the entrance. The view from the house should,
if possible, surpass all others ; or, if not, the grand
view of the place should not be an every-day affair,
to be stopped for, and gazed at as the lion of the
establishment, at any one point in the usual approach.
It should be apart and by itself, to hold divided
empire with nothing else on the premises. — Ed.

Gates on the Line of the Principal Approach. —
Gates intervening between the entrance-lodge and the
main door of the house should, generally speaking,
be avoided. They either betoken some want of skill
on the part of the designer, or they are the result of
some mal-arrangement of the subdivisions of the park,
or, perhaps, of additions to the dressed grounds. The
only exceptions to this rule are the cases in which
parks and pleasure-grounds are very extensive. In
such circumstances, secondary gates and lodges may
be necessary. Even in small residences, when the
approach cannot be protected by a fence, the whole
way to the main door of the house, a light iron gate
may be required to defend the piece of lawn or
ornamental ground before the entrance-front. The
subdivision of the park for grazing purposes, is the

64 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

principal source of the gate nuisance on the approach ;
but it may be abated by the use of wire fences, used
as divisional fences, and made to run parallel to the
line of the approach, in which case they interrupt the
continuity of the park in a very slight degree. They
should be kept back from the road, at least fifteen or
twenty feet ; and the grass growing on the intercepted
space may be cut for hay or eaten down occasionally
by sheep. We have found such an arrangement ex-
tremely useful in a park where the approach passed
through a wood, pasture-lands, and pleasure grounds,
for the length of a mile, without a single gate.

Note.— We can see no necessity or propriety for
subdivision fences, or gates, within a park, unless on
extensive agricultural estates, where they may become
indispensable for the conveniences of cultivation, or
pasturage ; and in such cases, it is wrorth some pains
to ascertain if they cannot be avoided. All euttings-
up of the grounds, by fences, hedges, or otherwise,
mar the dignity of the places. Apparent extent is a
chief feature in a park proper ; and if this be sacri-
ficed to the common checker-work of farm fields, bet-
ter make a farm of it at once, and place the house in
a well-kept lawn, with its tidy inclosure of wire fence,
or paling, to protect the shrubbery and flowers which
appertain to it, rather than pretend to park the place,
and leave it, after all one's effort, a failure. — Ed.

Termination of the Approach. — That part of the
approach which is nearest to the house, and comes up
to the entrance, requires very careful adjustment.
When the ground is level, a suitable termination is
comparatively easy; but in other cases, cutting and
filling up of the surface may be needful, before access

ROADWAY OF THE APPROACH. 65

can be had with a gentle inclination to the hall door,
or a sufficient breadth of level surface can be formed
in front of it. Almost every case has some peculiarity
of its own. There should always be a level platform
of gravel of sufficient breadth to allow carriages to
turn oil it. When this platform is small, it is very
desirable that the adjoining portion of the approach
should be level. When the nature of the ground ad-
mits of it, the platform should be extended, and its
exterior portions should be laid down in grass. Where
the ground slopes rapidly from the entrance-front, it
is proper to support the platform by an ornamental
wall or balustrade. The approach should, if possible,
never descend toward the house, without a consider-
able space of level ground intervening between the
lowest point of the descent and the entrance-platform.
Any visible descent near the house always imparts to
the latter a mean and inferior appearance.

Roadway of the Approach. — The road, to have
any thing like a tolerable appearance, cannot be less
than twelve feet wide. From twelve to sixteen feet
may be regarded as a medium breadth ; but it may be
necessary to make it as much as twenty feet. A long,
narrow approach, through an extensive park, has very
much the look of a footpath. The road should be^well
formed ; for, though it may not be subjected to the bur-
den of heavy cartages, the carriages that pass over it
are not always of the lightest description. Besides, in
addition to its being a good road, it should also be a
good walk, and this cannot be effected without its be-
ing finished in a superior manner. The roadway should
have its bottom paved with hand-packed stones, from
four to six inches deep; over these should be placed

66 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

four inches of rather small road-metal, blinded with
two inches of fine gravel. If gravel cannot be had,
five inches of road-metal will be necessary, and two
inches at the top must be broken fine. In certain dis-
tricts there is abundance of what is called rotten rock,
or beds of rock partially decomposed by the action of
the atmosphere, which supply an excellent blinding
material. The road should be rounded by being raised
in the center two or three inches above the sides. In
damp situations, small drains should be formed along
each side and below the roadway. Where the road-
way has a hard bottom, that is, when it is cut through
rock or firm gravel, the packed stones may be omitted.
It is good economy to make a thorough road over the
whole breadth at once, as carriages do not always keep
the center, and are sure to break down that part which
is insufficiently constructed. The secondary and other
service-roads in the park should also be well made,
though they do not require to be so finely finished as
the approach. It may be laid down as an axiom, that
well-made roads are most easily kept in order, and
least expensive in their after management. Where cut-
tings and embankments are required on approaches,
several feet of level space should intervene between the
road and the bottom of the slope down to it, or between
the road and the upper edge of embankment which
supports it. In both cases the newly-formed slopes
should be rounded so as to unite as far as possible with
the natural curves of the ground.

Note. — This road-making is an expensive business
in America, and where it is of considerable extent
within a park, may cost more than the house itself.
By the aid of thorough under-draining — and under-

DECORATION OF THE APPROACH. 67

draining is not very expensive — a good road may be
made, even on heavy lands, with the soil over which
it passes. All water-courses running across them
Bhould be well and highly bridged, and carried away
as directly as possible, and the side ditches turned off
at every convenient opportunity. The manner of laying
out the road, or approach, as spoken of in a preceding
section, will materially affect the cost of making and
keeping it in repair. — Ed.

Decoration of the Approach. — Much ornament
by means of trees and shrubs is not required in the
approach, although a moderate degree of embellishment
may be considered necessary, and its amount should
be regulated by the extent and character of the domain.
G enerally speaking, nothing more of this kind is need-
ful than what belongs to the entrance-gate, or the par-
ticular portion of the park or dressed grounds passed
through. In relation to this point, and particularly in
regard to the exclusion of exotics, a good deal of finical
pedantry has been exhibited by writers, who seem to
have forgotten that the larch and the horse-chestnut
were exotics in the early part of last century. It may be
conceded that rhododendrons, lilacs, and other flower-
ing shrubs are out of place in the open park ; but these
plants are out of place, not because they are exotics^
but because they are associated with the ideas of culture
and keeping which, in the situations referred to, they
are sure not to receive. It is certain that good ap-
proaches are often spoiled by excessive decoration.
Such is particularly the case when they are separated
from the pastures on each side by slender or temporary
fences. The slight restraining effect which these fences
have on the continuity of tjie park is muck augmented

68 PARKS AKD PLEASURE-GROllNDS.

when shrubs are planted along their edges. Certain
circumstances, however, no doubt warrant a greater
amount of ornament than we have considered to be
generally necessary. The approach, on its way from
the entrance-gate to the mansion-house, may pass only
through woods and pleasure-grounds, or at most may
only skirt the grass lands of the park, and be separated
from them by permanent fences. In these situations
the sides of the approach, except where they are narrow
stripes, afford available space and opportunity for col-
lections of exotic trees and taller shrubs ; but dwarf
shrubs, unless required for the completion of an arbo-
retum group, should be reserved for the flower-garden.
Note. — We are delighted at the good sense of an
author who ignores the affectation so ambitiously
practiced by many landscape-gardeners, in sticking a
park full of the meaningless things which have no fit-
place other than in an arboretum, or on the smoother
grounds about the mansion. The outer park is nature's
own dressing room, filled with robes, ample, full, and
flowing. There let the trees and shrubs native to the
place have wide sweep in luxuriant profusion. If they
be meager in variety, it may be filled with other
kinds, but equally natural to the soil and climate. "We
have seen a long road, through a comparatively wild
park, bordered with choice roses, vines, and shrubbery
held up by trellises, and protected by railings, all out
of place, and good-keeping. Such should be for the
lawns, and pleasure-grounds, and they have no business
out of them. The natural tree, the rugged rock, the
tumbling stream, the quiet lake, and the tangled brush-
wood, are features which most attract, and specially
_ fj*"*£ to the park alone.— Ei>*

THE AVENUE. 69

The Avenue. — In a previous page it was said that the
avenue is a species of approach, leading toward the
house in a straight line, and bordered by parallel rows
of trees. It may be asked, when is this form of approach
to be adopted ? and what is to be done wTith it when it
has been established? These questions are answered in
our observations on the park, along with some remarks
on the relation of the avenue to the general scenery of
a place. At present it may be enough to say that
avenues are most effective on flat surfaces, and that it is
only on these, and perhaps on ground with a slight and
uniform inclination, we can recommend them to be in
any case planted. If the undulations of the ground
are but slight, open avenues may still be admissible ;
and these open avenues, when connected with the lawns
of the mansion-house, should be of considerable breadth.
When, however, they are formed as approaches, their
width should not be greater than the height to which
the trees forming them usually grow — say sixty or
seventy feet for common elms, planes, and limes, and
from seventy to ninety feet for beeches and English
elms. If wider, they will be deficient in that stately
and imposing effect which is the principal charm of an
avenue. The open variety requires double rows of trees
on each side ; and if these are planted at twenty or
twenty-five feet apart, they form subordinate close
avenues, like the side aisles of a Gothic church, and
afford spaces for charming shaded walks. The usual
effect of the avenue in the park is to divide the land-
scape ; and this, indeed, is the principal objection to its
adoption, as in this respect it is almost totally incon-
sistent with the modern style of laying out grounds.
There are sometimes positions near the entrance-gate

TO PARKS ^ND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

where it can be introduced with good effect ; and it
may be employed without injury to the scenery when
the approach passes through a wood. In our judg-
ment, nothing is more miserable than the taste which
converts the bare, ill-grown trees of a hedgerow, which
has bordered some parish road, into an avenue through
whose narrow, irregular line an approach is made to
pass. Certainly these stunted deformities should be
prevented from dividing the landscape by the dividing
stroke of the woodman's axe.

Note. — We have no response, otherwise than to
add our emphatic concurrence in so sensible a con-
clusion.— Ed.

The Fine Approach. — The species of access to a
mansion-house which we have ventured to call a fine
approach is seldom found connected with large resi-
dences or extensive estates, but not unfrequently with
such small places as require only one approach and a
back-road. We may describe it as a carriage-way
from the entrance to the house, so laid out as to dis-
play all the principal views and leading beauties of the
place. It leaves nothing worth looking at to be seen
from the windows, and it renders all further inspection
from walks or gardens unnecessary. It is in itself a
thing of primary importance. Indeed, nothing can
rival its ambition, except, perhaps, the vanity of the
individual to whom it owes its formation. These ap-
proaches are often unnecessarily prolonged. We have
seen them following the boundary of the property to a
considerable distance from the entrance, the only ob-
jects between them and the public road being the park
wall and a belt of shrubs quite insufficient to deaden
the noise of carriages outside. In other places they

THE FINE APPROACH. 71

may be seen extending for a mile or more through a
narrow stripe of trees planted on the sloping banks and
knolls, on the side of a small valley or of a wide glen
along which the public road passes. This is, indeed,
the favorite position of the fine approach. The highest
powers of the designer, who is rash and inexperienced
enough to undertake the work, are called into exercise.
Cuts, and curves, and gradients, and embankments,
are all elaborated for the purpose of enabling the ap-
proach to occupy the principal points of view. In the
limited grounds no room is left for the formation of a
good walk. The approach is walk, and ride, and every-
thing. Seclusion there is none, except that the fine
approach is not much frequented, people familiar with
it often preferring to go by the back-way to the house.
It is evident that in such elaborations the proprietor
thinks more of securing the applause of strangers than
of consulting his own comfort and convenience. He
is content to admire and enjoy by proxy. In short,
of all the follies committed in the laying out of country
residences, the fine approach may be allowed to wear
the crown.

Note. — According most heartily with our author, we
have not a word to say at variance with his views on
the affectation of which any one who chooses to indulge
in the vanity of a " fine approach" may be guilty. It
is a fortunate circumstance that in this country, all the
elements constituting the attractions of parks and plea-
sure-grounds are to be found ready made to our hands ;
and they are showered around us with a profusion
which renders a choice easy, and comparatively unex-
pensive. It is, therefore, in a sheer wantonness of
prodigality, and an entire absence of sound taste, that

72 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

he who wishes to enjoy the luxuries of a fine park,
and its pleasure-grounds in their natural connection,
will seek by any other process than in following out
the agreeable natural features of the place, to create
them into a fitness to his purpose. Bare spots may
have to be clothed with trees and shrubbery, unsightly
places may have to be partially leveled, or filled, and
waste places made verdant; but no violence to the
prevailing features of the adjoining territory should be
attempted. It should look, when the hand of man has
improved it, as if nature herself might have done the
same : that man had only washed her face, and combed
her hair, and given her a more attractive garb. — Ed.

FLEASURE-GROUNDS AND FLOWER-GARDENS. 73

CHAPTER III.

PLEASURE-GROUNDS AND FLOWER-GARDENS.

Position of the Pleasure-grounds — Composition of the Landscape —
Terraces — Walls — Grass Slopes — Shrubs on Terrace-banks — Stairs
or Terraces — the Upper Surface of Terraces — The Flower-garden —
Site of the Flower-garden — Ground Color — the Parterre — the Ro-
sary— the American Garden — the Mixed Flower-garden — Artistical
Decorations — Rockworks — Shelter of the Flower-garden — Walks
in the Pleasure-grounds — Formation of Lawns.

Under the designation of pleasure-grounds or dressed
grounds are comprehended those inclosed spaces within
the park, and in immediate connection with the house,
which receive regular keeping and dressing. In ordi-
nary circumstances, their walks are cleaned and their
lawns are cut two or three times each season, and the
leaves which fall on them are cleared off every winter.
Besides the amount of labor thus bestowed on them,
these grounds are further distinguished from the wood-
lands of the park by the quantity of shrubs, both ever-
green and deciduous, which they contain, and which
make up the bulk of their underwood.

Position of the Pleasure-grounds. — These grounds
should be so placed as wholly or partially to surround
the mansion-house. "We would have said wholly, were
it not preferable that the entrance-front should be iti a
great measure open to the park. When the entrance-
front is inclosed, it should only be for the protection of
the gravel and lawn in the immediate vicinity of the

74 PAKKS AND PLEASUBE-GPOUNDS.

house. The extent of this gravel and lawn will, of
course, be regulated by the size of the whole place. It
is seldom expedient to have much lawn in front of the
mansion. Generally speaking, it is better that the
grazing lands of the park should occupy this position,
and that the scenery on this side of the house should
partake rather of the character of the park than of the
pleasure-grounds. Being limited, then, on the entrance-
front of the house, the pleasure-grounds, on the draw-
ing-room front and on the other sides, will receive a
proportional enlargement. Their actual extent must
be determined by the nature of the ground and the
size of the park. Perhaps they may include all the
space in the vicinity of the house, with the exception
of that on the entrance-front, from which may be had
the finest views in the park and in the surrounding
country. These views add much to the interest and
variety of the grounds. If there are few or no pros-
pects of this kind, the greater is the necessity that
the pleasure-grounds should be so laid out as to
awaken interest and to afford gratification within
themselves.

Note. — ¥e must dissent from our author in his re-
commendation of "surrounding" the house with the
pleasure-grounds. No country house can be complete
in its arrangements without an area of ground, of some
extent in the rear, inclosed and shut in from the ob-
servation of strangers. To say nothing of the conven-
ience to servants in the performance of their various
daily labors, a part of which are almost indispensably
out of doors, access to the house-offices in the rear,
with provision, wood, or coal wagons, and a conven-
ient contiguity of the out-buildings, demand a retired

COMPOSITION OF THE LANDSCAPE. 75

ground set apart for domestic use. "We have remarked
more fully upon this in our previous notes on the posi-
tion of the house in the park. With such exception,
we quite concur in the views so properly expressed in
the text. — Ed.

Composition of the Landscape. — The views which
it is desirable should be possessed from the house re-
quire a varied arrangement of the dressed grounds.
As formerly stated, those on the drawing-room front
should, if possible, be the finest. Sometimes they may
all be included in one prospect, the pleasure-grounds
forming the foreground of the picture, and the park
and exterior country making up the middle-ground
and the distance respectively. In certain cases, the
whole scene is necessarily confined to the pleasure-
grounds and park, and in others entirely to the pleasure-
grounds ; but whatever be the extent of view, on the
proper arrangement, and on the blending of the dif-
ferent parts of the scene, will depend the success of
the lands cape-gardener in the operations committed to
him. It is evident that, with such diversified materials
and appliances, a diversity of treatment will be neces-
sary. "When the middle-ground and the extreme dis-
tance of extensive views are of a varied and interesting
character, it is seldom expedient to introduce much
ornament into the foreground;- but if the middle-ground
is tame and the distance uninviting, the interior should
be made as ornamental as possible ; and the same effect
should be aimed at when the middle distance is dis-
figured by disagreeable objects which cannot he wholly
excluded or concealed. When the whole scene is
within the park, and still more when it is wholly within
the pleasure-grounds, it must receive the more careful

76 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

attention, and be so dealt with as to produce the best
effect that the character of the locality will allow.
When the views from the house are extensive, it is not
needful that a large extent of pleasure-ground should
be spread out before the windows. Such breadth of
dressed ground throws back the pasture-lands of the
park, and either conceals or renders indistinct those
groups of living and moving objects with which it is ten-
anted. Herds of deer or of cattle, and flocks of sheep,
impart much animation to the scene, which should not
be lost if it can possibly be preserved, much less should
it be artificially excluded. The pleasure-grounds, as
seen from the house, should be formed into lawns,
interspersed with groups of trees and shrubs, either
separate or combined. Flower-beds may be formed
in some positions, especially where the view does not
extend into the park, and along with these a fountain
or pond with a jet d^eau, or an artificial lake, may be
introduced with good effect. Flower-beds are very
suitable on a terrace near the house. A small flower-
garden, in connection with a boudoir, is also appropri-
ate ; but a flower-garden on an extensive scale should
be reserved for a separate division of the pleasure-
grounds. In open spaces in the grounds, detached
flower-beds appear to be objectionable, as they do not
mass well with the other groups, as they lessen the
breadth and interrupt the continuity of the lawns, and
being bare except during a few months in summer, are
but seldom in a really ornamental state. At the same
time, a flower-garden, in a proper situation and at a
reasonable distance from the house, is a most desir-
able object of interest, inviting frequent visits and
affording agreeable walks; and, indeed, extensive

COMPOSITION OF THE LANDSCAPE. 77

pleasure-grounds can scarcely be deemed complete
without one.

Note. — In the composition of the landscape, every
agreeable object which the eye can reach should be
embraced. A range of far-off hills or mountains, or a
single bold peak of either, even if a partial cutting
away of the park forest be necessary to reach the view,
will add greatly to the interest of the scenery. An
expanse of water, bounding the vision in the distance,
gives a grandeur of expression second only to moun-
tains, and when coupled together, like a high prom-
ontory shelving down into a broad lake, a wide bay,
or the open sea, or a range of mountain beyond the
water, they form the most perfect combination of
boundary to the landscape.

In all cases where the park proper approaches the
house, nothing, after the due disposition of trees with
their intermediate vistas and glades of open grass, adds
so much spirit, life and character, as herds of cattle,
and flocks of sheep. Deer we exclude from American
parks, as being too expensive and ungovernable within
such inclosures as we can usually afford. They may
be kept in narrow grounds secured by high walls, or
fences; but the scantiness of snch arrangement would
detract from the effect which animals of that character
are intended to produce. A wide scope, and a free
range are required by all semi-wild animals, and with-
out them their appropriate interest is altogether want-
ing. A herd of short-horned cattle, in their imposing
massive forms, and beautifully intermingling colors;
or a group of clean-limbed Devons, with skins of deep
mahogany hue, and graceful contour of body, will throw
a picturesque beauty over the grounds that nothing

78 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

else can equal ; while scattering flocks of the dark-faced
southdown, or the white-bodied, broader form of the
long-wooled sheep, quietly nibbling on the knolls, or
reposing in the shades, will fill up a picture of perfect
repose. Or, if a sheet, or stream of water lie within
the park, in the absence of the swan, the white or
brown China, or the great African goose, with their
high curving necks, and clarion cry, are objects of
charming interest, as they sit or swim gracefully upon
its surface. Indeed, no park scenery can be complete
without choice cattle and sheep ; and where water is
added, its web-footed tenants, to enliven its presence.
Such are the objects which give life and interest to the
park and pleasure-ground. The common, ill-bred cat-
tle, sheep, and geese of the country, give no ornament
to any highly-kept ground. — Ed.

Terraces. — When well arranged and adapted to the
character of the locality, terraces are excellent and
highly ornamental accompaniments to the mansion-
house. As seen externally, there are few objects which
add so much dignity to the house, as they form a fine
outwork and extended basement, and impart a stately
effect and an imposing breadth to the whole group of
buildings. They also afford an admirable outset to
the work of decoration in the vicinity, and serve to
connect the house and the grounds in a manner which
could hardly be accomplished by a lawn, however
highly ornamented. Internally, they may be made a
good architectural foreground to the scenery as viewed
from the house. They may also be used to conceal a
one-sided slope, or a twist in the ground, which may
have a disagreeable effect as seen from the windows.
To a house situated near a steep, abrupt declivity,

TERRACES. 79

terraces witli suitable walls may be not only ornamental,
but almost indispensable to the protection of the in-
mates when walking in that part of the grounds. With-
out them, indeed, in such situations, scarcely any thing
in the way of ornament or convenience can be effected.
The adoption of terraces should be suggested by the
nature of the ground and the character of the house,
rather than by any considerations immediately con-
nected with themselves. Nothing is worse than a
terrace out of place. We generally do not expect to
find them on very flat surfaces, although, in certain
circumstances, a single terrace of low elevation has a
good effect. On slight declivities, two or three feet of
descent will afford a suitable opportunity for intro-
ducing this species of ornament. Where there is no
slope, the terrace may nevertheless be introduced by
raising the base of the house sufficiently at its first
erection, and then by carrying the earth that is neces-
sary for the embankment. Where there can be only
a small breadth of dressed grounds between the house
and the park, the terrace wall may form the fence of
these grounds, and may be more in keeping with the
house than one of a lighter construction. The most
important position of the terrace is on the drawing-
room front ; but it is not necessarily confined to that,
as it may be extended along the ends of the house,
and even of the offices, if these latter touch the side of
the dressed grounds. Terraces should be considered
architectural formations of the grounds : as such, their
leading lines should be level, whether they are bounded
by walls or by banks ; and these lines should also be
parallel, and especially when there are more than one
terrace on the same slope. The upper surfaces, too,

80 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

should be strictly parallel in tlieir planes : any deviation
in this respect gives the whole a twisted appearance,
and suggests the idea of their having been executed
by incompetent workmen. There are sundry points
connected with terraces, such as the breadth of their
platforms, their height, the number on the same de-
clivity, their junction with the natural banks into which
they may run, the angles of inclination when they are
sloped, and various other matters, respecting which no
general precepts can be given that would be applicable
in all cases. These must be determined by careful study
on the spot, and repeated consultation of the eye. We
may remark, however, that the length of a terrace is
always a more important propert}7 than its breadth. A
broad terrace, indeed ; is always desirable, but unless
it is more or less elongated, it will seem to degenerate
into a broad platform. The latter form, however,
when it is avowedly such, and does not pretend to the
usual character of a terrace, is not an inferior arrange-
ment, and may be made an object of considerable
interest.

Terrace "Walls. — These are retaining walls, either
wTith a cope brought up to the level of the platform, or
with a parapet or balustrade rising above the surface
of the terrace. In either case, their main use being to
support the mass of earth behind them, they seldom
admit of much variety or ornament in their construc-
tion, except when the architecture of the house requires
a decorated parapet or balustrade. A low terrace,
unless in peculiar circumstances, scarcely calls for
either ; but when the retaining wall is high, a parapet
is indispensable for the protection of persons walking
on the platform. The best substitute for a parapet is

GEASS SLOPES. 81

a low, broad hedge, or a border of shrubs formed along
the edge of the terrace : in some cases the border may
be shaped into a sloping bank of considerable breadth,
and the height of the wall proportionally reduced. The
union, in the same terrace, of the retaining wall and
the sloping grass b'knk, seldom produces a good effect.
Their most suitable combination is when the wall is
made to support the lower portion of the bank ; but
when this plan is adopted, neither the wall nor the
bank should be high. Regularly sloped grass banks,
surmounted by a parapet, have a peculiarly incon-
gruous appearance : the walls or parapets look as if
they wanted a base, and the banks seem to have been
piled up against the lower parts of the walls to hide
deformities. As the parapets appear to rest on the
edge of a sloping surface, they present the very image
of instability ; besides, on the top of a grass bank they
are not ordinarily required for protection, nor, indeed,
for any useful purpose. In short, they are altogether
in bad taste.

Note. — In the severer latitudes of our northern
states, terraces should be cautiously attempted, and
adopted only after mature deliberation. In loose soils,
terrace slopes should lie at easy angles when grassed
over, and secured with heavy walls when uprightly
faced. Except in precipitous grounds, the formation
of terraces to any extent cannot be highly recom-
mended. Flooding rains tear them, and deep frosts
heave them out of place. It is evident our author is
not passionately in love with them, even in the less
frosty climate of Britain. — Ed.

Grass Slopes.— Terraces are often faced with grass

slopes instead of walls ; and though the resulting effect
4*

82 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

is inferior, these slopes are very suitable for places
where a plain style of deeoration is required, and par-
ticularly at a distance from the mansion-house, as on
the sides of bowling-greens or in flower-gardens, and
in the more remote parts of the pleasure-grounds. It
must be admitted that a terrace with a regularly formed
grass bank of considerable depth has mostly a bad ap-
pearance. This arises partly from its surface being
so plain as to have no variety, and partly from the
absence of a diversity in light and shade, particularly
in those slopes which face toward the south. A long,
natural slope of grass is often very beautiful ; but, on
examination, it will be found that it is free from that
dead, mechanical uniformity common in artificial
works. Perhaps, however, light has the greatest in-
fluence in this respect — a fact very much overlooked
in landscape-gardening. The surface of the slope is
turned up toward the light; and so it wants that va-
riety of shade which even a plain wall exhibits at dif-
ferent periods of the day. Accordingly it is found
that, when facing the north, and in an inferior degree
when facing the east and west, these grass slopes are
always more effective than when turned to the south,
for in this last position they are seldom seen in shade,
and consequently have a bare and bald effect. Never-
theless, a long, deep, grassy slope, closely shaven and
neatly kept, is always popular, however ineffective it
may be in the eye of refined taste. There are some
means of relieving its monotony, which we shall indi-
cate in the following paragraphs. — Ed.

Shrubs on Terrace Banks. — Long, bare slopes, and
particularly when there are irregularities of surface
which could be removed only with great labor and

STAIRS OK TERRACES.

83

expense, should be wholly or partially covered with
shrubs. When there is a considerable height of bank
and breadth of slope, several effective terraces may be
formed along the bank with walls, borders, and walks,
and intermediate slopes planted with laurels, constantly
kept down by pruning to the height of two or three
feet. The interest and variety of these terraces are
increased by scattering over them a few ornamental
trees and snrubs, which may be allowed to assume
their natural form, but should not be introduced in
such numbers, or be permitted to grow to such a
magnitude, as to injure the low shrubs. These banks
of low evergreens are more suited for southern slopes
than grass is, as they are more permanently evergreen,
and, from their greater intricacy, have more variety
of light and shade than a closely-mown surface of
grass can have.

Stairs ok Terraces. — Flights of steps form an ex-
cellent means of decorating terraces. When connected
with wTalls, they are susceptible of a considerable
degree of ornament. Stairs on grass slopes afford less
scope for decoration ; vases placed on their sides may
be deemed the most proper objects for this purpose.
Stairs should be placed at the ends of terraces, as well
as at their centers ; they may be omitted in the latter
position, but if they are only found there, they have a
sensible effect in diminishing the appearance of length
in the terraces, by dividing them into halves. Prop-
erly, stairs should be in connection with walks, but
they may sometimes be introduced without the latter.
In either case, when there is more than one tier of
terraces, the flights of stairs should be successively
carried from the top to the bottom of the whole

84 PARKS and pleasure-grounds.

series. Any thing short of this produces an un-
comfortable feeling, as if some of the flights of stairs
had been misplaced through perversity, or lost by
mistake.

Note. — We can imagine various more important
objects on which the same amount of money can be
expended, in ornamenting parks, or pleasure-grounds,
than stairs connected with terraces. That now and
then such things may be necessary, and even orna-
mental, is probable; but wherever they — terraces and
stairs, alike — can be avoided, their omission should
be no source of regret. They are expensive to make,
at the first, and are perpetually getting out of place,
in our frosty winters, afterward. — Ed.

Upper Surfaces of Terraces. — We shall suppose
that the architectural variety of terrace has been prop-
erly constructed, with a good wall in front, and a broad
level above; the latter should be traversed by two
spacious walks, — one near the house, and the other
along the wall. The intermediate space is to be occu-
pied with flower-beds cut out of grass, or placed in
gravel, with box or stone edgings. Fountains, dials,
vases, and other architectural ornaments, may be in-
troduced with excellent effect. These may compose
groups of themselves, or be made the centers of differ-
ent groups of flower-beds. The character and arrange-
ment of these objects should be in keeping with the
style of the buildings around. ItL the case of terraces
faced with grass slopes, the walks should be arranged
as in the other variety. The flower-beds should be
laid out in grass plots, or with broad verges, or with
raised stone edgings round the figures cut in the grass.
Small gravel walks, with box edgings, do not suit this

THE FLOWER-GARDEN. 85

style of terrace. Stone blocks supporting vases may
be ranged along the tops of the banks, and also laurels
grown in boxes, and trained to represent the orange-
trees used for this purpose on the continent. The
other processes of ornament are much the same as
those referred to above, only, perhaps, they should be
carried out in a plainer and lighter style.

The Flower-garden. — Among the most impor-
tant and interesting portions of the pleasure-grounds
is the flower-garden, when the place is extensive
enough to afford room for its being formed into a
separate department. In small residences, the whole
of the flower-garden may be close to the house ; but
in those of considerable magnitude, it is always desir-
able that it should occupy a distinct section of the
dressed grounds. In both cases, care should be taken
to bring it into harmony with the general scenery, of
which, indeed, it should form a constituent, though a
more highly and minutely-finished part. On this
account, the principles which regulate the formation
of the dressed grounds generally, should also be held
as applicable, with slight modifications, to the flower-
garden. That garden, whether geometrical or other-
wise, should be so arranged as not only to compose an
effective whole, but also to exhibit such secondary and
minor grouping as will produce good individual groups
in its divisional sections, when these are seen in posi-
tions from which the whole cannot be comprehended.
From want of conformity with this principle, flower-
gardens have sometimes a fine effect when seen from
one or two leading points of view; but when examined
in detail, they lose all their interest, except what arises
from individual plants, or masses of flowers and shrubs.

86 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Effective secondary and minor grouping not only adds
to the beauty of fine plants, but very much improves
the appearance of those which scarcely deserve that
name.

Site of the Flower-garden. — Convenience of
access requires that the flower-garden should be at no
great distance from the house. It may be separated
from the other grounds by trees and shrubs, and if the
kitchen-gardens are not remote, it may take an inter-
mediate position between these and the house. The
site should be warm, sunny and dry, and well shel-
tered, though not shaded. It should be remembered
that the beauty of the flower-garden arises more from
its graceful arrangement and superior culture, than
from fine views existing without its boundary. Such
views, then, are not necessary to complete it, and a
seeking after them may deprive the garden of that
shelter which is absolutely indispensable to the suc-
cessful cultivation of fine plants. This circumstance
should be kept in mind, both in the selection of the
site, and in the laying out of the component parts.

The Ground Color of the flower-garden, and of
its walks, has a considerable influence on the effect of
its arrangements, and, as it varies, sometimes leads to
the adoption of different styles of gardening. Inde-
pendently of the plants, there may be said to be only
three main varieties of ground-coloring in flower-gar-
dens, viz: the green of the grassy turf, the black or
dark brown of the cultivated soil, and the tints of the
gravel, varying in particular cases from bright brown
to bluish gray; and the extent to which each of these
colors is visible, either apart or in combination, gives
a distinct expression to the whole scene. The flower-

THE GROUND COLOR. 87

garden may be formed with walks, borders, and
flower-plots, without any intermingling of grass turf,
and, if well laid out, and kept in good order, it has,
in summer and autumn, when the ground is covered
with plants, a rich and varied effect ; but at other sea-
sons it has a bare and stripped appearance, and, pre-
senting little else than the somber hue of the naked
ground, exhibits scarcely aught that can interest or
attract. On the other 'hand, a flower-garden formed
on a ground-work of grass lawn, with walks and bor-
ders well arranged and attended to, has at all seasons
a clothed effect ; and though in winter the grass has a
less lively tint, yet it still looks like a carpeted apart-
ment with some of its more showy decorations awant-
ing. The flower-garden without grass is, then, like a
house which has not only lost its carpets, but nearly
its whole furniture. We do not wish unduly to depre-
ciate the one style of garden, and to exalt the other
beyond its merits. In the garden composed entirely
of walks, and borders, and flower-plots, a much greater
number and variety of plants may be grown, and very
beautiful scenes may be produced by means of these,
together with flowering shrubs and evergreens. But
the grass flower-garden, from the simplicity and quiet
repose of its well-arranged lawns, has a much finer
effect at all seasons. The color of the walks, taken in
connection with their number and breadth, produces
an effect, more or less marked, on the flower-garden.
Dark, dingy colors, on the one hand, and bright, glar-
ing tints, on the other, are equally to be avoided ; those
of a warm shade, such as light sienna — perhaps the
finest of all — should be chosen, when they can be
had. The reddish yellow of the Kensington gravel

88 PARKS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS.

lias deservedly made it a favorite. In the small divi-
sional walks in the flower-garden, a variety of tints
may be introduced ; but violent contrasts should be
avoided, and in the larger walks a more uniform color
ought to be maintained, as contributing to the best
general effect.

The Parterre, both ancient and modern, may be
described as a geometrical flower-garden, laid out on a
flat surface, and, in addition to its furniture of plants,
adorned with a variety of artistical objects suited to
its style and character. The most proper site for a
parterre is the platform of a terrace, or some lower
level, on which its whole arrangement can easily be
seen at once from an adjacent elevated position. Un-
less it is placed on such a site, the effect of its numer-
ous figures will be in a great measure lost, and it will
appear more a piece of entangled complication, than
a well-ordered and nicely-balanced geometrical design,
which, from its very nature, it is intended, and there-
fore ought to be. The ancient parterre frequently cov-
ered a large surface. It had its divisional sections so
arranged that one side or end was made the exact
counterpart of the other, and all its alleys and flour-
ishes were repeated with the utmost precision. Some
of the sections were large and plain, and were intended
for the reception of plants ; while others were cut into
an infinite variety of shapes and traceries, in which
the edgings, the color of the soil and sand with which
the compartments were filled, and the tints of the
alleys by which they were surrounded, all went to
make up the general picture. The inherent sameness
of this style of gardening no doubt led to these extrav-
agant attempts at intricacy; and the same result was

THE PARTERRE. 89

aided by the comparative paucity of fine plants which
existed when parterres were introduced. Some at-
tempts have been recently made to revive this style
in its original perfection; but when it is considered
how difficult it is to adapt designs, intended for spaces
of six or eight acres, to pieces of ground about one-
eighth of that size, we cannot be surprised that they
have uniformly failed. Besides, the ancient style is
entirely out of harmony with the modern taste in re-
lation to all the other component parts of a country
residence. We might as well propose to convert a
modern drawing-room, with all its elegances, into a
baronial hall of the fifteenth century. The modern
parterre is not quite so complicated in its figures, even
when cut out of turf, in which case it is most akin to
that of the ancient forms. "When formed of borders,
with box or other edgings, it is intended to be filled
with plants, and may be made a place of considerable
beauty. In its geometrical forms it still requires as
nice adjustment as ever; but the interest is not now
made to center wholly, or in great part, in its con-
figurations and traceries. The principal aim of such
scenes should be, not the display of the artist's ill-
directed ingenuity, but the exhibition of fine plants,
which, in their present numbers and beauty, afford
abundant materials for the adornment of flower-gar-
dens. Annuals and green-house plants are chiefly
required for the summer and autumn decoration of
parterres ; but a supply of evergreens and vernal plants
should be kept in pots, to fill up the vacant beds in
winter and spring. A due attention to these expedi-
ents will maintain in the parterre a permanently
clothed appearance, and will preclude that bare and

90 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

uninviting aspect which it would otherwise present at
certain seasons.

The Rosary is one of the departments of the
flower-garden, deriving its name from the beautiful
flower to whose culture it is specially devoted, and, as
such, possessing much interest and beauty. Of late
years, it has deservedly received increased attention
and favor. We would not, indeed, banish the rose-
border, the tree or pillar roses, and the rose treillage,
from the terrace or flower-garden ; but we cannot help
viewing a distinct and elegant "garden of roses" as
not the least interesting addition that can be made to
pleasure-grounds. The number and variety of fine
roses now in cultivation seem to demand a separate
locality, and as there are many autumnal flowering
kinds, the season of bloom may be prolonged from
the middle of June to the early frosts of winter. The
rosary requires a good, strong, loamy or clayey soil,
over a dry subsoil, and a sunny and sheltered site. It
may either occupy a section of the flower-garden,
properly so called, or may find a place on some warm
lawn in the dressed grounds. In both cases, it must
have an inclosure sufficient to exclude rabbits and
hares; but the external treillage- work used for that
purpose may be made to conduce to the decoration of
a lawn. Internally, it is generally laid out somewhat
in the geometrical parterre style, but there is no abso-
lute necessity for these forms. It may also be com-
posed of beds in grass, with suitable gravel walks, or
of borders and walks without grass, as may be best
adapted to the site, or most agreeable to the taste of
the proprietor.

Note. — Amid all the flowers which beautify and

THE AMERICAN GARDEN. 91

enliven the earth, in sweetness, purity, and fragrance,
none can approach the rose. The most pains-taking
labors of the naturalist, and the skillfulest combina-
tions of the botanist in hybridizing and perfecting the
finest of all other flowers, have never yet produced a
rival to its simple, stainless beauty. No place can
be complete without its "rosary," gracefully disposed
and highly cultivated. We commend it, as one of the
most grateful objects of attention, to the female in-
mates of the dwelling. It is scarcely necessary to
remark, that the rosary should be within the imme-
diate view of the windows of the best and most fre-
quented apartments of the house. — Ed.

The American Garden is another special depart-
ment of the flower-garden, and is consecrated to the
growth of those shrubs and other flowering plants
which thrive best in a peaty soil. It by no means
holds good that all these plants are natives of America,
though undoubtedly the greater part of them come
from that continent. We refer to the rhododendrons,
azaleas, kalmias, andromedas, etc., which, growing
spontaneously in the temperate regions of both the old
continent and the new, and being sufficiently hardy
to endure the climate of Great Britain, contribute
very largely to the beauty of our gardens and dressed
grounds. It is desirable that they should have a sep-
arate department allotted to them ; but they should
not be confined to it, for they may be scattered through-
out all the shrubberies in the place. When in a dis-
tinct locality, and well arranged, the American garden
may be made the most permanently evergreen portion
of the grounds, and therefore may not inaptly be de-
nominated the Pleasure-ground Winter Garden. As

92 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

such, it should contain glazed structures, in which the
heaths of the Cape, the rhododendrons of India, and
the azaleas of China, may find a climate and receive
a culture suited to their natural habits. Many plants
in the American garden do not necessarily require a
moist peat soil ; they may be grown to great perfection
in a healthy sand, in a sandy loam, or sandy clay, or
in a vegetable earth composed of the decayed leaves
of trees. They do not thrive in common garden-soil.
The American garden may be either a section of the
flower garden, or may be formed in some detached
spot on one of the lawns. If the site is naturally suited
for this class of plants, some expense may be saved
in the formation of a proper soil. Portions of the
site may be slightly shaded with advantage, but should
not, at least in the northern parts of the island, be
naturally clamp. The hybrid rhododendrons, which
have been raised from the tree rhododendrons of India,
though not quite hardy in many localities, may yet be
grown very generally, if planted in warm and shel-
tered positions. As these varieties bloom late in
spring and early in summer, their flowers attain a
greater beauty if their flower-buds are protected from
the vernal frosts by some temporary awning or light
glass covering. Happily, many new and hardier sorts
are now introduced every year. — American gardens
assume a variety of forms. They may be formed
either with small intervening lawns or without them.
They are generally laid out on grass ; but as the plants
they contain are mostly evergreens, that ground-
work is not so necessary as in the rosary and flower-
garden.

Note. — The " American " garden is ours, of course,

THE MIXED FLOWER-GARDEN. 93

and we need little foreign instruction as to the varie-
ties of plants with which to embellish it. In the com-
bination and arrangement of the various trees, shrubs,
and flowers with which it is planted, the same direc-
tions will apply that govern the other garden grounds.
Yet, in the soils most congenial to the field or forest
shrubbery that may be introduced, their favorite local-
ities should be consulted, and peaty, sandy, or loamy
earths provided, as may be required. For detailed
instruction in these, American authorities are the
safest guides. — Ed.

The Mixed Flower-garden is one in which the
above-mentioned special departments are not kept dis-
tinct, but in which the inmates of the parterre, the
rosary, the American garden, and other classes of
flowers and shrubs, are all mingled together in agree-
able variety. To these may be added a number of
artistical decorations. It is certainly the most effec-
tive arrangement, when all seasons are taken into con-
sideration. "When laid out in a superior style, it
should be made the most highly-decorated scene conr
nected with the residence, whether its place is imme-
diately adjacent to the mansion or is withdrawn into
a more remote division of the pleasure-ground. In a
work like the present, we cannot offer definite plans
for this species of flower-garden; indeed, these plans
may be as varied and numerous as the diversified cir-
cumstances of places or the varying tastes of different
proprietors. We may remark, however, that the liv-
ing occupants of the mixed flower-garden should be so
arranged, that while they fill certain grouped beds
with annuals, green-house plants, and roses, they
should be so placed as not to detract from the general

94 PARKS ASTD PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

effect of the scene when their respective beds are
empty, or when the plants are small or in a state of
decay. Grass is the most suitable groundwork for
gardens of this description ; but some of its groups of
flower-beds may be intersected by walks bordered
with edgings of box or low flowers ; and this, by in-
creasing the variety, will add to the general effect.
Terraces are admissible only when consistent with the
natural form of the ground. They should be con-
nected with the conservatories, or other plant-houses,
when these structures are erected in the flower-garden,
and in that case they may be faced with walls, and
may receive' considerable architectural decoration.
Apart from such associations, they are better formed
with grass slopes. Both forms afford good points for
viewing the riches of Flora spread out below. Foun-
tains, pieces of water, dials, vases, etc., may also be
introduced, either grouped together, or made the cen-
ters of figures or clusters of figures allotted to the
growth of flowering plants and shrubs. Some of these
means of ornament demand a separate and more de-
tailed notice.

Artistical Decorations. — Yases and statuary form
admirable ornaments of flower-gardens, when fine in
themselves and when well arranged ; but the latter
condition is somewhat difficult to fulfill, and therefore
requires attentive and tasteful management. Vases
are more adapted to geometrical arrangements. They
are peculiarly well suited for terraces, on which, how-
ever, they should harmonize with the architectural
forms of surrounding objects. They may be placed
either singly, or with groups of flower-beds, in the
more irregular styles of designing. The employment

ARTISTICAL DECORATION'S. 95

of statuary in flower-gardens and dressed grounds is
a much more difficult subject. It must be owned that,
in this country, it has seldom a very satisfactory effect,
partly from the severity of our climate, and partly
from the want of those associations with antiquities
and architecture which make Italy, as it were, the
native home of statues. To our taste, scarcely any
thing seems more uncomfortably out of place than
black or white painted figures peeping forth from a
group or mass of shrubs. Indeed, the less that is seen
of them in such circumstances, the better; and they
would be often well away altogether. Statues should
always be in connection with architecture; on ter-
races they may be appropriately introduced, along
with fountains, as the centers of primary or secondary
groups of flower-beds. We should hesitate to distrib-
ute them singly throughout the grounds, unless the
whole place has a more architectural complexion than
is common in this country.

Note. — The good sense of our author, in excluding
ordinary statuary from ornamental grounds, is to be
commended. It certainly has little fitness to an Amer-
ican climate. Yases are appropriate when properly
disposed. Earthen vases should be taken under shel-
ter in winter, as the frosts wTill spoil them ; and iron
ones, in imitation, protected against filling with water.
All vases, indeed, should have a hole in the bottom,
to pass off the water that may fall into them. They
may be corked, when required to hold water or earth
for the preservation or growth of flowers or plants.
Vases are both classic and picturesque ornaments to
buildings and grounds, when in keeping with the
architecture of the place ; but they are chiefly suited

96 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

to the different varieties of the Italian style of build-
ings.— Ed.

Rockworks are pleasing objects, when well exe-
cuted ; but they should hardly be introduced, except
in places where their position indicates that something
of the kind is not unnatural — that the rock projects
inartificially through the ground, or that it may have
been laid bare by some needful excavation. The ma-
terials of rockworks should not be altogether foreign
to the geology of the district ; or, if they are so, their
natural stratification should be imitated as well as
possible, as, indeed, it ought to be in all cases; for
this, if skillfully done, will take off much from their
artificial appearance. It is a common, but a very
great error, to construct them of all the curious, rug-
ged, weather-eaten, or water-worn stones that can be
collected from the sea-shore or the bed of a river.
How such conglomerations should have ever been
imagined to be like actual rocks, it is difficult to ima-
gine. The slag of glass-houses, and the scoriae of
blast-furnaces, may be described to be materials quite
detestable — ugly in themselves, and unpropitious to
the unhappy plants which grow on them. We would
not have a rockwork a sort of out-of-doors mineralog-
ical museum, though some variety of stones is not
objectionable. One representing various geological
formations is more worthy of approbation, as it may
be made interesting and instructive in itself, as well
as ornamental to the grounds. If expense is to be
incurred, it is better that it should be laid out in this
way, than that it should be lavished on the purchase
or collection of mere curiosities. It may be added,
that for the construction of a rockwork, even of

SHELTER OF THE FLOWER-GARDEN. 97

considerable size, a great amount of stones is not
necessary. Most of its interior may be of earth ; and
to produce a sufficient illusion, it may be enough to
stud some portions of the surface with stones. In a
few years, the growth of plants and low shrubs placed
on it will conceal apparent defects.

Note, — The only " rockwork " an American should
care to introduce into his grounds, is that which nature
has placed upon them; and such, agreeably located,
may be made decidedly ornamental when partially
clothed with creeping vines and shrubbery. In
grounds naturally rocky — that is, in ledges and
masses, as distinguished from lands where the stones
lie in loose flats, or boulders — a sufficient amount of
rock should be retained to preserve the character of
the grounds in consistency with the geological surface
of the surrounding country. They are a natural fea-
ture of the place, and natural features, not unpleasing
in themselves, should always be preserved as a char-
acteristic of the locality.— Ed.

Shelter of the Flower-garden. — It has already
been remarked, that to the flower-garden proper shel-
ter is indispensable. In providing this needful pro-
tection, most people plant an indiscriminate mass of
trees and shrubs, without regard to individual effect
or botanical classification. We humbly think that
this is the part of the ground in which something like
a scientific character in the disposition of the trees
and shrubs is most suitable. Without carrying this
to such pedantic extremes as some do, we should be
inclined to arrange the trees mostly according to their
genera and natural orders. Beginning at some con-
venient point, as with Tilia^ (lime,) the planter might
5

98 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

continue with Acer, (maple and sycamore,) ^Eseulus,
(horse-chestnut,) Fraxinus, (ash,) Quercus, (oak,) Pi-
nus, (pine,) and with various other families. When
the number of hardy species is small, several genera
may be collected into one clump ; but when the kinds
are numerous, as in Quercus and Pinus, several groups
may be formed of -one family. The dwarf species
will take their places in front of the others. For low
trees or shrubs, to fill up the margin of the taller
masses, we should employ the more showy species and
varieties of Magnolia, Cytisus, Crataegus, Arbutus,
Rhododendron, Azalea, and others of the numerous
flowering shrubs and low trees procurable from nurse-
ries. Along with these should be planted a quantity
of yews, hollies, and laurels, to form masses and
underwood.

Note. — In most parts of the United States, limes,
maples, horse-chestnuts, ashs, oaks, and pines grow
too large, and create too much shade, when used for
shelters to the flower-garden. Besides this, their roots
extend so far as to rob the garden plants of their nutri-
ment, which can only be prevented by a deep, open
ditch between the line of trees and the garden grounds ;
and such a ditch is unsightly. Shrubbery of tall
growth is better; which may be composed of ever-
greens, like the rhododendron, or the privet, which is
perfectly hardy in our climate, and other shrubs easily
procured in the vicinity of almost every garden. In
the arrangement of these, if shrubs of different variety
and size are used, the taller should stand in the rear,
while the smaller should take the front position, and
the whole bank of protecting shrubbery rise, amphi-
theater-like, from the garden, that the eye may rest

PLANTING IN THE PLEASURE GROUNDS 99

upon a continuous and unbroken line of verdure. The
effect of such arrangement is harmonious and beauti-
ful.—Ed.

Planting in the Pleasure-grounds Generally. —
Hitherto we have been speaking of the dressed
grounds in immediate connection with the mansion-
house ; but our remarks may, with some modification,
be extended to the whole pleasure-grounds. The in-
termixture of lawns, and of groups of shrubs and
trees, must be carried throughout. American and
other flowering shrubs may be sprinkled along the
edges of the lawns and openings. In some places the
trees may assume the character of woods, with masses
of evergreens in the way of underwoods; in other
places, the lower growths should only form occasional
thickenings among the taller trees. This variety of
scenery may be improved and enhanced by the inter-
est derivable from the trees themselves. Not to repeat
what has been said above, about combining the natu-
ral families in the vicinity of the flower-garden —
though it is obvious that the principles there recom-
mended may be brought into operation in any part of
the pleasure-grounds — we may point to the striking
effect produced by certain exotic trees, when near the
eye of an intelligent observer. At a distance, and
viewed in a line perpendicular to its direction, a mass
of beeches may not seem to differ much from other
deciduous trees ; but the result is otherwise, when the
eye is sufficiently close to the objects to discern their
kinds, or when their peculiar forms stand out in strong
relief. On this principle, the conspicuous, or what
may be called the stari?ig trees, should be mostly of
the rarer species, and of the more uncommon forms.

100 PARKS AND FLEASURE-GROUtfDS.

Probably some of our readers may remember the use
which Martin, the painter, makes of the cedar of Leb-
anon, in his Illustrations of Paradise Lost. In the
same way attention may be directed to the tulip-tree,
the weeping birch, the purple beech, the deodar cedar,
the araucaria, and many others which will readily sug-
gest themselves to amateurs in arboriculture. Of
course, it is not intended that such stunted curiosities
as may be necessary in botanic gardens, should be
thrust forward into undeserved notice ; but where
rarity of occurrence, or quaintness of structure, is
combined with beauty or vigor of growth, these quali-
ties should always be taken advantage of. The reader
will find this subject pursued at greater length in a
subsequent chapter.

Walks in the Pleasure-grounds. — Certain leading
walks are required in the grounds attached to a coun-
try residence. One or more passing from the mansion-
house through the pleasure-grounds, will be found
necessary. Another, proceeding from the drawing-
room front, or principal terrace, may direct its course
to the flower-garden, the kitchen-garden, or other ob-
jects of interest. These walks should also lead to the
places from which the finest views are seen. For pur-
poses of recreation, and the proper exhibition of the
grounds, a variety of secondary walks are needful. As
*a general rule, it may be noted that all narrow walks
should be avoided. On all walks in pleasure-grounds,
three persons, at least, should be able to walk abreast,
a qualification which will require them to be at least
seven feet wide. When narrower than this mark,
walks produce an unsociable disjunction of a party,
and mar that conversational enjoyment which is one

WALKS IN THE PLEASURE-GROUNDS. 101

of the main charms of such scenes. Short and fre-
quent zigzags in the line of walks should be avoided,
as they not only look ill, but also require a continual
twisting and turning, to the utter interruption of easy
and meditative walking. Walks, and especially the
leading ones on terraces and in the dressed grounds,
ought to be very carefully and efficiently constructed,
otherwise they can not be expected to be firm, dry,
and comfortable at all seasons. They should be bot-
tomed with from four to six inches of hand-packed
stones or old bricks, broken small on the top, or
blinded with land gravel, small flints, or fine road-
metal, and then covered with from three to four inches
of gravel. Pit gravel, as binding most readily, is the
most suitable for making a firm walk ; and therefore,
when it is to be had in sufficient quantity and of a
proper quality, it should be used in preference to other
kinds. Sea and river gravel do not bind so well, from
lack of earthy matter; and therefore, when employed
for the first three inches, it should receive a slight ad-
mixture of earthy sand, or ashes, or rotten rock ; and
after this layer has been made firm by rolling, it should
receive a thin coating of the water-carried gravel.
"Walks should be made full, with a slight rounding in
the center, amounting to from one-eighth to three-
eighths of an inch to the foot of breadth ; more than
this makes them unpleasant to walk on. Small drains'
along the edges of the walks are needful, especially
when the surface of the ground slopes toward them.
On inclined ground they should be furnished with
gratings, to pass the water into the drains, and to pre-
vent it from furrowing the gravel. Various substances
have been used to bind the surfaces of walks, and to

102 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

give them the appearance of pavement, such as Ro-
man cement and coal tar ; the latter, when mixed with
gravel, composes a hard, firm, smooth surface, but the
resulting color is not agreeable. The favorite hue of
gravel is yellow or light sienna ; these have a warmth
and richness of effect which are never to be found in
any dull or dark-colored variety. On the other hand,
shell gravel, though clean, is too light and glaring,
particularly in sunshine. The edging of walks should
always be low ; a deep border of grass is unsightly,
and seems to indicate careless keeping. Box edgings
should also be small and low. The only allowable
deviation from this rule occurs in the high edgings
necessary to mark the figures of a parterre.

Note. — As we have before remarked, walks are ex-
ceedingly expensive in their construction, and subse-
quent care, as, without nice keeping, they are anything
but ornamental to the grounds. For ordinary pur-
poses, therefore, the fewer of them, the better. Yet,
let these few be what walks should be — substantial,
and to the purpose. Walks, for pedestrian use, should
be chiefly confined to the pleasure-grounds immedi-
ately about the dwelling. When extended into the
park, they detract from its character of extent, and
dignity; and if intended to be nicely kept, are fre-
quently disturbed and profaned by the annoyance of
the cattle. Unless for a secluded path, to steal aw^ay on
to some sequestered spot, the roads for driving should
only occupy the park, and the "paths" need be but
trodden footways, like an " Indian trail," threading its
most sheltered and unfrequented parts. — Ed.

The Formation of Lawns. — A fine sward of grass
is of great moment, particularly in terraces, flower-

THE FORMATION OF LAWNS. 103

gardens, and bowling-greens, and, as such, calls for
some notice in this part of our subject. The first
requisite is a good surface soil ; for where this is want-
ing no good grass can be obtained to form a fine turf.
It is vain to expect a rich and perpetual verdure on
stiff clay, or on tilly and heathy soils. From eight to
sixteen inches of good loam or of fine light mould,
according to the nature of the subsoil, will generally
be sufficient for this purpose. An object of nearly
equal importance is a copious supply of grasses adapted
to such soils. These are most readily obtained by
sowing the proper seeds. It is an absurd practice to
sow the different varieties of rye-grass, (Lolium jper-
ennej most of which are really annual, or at most bi-
ennial : in this way a fine perennial turf will never be
formed, though a natural one, more or less worthless,
will probably form itself from seeds of grasses con-
tained in the ground, which are most likely to be of
the coarsest kind. Probably, after the lapse of six or
eight years, a sward barely tolerable may be produced
by constant mowing. Our own experience warrants
us to say, that with a proper mixture of perennial
grass seeds, a fine sward may be grown in two years.
"We may add, that careful and frequent rolling and
mowing conduce greatly to the speedy formation of a
fine sward.

Note. — The best possible grasses for American lawns
are Blue-grass, (Poa compressaj meadow or green
grass, (Poa pratensis,) and white clover, (Trifolium
repens,) which grow spontaneously over most parts of
the United States. They make a soft, thick turf, like
wool, and require only to be often cut to maintain a

104: PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS*

constant verdure throughout the growing season. The
long and expensive array of foreign "lawn grasses"
frequently advertised by the seedsmen, are of no ac-
count ; and if applied will have to be renewed with
the native grasses we have named, to make a perma-
nent, smooth, and acceptable lawn. — Ed.

THE PARK. 105

CHAPTER IV.

THE PARK.

Definition — The Unity of the Park — Natural Character of the
Ground — Acquired Character of the Ground — Planting in the Park —
Surfaces to be Planted — Arrangement of Woods in the Park — a
Group — a Clump — a Mass — carrying out the Arrangement of
Woods — Grouping of Plantations in the Park — Outlines of Planta-
tions— Belts and Circles — Artificial Style — Avenues.

The Park. — Under the general name of Park we
include all those plantations and pasture-lands sur-
rounding a country residence and its dressed grounds,
which are in the immediate possession of the proprie-
tor, and are managed by his servants, or at most are
only let out from year to year for grazing. In the
vicinity of cities or large towns, and in thickly popu-
lated districts, the park is usually inclosed by a wall
or fence of sufficient height to exclude ordinary intru-
ders ; in more remote districts its boundary-fences differ
little from those common in the country, except that
they may be a little higher and more carefully kept.*

*TLe park, chase, and forest are remnants of the territorial arrangements of feudal
times, and are, indeed, different forms of preserves for beasts of chase and other game.
The forest, often of vast extent and of diversified surface, was the exclusive prerogative
of royalty, and was invested with peculiar laws and privileges. The chase, a name
still occurring in some places in England, was a smaller portion of country, lying in
a state of nature, and uninclosed. The park was of more limited dimensions than
either of the former, and was surrounded by fences. In the conception of a park,
inclosure is the dominant idea; and hence, in the Lowlands of Scotland, which were
inclosed within the memory of the last generation, a fenced field of any description
is, in popular usage, called a park.

5*

106 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

The park may be viewed as distinguished by the
quantity and variety of its woodlands, arranged in the
form of plantations, or dispersed in clumps and groups
through its pasture-lands. We have already adverted
to various subjects connected with a country residence ;
to these we shall again refer only as forming part of
the arrangements of the park scenery.

The Unity of the Park may be described to be that
harmony of effect produced by well-arranged scenery
which, however diversified and picturesque, does not
^suggest any discordant or offensively incongruous ideas.
A park, indeed, of considerable extent, will never form
one picture; and neither will a small one, unless in
unfavorable circumstances. A simple or single unity,
then, is a quality not to be expected, and hardly to be
valued if it could be obtained. The absence of dis-
cordance, a character quite compatible with a beautiful
diversity, is perhaps all the unity that is desirable. It
must be confessed that this is a subject which has re-
ceived very inadequate attention, both in the theory
and the practice of designing. Very often, in the lay-
ing out of grounds, no general plan has been adopted,
or at least no pervading idea has been carried out.
Improvement has proceeded in a bit-by-bit way — by
the planting of a field here and a knoll there. Clumps
or single trees are set down in adjoining fields, fences
are partially removed, and fragments of hedgerows or
belts of plantation are left standing in places whence
they ought to have been removed, or if preserved,
should have been made the nuclei of clumps or groups
of trees. The result of all this is confusion at the
very least. In many cases, and even in places of con-
siderable note, what beauty there is has arisen from

UNITY OF THE PARK. 107

the marked character of the locality, or from the acci-
dental circumstance of an existing mass or group of
fine old trees, rather than from any systematic efforts
on the part of the designers. This frequently occurs
where parks have been gradually enlarged by succes-
sive additions. Very often, instead of a fine park, we
find ourselves in the midst of an accumulated mass of
acres, woods, fields, and fences, without any visible
arrangement in reference to beauty of individual out-
line or to harmonious combination. The impression
is that of a labyrinth. The only unity is contiguity
of space. We do not say that there is no interest even
in such scenes ; but it arises from the beauty of single
trees, or occasional nooks of greenery, or detached
pieces of rock or water, — very beautiful things, cer-
tainly, in themselves, but only a scantling of what
might have been secured by the moderate exercise of
taste and foresight. After all, an extensive and per-
vading unity is often unattainable. Some corner of a
neighboring estate, some Naboth's vineyard, comes in
the way, and, offending the feeling of appropriation,
must be planted out if it cannot be purchased ; or a
parish road, or a church with graveyard and hamlet,
may obtrude themselves irremediably. In such cir-
cumstances, the absence of a visible disunity may be
the most favorable consummation that can be realized.
Note. — We cannot but regret that our author has
not enjoyed the privilege of visiting America, that his
eye might for once be gratified with the sight of the
grandeur and beauty of the natural park scenery so
often presented to the traveler in our new states, and
still remaining in some of the old ones. We know
hundreds of agricultural estates which can boast parks

108 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUND8.

of unwonted beauty, almost unknown and unappre-
ciated as such by their proprietors, which are devoted
to the common purposes of grazing their herds. The
"barrens" of the west, as they are locally termed —
any thing but barren, in reality, as they are among
the most fertile of lands when brought into cultiva-
tion— covered with scattering trees, and groups, and
clumps, and masses of forest of the largest dimensions,
and in great variety, with copses of undenvood scat-
tered beneath, present the most luxuriant sites imagina-
ble for such purposes. Occasional stretches of prairie
intervene to add to their variety, and frequently a pond,
or lake, or running stream adds life and spirit to the
landscape. Large tracts of these have been inclosed,
and with a discriminating good taste in many of their
proprietors, the original trees have been preserved and
now remain in their fullest growth and luxuriance.
Mountains, and extended waters alone, are wanting,
to give them a perfection which all the arts of artificial
planting and cultivation cannot equal. Further south,
and east, but still on the slope of the western w7aters,
hills and mountains add variety to the scenery of these
natural parks. More heavily timbered than the bar-
rens, the finest forest ranges are frequently inclosed
with the open lands, and dotted with herds and flocks ;
and scarce aware of the fact themselves, their propri-
etors are in the enjoyment of parks and pleasure-
grounds such as few of the aristocracy of Europe can
boast, in native grandeur, beauty, and fertility. On
the Atlantic slope, a greater variety of surface, and
of natural objects may be found, with which to com-
bine and form a more perfect aggregation of interest,
but diminished in the lesser fertility of the soil, and

NATURAL CHARACTER OF THE GROUND. 109

the splendor of its vegetation. Few "Naboths' vine-
yards" here stand in the way of the appropriation
of all that need satisfy the taste of one who has the
means to enjoy his bent to the utmost in posses-
sion of such a pleasure. Such are our agricultural
parks, and while subservient to profitable purposes in
grazing, they may minister to the finest taste in all
that embellishes the land with natural beauty, and
grandeur. To their preservation, we commend, most
earnestly, the attention of those whose enviable lot it
is to possess them. For the more restricted objects
of such as seek the possession of a park as an object
of luxury in the populous districts of country contigu-
ous to our large towns and cities, the natural features
of open ground, and forest, in appropriate places, and
sufficient variety, are not so readily found ; and these
must, of course, be supplied by planting and cultiva-
tion. To them are the instructions of our author chiefly
directed. — Ed.

Natural Character of the Ground. — Most places
have intrinsically a natural character, which is mainly
dependent on what may be called the contour of
surface. This, being a matter of great importance,
should receive immediate and studious attention, bpth
from the proprietor and the artists who may aid him in
erecting his house and laying out his grounds. It is
obvious that the nature of the surface must materially
affect the style and position of the mansion-house, the
adornment of the dressed grounds, and the extent and
character of the park, approaches, and, in short, every
thing connected with a country residence. Nature
affords an almost infinite variety of contours, each
requiring or suggesting a different treatment. For

110 PAKKS AND FLEASURE-GROTJNDS.

example, the house and its environs may occupy part
of a dead flat, a level as uniform as a painter's canvas ;
and this situation may be accounted the least felicitous,
or certainly the least suggestive, of all, as it obliges
the designer to create rather than regulate a landscape.
Again, the surface may be concave, including the two
sides of a valley of moderate width ; or it may be the
lower part of the slope of a hilly country, where it
gradually descends into the plain — in other words, one
side of a broad valley. On the other hand, some sur-
faces are convex — a long and slightly elevated ridge,
we may suppose, or a lower spur of a mountain or
range of hills, or a bold promontory running into the
sea. Once more, the house may be seated on the
shoulder formed by the junction of a primary and a
transverse or secondary valley, on a platform over a
lake or arm of the sea, or on the winding bank of an
inland stream or navigable river; and of course the
character of the park and grounds must be modified
by these varying circumstances. Manifold are the
other diversities of natural surface ; and to the slightest
reflection it must be apparent that they cannot all be
dealt with in the same way. On a convex surface, for
example, we do not generally meet with standing
water; the beauties consist mostly of distant views,
and the business of the designer is to select these, to
render them conspicuous, and to set them off with
beautiful foregrounds. On the other hand, the concave
surface suggests water scenery, such as the lake or the
artificial river. From such a locality the distant views
are necessarily limited, or extend only in the direction
of the valley ; but if the house be planted near one of
the rising edges, or on the breast of a slope, there will

ACQUIRED CHARACTER OF THE GROUND. Ill

be room for admirable pictorial effect in the middle
distance and opposite ridge, as well as for delicious
walks or rides in the lower grounds. We throw out
these hints rather as illustrative of contour than as in-
dicating specific plans for particular localities. We
need scarcely add, that this natural diversity of surface,
while in its individual forms it affords one of the es-
sential elements of beauty, and has probably suggested
most of what is really fine in the practice of the art,
utterly precludes the laying down of any general rule
as everywhere applicable. We shall have occasion to
revert to this principle ; meanwhile, we beg the atten-
tion of our readers to its importance.

Acquired Character of the Ground. — Except
where a residence has to be formed in an unimproved
and desolate region, (and that is a task not of common
occurrence,) the locality to be dealt with will have not
only a natural, but also an acquired character. Some
growing timber is generally found where a man thinks
of setting down a house, and there are fences, roads,
and perhaps farm buildings or other rural objects
already existing. And if the designer is called in, not
to give a primary plan, but to improve or extend what
has been already done, he is sure to find before him
buildings, plantations, and other matters connected
with country residences. All these circumstances
originate what we have called an acquired character,
which, in some cases, may have obliterated in a great
measure the natural expression of the place, particu-
larly if the latter was not strongly marked at first, or
it may have brought out such a want of harmony as
to necessitate improvement. In dealing with the ac-
quired character of the place, the artist will find that

112 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

there are certain objects, such as the mansion-house,
offices, and portions of the woods, which can seldom
be altered, and which must be treated as fixtures.
Such objects are not unfrequently sources of great
embarrassment. They often so modify the whole of
the alterations that the place, even after every possible
improvement, is greatly inferior to what it might have
been had the fixtures been skillfully arranged at first.
All these points, then — the natural contour and ex-
pression, the acquired character, and the mutual modi-
fications produced by the intermingling of both — must
be carefully studied by the artist ; for it is only by
means of a matured knowledge of these, and by avail-
ing himself of the alterations which they place within
his reach, that he hopes to bring out those beauties
which the eye of taste can discover slumbering and
buried, as it were, in a mass of deformity and confu-
sion. No quickness of eye can dispense with, hardly
any inspiration of genius can supply the want of,
careful and accurate study on the ground.

Planting in the Park. — Planting is the principal
means of ornamenting the park ; and accord ingljr, trees
and shrubs are the chief materials with which the de-
signer has to operate. On the presence or absence of
these, and on their due arrangement and distribution,
will depend the superiority which the lands of the park,
thus adorned, will have over lands of a similar charac-
ter and extent, but occupied simply as pastures. This
difference may be small at first, but it will be rapidly
developed by the yearly growth of the trees. In this
department of planting, various objects are to be kept
in view. Shelter may be necessary in particular
quarters ; seclusion, also, is requisite. But the principal

SURFACES TO BE PLANTED. 113

aim which the ornamental planter has to keep in
view is, of course, scenic beauty. To attain this end,
particular attention must be given to the nature of the
surfaces which are to be planted; and of those we
shall now proceed to speak.

Note. — In order to a perfect understanding of1 his
future plans, the proprietor of a park on which im-
provements of any kind are to be made, should have
a correct topographical map of the whole territory
embraced, that at his leisure he may become familiar
with every point of interest, and with every elevation
and depression which it embraces ; and if the geologi-
cal formations of his grounds differ one from another,
such differences, and their character, should also be
noted, to govern him in their fitness for the growth of
certain trees, shrubbery, and plants, in preference to
others. AH such should have their appropriate place,
as on their adaptation to the soil will their growth and
ultimate effect materially depend. — Ed.

Surfaces to be Planted. — Of these we may remark
generally that their exact nature should be carefully
ascertained, their present and possible future physiog-
nomy should be attentively studied, and the amount
and distribution of the planting should be determined
accordingly. The planter will endeavor to bring out,
the beauty which intrinsically belongs to the peculiar
situation, or may be elicited from it. At the same
time, he will take care not to shut out whatever is
picturesque in the surrounding country from the prin-
cipal points of view. We have already said that a flat
surface is the least propitious to pictorial effect ; still,
by skillful management, a certain amount of it may be
accomplished, or, at least, a great improvement may

114: PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

be made on a bald and uninteresting locality. On
such ground the artist will have to depend on his own
power of grouping together the masses of wood which
he may deem necessary for the purposes of decoration ;
and though he cannot avail himself of any swell of
the* ground to add variety to the scene, he will have
the satisfaction of knowing that the outlines of his
plantations, clumps, etc., are perfectly at his command,
and that their effect cannot be diminished by any twist
or contortion of surface — a difficulty of not unfrequent
occurrence in other cases. Deprived of any advantage
which may be derived from undulations calculated to
heighten the effect of a plantation, or to relieve the
defects of an outline, he will have to create a piece of
scenery which should be complete in itself, and should
form a graceful and harmonious whole. The disposition
of the woods should be such as to make up a variety
of apparently connected, yet diversified, scenes, of con-
siderable length and breadth within the park. It is of
great practical moment to remark, that to accomplish
this, less planting will be required on a flat than on
any other surface. The open spaces should be roomy,
the glades wide and sunny, and the whole expression
of the place should, so far as is possible, be light and
airy. In an undulating or hilly country, the woods
ought rather to occupy the sides of the hills or rising
grounds than the intervening vallej^s or hollows. In
this way the woods are seen to greater advantage, and
they tend to increase the height of the eminences on
which they are placed, and proportionally to deepen
the grounds below them. When the valleys or de-
pressions of a park are all planted up, as they too
often are, the necessary result is the concealment of

SURFACES TO BE PLANTED. 115

the natural inequalities of the ground, and the produc-
tion of a dull uniformity. Of course, while recom-
mending the planting of wood on the higher positions,
we do not mean that the smooth outline of every green
hill should be exchanged for a serrated one of trees
placed over it. Still less would we recommend the
capping of all the knolls with clumps of wood, which
is in as bad taste as planting up all the hollows. We
would have some of the hills or rising grounds in the
park covered with masses of wood feathered out toward
the bottom, with scattered groups thinly distributed
across the valleys. In other cases, the rising grounds
might be clothed with groups becoming thinner toward
the top, and thickening as they descend on both sides.
Where there are low green hills with fine outlines, the
summits of one or more of these should by all means
be left vacant, and a curtain of wood drawn along the
lower slopes and base, and even the adjacent valley.
AVhere there is no such variety of surface as we have
supposed above, or where the park is of limited extent,
each case will fall to be dealt with as the natural char-
acter of the place will suggest or allow, regard being
had to the general import of the principles already
indicated. / The planting of the sloping banks of the
platforms which constitute the main area of some -
parks, and of the ravines by which they are intersected,
has often a wretched effect. This is owing to several
causes ; for example, to their being formed without
relation to other groups or masses in the park, and to
their trees appearing above the banks, and dividing
the land with what seems a meager, ill-grown belt.
When such places are planted, they should form a por-
tion of some of the more general combinations in the

116 PARK& AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

park, and the spaces covered with trees should be ex-
tended beyond the top of the banks in order to secure
a certain amount of breadth. It sometimes happens,
that in such planted ravines the lines of light along
the upper edges of the slopes, as seen from below,
proclaim the poverty of the whole affair. We add an
earnest caution against the inconsiderate filling-up of
ravines and hollows by means of wood. Such places
may have no agricultural, and but little pastoral value,
and yet the choking of them up with plantations may
be almost the last thing which an improver ought to do.
Arrangement of Woods in the Park. — This is
a subject second in importance to none which we have
hitherto treated. Success in this department is essen-
tial to that unity and harmony wrhich are necessary to
the development and finished expression of park scen-
ery. It is, however, a matter somewhat difficult to
handle, both in theory and in practice. For the sake
of clearness, we may begin our remarks with the ex-
planation of a few terms which we can not help using,
and which, indeed, we have used already. A Group
is a term borrowed from the technical language of
painters and-sculptors. It denotes an aggregation of
at least two, but generally more objects, closely related
to each other by nearness and position, but only re-
motely related, in these respects, to other objects. In
the internal structure of the group, the objects are so
arranged, that while one or more may occupy leading
positions, the others hold only inferior places; at the
same time, each must appear to belong to the same
combination, and to contribute to the making up of a
whole. The external and remote relation of the group to
other objects, is of a more evanescent and indefinable

ARRANGEMENT OF WOODS IN THE PARK. 117

description, but is of not inferior importance. A
group may, indeed, be conceived in a state of isolation
from objects of the same kind, as two or three human
figures in the corner of a landscape-painting, a few
statues on a terrace, or a patch of palm-trees in a wide
desert ; but there is probably always, even in the case
of the palm-trees, a mental reference to existing ac-
companiments, perceived or imagined. In landscape-
gardening, a group, though apparently detached, is
uniformly part of a whole. It remains to be added,
that groups are either simple or composite: simple,
when they are made up of single objects, such as trees
or statues ; composite, when they are formed of single
groups, or of the other more condensed and extended
bodies of trees, which we now proceed to mention.
A Clump is a group considerably increased in the
number and density of its component parts, without
any apparent internal arrangement, but with a definite
figure and decided outline. A clump of trees may be
called a small wood. Yiewed at a moderate distance,
the form of that half of it which is next the spectator
can be taken in at once by the eye.* A Mam of wood
is hardly a technical term, but yet a very convenient
one. It denotes a large body of growing timber, ex-
hibiting an apparent continuity of boughs and foliage,
and of such depth that the horizontal light can not be
seen through the stems of the trees. That portion of

* Lexicographers inform us that the word clump was originally written plump, and
they adduce as examples, a plump of trees, of horse, of fowls, etc. Near the beginning
of 'Marmion,' Sir Walter Scott, imitating an old ballad, employs the expression, "a
plump of spears," and adds in a note, "This word properly applies to a flight of
water-fowl, but is applied by analogy to a body of horse." From certain analogies in
words derived from the Anglo-Saxon, it would seem that clump and lump are nearly
allied, if not identical ; and it must be owned that a lump of trees is a phrase not a
little descriptive of many clumps to be found in parks and pleasure-grounds.

118 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

an extensive plantation or forest which is visible at
once, may be called a mass of wood. In the park,
however, the masses, generally speaking, are of more
limited dimensions ; yet they are so large, that while
the irregularities of outline in the vicinity of the spec-
tator can be perceived by him, the forms of the ex-
tremities are distinguishable only when viewed from a
considerable distance. Masses and clumps may be
either inclosed or open ; they are generally inclosed.
It will be obvious from our definition of a composite
group, that the places of the component members may
be taken by other groups, and by clumps, and even
masses ; so that we might speak of a group of groups,
a group of clumps, and a group of masses. It will
tend to clearness, however, if we reserve the term
group, at least when accompanied with qualification,
to denote the smaller and simpler aggregations. In
the larger and more composite arrangements, we shall
prefer the expressions, a system, or combination of
clumps or masses. As the wrord grouping has been
extensively used to express the principles of combina-
tion or composition in rural scenery, we shall continue
to avail ourselves of it when necessary. It is hoped
that, the above explanations being kept in mind, the
following remarks will be sufficiently intelligible. In
carrying out the arrangement of the woods, the de-
signer should begin with forming certain leading sys-
tems of masses, to be filled up and completed by
secondary and minor combinations, together with the
necessary clumps or groups of scattered trees. For
the principal masses, a few leading positions should
be selected. The house and pleasure-grounds should
be included in one ; a hill, or rising ground, or rounded

ARRANGEMENT OF WOODS IN THE PARK. 119

eminence, may form the center of a second or third ;
while the boundary of the park toward the home farm,
or other portion of the boundary where disagreeable
objects are to be concealed, may afford room for a
fourth or fifth. The secondary combinations, though
inferior in extent to the primary ones, will yet, in many
parks, be of sufficient dimensions to vail the stables
and farm-offices, and to shelter the kitchen-gardens
when these are placed in detached positions ; they
may also be employed with good effect in other places,
such as around the entrance-gates and lodges, the
gamekeepers' and park-keepers' cottages, and along
the boundary of the park. The secondary masses are
also serviceable in connecting the principal ones, and
so making up what we have called the systems or
main combinations. The minor combinations are fre-
quently required for the same or similar purposes,
especially when they are formed of groups of trees.
The size, number, and variety of these diversified
aggregations of trees, necessary for the decoration of
the park, will, of course, depend very much on the
extent of the ground and the natural character of the
surface. When it is intended to give the whole what
is called a park-like appearance, spaces of grass land
of considerable length and breadth should be left open
between the principal masses of plantation, and also
between a number of the secondary ones. On the
other hand, when it is desired to impart to the place
the character of woodland scenery, the main combina-
tions should be enlarged ajid drawn more closely to-
gether, and the grass lands should be reduced to the
form of glades and openings in the woods. In local-
ities with a level surface, where little is seen beyond

120 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

the park, and where the creation of as large an amount
of scenery as is possible within it is an essential ele-
ment in its formation, the combinations of masses of
plantation will necessarily be fewer, and placed further
apart, than where the surface operated on is of an un-
dulating, hilly character. "Where a large body of wood
is required, it is injudicious to form the leading and
secondary masses into dense and almost impervious
thickets, as is too frequently done ; it is better to ar-
range them into a gradation of masses interspersed
with lawns, glades, and other openings, in addition to
the rides by which they may be traversed, and the
ordinary roads necessary for their management. Where
the main masses are small, a similar effect may be
produced by lesser openings and indentations. In
both cases, groups of trees, and single trees, should be
scattered through the glades and along the margins of
the larger bodies of wood. This is exemplified in
those places in which masses of wood are seen form-
ing pleasure-grounds round the mansion-house. We
do not mean that these masses of wood in the park
should be dissected into as many and as small divi-
sions as are often necessary in the dressed grounds ;
but there are many places in which the woods are
greatly enlivened by such open spaces, and by the
addition of a few clumps and groups of single trees,
relieving yet attached to the general masses. In hilly
and mountainous countries, large masses of wood are
sometimes planted, but it is seldom desirable to inter-
sect these with wide openings or lengthened glades.
A better effect is produced by bays and indentations,
as already recommended. When the woods have been
formed, as above explained, into a variety of leading

GROUPING Oil COMBINATION OF PLANTATIONS. 121

and secondary combinations, the position of the indi-
vidual plantations should be such as obviously to
appear portions of their own systems. They should
vary in size as well as in form, and should be separated
by open spaces of varying breadth. The projections
of one may advance toward the recesses of another.
In many cases they may be blended into one whole by
means of groups of trees scattered round and among
them ; these will produce a light and varied effect, and
tend to counteract any formality in the general outlines.
Grouping or Combination of Plantations in the
Park. — In our previous remarks, we have taken for
granted that some general arrangement of the different
bodies of wood should be adopted. It is necessary to
insist on this principle, for it is very frequently over-
looked or neglected. We often see isolated masses
occupying positions for which no apparent reason can
be discovered, and which probably were selected from
the original low value of the ground in an agricultural
point of view. Trees, the remains of old hedge-rows,
or of departed clumps, or of woods that have been re-
moved, are dotted over extensive surfaces. Fences,
dividing the park into separate fields, draw their mea-
ger and ungraceful lines, perhaps, through the very
center of a fine breadth of view. The effects of such
misarrangements are confusion, incongruity, or at least
a sad diminution of the pleasure which the other fea-
tures of the scene might have afforded. To avoid
these unfortunate results, some general system of
grouping should be sedulously followed. In extensive
parks of from one to two thousand acres," there is often
room for three or four, or even more, main combina-
tions, such as we have specified in a previous article.
6

122 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

In more limited localities, the principal grouped masses
will, of course, be fewer in number, or on a reduced
scale. Yfhen these have been marked out, the subor-
dinate masses, clumps and groups, are to be laid down
in proper coordination. Single trees should be scat-
tered irregularly here and there, in such a manner as
to harmonize wTith the larger masses, and to take off
the stiff and constrained appearance presented by the
outlines of the denser plantations. By this mode of
grouping, the grass lands will be thrown into masses
of greater breadth, and the surrounding wroods and
groups of trees will exhibit entire scenes of themselves,
connected yet dissimilar, united yet diversified, by the
ever-varying interchange of glade and wood, of broad
grassy expanse and clump and group, or single trees,
and exhibiting at one time the deep shade and dense
color of the mass, and at another the lighter and airier
graces of individual -forms. When a park is laid out
on these principles, that is, with a properly arranged
gradation of combined masses and groups, and a bird's-
eye view of it is taken, it will present a highly-diver-
sified appearance ; and though there are few surfaces
on which the whole system of grouping can be made
visible at once, yet from so much of it as can be seen,
the successive pictures will be more numerous and
more pleasing than can be afforded by any chance-
medley system. The increase of variety and intricacy
in form and position, will invariably produce, in a cor-
responding degree, a diversity in the succession and
intensity of light and shade. In short, we have the
certain superiority of design, if that design is not ob-
trusively formal and artificial, over the imperfect,
irregular, occasionally interesting, but rarely occurring

GROUPING OR COMBINATION OF PLANTATIONS. 123

beauties of accident. The principle of grouping, in
parks and pleasure-grounds, though of the utmost im-
portance, has, we believe, been sadly neglected, both
in the original formation and in the improvement of
country residences. Many planters seem to have no
conception of the principle. Others seem to have
been disposed to cover with trees all surfaces which
they could not turn to any other account. Some have
been seized with the itch of transplantation ; they have
not known when to stop, and have clung with invin-
cible pertinacity to the misdeeds which they have ac-
complished with much expense and labor. Some,
again, have been unwilling to cut down old trees — a
reluctance with which we cordially sympathize — and
have failed to connect them skillfully with the adjacent
masses, which either have been or might have been
formed. The only consolation in these cases is, that
the labyrinthine effect formerly alluded to not unfre-
quently cloaks the deformities, if at the same time it
obstructs and precludes the beauties which might have
existed. We see little of the confusion, because the
dense encumbrances of the landscape do not permit
us to see much of any thing. The eye of taste, indeed,
can often discern the loss, and suggests regrets that
so many natural advantages have been thrown away.
There is, however, one specific fault to which the neg-
lect of general grouping very commonly leads, and
which ought not to be passed over without some ani-
madversion— we mean what has been ludicrously but
- appropriately called the Dotting System. This consists
in placing a number of objects in nearly equidistant
positions, without reference to their intrinsic or relative
importance. Examples of this mode of planting occur

124 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

in the park when plantations, clumps, or groups, are
set down in complete isolation, or without any percep-
tible relation to surrounding objects. Trees are seen
occupying the broad spaces or narrower openings be-
tween the woods, without a greater affinity to one
mass than to another. This effect, exhibited on the
side of a green hill, where it is peculiarly infelicitous,
has been well compared to a pattern of sprigged mus-
lin. Into pleasure-grounds and gardens the dotting
system has also intruded : in these, figures containing
shrubs and flowers, as well as single shrubs and trees,
are often sprinkled with the most undeviating regu-
larity. The main object would seem to be to leave
unoccupied no piece of grass or plat of ground above
a certain and very moderate size. On the lawns of
many gardens this paltry and tasteless system has been
carried out to the greatest perfection. A better taste,
indeed, is now being diffused ; we have, however, ob-
served a finished specimen of this style in a garden of
great pretension and celebrity, and which is supposed
to exhibit the very perfection of British gardening.
A pinetum is dotted over an extensive lawn, without
respect to the natural physiognomy of the trees, and,
what is more surprising, without any regard, so far as
we could discover, to their botanical affinities as spe-
cies. A few formal clumps of rhododendrons lend
their aid to complete the general insipidity. It must
be admitted, at the same time, that it is seldom that
lawns are dotted with such hardy tenants. They are
frequently filled with half-hardy objects, undergoing
the miseries of acclimatizing experiments ; * and the

*A11 efforts in the way of accommodating the plants of warmer regions to our
somewhat ungenial clime, ought to be encouraged and promoted, as every additional

OUTLINES OF PLANTATIONS IN THE PARK. 125

eye is regaled with the stunted growth and discolored
foliage in summer, and the stake, and the mat or furze
covering in winter. The results of the dotting system
are, a general monotony, and an insipidity, which no
variety in the character of the trees or shrubs will ever
overcome. There is the same breadth of light and shade
on this tree and on that — the same patchwork of sun-
beam and shadow wherever the eye can turn. On the
common, or in the native forest, we do not find the
wild denizens of nature put down at equal distances.
Where the hand of man has not interfered, the trees
and bushes are seen in masses and irregular clusters,
with single plants scattered round them, and forming
groups of greater or less dimensions. In the mass or
group you wTill scarcely find half a dozen plants grow-
ing at the same distance from each other. The single
trees are mostly in closer proximity to some portion
of the general group than to another. Hence arise
the infinitely-diversified beauties of the native pine
forest, and the captivating and almost inimitable grace
of the wild oaks and birches on the sides of the High-
land glens ; and hence, too, the ceaseless interchange
of light and shade, both on tree and turf, on which
the eye never fails to dwell with pleasure. In short,
grouping is everywhere productive of interest and
beauty ; dotting, of insipid monotony and languor.

Outlines of Plantations in the Park. — In form-
ing plantations, it is necessary that the outlines of
those portions of them which require inclosure should

bard j tree or shrub is so much clear gain to gardening. But the transition or training
processes should be kept in their proper place, viz : the inclosed garden. Where
beauty of scenery is the object aimed at, the trees and shrubs should be sufficiently
hardy for the average climate of the locality. Those slightly tender, or requiring
shelter from cutting winds, may find some warm, quiet nooks in the flower-garden
or pleasure-grounds.

126 PARKS AOT> PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

be adjusted with reference both to the general group-
ing and to the surfaces on which they stand. Of
course, these outlines should assume a pleasing variety
of form. Large, curving sweeps seem to be favorite
lines, and they are occasionally fine ; but they become
insipid when often reproduced. On the other hand,
the fretwork of numerous small recesses and projec-
tions are equally wearisome; besides, when seen in
front of their general lines, their zigzaggeries are
scarcely discernible ; and, indeed, the less the better.
Instead of these, let the projections be bold and the
recesses deep, rather abrupt than otherwise, yet with-
out the appearance either of too much angularity or
of roundness. The outlines of plantations and clumps
in parks have very frequently the expression of con-
strained formality, and that, we believe, from two dis-
tinct causes. The first is the inferior character of the
outlines themselves ; and the second is the practice of
planting the trees either close up to the fences or in a
line parallel with them. In some places, where it may
be difficult to have the fences so formed as to produce,
by the projections and recesses of the plantations, that
degree of light and shade which is desirable, a general
line of fence must be formed, as well as circumstances
will allow, with a forward and retiring bend where a
projection and a recess are wanted, the effect of the
latter being brought out by the planting. This is a
useful method to adopt with clumps. In these, a gen-
eral line of fence, curving round the promontories, if
we may so call them, and bending toward, but not
entering deeply into, the bays, will be free from those
angularities which it is impossible to avoid when the
fence follows servilely the feathery outline of the trees.

BELTS, CIRCLES, ETC. 127

At the first planting, the proper recesses should be
left entirely vacant within the fence. Unless this is
done, one or other of two results is necessary, — either
an extremely irregular outline offence, which from its
crooked continuity is offensive, or, if this is avoided,
the very great probability that the w^ood will never be
properly thinned and grouped out at an after period.
This remark holds specially true of clumps planted for
the subsequent formation of groups. Many things
which " the prophetic eye of taste " designs, are for-
gotten in the routine of the present, and the mind
grows familiar and satisfied with what was never in-
tended to be permanent. Perhaps, at length, in the
estimation of the forester, the wrell-kept fence becomes
of more importance than the clump itself, and all the
attention the latter receives is a little thinning at times.
For these reasons, we earnestly recommend that the
feathered outline of the plantation should be carefully
formed at once, even though considerable vacant
spaces should be left within the fence. Of course this
recommendation is not intended to apply to all cases ;
but there are many places in which its adoption is the
only method of securing a varied outline of trees,
with a pleasing outline of fence ; and there are other
places in which a considerable improvement may be
effected by its partial use.

Belts, Circles, etc. — Belts should never be intro-
duced into the interior of the park; in their straight
outlines and heavy uniformity there is a total want of
variety and intricacy of effect. On the extreme
boundary, something like a belt may be at times in-
dispensable. On those farm lands where shelter, not
beauty, is desired, the belt, provided it is of sufficient

128 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

breadth, is one of the most useful forms of plantation.
Circles and ovals should be entirely confined to the
flower-beds of the dressed grounds, among which,
when small, their effect is good enough. In the park,
they are distinguished by their invariable tufty char-
acter, betraying clearly their formal and monotonous
outline. Of all forms of plantation, they are among
the most intractable with which the improver has to
deal. If the wood could be spared, their entire re-
moval would be the speediest and most advisable im-
provement to which they could be subjected ; but as
this can seldom be done, the improver must exert his
ingenuity in grouping them out, or in making such
additions to their mass as their size, position, and the
nature of the ground will allow.

Note. — After the full and exceedingly practical re-
marks of our author, on the several heads of park
improvement, scarcely a word need be added. Yet,
as the formation of American parks, different from
English ones, as frequently consists in cutting out,
thinning, and clearing away the forest, or parts of it,
as otherwise, a remark or two may be applicable to
that branch of the subject.

In remarking on the naked appearance of our coun-
try, in its most extensively cultivated districts, nothing
is more common than the expression of regret and
disapprobation at the sweeping manner in which the
original forests have been cut away by the early set-
tlers, and that so few, or scarcely any trees are left to
shade and embellish the land. Such expressions are
usually made without a proper knowledge of the sub-
ject, and which a better acquaintance with the char-
act^ of our original forests would correct. It is not

BELTS, CIRCLES, ETC. 129

denied that a recklessness in cutting away and sweep-
ing off every vestige of the forest, in some cases
where it might be beneficially left, is too often the
case; but when we reflect that the main object is
to bring the forest lands under immediate cultivation,
and that such cultivation can not succeed under shade,
and among a mass of living roots, lying mostly near
the surface, such as original forest trees usually pre-
sent, it need be no cause of surprise that the pioneer,
looking only to his bread, and the future support of
his family, should clear his lands of every impediment
to so desirable an end. In point of utility, he is en-
tirely right. For cultivation alor>e, in its most profit-
able result, a field should never have a tree nor a
shrub within it. Pastures, only, require them ; and it
is a subject of discussion still, with graziers and stock
farmers, whether shade trees are at all beneficial to
the growth and thrift of cattle — the subject of taste,
or embellishment to the land, by the presence of trees,
being excluded. Our forests are composed of trees
thickly set, and drawn up to great heights, with bare
stems, small, slender tops, and roots widely spreading
near the surface of the ground. A continual struggle
for supremacy has existed with them, ever since they
grew at all, and each tree striving with all its might
to overtop its neighbor, and shoot up into the light and
sun, which are indispensable to their existence. A
part of the forest being cut away, and sun, and air,
and their drying influences admitted, many of the
border trees of the standing forest sicken and die
from the absence of their usual moisture ; others are
prostrated by the violence of the winds which now
break in upon them through the clearings ; and even
6*

130 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

if left standing in masses, years of time are necessary
to acclimate the exposed trees, and quicken them into
a renewed and healthy growth. What, then, must be
the condition of a single tree, or a dozen, or fifty trees,
even if left contiguous to each other, deprived of their
mutual support, the shade of the underwood beneath
them, and their accustomed moisture at the root, with
the glaring heat of the sun drying up their trunks, and
the driving winds heaving at their tops like a huge
lever acting on their thin-spread roots, spread over a
surface of soft, porous mould? They must be blown
down, or die a lingering and miserable death, of neces-
sity, in nine cases out of ten, at least, where the ex-
periment is tried. Occasionally a tree, more firmly
rooted in the soil than usual, may survive. But what,
in case it do survive, is such a tree good for ? Its huge,
bare trunk, shooting up into the sky, and supporting a
meager tuft of half- feathered branches, is any thing but
an object of beauty ; it scarce ever grows another
inch, and remains only as a specimen of what the
forest among which it stood once may have been. It
is measurably so with smaller trees, few of which,
under like circumstances, survive at all ; or if they do,
scarcely ever arrive at a full and vigorous maturity.
We speak feelingly, and from long experience. The
acres of forest which have been cleared under our
immediate supervision, may be counted almost by the
thousand ; and among the multitude of trees which we
caused to be left, in various kinds, and under all cir-
cumstances, not one in a hundred remain ; and were
we now to make a choice, at the end of twenty years,
to produce the best effect in a forest plantation, whether
to go into an old, dense wood, and clear portions of it

ARTIFICIAL STYLE. 131

out, or cut it all down, and clear it awajr, and take the
chances of the young growth immediately springing
up to supply its place, we should assuredly take the
latter. In such case, however, we should not apply
fire to the clearing ; the brush should be simply thrown
together, and if the timber and wood were not avail-
able to be drawn away, they should be left on the
ground, to decay and keep it moist. The young wood
will immediately spring up anew, and grow with a
rapidity which would re-clothe it in a surprisingly
brief space of time ; and this, thinned by degrees,
could be trained and fashioned into the finest models
of forest grace and beauty.

There are positions, however, where limited tracts
of wood exist, and of second growth on light, dry soils,
where it may be safe to enter, and by a gradual thin-
ning and clearing out, letting in by degrees the sun
and air, the remaining trees may be preserved without
injury to their growth. Such woods should be thus
treated ; but under the circumstances before described,
the felling and clearing off of the entire forest is the
better course; and where they are required, young
trees had better be set out anew, than to trust the con-
tingences of preserving the original trees, which will
be almost sure to end in disappointment. — Ed.

Artificial Style. — In our remarks on parks and
pleasure-grounds, wre have hitherto kept in view almost
exclusively the natural style in these departments of gar-
dening. We would not, however, altogether overlook
that artificial style once so much in vogue, but which,
though now antiquated, is worthy of preservation
where fine specimens of it exist, and which might even
be reproduced, at least in part, in certain cases. It is

132 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

a poor and pedantic taste which can derive pleasure
only from one kind of beauty. The main features of
this style, in the park, are avenues and alleys, the lat-
ter being sometimes parallel, sometimes crossing each
other obliquely, or radiating from a common center;
and in the pleasure-grounds, in addition to these, the
principal characteristics are terraces, stairs, fountains,
and statues. Portions of these means of ornament
have been adopted with good effect in many well-laid-
out places. We should be disposed to recommend
them, as indeed we have, in connection with the man-
sion-house and flower-garden. When the structure of
the ground is favorable, they form a suitable transition
from the highly artificial forms of architecture, to the
free, unconstrained developments of natural objects.
In the park, angular and radiating alleys are perhaps
tolerable only in level situations, or when ""they can be
viewed from a moderately elevated platform occupied
by the mansion-house.

Avenues. — We seldom recommend the planting of
avenues in the park, except in certain localities noticed
in our remarks on the approach. The stiff formality
of the avenue is injurious to park scenery, as it fre-
quently divides, by its straight lines, a fine expanse of
grass, and obscures the most interesting part of the
landscape. Another objection to the avenue is, that
it requires to grow for the lifetime of two or three
generations, before it produces its full effect ; and it is
not surprising, therefore, that it is so seldom planted.
The same trees, arranged in groups and clumps, would
present a beautiful appearance in one-third of the
time.

Avenues should hardly ever be attempted, except

AVENUES. 133

on a level surface, or on ground with a slight and uni-
form rise. A close avenue, composed of two rows of
trees, and planted on an undulating surface, has al-
ways a poor look ; on the contrary, even in such situa-
tions, where there are breadth and mass, as in the
compound avenues at Windsor, the effect is fine.

The question may be asked, " What is to be done
with an old established avenue?" We may answer,
partly in the words of Mr. Gilpin. "The avenue,"
says he, " is in general so destitute of composition, by
cutting the landscape in half, that the introduction of
it must depend upon the circumstances of the place
itself. On the other hand, where time has invested it
with dignity, and the rest of the scenery is coeval with
it, temerity rather than judgment would dictate its
destruction. Breaking it by partial removal is, I
think, equally injudicious." With the opinions here
expressed we heartily concur. We venerate an old
avenue, with its double or quadruple rows of ancestral
trees. No sacrilegious axe ought to be lifted up against
them, even though they divide the landscape in two.
The destruction of a magnificent range of limes, or
elms, or chestnuts, hallowed by immemorial associa-
tions, is too great a sacrifice to any prevailing taste,
however excellent ; and if by breaking is meant the
removal of the greater part of the trees, and the pre-
servation of such a small residue as will mark the
position of the old lines, the effect would be worse
than a total removal.

In the dressed grounds, avenues, without injury to
the general effect, may sometimes be formed through
some of the large masses of wood; but in these cases
the trees should not be placed at greater distances than

134: PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

is sufficient for a broad walk or ordinary drive. We
do not admire a practice which has become common
of late, — that, viz., of planting some of the finest
lawns of pleasure-grounds with avenues of the Indian
cedar. (Pinus Deodara.) Judging from the char-
acter of this tree, as well as from the peculiar forms
of the fir tribe, we have great doubts whether these
cedars will ever produce a fine avenue except as a
broad and open one, with double rows on each side.
The Indian cedar itself is highly interesting and beau-
tiful ; so far as we yet know it, it seems admirably
adapted for light grouping or single trees, and it is to
be hoped that it will prove sufficiently hardy, not only
to live in our climate, but also to attain that magnitude
and form, which have so often awakened the admira-
tion of travelers in the East.

Note. — In relation to " artificial style," and "ave-
nues," we happily have so few places of such charac-
ter that they are of rare impediment to those who wish
to form either parks or pleasure-grounds anew. Pos-
sessing such, however, a fine old mansion, and stately
trees, in whatever form they may stand, are objects of
decided respectability, and may be preserved and
cherished without violence to a very considerable de-
gree-of beauty and effect, in their way. The hand of
" improvement," in our fast age, may well spare the
relics of a bygone century, wThich could boast, we fear,
a sturdier virtue, and a higher patriotism than pre-
vails among their more money-loving successors. — Ed.

ORNAMENTAL CHARACTERS OF TREES. 135

CHAPTER V.

ORNAMENTAL CHARACTERS OF TREES, DETACHED AND
IN COMBINATION.

Introductory Remarks.

Sect. I. The Forms of Single Trees — Broad Round-headed Trees —
The Spiry, Conical, or Pyramidal Configuration — The Upright or
Oblongated — The Weeping or Pendulous.

Sect. II. The Colors of Trees — Table of the Colors of Foliage of
Trees — General Remarks.

Sect. III. The Ornamental Character of Trees in Combination — Coni-
cal or Pyramidal Trees — Round-headed Trees — Intermingling of
the different Forms and Colors — Concluding Remarks.

If we may assimilate landscape-gardening to land-
scape-painting, we would say that trees are the princi-
pal means of ornament available to the garden artist.
They are, as it were, the colors with which he paints,
and with which he fills up the outlines presented by
nature or selected by his own taste. We have already
touched generally on the massing and grouping of
trees — that is, so far as regards the forms and posi-
tions of these groups and masses, and their relative
combinations. Something remains to be said respect-
ing the ornamental character or expression, if we may
so call it, of trees, and of the facilities which they
consequently afford in the laying out or improvement
of park and garden scenery.

136 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

The comparative value of trees, as means of orna-
ment, is a subject which has been little studied ; or, at
least, it has been imperfectly expounded in books ; and
yet it is one of very great importance. The expression
of the ground outline of a wood or clump, for example,
may be perfect in itself, but it may be modified into
very different degrees of excellence by the character
of the trees of which it is composed. We can con-
ceive two parks as nearly as possible the same in other
respects, still, if each is planted with trees of a dis-
tinct and peculiar kind, the difference of effects result-
ing will be so great as very much to diminish any ori-
ginal resemblance between them. Firs, when planted
by themselves, or where they prevail to the general
exclusion of deciduous trees, give a permanent ever-
green character to the park. When the plantations
are occupied by the common run of trees that shed
their leaves, without a due admixture of the fir tribe,
the results will be masses of foliage during the sum-
mer and autumn months, and an obvious bareness and
meagerness in winter and spring, particularly where
the bodies of wood are small, or are deficient in breadth.
It is evident that much must be gained by a skillful
distribution and mixture of both classes. The same
remarks apply, and perhaps with increased force, to
groups of single trees, and to detached trees; these
are very much dependent for their beauty and general
effect on the kind of the trees employed.

Our present object is rather to bring the ornamental
character of trees before the notice of our readers, than
to attempt a full exposition of a subject which, in a
general point of view, is somewhat indefinite; and
which, in its particular aspects, branches out into a

THE FORMS OF SINGLE TREES. 137

multitude of details. Our remarks may be directed,
first, to trees individually in respect to form ; then, to
their color; and lastly, to their expression in combined
masses and groups.

Sect. I. — The Forms of Single Trees.

The forms assumed by the individuals of any species
of tree, such as the oak or Scotch fir, vary much with
the soil, situation, and age of the particular tree, yet
amid all their diversities they preserve a character at
once discernible by the practiced eye. The oaks in
the rich and open park, in the crowded forest, and in
the mountain ravine differ greatly from each other,
but they are plainly oaks, and have each a beauty of
their own. How dissimilar, also, the plume-like ash
in its youth, rushing up in some sheltered valley, to
the round-headed ash of middle age, in an open situa-
tion, and still more to the gnarled, large-timbered,
wavy-boughed, and pendulous-branched ash, bending
under the weight of years. In the same species, too,
there are often constitutional differences, amounting
almost to what botanists call varieties. These circum-
stances necessarily preclude minute verbal description.
Still there are certain general forms affected by trees
in their natural growth, and all that is required for the
purpose of the planter is to keep these steadily in view.
Though every species and variety of tree has its own
peculiar expression, if not distinct character, we do
not deem it necessary to advert to each separately,
believing it to be sufficient for the illustration of our
subject, to class them under four leading divisions, and

138 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

then to refer to a few of the kinds principally em-
ployed in ornamental scenery. As we go on, we may
point out their most suitable and effective positions in
the park and pleasure-grounds.

The first division consists of trees with broad,
round heads ; the second, of those with a spiry, con-
ical, or pyramidal configuration ; the third, of those
with upright or oblongated forms ; and the fourth, of
those with weeping or pendulous branches. The
reader is reminded that these forms are given merely
as approximations: he is not to attach to them the
precision of geometrical figures.

(1.) Broad, Round-headed Trees. — Of the decidu-
ous kinds, the sycamore, the American plane, the com-
mon oak, the Turkey oak, the small-leaved and Scotch
elms, the ash, the tulip-tree, walnut, horse-chestnut,
Spanish chestnut, beech, birch, hornbeam, and others.
The evergreens of this division are few, viz : evergreen
oak, Luccomb oak, yew, cedar of Lebanon, cedar of
Mount Atlas, deodar or Indian cedar, and Lambert's
Cypress. (Cupressus macrocarpa.)

The Sycamore is a large, rounded tree, fully branched
and of massive foliage. Its formal outline, and its
close, broad attire of leaves, are well suited to produce
depth of shade. It has also the property of retaining
its form in exposed situations, and in such positions it
imparts to a clump or group a more decided outline
than can be given by any other hard-wood tree.

The Ash has a light foliage, and a graceful, airy
appearance, particularly when the branches assume a
pendent habit. It generally displays much of the in-
ternal arrangement of its boughs, which is often pic-
turesque in old age. It would be a fine lawn tree did

BROAD ROUND-HEADED TREES. 139

it not continue so short a time in leaf. It grows well
in exposed situations.

The common Oak is a magnificent tree when well
grown, either in the wood or on the lawn. On the lat-
ter it acquires a broad, spreading figure. It is also a
noble forest tree, and it should be planted wherever
the soil and climate are suitable. Its robust habit, its
rectangular, contorted, and often horizontal branches,
and peculiar foliage, afford a more diversified expres-
sion than, perhaps, is to be found in any other hardy
tree. Hence the absence of monotony observable in
great oak forests.

The Scotch or Wych Elm is a fine, broad, spreading
tree, approaching to the characteristics of the oak.
The English Elm has smaller leaves, but denser
branchlets, and is a square-headed tree, often ascend-
ing to a great height in a columnar form. The Beech,
in sheltered places, where it has ample room, forms a
large, stately tree, of a full, graceful, feathery appear-
ance. In exposed localities it yields to the prevailing
winds, and becomes meager and one-sided. When
planted in a mass, it is deficient in that repose which
marks some of the kinds already mentioned. The
Lime is peculiarly a park and lawn tree. Standing
detached, in a sheltered situation, it has a fine, stately
presence, particularly when its lower branches droop ;
and it forms a noble avenue, whether open or close.
The Spanish Chestnut is almost as fine as the oak,
and exhibits a broad green foliage, and a varying ex-
pression with the advance of the season. The Horse-
Chestnut has also a large foliage, and in early sum-
mer throws out abundant spikes of showy flowers.
Its head is rather too uniform, yet when placed on the

140 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

outside of a plantation, or the lower edge of a bank,
it is often highly ornamental. The forms of the black
Italian and American poplars are of a rather inferior
description; but some members of the family have
good qualities in the way of color, and from their ra-
pidity of growth are often extremely useful.

Of broad-headed evergreens, the Yew is one of the
finest of our native trees. It is of a spreading habit
and low stature, seldom attaining to a considerable
size on a lawn till it is of great age. Many of the
yews in our pleasure-grounds are probably the remains
of hedges, or trees that have escaped the shears of the
topiary artist, these having been his principal material
in old times. It must be admitted that the yew is less
valuable for its form than for its color. The same re-
mark applies to the Ilex or Evergreen Oak, which,
however, is of some importance for its foreign air, be-
ing the best representative of the olive which we have
in this country. " In the warmer parts of England
and Ireland," says Loudon, (and we may add in Scot-
land,) " the ilex forms a bushy evergreen tree, exceed-
ing the middle size. The general appearance of the
species, even when well grown, is that of an immense
bush. It should be planted in the more ornamental
woods of the park, as well as in the dressed grounds ;
and it forms an interesting variety in the shrubbery."

The Cedar of Lebanon is at once a very celebrated
and a very admirable tree. Its great breadth, its as-
cending trunk, or, more frequently, numerous trunk-
like limbs, and its tabulated, horizontally-spreading
secondary branches, all contribute to give it a very
unusual and striking configuration. It harmonizes
finely with the level, architectural lines of the mansion

BROAD ROUND-HEADED TREES. 141

house and terraces, and seems to repeat them in aerial
perspective. It contrasts well with all other sorts of
trees; it also makes up striking groups in the park
and dressed grounds. We regard it as a matter of
regret that, in many districts of the country, the cedar
has been so sparingly planted.

Not inferior to the preceding, perhaps we might
even say superior, is the Deodar or Indian Cedar, a
native of the Himalaya mountains, and unquestion-
ably the most important addition made of late years
to our collections of hardy trees. As it flourishes in
its native clime, it is thus described by Dr. Hoff-
meister : " It is the most beautiful of the fir tribe that
exists in any part of the world. It shoots up with a
tall, straight, taper stem, often a hundred feet in height,
and not unfrequently forty feet in circumference. The
branches grow in stages, at regular intervals, and
spread out like overshadowing roofs.55 As it is appa-
rently hardy, it is to be hoped that its growth may not
be arrested "in mid career75 by some peculiarity of our
climate, as has been the case with the hemlock spruce,
and some other firs. In its youthful state, in which
alone it is yet known to us, its reclining leading shoot
erecting itself continually in its second year5s growth,
its drooping, tress-like branchlets, and its light green
color, combine to make it a peculiarly graceful object.
It may be strongly recommended for both the park
and the pleasure-grounds. In the latter, it should be
planted where it has room to develop its natural char-
acter. In the park, it should be put down in groups
of some half-dozen trees. We have already adverted
to its use in avenues. As it is at present a fashionable
tree, it is introduced into all sorts of little flower-gardens

142 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

and miniature lawns, where, if it thrives, as we de-
sire it may, it will speedily overshadow every thing
else. We would strongly urge the extensive but con-
siderate planting of this fine tree.

(2.) The second general form of trees is a varied
one, and may be held as embracing three subordinate
figures : the rounded cone of the Scotch fir, and some
others of its class, and generally of the holly; the
truncated cone of the silver fir ; and the spiry, elon-
gated cone of the various spruces, larches, Swiss Cem-
bran pine, and perhaps the deciduous cypress. Many
of the pines lately introduced, such as P. excelsa,
Lambertiana, Scibiniana, macrocarpa, are certainly
pyramidal, and will fall under one or other of these
subdivisions when aged. Indeed, the whole class of
conifers assume their final form only when far advanced
in growth.

The Holly is almost the only broad-leaved tree of
this group. It is generally of a low, bushy form,
rounded, but sometimes also with a spiry cone. Grow-
ing in woods, and on a light soil, we have seen it sixty
feet in height, and with a trunk eight feet in circum-
ference. It may be planted in the dressed grounds,
and also in the woods of the park, as underwood,
among deciduous trees. When scattered along the
outskirts of a recess or glade, it has a fine effect in
thickening the mass and deepening the shade.

The Scotch Fir has been planted to a much greater
extent than any other fir, in Great Britain and Ire-
land. No tree has been more decried and condemned
as being ugly ; and certainly, in many cases this dis-
praise has been deserved; a close, ill-thinned, and
worse-pruned plantation of this tree, on a flat and

TREES OF VARIOUS FORMS. 143

imdrained surface, presents, both externally and inter-
nally, a heavy, mean, uninviting appearance. But
part of the blame should fall on the want of judgment
often evinced in the first planting, and on the neglect
with which it is as often followed. In suitable situa-
tions, and with proper treatment, it attains a beauty
not inferior to that of any other inhabitant of the
forest. The Highland variety is superior to the com-
mon one, both in the quality of the timber and in its
outward appearance; it has a smoother bark, and,
throwing out its branches more nearly at right angles
to the stem, it assumes a more cylindrical and less
tufted form.

The Pinaster is of a medium size and conical form,
with massive dark-green foliage. It is of rapid growth,
thriving best on sandy, or light loamy soils, and is well
adapted to the vfcinity of the sea. The Weymouth
Pine, in this country, is of medium size, and, unless
when planted pretty closely, is apt to become a bushy
tree. With its light-green foliage, it has a more lively
effect in a mass than most others of the fir tribe. P.
excelsa is allied to the latter. It has a tapering form,
long, light, silvery leaves, loose and pendent branches,
and a smooth, whitish bark. It attains to a great
size on the Himalaya mountains, and promises to be
equally fine in this country. In this section, our lim-
its will permit us to mention further only P. Laricio^
or Corsican Pine, a large, conical tree, with dark foli-
age, and of rapid growth. Of its varieties, the black
Austrian pine is decidedly the best; it is a large,
hardy tree, with a broad, conical head, and, as it
grows quickly, it promises to supersede the Scotch fir

144: PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

where early shelter is wanted. It is very liable to be
injured by hares, when young.

The Silver Fir is one of the noblest of our hardy
firs ; rather tender when young, but growing rapidly
afterward; and when old, it forms a truncated cone
of great height, and is stately, massive, and ornamen-
tal, both on the lawn and in the park. P. Douglasii
is a Californian species of great size. We have known
it, in this country, add ten feet to its height in three
seasons. Its foliage is of a lighter hue than that of
the preceding, yielding therefore a less massive effect ;
but it forms a handsome lawn tree. P. nobilis is a
magnificent tree in its native forests, on the Columbia
river. It has proved itself quite hardy, in cold dis-
tricts of this country, and is a most desirable tree for
ornamental purposes. The Hemlock Spruce is a hand-
some, low tree, approaching to the yetv in character, but
is of a paler green, and, on account of its dwarfish
stature, is used principally in the shrubbery.

The Common Spruce Fir \§ very extensively planted,
and suits a great variety of soils, though it prefers a
moist, loamy one. Where it has room and shelter, it
grows into a tall, stately, tapering cone. When young
and densely planted, it affords a close and effective
shelter, and it even forms a good hedge, in upland dis-
tricts. It has a livelier effect in masses than the Scotch
fir. P. Menziesii, or Menzies* Spruce, is a very hand-
some pyramidal tree, with a vivid light-green foliage,
which, with the silvery lines on the under side of the
leaves, imparts to it a gay and graceful character. It
is well adapted for groups and masses in woods and
pleasure-grounds.

P. Morinda, the Himalayan spruce, is a large tree

TREES OF VARIOUS FORMS. 145

on its native mountains, and in this country it grows
freely in a shaded situation and a loamy soil. On
light, sandy soils, and when exposed to the sun, its
leaves are frequently browned by the spring frosts. It
has the general form of the common spruce, but is
strongly distinguished from it by its glaucous foliage,
longer and narrower leaves, and its more slender and
pensile branchlets. It is a graceful lawn tree, and it is
also well adapted to the woods of the park. It was
introduced into this country in 1818, by Dr. Govan,
of Cupar, who presented seeds of it to the late Gen-
eral the Earl of Hopetoun, grandfather of the present
noble Earl. One of the original seedling plants, grow-
ing on a lawn in the gardens at Hopetoun House, is
now thirty-seven feet high, forming a fine tree, feath-
ered from the ground upward. This spruce, as well
as many, others of the fir tribe, may be grafted with
success.* It is somewhat remarkable, that the Him-
alayan spruce has been found to stand the smoky at-
mosphere of London, better perhaps than any other fir.
The Larch is now a very common, but also a very
valuable tree, for the purposes both of utility and
ornament. It has the spiry pyramidal form of its
class, which, perhaps, is too slight in its proportions,
when young ; but it acquires a grace and dignity in
its broad and vigorous old age. Its main peculiarity,
in relation to its class, is that it sheds its leaves, and
its decorative properties reside less in its form than in
its beautiful tints, which vary through a wide range,
with the revolving seasons.

* At Hopetoun, in the autumn of 1827, the writer of this work grafted several of
the Morinda on the common spruce, at about four feet from the ground; they are
now twenty-six feet in height, and apparently as vigorous as if on their own roots.

7

146 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

(3.) Upright or Oblongated Trees. — Of these we
may enumerate the Lombardy poplar, the upright oak,
( Quercus fastigiata stricta,) the upright cypress, (Cu-
pressus sewpervirens,) Irish yew, arbor vitse, red cedar,
and Swedish juniper. The last five are suitable only
for the dressed grounds.

Trees or shrubs of this form can not be anywhere
extensively planted by the improver. Their peculiar
use is to group and contrast with the broad, flowing out-
lines of other trees, or with the architectural objects in
their vicinity. The Lombardy Poplar is well suited
for park scenery and for lawns, and may be put in
combination with such trees as the sycamore, wych elm,
and horse-chestnut, three or four of the former being
made to group with six or eight of the latter. This
poplar may also be introduced with good effect on the
edges of broad glades or recesses of a wood. It should
be placed so as to appear to shoot up through the
branches of the broader trees, and sometimes to stand
between others ; and such positions we would generally
prefer. A single tree, however, or two or three closely
grouped, may occasionally be stationed on the edge of
a larger, group. The Upright Cypress, where the cli-
mate permits its free growth, contrasts well with the
cedar of Lebanon. The Irish Yew, Swedish Juniper,
and similar shrubs, group well with the large foliage
and broad forms of the Portugal and common laurel,
and as such are valuable on the lawns and flower-gar-
dens. The Irish yew may be planted with good ef-
fect on terraces with grass banks ; and in that case it
should be trained with one stem, to prevent its assum-
ing that loose, broad, besom-like head, which, if this

PENDULOUS TREES AND SHRUBS. 147

precaution is not taken, it generally acquires, from the
action of the winds and the weight of snow.

(4.) Pendulous Trees and Shrubs. — Of these we
may name the weeping birch, the weeping willow, the
fine-leaved weeping ash, (Fraxinus lentiscifolia pen-
dulaj and the new funereal Cypress from China.
The weeping ash, elm, beech, lime, and the American
weeping willow can scarcely be called trees, as their
height depends on that of the trees on which they are
grafted. They are, consequently, more curious than
useful in the way of ornament.

Most of these plants, being of no great height, are
better suited for the dressed grounds than for the woods
of the park ; their introduction, however, into both of
these places is the source of considerable interest and
variety. Their proper place* is not in the thicket, but
on the lawns and on the outsides of the woods. Their
graceful forms also render them suitable for decorating
the entrance to the villa or cottage orne.

Of this class, the finest is the Weeping Birch. Its
upright stem and main boughs, the thread-like dra-
pery of its branches, and its small foliage, give it a
peculiarly graceful and airy appearance. It groups
well with both the broad and the pyramidal trees,
harmonizing well with the former, and contrasting
finely with the latter.

It preserves its character in woods, and is seen per-
haps to greater advantage on sylvan banks, and on the
lower slopes of hills. The Weeping Willow is, unfor-
tunately, too tender to be of much use in the colder
parts of Great Britain. In other respects, it is admi-
rably suited for giving effect to the scenery of the
dressed grounds. In warm, sheltered places, and in

148 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

the genial climate of the south, it attains to the size
of a medium tree, and combines singularly well with
laurels, wThich, in small groups, are very beautiful
when overtopped by a fine weeping willow. Its most
effective position is in connection with water, over-
hanging, like a green vail, a stream or lake. The
Fine-leaved Ash is an elegant" tree, of a broad shape,
with small foliage and pendulous branches. The
Common Weeping Ash is fit only for forming an ar-
bor ; as a tree, it is devoid of all grace. There is a
variety in Wellhall, in Lanarkshire, wThich is much
finer, being intermediate between the weeping and
the common ash.

The Chinese Weeping Cypress is an evergreen weep-
ing tree, one of the recent importations from China,
and if we may judge from the description given by
Mr. Fortune, who introduced it — for we have seen it
only in a young state — it is one of the finest of its
class. In his interesting work on uThe Tea Districts
of India and China," he says, "It is a noble, fir-like
tree, about sixty feet in height, having a stem straight
as a Norfolk Island pine, (Araucaria excelsa,) and
pendulous branches like the weeping willow. The
branches grow at first horizontally with the main stem,
then describe a graceful curve upward, and drooping
again at the points. From these main branches,
others, long and slender, hang down toward the
ground, and give the whole tree a weeping and grace-
ful form." This tree appears to be hardy, and if it
maintains that character, it will be an interesting
addition to the scenery of the park and pleasure-
ground, and should be planted wherever its form is
admissible. Avenues composed of it would have a

PENDULOUS TREES AND SHRUBS. 149

charming effect; and these avenues, as the tree is only
of medium size, would not require to be of such di-
mensions as those planted with English elm, or lime,
or deodar.

It remains to be noted, that the forms of trees vary
in some measure with the season. Their internal con-
figuration is most conspicuous in wTinter, when the
leafless branches disclose the inner carpentry of boughs,
and too often, indeed, reveal deformities. Summer,
with its vail of foliage, shades much of the peculiar
structure of trees. Toward the end of June, luxuriant
sycamores sometimes suggest the idea of masses of
green vapor reposing in the atmosphere ; an appear-
ance very different, certainly, from the numerous
crossing limbs, and forked branches, and brush-like
twigs presented by the winter habit of the tree. This
contrast is one of the sources of the successional beau-
ties of the seasons.

Note, — In comparing the foregoing catalogue of
trees, given by our author, the American will be struck
with the meager variety which Great Britain affords
for ornamental purposes, in comparison with the num-
bers of surpassingly noble and beautiful specimens
which flourish in almost every different locality of our
own country. It is unnecessary to enlarge on a sub-
ject so well treated, in general, by our author, further
than to remark that, in tree-planting, such varieties as,
on examination, are found most congenial to the soil
which is to receive them, should be selected; and
where exotic trees and shrubs are introduced, they
should be of hardy kinds, graceful shape, and easy
growth. It is difficult to find specimens, in any part
of the world, flourishing in like climates, which excel

150 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

our own native trees in grandeur, grace, and beauty.
Our oaks, elms, maples, hickorys, all of many varie-
ties ; the black-walnut, butternut, chestnut, white-
.wood or tulip; the poplars, birches, beeches, ashs,
larch, and several other deciduous trees, of the North-
ern and Middle states ; together with their evergreen
pines, hemlocks, spruces, and firs — all trees of the
first rank in size, and some of them of great height —
will compare advantageously with the best trees of
Europe, and far excel the most remarkable British
specimens of native production ; and where we pos-
sess within our own forests such a wealth of trees, in
all that constitutes true ornament, as well as utility,
it is scarcely worth while to rack our brains, or exhaust
our purses, to go abroad for others. Our Southern
states produce many of the trees we have named ; to
which may be added, the live-oak, cypress, magnolia,
and others — all appropriate for park-planting, in their
own favorite regions.

Of shrub trees, large and small, almost any desired
number may be found in the immediate vicinity of
any park-ground in the country. Many of them are
of exceeding beauty, and of all required character
and variety. It is unnecessary that they be here enu-
merated. The ready observation of the inquirer will
at once supply his demands ; or, that being at fault,
the volumes of Michaux, and of Nuttal, will suggest
more than his most liberal wants can require.

One indispensable element of success, in the culti-
vation of both tree and shrub, must be observed by
all planters ; and that is, a congeniality of soil and
climate to the tree or shrub in question. Many trees
and shrubs will flourish alike in different soils — the

COLORS OF TREES. 151

stiffest clay, or the most friable loam; others perti-
naciously cling to a particular soil, and refuse to flour-
ish in any other. Some refuse to grow in any but
grounds light, dry, and open in texture ; others love
the heavy, moist, and clammy earths contiguous to
water. All these qualifications must be regarded, to
insure success in diversified plantations.

In " pleasure-grounds, ,? exotic trees, of character
congenial with the soil and climate, may be sparingly
introduced ; as, the horse-chestnut, the weeping wil-
low, and a few others, as indicating choicer cultivation
than what is given to the " park." In the latter may
be occasionally thrown the Lombardy-poplar — a tree
often treated with idle abuse because it has some
faults ; but no one can say, and say it truthfully, that
the spire-like top of a Lombardy-poplar, peering up
through the formal outline of a group of round-headed
trees, does not give both a graceful and picturesque
expression to the landscape, which would be wanting
without it. The larch may partially supply its pres-
ence,, but not with entire effect. Excessive use of the
poplar, in some instances, has brought it into, per-
haps, in that feature of it, well-deserved condemnation ;
but sparingly and considerately applied, it may be-
come one of the most effective features in park-expres-
sion.— Ed.

Sect. II. — The Colors op Trees.

The tints of color exhibited in trees are, perhaps, as
numerous as their forms. To advert, at present, only
to the foliage, — the normal color of the leaves is green,

152 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

but how diversified are its shades ! In the deciduous
class of trees, these shades range from the silvery gray
of the Huntingdon willow and white poplar through
the light-green of the larch and lime, the full green of
the sycamore and oak, to the dull, dilute green of the
alder. And in the evergreen species, the shades pass
from the silvery or glaucous tints of the Atlas and
Himalayan cedars to the dark-green of the holly and
yew, and the almost black-green of the aged Scotch
fir. Here, then, are abundance of colors for the land-
scape-artist— colors requiring from him most attentive
consideration, and on the skillful and harmonious em-
ployment of which the success of his work will, in a
measure, depend. We have selected the names of a
number of trees and shrubs usually employed for dec-
orative purposes, and arranged them under the differ-
ent shades of green respectively exhibited by them.
Our readers will understand that we have designedly
omitted the abnormal tints, such as occur in the pur-
ple beech and in the variegated hollies and sycamores ;
and that, in some of those given, the shades named
are only approximations. On some poor, clayey and
wet soils, common and Portugal laurels have a light-
yellowish tint. In the shade, the hemlock spruce and
common yew preserve a dark-green ; in exposed situ-
ations, they are sometimes of a brownish green.

COLORS OF TREES.

153

TABLE OF COLORS IN THE FOLIAGE OF TREES.

DARK GREEN.

Portugal Laurel.

Yew, common and Irish.

Holly.

Sweet Bay.

Phillyrea.

Luccombe Oak.

Alder.

Upright Cypress.

Araucaria imbricata.
Araucaria excelsa.
Cedar of Lebanon.
Taxodium sempervirens.
Scotch Fir, and most Pines.
Silver Firs.
Spruce Firs.

Oak, common.
Oak, scarlet.
Spanish Chestnut.
Horse Chestnut.
Hornbeam.

Sycamore.
Norway Maple.
Beech.

Hemlock Spruce.
Laurustinus.

Arbutus.

Deciduous Cypress.
Alaternus.

LIVELY GREEN.

Abies Menziesii.
Lambert's Cypress.
Common Laurel,

Lime.
Elm.
-Ash.

Oriental Plane.
Occidental Plane.
Birch.
Hawthorn.
Rhododendron, sorts.

LIGHT GREEN.

Gean.

Bird-cherry.

Laburnum.

Tulip -tree.

Black Italian Poplar.

Lombardy Poplar.

Balsam and Ontario Poplars.

Walnut.

Red Cedar.
Arbor vitae.
Evergreen Oak.

BROWNISH GREEN.

Hemlock Spruce.
Box.

154 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

SILVERY GREEN.

White and Grey Poplars. Cedar of Mount Atlas.

Willows, several. Deodar.

Turkey Oak. Pinus excelsa.

Buckthorn. Pinus Webbiana.

Toward the end of spring, and in the beginning of
summer, all the greens are extremely vivid ; but even
then some of the species, such as the larch and balsam
poplar, are peculiarly light. In June, the young
shoots and leaves display little variety. In July and
August, each tree and shrub shades off into its own
particular green. Later in autumn, the evergreens
acquire their winter tints. In October, or earlier, pre-
vious to the fall of the leaf, the ordinary hues of the
deciduous tribes give place to an extraordinary diver-
sity of colors. For example, the larch, oak, and elm
take various shades of yellow, or yellowish-brown.
The scarlet oak, beech, and wild cherry grow red.
The ash and sycamore sadden into a grayish tea-
green. If, in planting the park and pleasure-grounds,
all varieties of color are to be taken into account, the
tints of the ripening leaf ought not to be forgotten, as
we fear they too often are. It should be remembered,
that the ripening and fall of the leaf sometimes oc-
cupy five or six weeks of a season, which, if chastened
with sadness, is to some minds a period of intense
enjoyment. We may add, that oaks, particularly in
copse-woods, and in the early stages of growth else-
where, often retain their leaves during most of the
winter. These supplementary tints of the departing
year afford means of ornament not altogether unworthy
of attention.

The flowers of certain trees also yield effective,

COLORS OF TREES. 155

though transient, elements of color. Some of our
readers may have come unexpectedly on a fine labur-
num or thorn, in blossom, partially concealed in a
secluded wood, or overhanging the bend of a remote
stream, and may have received from it an impression
which has not yet passed away. We need scarcely
point out the rich effects produced, at times, by the
snowy flowers of the wild cherry and sloe, by the
creamy bloom of the hawthorn and bird-cherry, and
the more varying pink and white of the wTild-apple
and the horse-chestnut. Then, there is the delicate
pale-yellow of the flowers of the lime and Spanish-
chestnut, later in the season. Among the underwoods,
w7e have the brilliant yellow of the elegant mahonias,
in spring ; and in June, the lavish purple of the Pon-
tic rhododendron, one of the hardiest and best of all
shrubs for making close and tangled thickets in woods.
We do not mean that the chromatic effects of a flower-
garden should be, by artificial means, elaborated in a
park or forest ; but there is no want of brilliant tints,
even in the wildness of nature, as the common furze
and broom amply testify ; and the moderate and un-
obtrusive employment of the brighter hues of blossom,
in the external grounds, is sure to please.

Even the leafless branches of shrubs and trees af-
ford an available element of color. We might point
out the dog-wood, with its crimson twigs, and the
azerole thorn, with its silvery branches ; these, indeed,
belong chiefly to shrubbery or pleasure-ground. But
the larch, with its light-brown spray ; the birch, with
its dark twigs and snowy stems ; and the oak itself,
with its varieties of russet, green, gray, and brown,
are examples of daily occurrence in the woods. We

156 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

believe that these hues in deciduous trees, both in-
trinsically and as contrasted with the brighter ever-
greens, are a great, though often unnoticed, source of
pleasure in the woodlands of winter. They help to
make up that full harmony which the great instrumen-
talist, Light, calls forth from the living organs on
which it plays.

The use of the colors of trees and shrubs, to the im-
prover, is very great ; but his application of them
must depend very much on his own skill in adapting
his materials to the character of the place and the
nature of the ground with which he is dealing. We
may remark, however, that the depth of a recess or
glade, in the woods or dressed grounds, formed for the
purpose of creating a shadowy effect, is much increased
by planting trees and shrubs of a full green or dark-
green color, at the point where the effect is desired.
The somber color of the trees themselves, and the den-
sity of the foliage, contribute to render the shadow
more intense, while an opposite result would be educed
by a lighter color of foliage. Some prominent points
may be brought out by a dark, others by a light or
silvery-green. The effect of distance, too, may be pro-
duced or increased by employing dark-greens in the
foreground, and shading off with lighter colors in the
more remote objects. It is hardly needful to add, that
good taste enjoins a sparing use of strongly-marked
or glaring colors. White poplars and purple beeches,
for example, are admirably adapted for occasional
breaks, in the way of contrast, or for completing a
gradation of shades; but in certain situations, they
would be intolerable as clumps or masses.

ROUND-HEADED TREES. 157

Sect. III. — The Ornamental Character of Trees
in Combination.

The massing of plantations obscures to the eye the
peculiar forms of the trees which compose them, and
indeed, modifies the actual forms to a great extent. It
is only when standing detached, or in thin groups, or
at most on the margins of plantations, that trees fully
develop their natural characters. In the depth of a
forest or thick wood, they are usually so crowded to-
gether, and so drawn up toward the light, that their
forms have little resemblance to the figures produced
by their free and unimpeded growth. Still, there is a
distinct character in each ; for a mass of oaks has not,
in any circumstances, the same aspect as one of
beeches or elms ; neither does a dense, dark plantation
of Scotch firs present the spiry and serrated outlines
of a wood of larch and spruce. There is, therefore,
still abundant character remaining, even in combined
and crowded trees, to allow scope for design, and to
afford materials for scenic beauty, to one who has suf-
ficient skill to seize and employ it. In this part of our
subject, we shall content ourselves with adverting to
what we have called the round-headed and the pyra-
midal trees; the other two classes are so sparingly
used, and planted so much for the production of those
particular effects which we have already noticed, that
we need not recur to them.

Round-headed Trees. — Of these we may remark,
generally, that they are to be employed when conti-
nuity of outline, in the clump and plantation, is the

158 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

object aimed at. They mass more densely together
than any other trees, except, perhaps, the Scotch fir ;
which, however, in combination, partakes very much
of their character. In parks with flat or undulating
surfaces, the trees planted in forming the woods should
be principally of this class. Their broad outlines and
massive proportions are more in harmony with the
natural contour of the ground than those of a pyra-
midal shape. Seen from without, they have often,
at certain seasons, a peculiarly silky and slightly tufted
expression, which is extremely beautiful. Their inter-
nal appearance, too, (that is, their character as groves,)
wThen they have been sufficiently cleared out to afford
large, roomy arcades of shade, is finer on such ground
than that of the more upright trees. Of course, when
we thus recommend the broad round-headed trees for
such situations, we do not mean that they are to be
planted to the exclusion of all others ; a sprinkling of
the other kinds will have a beneficial effect, in the
way of contrasting with the predominating forms, and
of adding variety to the scenery.

Conical or Pyramidal Trees. — With the exception
of the larch and the deciduous cypress, these are nearly
all evergreen trees. This, in one respect, is an advan-
tage ; it enables them to give a permanently clothed
and verdant aspect to scenery. On the other hand,
when planted in large masses, on flat surfaces, and
especially when they have been ill-thinned-out, they
have a very somber and monotonous effect, exhibiting
a large array of bare trunks below ; and above, a dark,
gloomy canopy of boughs and branches, excluding,
perhaps, every ray of sunshine. The small, wiry
forms, and almost universal rigidity of their foliage,

CONICAL OK PYRAMIDAL TREKS. 159

Lave also a saddening influence, as they seldom wave
except when agitated by a gale, and there is a total
absence of that agreeable movement produced by a
light wind playing airily among the larger leaves of
the deciduous species. Besides, the pyramidal trees
unite at what may be called the shoulders of the tree ;
and so, above that line, which is often pretty well
defined, they leave a multitude of little cones or pyra-
mids, which, when seen in profile, have a serrated
outline, and exert a monotonous and, at the same time,
irritating influence on the eye. For our part, we know
nothing more wearisome than those long, dark, stunted,
middle-aged plantations of Scotch fir, or of mingled
larch and spruce, which are sometimes to be met in
flat, clayey, agricultural districts. Such masses of
wood, in ornamental grounds, would be hideous.

The native homes of the fir tribe are chiefly among
the hills. There they not only grow more luxuriantly,
but their forms adapt themselves better to the natural
lines of the ground. On the slopes of a hilly and moun-
tainous country, fir- woods have a more varied and cheer-
ful appearance, and they are seen less in profile ; or,
if they are so seen, it is against the higher grounds,
while the more elevated ridges form the sky-line of the
landscape. In such cases the serrated outlines are not
so harsh as they .are on level grounds. When planted
in passes, or on other steep surfaces, the trees are seen
to great advantage, towering up one above another,
and exhibiting a greater variety of lights and shades
than on more level ground, particularly when pervaded
by the rays of the winter or vernal sun. Even in the
lower country the fir tribe succeed well in ravines and
on shelving banks, where the soil is light and the

1G0 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

natural drainage effective. Occasionally, beautiful
Scotch firs, spruces and larches may be seen in favor-
able situations a little above the level of the sea.

Many species of firs require to be planted thickly at
first, in order to prevent them from forming bushy
trees when young, and for the purpose of throwing
the main growth of the tree into the leading stem;
but in ornamental plantations they should be thinned
out at an earlier period, and afterward to a greater ex-
tent, than is necessary in woods grown simply for the
sake of timber. They will thus have room to develop
themselves into their natural forms, instead of being
drawn up into bare poles with small tufted heads. On
level or slightly-inclined surfaces, frequent openings or
glades should be formed through them, in order to re-
lieve the heavy effect which they would otherwise have.

Intermingling of the Different Forms and Col-
ors.— In the actual practice of planting, the various
kinds of trees are generally mingled together; and
though this is often done with little taste, and on no
fixed principles, it shows that in the common appre-
hensions of men, the beauty of woodland scenery con-
sists very much in the contrast and combination of its
diversified materials. It will readily be perceived that
no precise general rules can be laid down on this sub-
ject. Much must be left to the taste of the proprietor
and designer. Some particular effects, however, may
be mentioned as attainable by the use of certain trees.
For example, a mass of laurels and hollies in the plea-
sure-ground may be improved both in dignity and ex-
pression by having a few of the finer species of firs
introduced into its center. And in the park, a plant-
ation of deciduous trees may have its sky-line elevated

INTERMINGLING OP FORMS AND COLORS. 161

at certain points by groups of black Italian poplar, a
tree which, in ordinary ground, speedily takes the lead
of all others, and keeps it for many years.

Ought masses of trees to be planted wholly of one
species, or with an admixture of many? The question
has been answered differently, both in theory and in
practice. " A forest of all manner of trees," says Mr.
Ruskin, "is poor, if not disagreeable in effect; a mass
of one species of tree is sublime."* We are not sure
that this aphorism is not put too unconditionally,
even in regard to a forest ; certainly we should be
inclined to dispute its validity as applied to plea-
sure-grounds and parks. Let the reader imagine a
pleasure-ground exclusively filled with hollies, or a
park adorned with Scotch firs alone. We are assured
that the first feeling of the spectator would as likely
be that of wonder as of sublimity, that the second
would be one of oppressive monotony, and the third
of absolute weariness. Of course this remark does
not apply to clumps and subordinate masses, which
may occasionally be planted of one species of tree.
We make this admission, however, with some reserve ;
for, while in the park and pleasure-ground our aim
should be that unity which consists in a harmony of
diversities, we must guard against that bald and un-
suggestive unity which degenerates into uniformity.
Homogeneous masses of trees, it must be remembered,
are destitute of that pleasing variety of color of which
there are traces even in spring and summer, and which,
as we have seen, comes out with such manifold beauty

*"We have not the slightest respect for Mr. Buskin's authority on this question.
We better coincide with his architectural taste than his arboricultural accomplish-
ments.— Ed.

162 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

in the autumnal tints. We hold that evergreens, even
in winter, are lightened and set off by the contrast of
the deciduous trees with which they are intermingled,
and in summer the harmonizing effects of the mixture
are even more striking. We are disposed to think
that in the park and pleasure-grouad the fir tribe
should never be planted alone and in separate clumps.
We would hardly allow them to amount to more than
a third of the whole trees, in the plantation, thicken-
ing them in some places, and blending and shading
them off with the deciduous species in others. This
is also a good method of planting firs when the sur-
faces of large masses of wood are to be seen at a dis-
tance. We beg the reader, however, to remark that
we have been speaking of the ornamental grounds, not
of the outfield woods or mountain forests.

In regard to the question, Ought masses of trees to
be planted with one species only, or with an admix-
ture of many? it is important to determine whether
the masses in question are to be considered as viewed
from without or from within. If they are to be con-
templated from without, we hold that there should be
always some admixture of kinds, to obviate that dull
uniformity to which we have above alluded. If they
are to be viewed from within, it cannot be doubted
that a grove of unmingled oaks and beeches, or elms,
especially if the trees have attained the dignity of age,
has a much finer and more imposing effect than a pro-
miscuous gathering of all manner of trees. Even the
surface of the ground and its smoother sward acquire,
in such circumstances, a more attractive, because a
more harmonizing aspect. Planters are too apt to
confine their regards to the external appearance of

INTERMINGLING OF FORMS AND COLORS. 163

their work ; they ought to remember that the planta-
tions they are forming will, in the course of years,
become tall woods, and perhaps groves, resorted to for
seclusion and shade. This should be especially kept
in mind toward the central points of their masses;
and with this view they may surround these central
points chiefly with one kind of tree. In extensive
grounds, a dozen or more of these central groves might
be formed prospectively, embracing all the principal
deciduous, and some of the finer evergreen trees;
while the outer margins of the masses and clumps,
and all the parts rendered by their position conspicu-
ous to the eye, might be dressed out in that gay variety
which is essential to the beauty of a country residence
as a whole. Thus the predominance of one tree will
give a decided character to a mass, and the intermin-
gled subordinates which may be gradually reduced in
number, if desired, will relieve it of monotony and
insipidity.

In relation to the subject of this chapter generally,
we have in conclusion to remark, that no part of land-
scape-gardening is more neglected and misunderstood
than the skillful management of trees, in the way of
bringing out their ornamental value in respect to form
and color. Some artists of great name have declined
this affair altogether, and, with necessarily very gen-
eral directions, or even without any instructions at all,
have delegated the work of distributing the trees to
the forester or day-laborer. And proprietors are too
ready to ask the designer to stake out the groups and
clumps, and then to leave the planting to persons who
probably have not the slightest conception of the effect
desired to be produced. After a few years, perhaps,

164 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

the artist goes back to survey his work, and finds that
his ground outlines have been carefully preserved, but
probably discovers also that the gray poplar, with its
airy form and silvery foliage, has been substituted for
the robust and grave-tinted oak; or that the spiry,
light-green, deciduous larch has taken the place in-
tended for the rounded cone and dark-green color of
the Scotch fir. And yet his art, or his skill in the ex-
ercise of it, has to bear the blame of these errors ! It
would be almost as reasonable to expect a fine land-
scape-painting, were we to commission an artist to
trace the outlines of the picture, and then to leave the
coloring, the management of the lights and shades,
and the filling-up generally, to a house-painter, who
undoubtedly can handle a brush as well as a forester
or a day-laborer can wield a spade.

Note. — Our author talks well, and refinedly, like all
writers and planters who write and plant in a country
where nature has not bountifully supplied it with nat-
ural subjects of cultivation. But it is not so in
America. The ingenuity of man can conceive of
nothing half so grand, so varied, and so beautiful, as
a diversified American forest during the summer and
autumn. Take, for instance, the breast of one of our
fine hill or mountain ranges of forest, where the ever-
green and deciduous trees, of great variety and luxu-
riant growth, commingle in one broad, continued bank
of parti-colored verdure, at the first bursting of their
new leaves in the spring, and in their successive
growth through the summer. What delicate tints
wave and lift their perpetual changes, from the deep
blue-green of the hemlock to the poplars and beech,
contrasting with the silvery tints of the white maple,

INTERMINGLING OF FORMS AND COLORS. 165

the fixed, unchangeable green of the oak and the pine,
those models of strength and endurance! And after
the frosts of autumn have touched them, what woods
on earth can compare with the gorgeous tints and colors
of the deciduous leaves, relieved and supported by the
unchanging hue of the evergreens? From the airy,
lemon tints of the poplar and sugar maple, running
down into the deep orange of the hickory ; from the
liveliest scarlet of the soft maples, to the mellow rus-
set of the oaks and the ashs, in all their variety ; each
and every one soft and beautiful for many days, some-
times for weeks, our forests present a brilliancy and a
grandeur unsurpassable in their kind.

It is not at all necessary for the American to go into
the refinement and the particularity of the English
planter to effect his object. Our mixed, natural forests
supply the best expression possible to park and forest
scenery, in tree and shrub. All we have to do, where
not furnished by the undisturbed hand of nature her-
self, is, to imitate her in the blandest and most agree-
able forms within our power; and in whatever we add,
by way of exotic, let us be sure that no exaggerated
contrast is presented to the harmony of our own luxu-
riant productions. — Ed.

166 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

CHAPTER VI.

PLANTING.

Preparation of the Ground — Trenching — Draining — Roads through
Plantations — Planting of Forest Trees — Pitting — Pruning — Thin-
ning — Transplanting Forest Trees — Planting and Transplanting of
Evergreens.

"We have already adverted to the importance of
planting in the formation and improvement of parks
and pleasure-grounds. In these interesting appen-
dages of a country residence, the woods present a
main element of beauty; and the degree of that
beauty is mainly dependent on the healthy and luxu-
riant growth of the trees. With these facts in view,
we shall offer some brief remarks on the planting,
fencing, and after-management of plantations, confin-
ing ourselves, at the same time, to those subjects
which have a close relation to the park and dressed
grounds.

Preparation of the Ground. — This is a matter
which has been much discussed, and has led to the
expression of a variety of opinions. Some have
thought that a very careful preparation of the land
is indispensable; others would content themselves with
draining, and the removal of furze and other impedi-
ments to the growth of the trees. Both these opinions
will hold good in their proper places, or in relation to

PREPARATION OF THE GROUND. 167

different localities. Our own experience has led to the
conclusion that operose preparations, such as trench-
ing or ploughing, are in general not required beyond
the park, and that the expensive operation of trenching
may be confined to the circle of the dressed grounds.

The principal advantage of trenching and ploughing
is their effect in accelerating the growth of the trees,
particularly in their earlier stages, and the consequent
rapidity in the development of the scenery — a matter
of no small importance to gentlemen who wish to see
and enjoy the result of their own labors. This effect
is generally very marked in the interval between the
fifth and fifteenth year from the planting : at a later
period, and on good land, it is much less perceptible.

Trenching is undoubtedly the best means of prepar-
ing ground for planting; but as it costs from six to ten
pounds sterling per acre, it is too expensive to be ex-
tensively adopted. As a substitute, we have found a
method of deep plowing, particularly on grass lands,
to be very useful. Two plows are required for the
operation, which closely resembles subsoil plowing.
A deep furrow is first drawn. The first plow next
skims off some two or three inches of the turf and soil,
turning it over into the open furrow. The second plow
then follows in the same furrow as the first plow, cov-
ering the turf with four or five inches of soil, and stir-
ring the land to the depth of seven or eight inches.
By this means the soil is well pulverized, and the turf
is so buried as to insure its rotting, and thus affords
an excellent manure for the trees. The expense is
about twenty-four shillings per acre.

Draining of wet land is essential to successful plant-
ing, and is not to be superseded by any other operation,

168 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

although, on trenched grounds, the drains may be
placed at greater distances from each other. In large
plantations the drains are always open, and may be
laid down at intervals of sixteen to forty-eight feet,
according to the porosity of the ground. In many
places of the park open drains are inadmissible ; and
in these cases we prefer box drains, formed with
stones, as much less liable to be choked up with roots
of trees than tile-pipes or tiles and soles certainly are.

Roads through Plantations. — Roads, or rides, as
they are frequently called, are needful in large plan-
tations. Though used for carts and carriages, they are
in most cases only grass walks, fifteen, twenty, or
thirty feet wide, with open ditches on each side.
Where the ground is soft, it may be necessary to lay
a portion of the center with road-metal or gravel ; and
in hollows, it is useful to lay a box-drain across the
line of road, and communicating with one of the main
drains. The open drains on the sides should not be
deep, and should never be main drains. In extensive
wroods, we would form some of the leading rides at
double the width of those mentioned above ; it is in
such open spaces that we generally have the appear-
ance of ornamental scenery. Or we would occasion-
ally expand them into broad lawns and glades, and
also form bays and recesses along their borders. These
open spaces, besides being highly picturesque, afford
good feeding-grounds for game.

Planting of Forest Trees. — The differences of
opinion which exist, as to the best method of planting,
the distances between the trees, and the most suit-
able season for the work, afford sufficient proof that
there is room for a variety of treatment — a fortunate

PITTING. 169

circumstance when the planting is extensive, as it ena-
bles the improver to have his work better executed than
it would be were he obliged to confine his operations to
a few weeks at a time. Six months in winter, inclu-
sive of November and April, are the utmost limits
within which planting may be hazarded. Indeed,
April and one half of March should be excluded, ex-
cept in late seasons, or in high, cold, and wet grounds.
On light, dry soils, the best season is at the beginning
of winter ; and on heavy and moist situations, toward
its close. Very wet, snowy, or frosty weather presents
the only interruptions to the progress of planting ; in
some years, these will reduce the planting season to
within half the period stated above.

Pitting, though the most expensive, is the most
certain method of planting, and therefore should be
adopted in the woods of the park. The only allow-
able exception to this rule, would be the use of the slit
or T manner of inserting the trees ; which, in exposed
localities,, and wTith seedlings, will less subject the
plants to wind-waving, and so will be more successful
than ordinary pitting. The trees may be planted at
from three and a half to four and a half feet apart,
according to the soil and situation — these distances
including both the nursing and the principal trees. In
hardwood plantations, such intervals will place the
trees from seven feet to nine feet apart. Larch, spruce,
and Scotch firs make excellent nurses, and are ex-
tremely useful in yielding shelter, and in drawing up
"the hardwrood into tall, clean trunks. In sheltered
situations, and in good soils, such nurses may be
omitted. Masses of hardwood are sometimes required
to produce particular effects, and in these cases it is
8

170 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

better to prevent the possibility of firs becoming prin-
cipals, to the injury of the scenery. "With this view,
we have had hardwood, without firs, planted in masses
at four or four and a half feet apart.

Pruning. — In the culture of forest trees, pruning
is, after planting, the most important operation. Its
object is the production of a large trunk or bole of
clean, sound timber; and to accomplish this, the tree
is to be pruned so as to lead to the accumulation of
the principal bulk of the ligneous matter in the main
stem. This aim should be distinctly kept in view, in
every operation, whether in the removal or shortening
of the branches. Reduced to this general principle,
pruning is divested of all difficulty, at least when it is
commenced at an early period, and is regularly and
carefully prosecuted. After a shoot has been selected
for the main stem, all other shoots, which indicate a
tendency to draw off from it the leading growth, should
be shortened or removed. For some years after plant-
ing, it will be, for the most part, sufficient to fore-
shorten ; that is, to cut back the side-shoots from one-
third to two-thirds of their length, in order to discour-
age their growth in a lateral direction ; but this is on
the supposition that the trees have taken with the
ground, and are in a thriving state. Where hardwood
does not appear to thrive by the end of the second, or
at most the third season from planting, it is advisable,
in the following spring, to cut the trees to the ground ;
the result will be a number of vigorous shoots, of
which one should be selected for the future tree, and
the others removed.

Where a plantation has grown well by the end of
the sixth or seventh year from planting, in addition to

PRTTKING. 171

the pruning already recommended, the branches for-
merly foreshortened should be cut off at the lower
part of the stem ; leaving it bare, at first, not above
one-sixth, or at most one-fifth, the height of the tree.
By the time, however, that the tree is from fifteen to
twenty feet high, it may have a clear stem of one-
third its height, and varying from one- third to one-half
when the tree has attained a stature of thirty feet.
These remarks are not meant to apply in all cases, in
the park and pleasure-grounds, where the natural ap-
pearance of many trees would be spoiled by the re-
moval of branches from their trunks for more than ten
or fifteen feet. Some trees, however, are improved by
the partial thinning and shortening of the branches to
double that height. "When pruning should begin, and
how often it should be resorted to, must be left to the
discretion of the proprietor, judging from the growth
of the trees. Some plantations will be benefited by
a careful examination and pruning every second year;
others will require attention only every fourth or
fifth year. Some excellent foresters condemn the peri-
odical pruning of woods. Our own experience is, that
it is advantageous to examine the trees in the park
every second or third year ; of course, pruning only
those trees that require it, and cutting back the branches
of the nurses which are pressing on the principals.
We agree with Mr. Brown, in his useful work, " The
Forester," that pruning should precede thinning by at
least one year. When both operations go on together,
the growth of the young trees is apt to be checked by
their sudden exposure to the colder atmosphere, con-
sequent on the decrease of shelter. Fir-trees should
be planted so thickly as to prune themselves, the dead

172 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

branches being carefully removed as they appear. On
the lawns of the pleasure-ground, some firs are dis-
posed to extend their lower branches too far. To coun-
teract this tendency, and to throw the strength of the
tree into the main stem, the terminal bud or shoot of
the lower branches is to be pinched off. Cedars, and
other spreading firs, treated in this way, may be made
to assume an upright form.

Thinning. — Thinning is an operation nearly as neces-
sary as pruning, and in fir plantations perhaps the
more necessary of the two. As young woods are gen-
erally planted more densely than is needful for their
permanent condition, in order that the young trees
may produce a shelter for each other, and a correspond-
ing warmth in the climate, the period selected for thin-
ning the young plantations should vary with the pro-
gress of the trees, as that again will vary with the soil
and climate in which they grow. Some plantations
may receive a partial thinning by the time they have
been seven or eight years planted; others, in more
exposed places, may not require the same sort of thin-
ning till they are double that age.

In the process of thinning, it should be distinctly
kept in mind that the trees which are removed were
originally planted to shelter and draw up the trees
which are to remain, and that only those are to be
cleared away, from time to time, which are doing in-
jury to those designed to be permanent. When this
principle is made to regulate the. work, there is little
danger that thinning will be carried to an injurious
excess. Nothing is more prejudicial than excessive
thinning. The bark of those trees which have been
well sheltered by close planting is less dense, and

TRANSPLANTING OF TREES. 173

more sensitive to cold, than that of trees exposed to
all weathers, and their roots are much fewer, and have
a slighter hold of the ground. It is evident, therefore,
that the trees left standing in over-thinned plantations,
being ill-prepared for their new circumstances, are
sure to receive a severe check ; which, if it does not
kill them outright, will retard their growth for many
years, or stunt them to an extent from which they may
never recover.

The thinning of fir plantations need not begin be-
fore the trees press so much on each other as not only
to check the growth of the lower branches, but also
to kill a portion of those next the ground.

In hardwood plantations, the thinning commences
when the nurses press so much on the permanent trees
as really to injure them ; but only such trees should
be removed as actually do so. When the pressure is
slight, it may be relieved by cutting back the nurses
to half their length, and they may be allowed to re-
main till the advance of the hardwood requires their
entire removal. From the time that all the nurses
are removed, in each of the subsequent thinnings
which are necessary to leave the permanent trees that
are suitable for the formation of large timber, those
trees should first be cut down which appear to press
on their stronger and more healthy neighbors, and to
deprive them of the room and nourishment needful to
their increasing growth.

Transplanting of Trees. — In the improvement of
the park and pleasure-grounds, much may be effected
by the transplantation of trees of a considerable size.
Where suitable trees are to be had, they may often be
effectively employed in the formation of groups in the

174 PARKS AND PLEASTJRE-GROTJNDS.

lawns and in the park, or in making up masses of
wood, tox shut out disagreeable views or unsightly
objects. As, in such operations, immediate effect is
the principal object aimed at, it is a matter of the
utmost importance that the work of transplantation
should be performed with such care and success that
the trees should not only live, but also recover their
vigorous growth and healthy appearance, within two
or three years after their removal. This, with trees
from twenty to forty feet high, is usually a result of
somewhat difficult attainment. The most propitious
season for transplanting deciduous trees we have
found to be in September*, while the foliage was still
green, but the young wood firm and ripening off
Young rootlets are almost sure to be formed befo7 e
winter, through wThich the tree receives an imn e-
diate supply of sap in spring; wrhile later- planted
trees often continue withering in the wind till roots
are put forth in the beginning of summer. Proper
subjects for transplanting should be selected; the best
are found growing, if not in exposed, at least in well-
aired localities ; such as on the outsides of plantations,
with branches tolerably wTell-balanced, and having a
copious supply of roots. Trees from these situations,
and with these qualities, are more hardy and better
able than any others to stand the increased exposure
arising from their being planted as single trees, or in
thin groups. If trees can not be obtained, as above
recommended, recourse must be had to the interior of
plantations ; but they should be prepared, by thinning
and the consequent exposure, before they are removed.

* Not in the United States ; October and November are better months for autumn,
and March and April for spring planting. — Ed.

TRANSPLANTING OF TREES. 175

It is generally worse than useless, to transplant feeble
drawn-up trees, from close-sheltered thickets, into the
position of single trees or groups ; for, although they
may survive the check sustained from the necessary
loss of roots, and the increased cold, not one in ten
will ever form a fine tree. We may add, that though
trees may often be transplanted at once, success is
more certain when they have been prepared by having
their roots cut two or three years before their removal.
This is done bv dieting; a trench round the tree, at
the distance of from two to four feet from the trunk,
according to the size, and to the depth of from eigh-
teen to thirty inches, so that all the spreading roots
may be cut through, and the descending roots left un-
touched for the present. When the roots are abund-
ant, three or four of the principal ones should be left
undivided till the period of transplantation ; or they
may be cut at the distance of three or four feet beyond
the trench. These reserved roots will afford the tree
a better hold of the ground when lifted, while the
shortened roots will yield a copious supply of fibers with
which to commence its renewed growth. When the
soil is ordinary quality, it may be replaced in the
trench ; if it is very inferior, or if there are but few
roots or fibers within the ball left by the cutting, some
prepared soil maybe introduced. Generally, however,
this is unnecessary, and we prefer keeping the enriched
earth to be put round the ball and among the young
fibers, at the time when the tree is placed in its new
site.

The removal of large trees requires the assistance
of machinery, horses, and a number of men. The
common two-wheeled Janker, with its single pole and

176 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

truss fixed on the center of the axle, is the least expen-
sive, and, at the same time, the most convenient
machine. As the trees, when placed on it, lie on
their side, a little management is required to preserve
the branches from being injured by trailing on the
ground. We have found the Janker sufficient for
ordinary purposes. The Elvaston machine is a more
expensive one, but is undoubtedly a more efficient aid
in transplantation; the trees are moved with larger
and better balls, and the branches are preserved from
injury by the trunks being kept erect.

Note. — The transplanting of trees more than four
inches in diameter at the base of the trunk or collar,
without a large ball of earth adhering to the roots, is
of little use in our American climate. With the ball
of earth at the roots carefully taken up, and loaded
on to a sled or stone-boat, the operation may be suc-
cessfully performed, and the tree saved by mulching
with barn litter, sawdust, or tanbark. — Ed.

When the tree is placed in its new site, it is most
important that it should be properly and securely
fixed. To accomplish this object, the earth should be
rammed in firmly below the ball, so as to give the
root a solid seat, and to prevent the roots from moving
when the upper part of the tree is acted on by the
wind. The roots and fibers should then be carefully
laid out, and covered with fresh loam or enriched soil.
When the earth is made up nearly to the natural level
of the ground, three strong wooden pins, six or eight
inches in diameter, should be driven down to the same
level, near the outside of the hole, and forming a tri-
angle, with the tree in the center. To these pins are
to be nailed three strong slabs of wood, -completing

PLANTING AND TRANSPLANTING EVERGREENS. 177

the sides of the triangle, and laying fast hold on the
ball or principal roots of the tree. The operation is
then finished by filling up and beating in the earth to
the level of the surface. Trees so planted will resist
almost any amount of wind, and be free from the un-
sightly appliances of stakes, props, ropes, and heaps
of stones, often placed round them to maintain their
upright position.

Planting and Transplanting of Evergreens. —
The distribution of evergreen trees and shrubs is among
the most interesting operations in the formation and
improvement of pleasure-grounds ; in the first, they
give at once a clothed appearance to what was bare
ground ; and in the second, by their change of posi-
tion they effect an almost entire alteration in the scen-
ery of the place. Success, however, requires not only
careful execution, but also due attention to the proper
seasons for the performance of the work.

In all cases, it is advisable that the ground should
be well drained and trenched; and where poor, it
should be enriched with fresh soil or manure, or both,
especially when the shrubs are young and small.
Light sandy soils _are greatly improved by moderate
additions of clayey loam or peat earth. In transplant-
ing shrubs of considerable size, we prefer putting the
enriched soil or manure close round the ball, and in
contact with the young fibers. In such cases, too, it
is useful to prepare the plants, by cutting a trench
round them, a year or two previously, as recommended
in relation to forest trees.

In lifting evergreen shrubs for transplantation, as
many roots as possible should be preserved. When
they are large, or a little above the size usually

178 PARKS AND PLEASUKE-GKOUNDS.

procurable from nurseries, they should have good balls ;
and if these can not be secured, at least to a moderate
extent, it will be proper to reduce the head of the
plant, as otherwise many of the branches will die back,
from their inability to support their former amount of
foliage. Perhaps this thinning out of the branches
should be resorted to in all cases when large shrubs
are shifted ; but it is less necessary when the balls are
large, and the roots are well prepared. For the most
part, there is good economy in the moderate use of the
knife, both in respect of time and of appearance.

All shrilbs, and especially large ones, should have
an ample supply of water when they are transplanted,
and this is most effectively given when the water is
run into the new pit in which the plant is placed, along
with the filling-in of the earth, beginning when the
pit is about one-fourth filled, and continuing till it is
nearly quite full. The quantity of the water should
be such as to form a strong puddle round the ball.
This mode of watering keeps the roots moist, as well
as consolidates the earth about them ; and if carefully
done at first, will scarcely require any additions. If
the water is not administered till after the earth has
been fully pressed in round the roots, frequent repeti-
tion and larger quantities will be necessary, and the
same beneficial results will not be attained.

There has been much difference of opinion, and
many discussions, respecting the most suitable season
for transplanting evergreen shrubs. Some recommend
the autumn months, others the winter and spring.
When the operations are extensive, it may at times be
necessary to carry on the work during the whole period,

PLANTING AND TRANSPLANTING EVERGREENS. 179

and if frosty and withering weather is avoided, the
planting may be successful.

Note. — The winters of Great Britain are so mild
that the frosts are seldom an impediment to planting,
in either of the winter months. In our Middle and
Northern states, the winter season is unsuited for
planting trees of any kind. — Ed.

It is admitted by all, that the transplanting of ever-
greens should not be attempted when the plants are in
full growth ; for, though even then they may survive
the shock, the chance is that most of them will perish
or die down to the ground. It seems also ascertained,
that the loss of evergreens when transplanted is caused
by the excess of perspiration from their leaves, com-
pared with the quantity of sap taken up by their
mutilated roots ; and that, consequently, dry, parching
weather, at whatever season it occurs, is, other things
being equal, the most unpropitious for the operations
to which we are now adverting. At first sight, this
principle might seem to exclude the end of summer
and early autumn from the seasons available for plant-
ing ; and yet it does not, and that for various reasons.
At the period to which wTe have referred, there is much
warmth in the soil, and as the perfected sap is then
descending from the leaves, the growth of roots com-
mences rapidly and goes on to a considerable extent,
in which case the plant is soon out of danger. Then
there is often cloudy and dripping weather, after the
turn of the day, as it is called, and every one must
have remarked the greater geniality of that season in
regard to growth, as compared with spring. Besides,
in the spring months, the soil is colder and the

180 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

atmosphere is drier than in autumn, as may be seen
from the table on the opposite page.

The conclusions to be derived from those tables
plainly point out autumn as the best period for the
transplanting of evergreens ; and yet, when rightly
considered, they admit of that wide range of time
which actual experience authenticates. We believe
that evergreens, in small quantities, have been safely
transplanted from midsummer to the end. of April — i
perhaps we might say the whole year round. This
has occurred from a compensation of advantages and
disadvantages. Take August, for example : the air is
then drier than it is two months later, but the soil is
warmer ; and if the plants escape a blazing sun for a
few days, the growth of roots will commence, and will
very speedily supply to the leaves all the perspirable
matter that is needed. Thus, an equilibrium of action
is rapidly established. In December or January again,
supposing frost to be absent, in which case alone the
comparison is possible, the evaporation is diminished,
but the warmth of the soil is also lowered, and the
transplanted evergreen is apparently in similar circum-
stances as before ; and yet it is not so favorably situ-
ated, since it wants the establishing influences of the
autumn months before it is required to encounter the
severities of spring. It must be added, however, that
in mild, moist winters and springs' there is often suf-
ficient warmth in the soil to promote the growth of
roots ; and at these times, if the weather is such as to
prevent excess of evaporation, the transplantation may
be completely successful.

In the colder districts, there are sometimes pro-
tracted frosts, lasting, perhaps, from December to

PLANTING AND TRANSPLANTING EVERGREENS. 181

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182 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

March, during which the air becomes extremely dry,
and if it is set in motion by northerly or easterly
winds, its effect is rapidly destructive to all evergreens,
though long established, if less hardy than the holly
or yew. By such a wind, even "the ivy never sere"
is changed into a russet-brown. We can not wonder,
then, that an arbutus or a sweet bay should wither
visibly before it ; and it will at once be perceived, that
weather which thus goes far to destroy established
evergreens must be absolutely pernicious to those en-
feebled by recent planting. The remark will suggest
the consideration of shelter for evergreens, in connec-
tion with the proper season for their removal.

Dr. Lindley concludes an able article on the trans-
planting of shrubs by saying, that "Upon the whole,
September, October, and November should be pre-
ferred— one being better in one year, and one in
another. "We shall only add, that a ground tempera-
ture of forty-seven degrees, which may be taken as
that of thoroughly drained land near London, in No-
vember, is sufficiently high for plants to form their
roots in." (Gardeners' Chronicle, January 6th, 1849.)

Referring to our own experience, we have had ever-
green shrubs successfully transplanted from the mid-
dle of July to the middle of April, but only in small
quantities in the months of July, March, and April.
We believe that September, October, and November
form the most suitable seasons in the middle districts
of the island — allowing, perhaps, a fortnight earlier
for the northern, and a fortnight later for the southern
parts of Great Britain. In the mild climates of Ire-
land, the planting may be freely continued during the
whole of the autumn, winter, and spring months. But

PLANTING AND TRANSPLANTING EVERGREENS. 183

in no circumstances should evergreens be moved in
hot, dry sunshine, in cold, parching winds, or in actual
frost; at such times, the roots and foliage are sure to
suifer while they are out of the ground. Further, it
is not generally advisable to shift them before the
annual shoots are somewhat ripened, in autumn.

Note. — The subjects comprised in this chapter being
chiefly of a professional character, and equally appli-
cable to this country as to Great Britain, it is only
necessary to refer those who wish to avail themselves
of its instruction to a close and discriminating study
of every department discussed by our author. — Ed.

184 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

CHAPTER VII.

FENCES OF THE PARK AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

General Remarks — Boundary Fence — Internal Fences — Fence of the
Deer Park — Pleasure- Ground Fences — Malleable -iron Fences —
Sunk Fences — Stone Walls — Hedges.

Both in its original signification and actual usage,
the term, Park, denotes an inclosed space. The park,
therefore, is always encircled by a boundary or ring
fence, of sufficient height to afford protection from
without, to retain in their proper places " the beasts
of chase," or the cattle that may be kept within it,
and to insure that moderate seclusion which is an es-
sential requisite to a country residence, in the estima-
tion both of its inmates and of those strangers whom
the liberality of the proprietor permits to visit and
enjoy its scenery. Besides this bounding incjosure,
however, internal or divisional fences are necessary.
A park of many hundred acres, and including a multi-
plicity of objects, invariably requires to be subdivided
into lesser portions, for the convenience of grazing,
and for other reasons, such as the separation of certain
of the wooded surfaces from the pasture-grounds, and
the due regulation of the secondary roads, and even
sometimes of the main approach. We shall take up
these two classes of fences in succession.

BOUNDARY FENCE. 185

Boundary Fence. — The outline and position of this
fence depend on those of the park itself, and seldom
call for much attention except where it thrusts itself
obtrusively on the eye, a circumstance to be guarded
against or ameliorated when possible. The fence itself
is often a wall built of stone, or, if that material is
scarce, of bricks ; and it may be from six and a half
feet to nine feet in height. On flat surfaces, fences of
this altitude shut out much of the surrounding coun-
try ; and in such cases, wrhen it is desirable to extend
the view to the adjacent portion of the estate, instead
of the wall may be substituted a sunk fence, with the
fosse or trench on the outside. Where timber is abun-
dant, wTooden fences are occasionally employed ; but
unless of moderate extent, their want of durability
renders them less desirable than those formed of more
permanent materials. A close, tall pale of split oak,
however, is very serviceable, and will last for upward
of thirty years. Hedges seldom prove efficient boun-
daries ; when, however, combined with walls, and well
trained and kept, they may suffice for parks in thinly
populated districts. The walls may be two or three
feet high, with a low bank of earth behind, on which
to plant the hedge.

Internal Fences. — The proper arrangement of the
divisional fences in the interior of the park is a matter
of considerable difficulty, and one in which there are
perhaps more failures than in almost any other. The
common error is the application of the principles of
ordinary farm fencing to the ornamental grounds. In
purely agricultural districts the divisions are arranged
so as to facilitate drainage, and to suit the conveniences
of tillage. The normal type of the agricultural field

186 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

is a square or parallelogram; but these forms can
scarcely be introduced into the park, at least visibly,
without a wretched effect. Many parks are subdi-
vided by such a multiplicity of hedges and walls as
to deprive them of all apparent continuity of surface,
and therefore of that unity which is always so desir-
able. We have often seen the contour of a small hill
destroyed by a hedge planted along its top, the slope
of a fine bank interrupted by a wall run up or across
its breast, or what is perhaps even worse, the bottom
of a small and beautiful valley crossed and recrossed
by hedge and ditch or dry stone wall, to the utter de-
struction of the natural beauty of the locality. Clearly,
the internal fences of the park should be so arranged
as to avoid these barbarously mutilating divisions of
surfaces. Indeed, could the woods be reared for the
first forty or fifty years without fences, there might be
an almost total absence of that formality and inter-
ference with contour so common in most parks ; and
there would be much more of that free irregularity of
outline which is so characteristic a feature in the group-
ing of the natural forest. But as we have already said,
internal fences in the park cannot be dispensed with ;
yet, in relation to the general scenery, they should be
regarded as necessary evils, and those forms and dis-
tributions of them should be preferred which are least
conspicuous and obtrusive. Lines should be adopted
which accommodate themselves to the form of the
ground, or which may be most easily masked or re-
lieved with scattered trees. With these objects in
view, the inclosures of the woods and clumps may be
made to form a considerable portion of the divisional
fences of the park.

FENCE OF THE DEER PARK. 187

Fence of the Deer Park. — Deer parks require
fences equal to the best description of park walls.
When they are placed contiguous to the external
boundary of the home domain, a considerable amount
of separate fencing must be dispensed with. As a
division from the other portions of the park, a well-
laid-out, sunk fence-wall, of medium height, with a
wire fence along the top, will be found to be sufficient.

Note. — Deer, in the United States, cost more than
they come to. The fallow deer of England do not
withstand the vicissitudes of our climate, and the
American deer are too wild, and leap too high, to be
favorites with our park proprietors. Well bred cattle
and sheep are better. — Ed.

Pleasure-ground Fences. — In immediate connec-
tion with the mansion-house, and especially where
there is only a limited extent of dressed grounds be-
tween it and the park, the most appropriate fence is
an architectural one of the same materials, and in the
same style, as the principal buildings. In no case
should this fence be raised much above the general
surface, otherwise the view of the external scenery
may be greatly intercepted. In flat situations, and
where the principal rooms are raised only a few steps
above the ground level, wire fences are commonly the
most suitable. The proper seclusion of the pleasure-
grounds will often require a wall of six or seven feet
in height, to separate them, for example, from the
back-road to the house and offices. Such a wall,
however, should hardly ever cross the views from the
principal windows. In these places, a sunk fence, or
a wire fence, should generally be substituted.

Malleable Iron Fences, such as those made of

188 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

wire and small iron rods for the use of the park, come
nearer to perfection than any others. We consider
them the greatest improvement introduced into this
department of fencing during the last hundred years.
Their light and simple forms interposing a small
amount of opaque matter between the eye and ob-
jects beyond, render them nearly invisible; and when
formed of proper materials, and well constructed, they
are very durable, and as efficient as a fence can well
be. The use of iron rods screwed into each other, in
place of the top wire and of the third wire from the
ground, improves greatly the common wire fence.
We lately inspected a fence of this description which
had stood thirty-three years, and found it perfectly
sound, and likely to last for as long a period to come.
Instead of the above, iron hurdle-fences are sometimes
used, and, being more movable, have their conven-
iences in certain situations. Wire fences with wooden
posts are at present pretty extensively used. In rela-
tion to agricultural purposes, we have nothing to say
against them; but we confess that we regard them as
offensive in the park, and we should employ them only
as temporary expedients. At a distance, they appear
an array of wooden stumps stuck into the ground,
without visible utility or connection; and on flat sur-
faces, where several lines may be seen together, they
are at once mean and monotonous.

Sunk Fences have been generally superseded by
wire fences ; there are, however, some positions in
which the former are preferable, as we have pointed
out when speaking of the boundary and deer-park in-
cisures. The proper place of the sunk fence in the
park is where a sectional division is wanted, while it

STONE WALLS — HEDGES. 189

is desirable to preserve an apparent continuity of out-
line in a glade, or an expanse of grass on a level or
slightly inclined surface, on which, perhaps, even the
inconsiderable constraint of a wire fence might be
objectionable. The wall of the sunk fence should
never face the principal point of view ; and from
such points it is not an advantage for the line of di-
rection to be seen on end, and so to be enfiladed by
the eye. A low wall, thirty inches in height, forming
a sunk fence two feet in depth, with two wires along
the top, affords a good, cheap protection for plantations
where stones are abundant.

Stone Walls are good permanent fences ; but on
flat or slightly undulating surfaces, they often hide a
considerable breadth of view, especially when em-
ployed as internal divisions. For plantations they
are less objectionable, as the trees overhang and vail
them. They are best suited for hilly and mountainous
countries, and in these they may be freely employed,
as the objections which may be made against walls in
other places are there less applicable.

Hedges afford a cheap sort of fence.* They are not,
however, generally speaking, very suitable for the park;
for however neatly they may be cut and dressed, it is
needful, when they form the boundaries of clumps or
plantations, to keep the trees trimmed back, in order to
prevent them from injuring the hedges, and so they
impart a more formal and constrained outline to grow-
ing wood than almost any other species of fence does.
Hedges may be planted with good effect on the inside
of the boundary walls of the park, to clothe them
when they are not screened by plantations.

*Not in this country. — Ed.

190 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Note. — Necessity, not choice, must rule the char-
acter of fences to a considerable extent in America.
In ornamental grounds, when stone can be had, the
ha-ha, or sunken wall, with a sloping ditch bank facing
it, is the most appropriate, and may be made efficient
for usual purposes. By this mode, the unsightly ap-
pearance of ordinary fences is superseded. The lawn
and park of the late Gardiner G. Howland, near New
Hamburgh, on the Hudson, designed and planted, and
for some years occupied, by James Lenox, Esq., of
New York, as well as those of Mr. Sheafe, on the
elevated lands adjoining, exhibit fine specimens of the
unbroken effect which such places may produce in the
absence of fences, none being visible within the boun-
daries. "Where so great a variety of fencing material
is resorted to, as with us, local convenience, and ex-
pense, must measurably govern the kind to be used.
The perishable nature of wood, and its inreasing scar-
city, will soon compel us to resort to other materials
in districts where stone is not to be procured. Wire
has been successfully introduced in some sections of
the country, and hedges are — talked of. Although
these latter are advocated by some, a 'permanently effi-
cient hedge* inclosing an entire park, pleasure-ground,
or agricultural estate, has not yet come to our notice.
Hedges may, in time, be introduced, and perhaps to
good purpose ; but we are somewhat doubtful of their
adoption to any considerable extent, save, perhaps, in
the use of Osage Orange, on the western prairies.
The subject of fences, therefore, for the present object,
must be left to the convenience and circumstances of
the land and its proprietor. — Ed.

WATER. 191

CHAPTER VIII.

WATER.

Artificial Lakes — Islands — The Head or Artificial Embankment —
Decorative Accompaniments — Artificial Rivers — Jet Fountains —
Jets d'Eau — Propriety of Introducing Water.

Of all the varied materials in the composition of
natural scenery, there is none that produces more
beauty, variety and interest than water ; nor is there
any that enters into so many pleasing combinations
with surrounding objects. This felicity in adjusting
itself to the beautiful in nature awakens a strong de-
sire for the introduction of so pleasing an element
into the more artificial arrangements of parks and
pleasure-grounds. In these it assumes a diversity of
forms, such as artificial lakes, ponds, rivers, waterfalls,
fountains, and jets d'eau — means of ornament which,
when skillfully executed and kept in their proper
places, are always a great acquisition to the grounds
into which they are introduced.

In the formation of an artificial lake there are two
requisites of almost equal importance. The first is an
adequate supply of water, -without which, indeed, we
may make a morass or weedy pool, but not a pleasing
sheet of the liquid element. The second, and not in-
ferior object is a suitable site for the lake. If the
locality does not convey the impression that the water

192 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

is resting in a hollow, vale or platform, and is retained
there by a natural obstruction not easily removed,
there will be ua want of truth or fidelity" of expres-
sion in relation to " the thing imitated" that will tend
to excite aversion rather than pleasure in the minds of
those who have been trained to a genuine taste for the
beauties of nature. Wherever the artificial lake is
seen, generally speaking, it ought to appear in the
lowest part of the landscaj;)e within the park; or if
it cannot be made to present this appearance from
every point of view, care should be taken to secure a
considerable breadth of space between the lake itself
and the natural outlet by which its waters seem to be
drained off. Without these necessary features, there
is a want of truthfulness in the expression. It is true
that in hilly and mountainous countries, pools are
found without the conditions above specified, but there
is always something to account for them, and they are
mostly mere spots in the landscape ; while in parks
and pleasure-grounds, sheets of water are, from their
nature, prominent objects, and whatever is obtrusively
artificial or out of harmony is sure to be offensive.
When a series of ponds or lakes are formed on the
same stream, and in the same park, it is desirable that
the natural form of the ground should be such as to
indicate that, in each case, no great amount of obstruc-
tion was necessary to attain the designed effect.

The place, then, for an artificial lake is a natural
hollow where no great embankment is required, or
where a moderate excavation will afford materials for
the banks needed to retain the water, for the islands
and promontories on the lake itself, and for the knolls
and slopes by which the ground in its vicinity may be

ARTIFICIAL LAKES. 193

varied. The opposite extreme, however, should be
avoided ; for where there is too little excavation, the
boundaries of the lake often seem too feeble for the
retention of its contents, and the effect is invariably
tame. As a general rule, apparent shallowness should
be avoided in artificial water.

The beauty of lakes depends greatly on their out-
line, and this, therefore, is an object of indispensable
attention. When they are formed in a hollow, the
plane of their waters naturally assumes an outline
corresponding with the original configuration of the
ground, and this outline can be varied and improved
only by the formation of bays, promontories and isl-
ands ; and by such means considerable additional effect
may often be produced. If the site is on level ground,
the outline may be varied at pleasure ; any form may
be adopted. It may be either broad, bending, or wind-
ing, as the general character of the park or the extent
of the lake will allow. In every case, however, the ar-
tificial lake should present breadth rather than length.
Yariety of outline, and the desirable intricacy of effect,
may be secured by the means above alluded to, viz :
by bays, and promontories, and islands. Care, how-
eve r, must be taken that the projecting masses do not
obe mre or destroy the breadth of surface, as is too
often the case with small pieces of water. In some
instances, what is intended for a lake dwindles down
into a winding canal, or palmated pool with an island
stuck into it, certainly as unlike a work of nature as
a work of man can be.

Note. — It is the sheerest folly to attempt water, un-
less some volume can be given to it. All attempts to
make a duck pond in grounds of any extent, are little

194 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

better than contemptible. The dignity of fine grounds
should never be marred by a puddle. — Ed.

Islands should be irregular both in their outline and
contour, and small rather than large. They are more
advantageously placed near the sides or ends than in
the center of the lake; at the same time they should
not have the appearance of being separated from the
main land only by a narrow canal. Their position
should be determined by the outline of the lake and
surrounding scenery ; they ought never to be numer-
ous. Their purpose is to impart variety to the water,
and to obviate any apparent baldness in the banks, or
to lessen other defects which cannot be removed by
planting. Too many islands give an artificial sheet
of water the air of a map or model.

Note. — The park builder can not too strictly heed
these instructions. We have seen islands put into ar-
tificial water which the owners conceived to be a great
achievement. But instead of things of beauty, as in-
tended, they more resembled tussocs of grass floating
in a wash-tub. — Ed.

The Head, as it is usually called — that is, the em-
bankment at the lower end of the lake for retaining
the water — is generally one of the principal difficul-
ties in the construction.* It is here that the artificial
character of the lake is most conspicuous, and, of
course, a greater effort is necessary to conceal it.
When the head can be so formed as to unite with the
form of the ground, and to present the appearance of

*In America we call this the "Dam." Our author commits a genuine "bull" in
calling the "lower end" of any thing its "head." At the foot of the lake should be
the dam, or embankment, to raise the water to its proper elevation ; and where per-
manency is required, the strength of the dam can not be too thoroughly secured,, par-
ticularly if the stream be liable to sudden floods* — Ed.

ARTIFICIAL LAKES. 195

a natural obstruction, the success of the designer and
executant may be regarded as complete. Heads of
lakes, as usually formed, are commonly defective, be-
ing often too narrow; or when broad, of too little ele-
vation, and are frequently, indeed, simple weirs for
confining the water. When the lake occupies part of
a small valley, the head may be formed into a knoll
or two, thrown out from, but connected with, one of
the banks ; and the issuing stream may be led round
the knoll, and between it and the opposite bank.
When the locality requires a lengthened embankment,
another method may be pursued. A broad mound
may be constructed, either level or convex, with the
water flowing through it, or following the course of
a small, winding valley, scooped out at either end. In
this case, the face of the raised platform toward the
lake may be formed into a series of terraces of par-
allel levels ; and if these terraces are carried down the
small valley and repeated in some of the adjacent
bays, an impression will be suggested that the lake
is not an artificial creation, but that the rivulet has
worked its way through the opposing bank, and left
the water to form a new shore at a lower level. If
the materials do not suffice to form a broad platform,
either level or raised, a combination of the two forms
may be employed, on a narrower b'ase, by having a
level next the water, and a raised bank for planting
on the outside. In speaking of the heads of artificial
lakes, we have described only the projecting knoll and
the broad platform. Natural examples of these may
be seen in the lakes of hilly and undulating districts ;
they are easily imitated, and their imitations, if at all
successful, have much less the appearance of artifice

196 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

than the ridges of earth commonly employed for this
purpose. To these might be added the rocky barrier
and rugged outlet of a mountain lake ; but as being
at once extremely difficult to execute, and often in
questionable taste, we do not venture to recommend
them. It is a good principle, however, to look earn-
estly at nature when we are imitating its works. The
outline of the head toward the lake, admits of some
variety of configuration. Where the broad platform
is adopted, its edge may be in part a straight line,
with curves toward the water at the ends; or, when
the knoll is selected, a promontory may be. drawn out
into the water, with unequal bays at each side. The
surplus water, instead of issuing through a paved
overflow or sluice, should rather be conveyed in a
winding stream; flowing from a bay at one end of the
head; in this case, the small valley forming the outlet
should, if possible, be so excavated as to place the bed
of the stream on the solid ground, not on the embank-
ment, an arrangement conducive at once to stability
and ornament. If a sluice is indispensable, it should
be in connection with a culvert.

When success has been attained in the form and
outline of an artificial lake, much still requires to be
done in the way of decorative accompaniments. Wa-
ter without wood will be destitute of that living grace
which trees and shrubs can alone impart ; and it will
want, also, much of that varied reflection of light and
shade, and of form and color, which adds so much
charm and interest to woodland lakes. Trees, how-
ever, are not to be dotted over the banks. They should
rather be combined into strong masses, at some places
approaching the water's edge, at others receding, and

ARTIFICIAL LAKES. 197

dispersed in irregular groups, as the surface of the
ground may suggest. The embankments, when defi-
cient in form, should be covered with masses of wood.
At the same time, it is injudicious to overload the
scene with trees and shrubs. A light and graceful
effect should be aimed at in certain positions, and a
depth of shade in others. The pleasure-grounds and
woods afford more suitable situations for highly orna-
mented pieces of water than the pasture-grounds in
the park, as the latter are generally too unclothed for
this purpose. Islands should not be over-thickly
planted, as they commonly are. When the trees are
sparse, they are more varied in their form, and fall
into better groups. A green bank or piece of level
lawn, seen from the neighboring shore, are agreeable
features in an island. To lake scenery, a boat-house
and pier, and palings running into the water to pre-
vent deer and cattle from entering the reserved inci-
sures, and aquatic birds and plants, add a pleasing
diversity.

Note. — The construction of lakes — ponds, as such
small bodies of water are less euphoniously called by
us — is rather a delicate matter with park builders.
Unless the circumstances and features of the adjoin-
ing grounds are favorably disposed, their exceedingly
artificial look detracts from the effect they should pro-
duce. A sheet or stream of water should, of all things,
look natural. — Ed.

To be properly seen, the lake requires to be ap-
proached by walks, especially in the pleasure-grounds.
It is seldom advisable, however, to carry the walks
quite round it. They should rather be directed to the
points from which the finest views are seen. In this

198 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

respect the head is generally important, for though it
may not be the finest in itself, it often atfords positions
which exhibit other portions of the lake to greatest
advantage. If, then, the head has been formed as
above recommended, a walk may be led across it,
keeping, however, on that side of the platform which
is next the water. In no case should the walk pass
close round the back of the embankment, as the de-
scent from and subsequent ascent to the level of the
lake, will undoubtedly proclaim to every one its artifi-
cial character. Such a cross-walk, if absolutely neces-
sary, should always run at some considerable distance
below, and through ground from which the head of
the lake is masked by trees. Where more than one
lake are formed in close proximity to each other, good
taste will dictate that only one of these should be seen
at the same time from the approach, if it passes near
their points of separation.

Note. — Our author has treated this subject with
good judgment, and in excellent taste. Perhaps there
is no feature of the park or pleasure-ground more mis-
managed, where it can be made available, than water.
Better let it alone altogether than to fail in making it
a graceful and attractive object in the picture. A
sheet of water, in our climate, should be deep and
pure; otherwise it is little better than a nuisance,
breeding noxious insects and reptiles. — Ed.

Artificial Rivers are sometimes formed in parks
and pleasure-grounds, but seldom with happy effect.
They want the progression and the continuance which
are leading characteristics of natural rivers. The
rivulets or streams which it is desired to elevate to
the form of rivers, do not supply sufficient water to

JET FOUNTAINS. 199

sustain the character aimed at; or if the breadth is in-
creased to afford an adequate expanse, the movement
of the water disappears, and the result is only a stag-
nant canal or an elongated pool. It is certainly bet-
ter to leave the stream in its natural state; or, if
breadth of water is an object, to adopt the recom-
mendation of Sir Uvedale Price, viz: to spread it out
into a small lake, or chain of lakes, with the stream
flowing through them.

Jet Fountains are more easily introduced into
dressed grounds than any other kind of ornamental
water, at least where there is an adequate supply, and
at a sufficient altitude in the source, within a moderate
distance. Their effects are also more immediate, as
they do not greatly depend on the growth of trees and
shrubs, or other progressive improvements.

We believe that few objects can be used for the
decoration of terraces and flower-gardens which are
more generally pleasing than a well-arranged archi-
tectural fountain in full play. Such fountains should
occupy conspicuous places in these localities ; as, for
example, the crossing of leading walks, or the center
of a group of flower-beds. They are pleasing spec-
tacles in themselves, but they always yield the most
brilliant effect when surrounded with fine flowers and
shrubs or trees. *

A fountain, whether in full play or entirely idle,
may assume an intrinsic interest from the beauty of
its design. When placed in the vicinity of the man-
sion-house, it should harmonize with the general style
of the building, or, at least, should exhibit no marked
contrariety of character. In detached flower-gardens
the style of the fountain is of less importance; still,

200 PAJRKS AND PLEASURE-GROTOTDS.

even there it should have some accordance with the
expression of surrounding objects. Fountains are gen-
erally made of stone or iron. The former material
seems preferable ; but where light and fanciful shapes
are wanted, iron or even glass may be employed.

Jets d5Eau are jet fountains on a large scale. In
this country they are seldom seen in any other form
than that of the nozzle of a strong pipe in the center
of a pond, throwing up a thick column of water to a
considerable height. They are generally too large for
terraces or flower-gardens. They may be introduced
into some of the principal lawns in sight of the house,
and in such situations, especially when partially backed
or encompassed with trees, they are extremely brilliant
and effective. It must be owned that there is seldom
a supply of water copious enough to maintain such
water-works in continuous action.

Besides the power of introducing artificial water
into a park or pleasure-ground, the propriety of so
introducing it remains to be determined, and that is a
matter sometimes requiring to be carefully weighed
and considered. There are certain cases in which
such attempts approach to manifest absurdity. It is
possible, for example, to conceive a limited place with
a mansion-house beautifully seated on an eminence,
from wThich the ground slopes on at least three sides,
and the whole of the kept grounds might be on these
slopes. Water might undoubtedly be brought from
the fourth side, and a fountain" or two might be per-
fectly admissible, or even desirable ; but certainly an
artificial lake or river, or even pond, on the slopes,
could be nothing less than ridiculous. It is, if possible,

JET FOUNTAINS. 201

still more questionable taste to elaborate artificial
sheets of water in sight of the sea, a fine inland lake,
or navigable river. In these cases, the grand of na-
ture invariably overpowers the puny efforts of art.
We can not help associating the same feelings with
jets d^eauj they do not harmonize at all with marine,
and scarcely with lake scenery. If they must be intro-
duced into such localities, let them be so placed that
there may be no apparent competition between the
tiny murmurs of their falling waters and the hoarser
surge of the shore. In ordinary weather, there is as
much spray from the curl of a wave over a small rock
or considerable stone as from the finest fountain or
jet d'eau. A young friend, who had recently inspected
a water-power of this description playing in a flower-
garden near the sea, favored us with the following
lines descriptive of such artistic efforts :

Old Father Ocean merely smiled,
To see this puny, earth-born child
Send up its tiny stream of spray,
To spurt and splutter for a day.

'Note. — Jet fountains, and Jets d'Eau, we consider
beneath the simple dignity of the park, or the exten-
sive pleasure-ground. They are so entirely artificial
in their character, and useless during our frosty months,
that they may be classed with Spanish and Italian ar-
chitecture, out-of-door statuary, and peacocks — from
which, in fact, they should seldom be separated.
Fountains and jets d'eau are sometimes desirable,
and may be constructed with good effect under invit-
ing circumstances. They are exceedingly troublesome
to keep in repair, where heavy winter frosts prevail.
9*

202 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Having indulged, for some j^ears, in the play of a jet
fountain in our own grounds, we know somewhat of
this item belonging to it. Most of the statuesque im-
agery through wThich the fountains play in American
grounds, is little short of monstrosity, or caricature.
Instead of a deformed and unhappy looking piece of
sculpture in the similitude of swan, goose, or other
water-fowl; a dolphin, mermaid, or any piscatorial
design ; or even a classic imitation of any sort of hu-
manity, through a distorted limb or feature of which
the water may play, let the fabrication be some neat
pattern of mechanic art in the way of iron or stone.
Various models of these may be found in the shops
of our principal cities, which are becoming aud grace-
ful ornaments. — Ed.

GARDENS. 203

CHAPTER IX.

THE KITCHEN", FRUIT, AND FORCING GARDENS.

Introduction — The Site — Drainage — Soil —The Form —The Walls —
The Fruit Garden — The Forcing Garden.

Gardens intended for the production of fruit and
culinary vegetables belong to the subject of horticul-
ture, and therefore, in their full extent, do not come
within the scope of this work. Their formation, as
well as their culture, must be regulated by principles
and methods specially belonging to them. They are,
however, objects within the park, and bear certain re-
lations to its component parts. If these relations are
altogether neglected, the beauty of the surrounding
scenery may be materially affected ; and if they are
exclusively attended to, the value of these gardens, in
their proper character, may be greatly diminished.
In laying out a country residence, a careful adjust-
ment must be made between these competing claims.
To aid these sometimes difficult arrangements, we
propose in this chapter to offer some general obser-
vations, without entering into lengthened or minute
details.

The kitchen, fruit, and forcing gardens are gener-
ally so connected, and often so intermingled, as to
form one establishment, and there is in them such a
community of objects and operations as to warrant

204 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

this union. In some cases, too, borders of flowers and
of ornamental plants enter into the combination, and
then they form what may be called mixed gardens.
These mixed gardens are certainly finer than mere
vegetable grounds, and they require a superior style
of keeping; but when this system of combination is
carried so far as to supersede the flower-garden proper,
we think it greatly to be deprecated. In England the
mixed garden is of rarer occurrence than in Scotland.
In the latter country we not unfrequently meet with
extensive parks in which there is no separate flower-
garden, and where all the departments of both horti-
culture and floriculture are jumbled together with
much confusion. Undoubtedly a greater amount of
ornamental effect results, but considerably less expense
is incurred in keeping, when the last is wholly sepa-
rated, or when, at most, the fruit and kitchen-gardens
only are placed together. In the following remarks,
we shall not advert further to the mixed garden, but
shall confine our observations to those grounds which
are exclusively fitted and intended to yield a supply
of fruit and vegetables — a matter of no small impor-
tance to a family residing in the country.

Site. — The primary consideration in reference to
these gardens is their site, and more particularly its
position in relation to the other parts of the park and
grounds. Their unpicturesque appearance is such as
to require that they should be screened, if not entirely
hid, from the main points of view in the surrounding
park, otherwise they prove detrimental to the general
scenery. Certainly they should not be visible from
the principal approach, nor from the windows of the
mansion-house. In ordinary circumstances it is not

SITE. 205

expedient to remove them to too great a distance from
the house, neither should they be placed altogether
in its immediate vicinity. Perhaps the most desirable
position is one in a secluded part of the pleasure-
grounds, where they can be set down in connection
with each other, and where their walks can enter
readily into the main system of communication run-
ning throughout the place. In a locality of this de-
scription, their walls and other buildings can be most
effectually shrouded, and on that account the general
scenery will be least impaired. When the stables are
detached from the mansion-house, the fruit and kitchen
gardens may be placed near them, with advantage to
the general arrangements of the place, as the same
back-roads will serve for both, and facility of access
will thus be increased.

In parks in which there are considerable eminences
or ridges, the gardens in question are not unfrequently
placed at the base of one or other of these, for the
safce of shelter. Before adopting such a site however,
the designer will do well to study the effect of that
arrangement as viewed from the neighboring heights.
There is scarcely any thing less pleasing than a square,
box-like inclosure when seen from an eminence at a
moderate distance. Of course there need be no hesi-
tation wrhen the heights are not traversed by any of
the principal walks or rides ; for on uneven surfaces
it is impossible to avoid all unpleasing effects from
every point of the park. At the same time it should
be ascertained that the expectation of shelter from the
situations to which we have alluded is not tallacious.
Rising grounds sometimes cause a repercussion of the
aerial currents, or so direct their movements as to

206 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

render the intermediate valleys as little protected as a
more open and apparently less protected position.

And it is needful to remark that the beautiful or
the picturesque are not the only considerations to be
taken into account, in selecting a proper site for fruit
and kitchen-gardens. These desirable properties are
more than counterbalanced by the disadvantages aris-
ing from a cold exposure and damp soil, which un-
failingly render the crops of fruit and vegetables of
inferior quality. The site to be sought for, and to be
found if possible, is one with a good soil, a dry subsoil,
and a sunny exposure, sheltered sufficiently, but not
shaded. The ground should be level, or rather, per-
haps, with a slight declivity toward the south. A
northern exposure should be avoided : we would prefer
even a considerable declivity to the south, though steep
inclinations require more labor in cultivation than level
surfaces.

A certain amount of shelter is indispensable to a
good garden ; and where this is not to be had, sites in
other respects favorable are to be avoided. Some
natural protection should be sought for, particularly
when the place is destitute of old plantations. Shelter
may certainly be obtained by judicious planting ; but
it is to be remembered that in exposed situations
fifteen or twenty years may. elapse before it becomes
effective.

The Drainage of a garden should be perfect — cer-
tainly at least not inferior to that thorough draining
now employed for agricultural purposes. To most
horticultural operations a completely drained and
therefore warm soil is essential : damp ground yields
only inferior vegetables, and supports only diseased,

DRAINAGE.

207

short-lived, and unproductive trees, bearing ill-favored
fruit — a state of matters, however, not unfrequently
seen in gardens of considerable pretensions, though
surrounded by well-drained fields. Why such evident
negligence should be permitted or overlooked, it is hard
to say.

Note.' — In relation to thorough drainage of spongy,
springy, or dishing lands, Americans have almost
every thing to learn. The tile-draining system of
Great Britain has lately been introduced into America
with marked effect. Agricultural lands have been
doubled in their productive value by the simple and
comparatively cheap process of draining ; and no gar-
den, orchard, or ornamental grounds requiring it, can
give satisfaction so long as drainage is necessary.
We commend this subject particularly to all those
whose grounds are not entirely free from superabun-
dant moisture. — Ed.

Soil.— It has been said above that the soil of a
garden should be naturally good ; perhaps, however,
this property, which is by no means unimportant,
should give way when necessary to the considerations
formerly adverted to, and to a desirable position in
the park. There are few situations in wThich good
soils can not be formed by artificial means ; but there
are some subsoils which can not be sufficiently dried
and warmed by any amount of drainage ; and there
are sometimes good soils whose accompanying disad-
vantages in site and position can scarcely be remedied
or modified by any expedient. Gardens on such un-
tractable sites may be seen on the level grounds by
the sides of lakes or streams. In these the soil may
be excellent, while the subsoil is incurably damp.

208 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

There the late spring and early autumn frosts prevail
to a greater extent than on the adjacent high grounds,
and these may baffle the best directed efforts of the
gardener. The crops of early vegetables are retarded,
the blossom of the fruit-trees is often destroyed, or,
when it escapes, it is followed by deformed and ill-
ripened fruit. The proprietor of a garden, formed at
considerable expense, is left with a deficient supply,
and is mortified by the comparative abundance en-
joyed by his neighbors, who have been more fortunate
in the choice of a site. A good, sound, loamy soil is
the most useful for general purposes. But if an arti-
ficial soil is to be formed, it will be found useful to
have some variety- — one compartment, for example,
being composed of light sandy earth, and another
of strong loam. Peaty and clayey soils are objection-
able : the former are feeble and cold ; the latter, though
productive, are late, with a damp, uncomfortable look,
and require additional labor.

Form. — The form of the kitchen-garden, and the
consequent arrangement of the walls which surround
it, are usually determined by the nature of the ground,
and by the extent of space inclosed. On all surfaces
not deviating much from a level, the favorite configu-
ration is a rectangular one, either a square or a paral-
lelogram ; and in these forms the grounds can be laid
out to the greatest advantage, with fewer walks, and
with compartments most suitable to the culture of vege-
tables and the arrangement of fruit-trees. A number
of other forms have been occasionally adopted, but
without apparent benefit. For example, in order to
diminish the expense incurred in erecting the walls,
some have chosen the form of an octagon, or other

FOKM. „ 209

polygon more nearly approaching the circle, it being
well known that the circle contains the greatest space
within the smallest perimeter. Among practical
men there is an impression, which is probably well
founded, that walls of a circular, or polygonal config-
uration are more frequently and injuriously swept
along by winds than those of the ordinary rectangular
forms. Every ardent horticulturist wishes to have
as much wall as possible with a southern aspect. In-
deed, such is the superiority of climate on these walls,
that it is somewhat surprising that they are not more
frequently multiplied by being built in the interior of
gardens, running from east to west, as in the peach-
gardens in France. The massive, and therefore expen-
sive, style in which garden walls are commonly built
in this country probably accounts for the neglect of so
obvious an advantage. We would nevertheless recom-
mend such intersectional walls of moderate height and
slight construction to those wTho have a taste for fine
fruit, and who are forming gardens on surfaces with
a considerable slope toward the south.

The additional warmth afforded by walls is a matter
of great importance, and is therefore generally taken
into account, and is allowed due weight in regulating
the form of gardens. The finer kinds of fruit-trees
grown in the open air, and cultivated in the United
Kingdom, require all the protection and aid which walls
afford to trees trained on them, in order properly to
mature their fruit. The position of walls has a mate-
rial effect on the climate: that is the best in which the
line of the wall is at right angles to the meridian of
the place, giving one of the sides a directly south
aspect, though, to suit the ground, one a few degrees

210 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

east or west may be adopted without any appreciable
difference in the warmth. The walls running south
and north, or parallel to the meridian, and facing to
the east and west, afford secondary climates ; and walls
in the intermediate directions have climates varying
in excellence according as they approach to or diverge
from the south. In the southern parts of the kingdom,
where the climate is fine, this subject is of less impor-
tance than in the middle and northern districts. Even
the difference of a single degree of latitude has a no-
ticeable effect. In the neighborhood of London, in
latitude 51 deg. 30 min., peaches ripen on a south-east
aspect; while at Edinburgh, latitude 56 deg., they
require a south wall, a fine season, and other favorable
circumstances, tcr arrive at maturity. When a large
extent of wall, with a first-rate climate, is wanted, a
parallelogram, with its longer sides facing toward the
south, should be adopted, and the southern aspect of
the south wall should be made available by means of
a piece of inclosed ground in front of it : when this
is not an object of much consequence, a square, or
some other more varied form, may be selected.

Note.— The American reader will perceive that
walls, as here discussed, are but of minor importance
in the more propitious climate which he enjoys for
garden cultivation, as compared with that of Great
Britain. — Ed.

The Walls. — The height of the walls should have
some proportion to the size of the garden. They may
vary from eight to sixteen feet: below or above these
heights they are neither convenient nor useful. For
these wralls, well-made and well-burnt bricks are cer-
tainly the best materials, being most kindly to the

THE WAIXS. 211

growth of&trees, and affording the greatest facilities
for training them. We have often, however, had walls
erected in whole or in great part of stones ; and when
the stones were good, and kept down to a proper size,
we have found the walls little inferior to those com-
posed of brick. In good gardens a considerable por-
tion of the best walls should be constructed with flues
and furnaces, so that they may be artificially heated in
spring and autumn — in spring to protect the blossom,
and in autumn to aid in maturing the fruit, and what
is perhaps of equal importance, to ripen the fruit-
bearing wood for the following year. We may add,
though the remark perhaps belongs to practical horti-
culture, that in autumn artificial heat is often applied
only during the night. This is improper; for light, a
main agent in perfecting vegetable life, is then absent.
When the fire-heat is employed during the day, it co-
operates with the solar heat and light in the elaboration
of the juices of the fruit and foliage, and its action
may be equivalent to the reduction of several degrees
from the latitude of the place. Good flues, with proper
furnaces attached, have been found to be superior to
hot-water pipes as means of heating walls. These
pipes, when placed within internal cavities, unless
they be very numerous, and their sides extremely thin,
emit a heat too feeble to produce an appreciable effect
on a large surface of wall.

Note. — The above paragraph is of no account in our
American climatg. — Ed.

The Fruit Garden. — This department is so fre-
quently and so properly united to the kitchen-garden
that it scarcely requires a separate notice. The site
and soil which suit the one will generally be found

212 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

appropriate to the other. When orchards are planted
apart from the kitchen-gardens, [and they should be
so planted — apart from the kitchen-gardens — Ed.]
a warm, dry, and sheltered locality should be selected
for them. In the more northern or midland districts,
the outer sloping banks— but not the level holms — on
the sides of rivers, are found to be singularly propi-
tious to the growth of hardy fruit-trees. Orchards,
when not very artificially planted, and when furnished
with proper accompaniments, may be made to har-
monize well with the general scenery of the park and
pleasure-grounds.

Note. — Still, orchards are better by themselves, in
their own proper inclosures. — Ed.

The Forcing-garden. — Fruit and vegetables are
said to he forced when their growth is accelerated and
their maturity perfected by means of glass and artifi-
cial heat. The forcing-garden, then, requires a number
of glazed houses or other structures of more or less
complicated construction. It is usually mixed up with
the kitchen-garden, or what is better, partly attached
to it in a separate compartment. The vineries, peach-
houses, pine-stoves, and occasionally a green-house, are
commonly placed on the south side of the north wall
of the kitchen-garden, while the furnaces, sheds, and
other necessary offices occupy the north side of the
name wall. In such cases, when the nature of the
ground permits, the pine-pits, melon-pits, and other
minor forcing structures, should be arranged in an in-
closed space behind the above, but at such a distance
as to prevent their being shaded during winter by the
buildings in front. This is perhaps the best arrange-
ment, as it keeps the whole forcing-garden together,

THE FORCING-GARDEN. 213

and enables the work to be more speedily carried on.
Where it cannot be so arranged, it should be formed
at one end or side of the kitchen-garden, in the posi-
tion most fitted to facilitate the various necessary
operations.

A general range of forcing-houses may be formed so
as to have an imposing and ornamental effect; but
when these are placed in the kitchen-garden, the latter
must be so arranged as in some degree to correspond
with them. When they are above the character of
mere forcing-houses, and particularly when plant-houses
form a portion of the range, they should be erected,
not in the kitchen-garden, but in some neighboring
portion of the ornamental grounds, such as a small
flower-garden or in a section of the lawns. In this
way a good transitionary link can be established be-
tween the kitchen-gardens and the pleasure-grounds.
Care, however, must be taken to prevent the smoking
chimneys from becoming offensively visible, and to
screen and inclose the necessary sheds and roads lead-
ing to them — objects frequently not easy to be secured
in detached situations. Our purpose in this volume
does not lead us to enter into detailed statements in
regard to the erection of forcing or plant-houses, and
to the methods of heating them. On these subjects
we may refer our readers for information to any of the
recent works which treat professedly on horticulture,
such as Loudon's "Encyclopaedia of Gardening," or to
the article on Horticulture in the " Encyclopaedia Bri-
tannica," or to the reprint of that article in " Neill's
Gardening." The latter, which we are permitted by
the publishers to say we aided in getting up, particu-
larly the department now referred to, will be found

214 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

useful by gentlemen acquiring first notions on the
subject, as it is almost wholly free from technical de-
tails. Since these works were published, the system
of roofing glass-houses by small glass ridges and fur-
rows has been greatly improved by its inventor, Sir
Joseph Paxton, and employed in the construction of
the Crystal Palace, which, but for this method of roof-
ing, might never have existed in its universally admired
form. In our practice in this department of gardening,
we have found the ridged roof to be admirably adapted
to green-houses, conservatories, and even to the minor
structures employed for the rearing of plants.

Note. — The "span roof" has been adopted in the
United States within the last five years, and in prac-
tice, generally approved. Plant, or tree-houses in this
style have a showy effect in pleasure-grounds, and
where not interrupted by the shade of adjacent struc-
tures or trees, are, as distinct buildings, perhaps the
best and most economical. For graperies they possess
some advantages over the lean-to method of roofing,
admitting the sun from rising to setting, and a greater
degree of light than the others will attract. — Ed.

THE PUBLIC PARK. 215

CHAPTER X.

PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDEN'S.

Sect. I. The Public Park— Site of the Public Park — Laying out

of Public Parks — Educational Institutions.
Sect. II. Street Gardens.
Sect. III. Botanic Gardens — Special Purposes of Botanic Gardens —

Botanical Museum — Laying out of the Botanic Gardens.
Sect. IV. Gardens belonging to Horticultural and Zoological Societies —

Gardens of Horticultural Societies — Laying out of Horticultural

Gardens — Horticultural Museum — Zoological Gardens.

Sect. I. — The Public Park.

Public Parks are large inclosed pieces of ground
in the vicinity of cities or towns, partly covered with
trees and shrubs, partly consisting of pastures, lawns,
and pleasure-grounds, with their usual decorations, and
provided with other means and appliances for the
recreation and amusement of the inhabitants. We
adopt the common title, Public Park, though some
recent examples seem to partake as much of the char-
acter of the pleasure-ground as of the park. Their
utility and importance in social and sanitary points of
view are only beginning to be adequately appreciated ;
and much of the progress which, in these respects, has
been made is due to the exertions of the late Mr.
Loudon, -who, in various articles in the "Gardeners'
Magazine," was the first to draw public attention to
their value. In these papers, conceived in a most

216 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

benevolent spirit, and expressed with much earnestness
of manner, the departed artist labored to show that, in
the public park, the pale mechanic and the exhausted
factory operative might inhale the freshening breeze
and some portion of recovered health ; the busy shop-
keeper and the more speculative merchant might enjoy
relaxation and bracing exercise in temporary seclusion
from their toils and cares ; and that the family troop,
the children with their nurses, or the sportive juveniles
in the company of their staid seniors might take their
walk or spend their play-time apart from the bustle of
the streets, and secure from the accidents to which, in
crowded thoroughfares, they are necessarily exposed.
Without doubt, it is also good for the mental health of
those who are habituated to the wear and tear of the
busy haunts of men to be brought face to face with the
tranquilizing as well as suggestive works of God in the
wrorld of nature. It is well that all who are capable —
and we can not tell how many these may be — should
have an opportunity to "reap the harvest of a quiet
eye" in scenes which, if not invested with all the wild-
ness of the rural districts, have yet as much of the
treasures of vegetable forms and colors as are accessi-
ble to the inhabitants of cities without a considerable
expense of time and labor. Certainly the resort to
such places of recreation is very great. Looking to
the metropolitan parks of the United Kingdom, we find
all classes of the community, the day-tasked official,
the night-worn senator, the slaves of business, and the
votaries of fashion, even royalty itself, all availing
themselves of the air and exercise, and scenes of gayety
and opportunities of social intercourse and enjoyment
which these much frequented places afford. Nor is it

THE PUBLIC PARK. 217

to be overlooked that the public parks, and even the
smaller gardens in squares and streets, are fitted, if
skillfully distributed, to lessen the condensation of our
large cities, to extend their crowding buildings over a
wider surface, to rarefy the thick black clouds of smoke
which rise from them, and so to increase their light,
and to provide a larger supply of salubrious air for all
the inhabitants. In short, they are, as it were, the
lungs of cities and towns ; and as such they are breath-
ing-places to thousands who may never wander from
the streets within their actual precincts.

Affording such advantages in the way of health and
comfort, it is rather singular that but few public parks
have been formed, and that most of them have been
of such recent introduction. Men are naturally gre-
garious animals. In the old times of warfare and
bloodshed, they kept close together for the sake of
mutual defense. It is remarkable how small an area
some of the ancient fortified towns occupied. Prob-
ably the original instinct of crowding together would
have continued to prevail, but for the example pre-
sented by those parks attached to the metropolitan
cities of Great Britain, to which we have already
alluded. Much penetration was not required, to per-
ceive that such wide spaces as Hyde Park, St. James'
Park, Phcenix Park, Dublin, the Queen's Park, Edin-
burgh, especially when thrown open by the munifi-
cence of successive sovereigns, were boons of the
highest value to the adjacent communities. It is only
surprising that a discerning public was so slow to
discover that similar advantages were to be enjoyed
elsewhere.

Doubtless there were some considerable obstacles in
10

218 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

the way. Supposing, what was probably but seldom
the case, that the utility and desirableness of public
parks were clearly appreciated, it required no small
amount of public spirit, and no inconsiderable meas-
ure of wealth and influence, to encounter and sur-
mount the palpable difficulties that stood in the way.
The high marketable value of lands in the vicinity of
large towns, eagerly taken up for the purposes of gar-
dening or building, might render their purchase almost
or altogether an impossibility to the local corporations.
Then, too, the land might be dearest at the very point
where it was most desirable that the park should be
placed. Besides, the extreme division of property
often prevailing in such localities sometimes renders
combined action for public objects next to hopeless.
The greater is the hcfrior due to the communities, such
as that of Manchester, that have had enterprise enough
to undertake, and skill and vigor enough to carry
through, the works which, in this career of improve-
ment, they have actually accomplished.

The Site of the Public Park, viewed as calcu-
lated to promote the health of the community, should
be as near the city or town as possible; and, indeed,
its beneficial influence would be augmented were it
partially to intersect the area, occupied by the streets
and other buildings. In such a position the park
would be of easy access to the inhabitants, and would
form a wide breathing-space,or lungs, as already said,
preventing that dense and unhealthy crowding of
streets and lanes which are rapidly forming in com-
pact masses, with manifest injury to the sanitary con-
dition of some of the principal manufacturing towns
in the United Kingdom. Such is the importance

LAYING-OUT OF PUBLIC PARKS. 219

of the subject, that it well deserves the attention
recently paid to it by government. Certainly it
would be no misappropriation of the public funds,
were a commission authorized to purchase, in the sub-
urbs of many large towns, land sufficient for the
formation of a park; thus doing what might not
be within the power of the local corporations ; and,
putting sanitary considerations out of the question, we
do not believe that, in most cases, the concern would
be a losing one ; for the ground -rents of the houses
contiguous to the park would be higher, and the sites
would be more readily occupied by the wealthy citi-
zens than elsewhere in the neighborhood. We have
seen estates, in the suburbs of large cities, which would
probably, by this time, have been covered with streets,
had the owners given, with a wise and self-rewarding
liberality, some thirty or forty acres to form a public
park — a measure which would have speedily indem-
nified them for the apparent loss, by the increase of
rental received from the remainder of the lands. By
forming parks round London, recent governments have
conferred a great boon on the inhabitants of the me-
tropolis. Perhaps, however, they might have pro-
ceeded on more judicious principles. If, instead of
enlarging the parks to the extent of 150 to 270 acres,
and placing them at considerable distances, they had
confined them to 80 or 100 acres, at one-half the dis-
tance, and had multiplied them proportionally, they
would have easily procured a sufficient quantity of
ground nearer and more accessible to all classes of the
inhabitants.

Laying-out of Public Parks. — The designing of
these grounds, and the erection of the works, must

220 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

proceed on the principles already indicated in this
work, in reference to private parks and pleasure-
grounds. There are, however, some differences which
the designer must take into account. For example,
the former are intended for public, the latter for pri-
vate use. In an ordinary country residence, the man-
sion-house and its appurtenances form the center of
attraction, and the point to which all others are re-
ferred ; but such a point of centralizing interest is
wanting in the public park. And as the style of dec-
oration in towns is generally more profuse and elab-
orate than in rural districts, it may be conceded that
the city park should be more ornate, and may contain
a greater multiplicity of showy objects, than would be
altogether suitable in the country. It may be pre-
sumed, too, that the average taste of those who fre-
quent suburban parks (we refer more particularly to
the working classes) is not highly cultivated and
severe; and consequently, the expression of these
localities need not be so quiet, nor the style so strictly
in harmony with the character of the ground, as may
be deemed necessary in the secluded retreats of men
of much cultivation and refinement. The public park
should be gay, though not glaring or obtrusively
showy. Accordingly, we would admit into it a variety
of terraces, statues, monuments, and water, in all its
forms of fountain, pond, and lake, wherever these can
be introduced without violent and manifest incongruity.
Speaking generally, when the park is small — say
from twenty to forty acres — we would have it to par-
take mostly of the character of pleasure-grounds; that
is, it should chiefly be occupied with lawns, walks,
shrubberies, and moderate groups of trees. When

LAYING-OUT OF PUBLIC PARKS. 221

upward of sixty acres, these grounds should be parks
in the proper sense of the word, furnished with a few
inclosures for pasture, broad and well-formed walks
or drives intersecting and sweeping round the whole,
large masses of trees, approaching at times to the
character of woods, together with a reserve of some
acres, by way of pleasure-grounds or dressed grounds,
attached to the park.

The buildings essentially necessary to a public park
are few ; in short, a house for the superintendent, and
a cottage or two for the gate-keepers, may suffice ; but
where flower-gardening is included in the operations,
as it ought to be at least to a moderate extent, we
should be inclined to insist on the addition of a small
green-house, to be employed in the propagation, and
in the protection during winter, of those tender orna-
mental plants which are bedded out in summer. We
have already noted the defect in this kind of park,
arising from the absence of a mansion-house, and we
should recommend the supplying of this want by the
erection in it of any suitable public buildings. Nothing
would be more appropriate, for example, than a pic-
ture-gallery. Statues^ too, erected to distinguished
citizens, or other illustrious characters, would find
there a more suitable/ station, and a more comfortable
home, than in the crowded thoroughfares of streets
and squares, where their uncovered heads, and their
limbs scantily draped in classic costume, are alter-
nately soiled by dust and soot, amid all the changes
of rain and sunshine, of snow and thaw. Museums
containing objects of natural history, and collections
of antiquities, are also desirable and instructive accom-
paniments of these places of public resort. The

222 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

museum in the Peel Park, at Manchester, is not the
least interesting part of it. Separate gymnasiums
should be constructed for the youth of both sexes, (it is
always well to give loiterers something to do,) and
bowling-greens should be formed for persons of more
advanced years.

"We have already said that water should be em-
ployed as an ornament in publicfparks, in all suitable
localities ; that is, where the town is not built on such
a craggy or twisted surface as to preclude the possi-
bility of finding a sufficient extent of level space, or
where the vicinity of the sea, or a broad river, does
not throw an air of ridicule over the mimic efforts of
the designer. Most of the inland towns and cities of
the empire are so situated as to render artificial sheets
of water desirable ; and accordingly, they are to be
found, we believe, in all the public parks which have
been recently constructed. It must be confessed, how-
ever, that the very flatness of the localities often ren-
ders the successful execution of such works a matter
of great difficulty. It would be an easy, but a some-
what invidious task, to point out certain signal failures
in this department of designing. Nearly all the speci-
mens of this kind of waterworks which we have had
an opportunity of inspecting, are deficient in breadth
of effect; some of them are- little better than wide"
canals, and some are grotesque ponds, which the artist
seems to have copied from his own hand, with the
fingers spread out, as if in astonishment at his own
ingenuity. The taste is little exigeant that is satisfied
with such things. The small lakes in the Royal Bo-
tanic Gardens, Regent's Park, by Mr. Marnoch, and
those in the Queen's Park, Liverpool, by Sir Joseph

LAYING-OUT OF PUBLIC PARKS. 223

Paxton, may be cited as artificial pieces of water with
an inartificial look. It is most needful that the de-
signer, before he attempts this sort of work, should
make himself familiar with the outlines and the slopes
in the banks of natural lakes, and that he should keep
distinctly in view the ideas which he has thus acquired.
Instead of giving any further directions in detail, we
beg to refer to our chapter on Water.

The walks and drives in the public park should be
broad, well-made at first, and kept permanently smooth
and dry ; otherwise their edgings will be much trodden
down, and their whole appearance will be mean and
slovenly.

With respect to the grouping and massing of trees
and shrubs in the public park, we may refer to a pre-
vious part of the volume, where we have treated of the
park generally, as it is evident that the same principles
must come into operation in both cases. We would
strongly recommend, however, that in planting the
public park, part of its trees and shrubs should be so
arranged as to combine instruction with beauty of
effect. This object might be easily attained by the
formation of arboretums of more or less. extent, as also
by making collections of such hardy plants as are used
for manufacturing and agricultural purposes. Of
course, such /arrangements of plants and trees should
be furnished with labels exhibiting the scientific and
popular names of the species, and any other informa-
tion relative to their uses and native habitats that
could be condensed, into a small space. It is almost
incredible what ignorance on these points exists among
the inhabitants of large cities, who probably would
know an oak to be a tree as they would know a -crow

224 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

to be a bird, while they could tell little or nothing
more about either. It is to be regretted that, with the
exception of St. James' Park and Kensington Gardens,
all the public parks around London and Manchester
are totally deficient in this simple and obvious means
of instruction. Of course we do not wish that every
bush and tree within the inclosure should be labeled ;
we only propose that some definite portion of the trees,
shrubs, and other plants, should be arranged and
named for this special purpose. Besides the informa-
tion actually conveyed, and the inquiries as to uses
suggested, such arrangements would exhibit, in an
interesting manner, the wonderful adaptation of our
climate for the growth of plants from the milder and
colder regions of the globe. They would display in
one group the magnificent cedars of Lebanon, of Atlas,
and of the Himalayas, together with the firs of Sibe-
ria and the Pyrenees, of Scotland and California, of
the Mediterranean and the Oregon, of Norway and
Nepal. In a second, they would shotv us the broad
oak of Old England, the cut-leaved oak of Turkey,
the evergreen oak of Spain, and the red oak of Amer-
ica, with the sycamore of Britain and the sugar-maple
of Canada. In a third, we might find the Arbutus
of Ireland, the Andrachne of the Levant, the Phil-
lyrea of Italy, the lilacs of Persia and China, and
the Aucuba of Japan. Manifold are the interesting
and instructive combinations that might be formed;
and they could all be effected at an expense very little
beyond that which is necessarily incurred in the plant-
ing of ordinary trees and shrubs.

Note, — Our author, on this important subject, talks

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 225

with the strong sense and good taste of a thorough
Englishman. If land were as plenty and cheap in
America as it is in England, Americans might, per-
haps, talk of public parks, also! But whether they
would have them, is another matter. A very pretty
discussion might be got up, touching the utility of
public parks, in a country so utilitarian as ours pro-
fesses to be ; and much might be said on both sides.
At all events, we do not propose to enter the lists as a
debater. Yet, in the small specimens of inclosed
grounds which exist in some of our principal cities,
and dignified with the name of " Parks," we can not
but imagine that if, instead of acres by tens, so appro-
priated, they had been by hundreds, cities containing
them would be all the better for it.

In sober earnest: it is a disgrace, in point of pub-
lic taste, that our cities and large towns show no speci-
mens of extended park and pleasure-grounds for the
multitude. For the lack of these, and the consequent
lack of respect to the character of trees, there is hardly
a place of public resort in the United States, in which
the trees standing about them are not whittled and
scarred by the impudent initials cut into their bark
by the visitors ; and thought, at the time, to be exceed-
ingly smart, by the perpetrators. — Ed.

Educational Institutions. — It may not be much
out of place, to add a few remarks in regard to the
somewhat cognate subject of gardens or pleasure-
grounds attached to some great educational institutions;
cognate, at least, in this respect, that these grounds, as
well as the public park, might be made the means of
communicating important instruction. It should seem,
10*

226 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GKOOTTDS.

indeed, that they would promise more, in this respect,
than places set apart for the common resort of the
citizens; and yet this promise has been most strangely
unfulfilled and neglected. Not to speak of universi-
ties, some of which have their botanic gardens, there
are, for example, around Edinburgh, six foundation
schools, or hospitals as they are there called, in which
children of certain classes of the community are boarded
and educated till they are of suitable age to go into
trades or professions. Some of these institutions oc-
cupy magnificent buildings, and have almost princely
revenues ; all of them are well endowed ; and yet,
while they are surrounded by grounds more or less
tolerably laid out, not one of them possesses a named
collection of plants ; nor, so far as we know, is any
regular course of instruction in regard to natural ob-
jects maintained within them. We can not think that
this state of things, subsisting under the direction of
numerous well-informed and intelligent men, is very
much to the credit of the science and the enterprise
of Modern Athens.

We would deem it highly advisable to attach a
garden of two or three acres to the normal schools pro-
vided by government for the improvement of teach-
ing. These, under proper management, would enable
the pupil-teachers to carry back to their native homes
or future places of labor, a correct nomenclature of
plants and much other useful information respecting
them, but little known in secluded districts. In refer-
ence to these matters, the progress made in Ireland is
much in advance of that on this side of the channel.
The agricultural seminaries at Glasnevin and Temple-

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. 227

moile have considerable collections of trees, shrubs,
and plants attached to them.*

JV^.— Although the subject of ornamental grounds
attached to educational institutions has arrested both
the attention and pens of some of our most accom-
plished men, every one possessed of true taste must
lament the want of attention hitherto paid to that de-
partment of education, in America ; for it should be
a department of our public education, as much as the
languages, or the sciences. Indeed, the founders of
most of our large institutions of learning, whether
through the state governments, public associations,
corporations, or individual munificence, have, in the
liberality of their endowments, and ample appropria-
tions of grounds, intended it — theoretically, at least;
but in most cases, the intention Gas been miserably
neglected in the carrying out. Every boy — every
student — no matter what his proposed occupation or
profession in life, should, as a part of his education, be
taught the principles of vegetable physiology, and how
to plant a tree, and tend it afterward. It is scarce worth
while to occupy these pages with a homily on the im-
portance of embellishing, by the planting of trees,
grounds devoted to seats of learning — even the district
School : a thing so entirely obvious, on a thought of
the subject ; yet it is a truth, that in no country pro-
fessing to be civilized, is less attention paid to this than
in the United States. It is a barbarism, and for its

* In 1840, we laid out an arboretum and miniature botanic garden, about twelve
acres in extent, around Gwynn's Institution, Londonderry — an institution for the
maintenance and education of orphan children. There is also a small farm attached,
in which, as well as in the grounds, many of the children are trained to rural labor,
and so fitted to become useful members of society. The enlightened liberality which
has uniformly characterized this institution has rendered it a blessing to the poor,
which is highly and deservedly appreciated by all classes in the maiden city.

228 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

continuance there is no possible excuse. We may
profitably take lessons of improvement from the peo-
ple of countries whom we affect to hold in little regard ;
but who are, in this subject at least, a great way our
superiors. — Ed.

Sect. II. — Street Gardens.

Allied, in some respects, to public parks, are the
gardens which are formed in squares, and other open
places in towns, and in front of streets. These grounds,
however humble they may seem, are very beneficial
to the population around them ; and they ought, there-
fore, to enter more into our street arrangements than
they do at present. They serve to spread the inhabi-
tants of large cities'over a widey surface, they increase'
the purity of the air, and act, in short, as miniature
parks. The square and the street with gardens in
front, judging from their paucity in most towns, do
not seem to be so popular places of residence as they
ought to be, and we can not altogether wonder that
this should be the case. Most of them are extremely
ugly, particularly when viewed from the street. The
objects there presented to an observer are an iron rail-
ing of affected finery, with a line of trees hanging over
it, dirty, rickety shrubs below them, patches of red
earth partially covered with straws; in short, a whole
exhibiting a miserable aspect of squalor and discom-
fort. As to the plan, the dominant type invariably
requires a belt of trees and shrubs around the inside of
the railing, and a circle in the center ; the latter figure,
however, occasionally giving place to a statue or a
monument. If the belt is varied by a few projections

STREET GARDENS. 229

or clumps in the inside, its external continuity is nev-
ertheless rigidly maintained; and the usual feeling
communicated to you, in passing round a square, is
that you are walking in the front of a row of houses,
but at the back of a garden. The internal arrange-
ments are often little superior to the external, and often
they are worst where most might have been expected.
We have seen, for example, a frill of shrubs added to
the original belt, and two dull outlines produced in-
stead of one. We have seen parallel terraces which
are not parallel in their levels, and curtailed, moreover,
of their fair proportions by an oblique walk slanting
across the base. With a varied proprietary and hun-
dreds of overlooking windows, the ruling idea in the
laying-out of street gardens seems to be their seclu-
sion from the vulgar eyes of passengers on the pave-
ment. The inhabitants of such places not unfrequently
complain of their exclusion from the parks and gar-
dens of country gentlemen, and this often in entire
oblivion of their own equally illiberal and more incon-
sistent exclusiveness in regard to their city paradises.
But if street gardens are inferior in design, they are
scarcely less so in their management. A directory of
worthy citizens, with a jobbing gardener as their ex-
ecutive, often perpetrate great barbarities on the unfor-
tunate shrubs and trees growing under their regime.
What with the manifest errors in the laying out of the
grounds, the mutilations inflicted on trees and shrubs
in palpable ignorance or contempt of arboreal beauty,
the inevitably injurious effects of dust and smoke —
the whole influences, natural and artificial, resulting
in a dainty but puny rus-in-urbis7iness, as it has been
expressively called, we have sometimes been tempted

230 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

to wish that squares were empty places, or even the
sites of bustling markets, rather than that they should
continue in that paltry condition in which most of
them actually exist.

And yet, such would be a consummation greatly to
be deplored. People, while planning a section of a
town or city, will think of a square with its hoped-for
greenery a hundred times sooner than of a place, or
open paved area. Dismiss the conception of a square,
and a block of dense parallel streets will certainly
come in its stead. Probably the most imperfect square-
garden is more propitious to health than a paved area
is, particularly in the heats of summer. Besides, the
garden is a place of refuge and of play to the children
and the juvenile people of our cities. Why, then,
will proprietors, after they have expended many hun-
dred pounds on parapet walls and iron railing, not go
to the trifling additional expense of engaging the ser
vices of a qualified professional man? The square-
garden is surely not an insoluble problem, though it
has its difficulties everywhere ; and when it is to be
formed on a dead level, and still more on a slightly-
twisted surface, its natural felicities are not consider-
able. A practiced eye will at least avoid conspicuous
blunders. An ordinary courage might suffice to make
a few gaps in the encircling belt. And we must add,
that after a garden of any kind has been formed at
considerable cost, it is a self-defrauding economy that
grudges or withholds the necessary maintenance. To
afford unalloyed pleasure, all gardens must be " trim,"
to use the epithet of Milton ; and this is especially
true of the square or street-garden 4 which, as we have
seen, is peculiarly exposed, from its situation, to be

BOTANIC GARDENS. 231

soiled and tarnished. We should be disposed to re-
commend that, in such gardens, a plain, quiet style
of beauty should be aimed at; but that it should be
elaborated, and kept up with a rigid and pervading
neatness.

Note. — Nothing could be better said, on such a
subject. — Ed.

Sect. III. — Botanic Gardens.

Botanic gardens, both in their present dedication to
scientific purposes, and in the economical uses to
which they are probably destined to be applied, may
be regarded as among the most important public gar-
dens in this country. They are intended, primarily,
to contain general collections of plants, both native
and exotic, both hardy and requiring protection, and
particularly those species which, from their possessing
moderate ornamental qualities, are not likely to be
cultivated in common gardens. In the neighborhood
of medical schools, they are of great utility, as pre-
senting systematic arrangements, in a living state, of
the plants employed in materia medica. They are
also likely to become highly beneficial by forming
collections of vegetable substances adapted for food,
and used in the arts and manufactures, though this is
a purpose to which they are only beginning to be
applied. On these grounds, botanic gardens can meet
the demands of the most rigid utilitarian. To persons
of a scientific turn of mind, and of refined under-
standing, they possess a very high interest. They
have done much to feed with oil the lamp of botany,

232 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

which, during the last century, has burned so brightly,
and has shed so brilliant light on the science of
method, as applicable to the natural sciences in gen-
eral. They havre stimulated the search for plants
abroad, and promoted their diffusion at home ; and
they have facilitated, in a greater or less degree, the
inspection, and so have extended the knowledge, of
the vegetable system of our globe, the individual
members of which the wise and beneficent Creator
has endowed with constitutional peculiarities suited to
every habitable region of the earth, and has fitted, either
directly or indirectly, to house, clothe, and feed the infi-
nite variety of animal life to be found on its surface.

To regard botanic gardens merely as receptacles for
objects which are the materials of botanical classifica-
tion, is to place them much below their proper sphere,
and to make them representatives of human systems,
rather than of that vast order of vegetable being estab-
lished by the great Creator. How far many of these
institutions have risen above their lower, and ascended
toward their higher and more legitimate position, must
be left to be ascertained by actual inspection. Doubt-
less, botanic gardens have considerable difficulties to
contend with, and, from a variety of circumstances,
are occasionally liable to stagnate. They require
abundant liberality on the part of the patrons, wisdom
and science on that of the directors, and great dili-
gence, some versatility and activity of mind, and en-
tire consecration of time and attention in the curators.
Perhaps it is not often that all these requisites are
found in combination, and the want of one or other of
them may partly account for the inferiority in those
gardens which occasionally exists. It is not our

SPECIAL PURPOSES OF BOTANIC GARDENS. 233

design, however, to speak disparagingly of the botanic
gardens of the United Kingdom ; many of them are
ably and admirably managed; of these we do not
name any, because we cannot enumerate all, and a
particular specification of some might seem invidious
to the others. We can not help directing the attention
of the reader to the great exotic nurseries near our
metropolitan cities, and in other parts of the country ;
which, though conducted oh commercial principles,
are substantially botanic gardens, and are not the least
remarkable instances of the union of capital, enter-
prise, skill, and industry that are to be found in the
present day.

Special Purposes of Botanic Gardens. — In the
preceding remarks, it is implied that botanic gardens
are intended to be the means of public instruction;
we may now notice some of the particular expedients
for the accomplishment of this desirable end.

All botanic gardens are, or ought to be, furnished
with systematic arrangements of herbaceous plants —
a minor one, according to the Linnsean, and a more
extensive one on some one of the natural systems. As
a pendant to these, there ought to be a general arbor-
etum, in which all ligneous or wooded plants, which,
as they can not be conveniently grouped in the herb-
aceous arrangements, may be put into scientific com-
bination ; and unquestionably, this is best done on the
principles of the natural orders and families. Besides,
there should be a separate arrangement of medical
plants. To give specific directions on these points,
does not fall within our present design. We content
ourselves, therefore, with merely alluding to them ;
and we proceed to indicate some other objects which

234 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

it is desirable should be kept in view more fully than
heretofore in the formation of this species of garden.

Territorial arrangements of plants have been recom-
mended, and, we humbly think, have received too
little attention ; for, being skillfully executed, they
would possess a high degree of interest. There are
difficulties, it is true, in carrying out the territorial
principle, particularly in regard to those exotics which
require protection and artificial heat. Still, much
might be done with the natives of the temperate and
frigid zones, to exhibit the vegetation of particular
kingdoms. At least three of the quarters of the
globe — Europe, Asia, and America — could be ade-
quately represented; and subordinate sections, if ne-
cessary, might be made to include the plants of the
more important countries, or ranges of continent em-
braced in the main divisions. For example, we might
have a British Flora, a French and German Flora, a
Mediterranean, a Russian and Siberian, a North Amer-
ican Flora, and various others. Undoubtedly, one of
the most curious things in our flower-gardens is to see
natives of the Alps and the Himalayas, of Oregon
and of the Cape of Good Hope, all growing peacefully
and lovingly together ; but in consequence of this pro-
miscuous planting, the facts of botanical geography
are at once lost sight of, and very often completely
forgotten. It is admitted that it would be difficult, or
rather expensive and laborious, to carry out the terri-
torial system to a great extent ; yet it might be within
the compass of attainable effort to adopt the principle
in part. We should like to see a real American gar-
den — >- that is, one containing only American plants,
and not the mixed affair which goes generally under

SPECIAL PURPOSES OF BOTANIC GARDENS. 235

that name. There might at least be distinct gardens
for the natural vegetation of the United Kingdom,
and of her principal colonies — those, namely, in North
America, the Cape, Australia, New Zealand, and the
mountainous regions of India. It is not proposed that
every plant which is to be found within the limits of
any country should be included in these separate ar-
rangements ; but it seems possible, by the selection of
characteristic species, to give a fair representation of
the vegetable economy of the territory selected, and
even to convey an expression of its external physiog-
nomy. The space required for such purposes is not
necessarily large, as the trees and shrubs which occupy
most space might be kept small, there being other
specimens of the same species, in the general collec-
tion, allowed to reach their natural development. Let
any one go into a botanic garden, as commonly ar-
ranged at present, in order to acquire a knowledge of
the vegetation indigenous in any of the temperate
regions of the world, and most likely he will have to
trace, by the aid of books and other appliances, a bo-
tanical system scattered over the whole grounds before
he can obtain even a glimpse of the object of his re-
search. From the divisional gardens we are now re-
commending, persons about to travel might receive at
once a general idea of the vegetation they are likely
to meet with in. foreign countries ; and all might learn
with little trouble how much we are indebted to par-
ticular regions for the trees, shrubs, and plants that
tenant our gardens. Certainly, the unbotanical public
would find more attraction and instruction in these
than in strictly scientific arrangements. "We there-
fore strongly recommend them to the attention of our

236 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

readers ; admitting, at the same time, that they would
require some increase of room and of expense; still,
we think that there are several botanic gardens in
Great Britain of extent and resources sufficient to
admit of the experiment being tried with success.

All botanic gardens ought to possess a certain num-
ber of plant-houses, properly glazed, and supplied
with heating apparatus. The more there are of these
structures, the better; but their number and extent
will depend on the amount of funds placed at the dis-
posal of the institution. With cheapened glass, and
other materials, it is to be hoped that they will become
more numerous than ever. These houses should have
a special adaptation to the plants which are to grow in
them. A botanic garden can scarcely be complete
without a palm-house, a heath-house, an orchideous-
house, besides stoves, green-houses, and propagation-
pits. It must always be remembered that the deepest
interest awakened by this kind of garden connects
itself with the preservation and growth of those curi-
ous, and often singularly beautiful exotics, which are
the natives of tropical or other warm climes.

The Botanical Museum is now becoming a neces-
sary and a most useful appendage to the botanic gar-
den. It is intended for the preservation of dried speci-
mens of plants, seeds, samples of woods, and, in short,
for every form of vegetable production that can be
rendered permanent and kept in bulk. Every botan-
ist is aware how important is the Jwrius siccus to the
authentication of species, and generally to the history
of his science ; there are, however, many other things
besides formal specimens of plants, which are interest-
ing and worthy of preservation. Properly arranged,

LAYING OUT OF THE BOTANIC GARDEN. 237

and adequately completed, such museums may be
made to exhibit nearly the whole vegetable system.
In a former paragraph, we have recommended terri-
torial arrangements of plants in the open ground ; and
we may here add, that we do not know any more in-
teresting materials for the museum than well-arranged
collections from various countries ; not merely for dis-
playing their native botany in its technical form, but
also for exhibiting their vegetable products reared by
agriculture, and employed in domestic economy and
the arts. Great Britain and its colonies, by them-
selves, might yield a most instructive exhibition of
this kind. The museum in the Royal Gardens at Kew
is the object of high patronage, and is rapidly increas-
ing in magnitude and importance. A promising be-
ginning has also been made at Edinburgh, which, it is
to be hoped, will continue to make progress. In both
cases, however, much remains to be done before they
can be said to have accomplished their proper object.
Meanwhile, they are worthy of all aid and approba-
tion, as most useful and instructive parts of the insti-
tutions to which they belong. The territorial ]3rinciple
was well exemplified in the Great Exhibition of 1851.
Laying-out of the Botanic Garden. — The botcmic
garden, particularly when extensive, may be regarded
as a combination of the pleasure-ground and the flower-
garden — the former character predominating in the
arboretum, and the latter in the smaller and more
ornamental flower-beds and borders. From the lim-
ited extent of space, and the variety of special adapta-
tions to particular purposes, it is difficult to introduce
much of the pictorial effect arising from the groups
of trees and shrubs, interspersed with lawns, which is

238 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

so prominent a feature in a well-laid-out pleasure-
ground. Still, we think that much more of it might
be secured than is commonly accomplished, or even
attempted in these gardens. At present, we can offer
only a few hints ; and these rather in the way of point-
ing out faults to be amended, than as a full exposition
of a subject of some intricacy, and requiring a consid-
erable amount of minute detail.

The site of the plant-houses is a matter of ruling
importance, in the arrangement of the several parts
of a botanic garden, as their position generally forms
the starting-point from which the leading walks set
out, and to which, indeed, every thing is related. These
houses should not be allowed to occupy quite a central
place in the garden, as they sometimes do ; for, in that
case, they leave only a narrow strip of ground behind
them, and but a limited extent of free space in front.
On level ground of a rectangular form, they should be
toward either the north or south end — the -former
being the preferable, as affording greater facilities for
forming back-courts and propagation-pits, and as giv-
ing greater freedom of access to carts bringing fuel
and soils. By this means, most of the ornamental
grounds may be kept in front of the houses, which wTill
then form an elegant and appropriate back-ground.
These houses are usually erected in ranges, and in that
way they often produce an imposing effect; but we
are sometimes disposed to question the propriety of
this arrangement as a general rule, particularly when
the plain lean-to form, common in forcing-gardens, is
adopted; for it is evident that in that way they can
receive light only from the roof, and the upright glass
in front. "We should prefer to have them detached,

LAYING-OUT OF THE BOTANIC GAKDEN. 239

singly or in pairs, for then they would be illuminated
nearly all round. When we say detached, we do not
mean scattered promiscuously throughout the garden —
that would be a worse fault than the other, and would
give rise to serious inconveniences in their manage-
ment. They may be detached in groups, as leading
objects of particular divisions of the garden. If a
general range is adopted, either from the limited extent
of the garden, or from the grounds being favorable to
the production of an imposing effect by the concentra-
tion of the plant-houses in some particular spot, the
range, for example, might be thrown into divisions of
lean-to or span-roofed houses, of greater or less extent,
placed at such distances as not to shade each other.
These might be made to abut against a wall running
east and west; and on this wall might be formed
glazed corridors between the divisions communicating
with the main structures, and uniting the whole into
one general range of ornamental glass. A number of
other arrangements, on similar principles, might be
suggested; we merely hint at them, to show that those
disjointed accumulations of plant-houses, set down,
apparently at hap-hazard, and not unfrequently seen in
ill-arranged nurseries, are not at all necessarily incident
to the botanic garden, and ought therefore to be sedu-
lously avoided. Perhaps some of the faults of this
kind, to be found in better establishments, are to be
ascribed to the circumstance that the buildings in
question were after-thoughts.

The next error to which it is needful to advert is the
too common practice of planting mixed belts of trees
along the exterior boundary walls. These are gen-
erally unnecessary ; for in a botanic garden there is

240 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

no need of that seclusion which is often desirable in
the villa. At the same time, the moderate vailing of
the walls, and the securing of a proper degree of shel-
ter, render the grouping and massing of trees and
shrubs indispensable. This want can be nearly, if not
completely, supplied by the skillful disposition of the
arboretum. The arrangement of trees and shrubs
should be such as to throw them into groups toward
the external walls in some places, and toward the in-
terior of the grounds in others ; by this means a variety
of open spaces, both in front of the walls and in the
center, will be left for collections of plants, and for
lawns to be decorated more or less with ornamental
shrubs and showy annual and perennial flowers.
Lawns are seldom well managed in botanic gardens.
They often exhibit the dotting system in its perfection,
or are intersected by a multitude of paltry figures
crowded with herbaceous plants. We are not disposed
to recommend that these gardens should be laid out
generally for lawn-scenery, properly so called; the
space within them is too valuable to admit of that
system as a whole; but the introduction of one or
two lawns of moderate extent will relieve the prev-
alent appearance of crowdings and will soften the effect
of that multiplicity of figuring and dotting which, it
must be owned> can not be wholly avoided.

Another difficulty in the botanic garden, which is
often imperfectly overcome, and sometimes is not even
attempted to be obviated, is to be found in the proper
management of the collections of herbaceous plants.
As these require a considerable space of ground, they
are frequently overcrowded. Perhaps their most gen-
eral effect is baldness and monotony — an effect not

LAYING-OUT OF THE BOTANIC-GARDEN. 241

lessened by the color of the earth, and those ranks
and files of painted tallies bearing the names, in win-
ter more conspicuous than the plants themselves. When
these collections are arranged in lines, with alleys of
bare earth between them, the result is extreme bald-
ness; and the plants seldom thrive, as the bare and
generally weedless soil, reflecting the glare of summer
light and heat upon them, affords a home as unlike
the natural habitats of most as possible. When the
lines are waved, with grass alleys intervening, the gen-
eral effect is ameliorated, and in winter the ground
has partially the semblance of a lawn. When the
natural system of arrangement is adopted, the plants
may be made to fall into groups ; but few of the ex-
amples of this kind of planting, which have come
under our observation, are materially better than the
others. They are usually planted in clumps in grass,
but the figures are seldom good ; the intervening spaces
of grass are too narrow ; and the plants too small to
produce any of that lawn-like effect which we suppose
is aimed at. We should deem it more advisable to
arrange such collections in the form of parterres, com-
posed of beds suited for the various tribes and genera,
and intersected with graveled walks — a method which
would economize the ground occupied, and facilitate
inspection.

Note. — It is little creditable to American taste and
enterprise, that although two botanic gardens have
been, many years ago, liberally endowed — in the city
of New York, and at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and
possibly in other cities of the United States — they
died out for want of care, and a failure to excite a
sufficient interest in those who should have been
11

24:2 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

sufficiently interested in them to secure their con-
tinuance. We are a great way behind Europe in this
department, and it is to be hoped that our further
neglect will not long remain a reproach to us. — Ed.

Sect. IY. — Gardens belonging to Horticultural
and Zoological Societies.

(1.) The Garden of Horticultural Societies. — This
species of garden is of more recent origin than those
devoted to strictly botanical purposes. Soon after the
rise of the horticultural societies, in the first decade of
the present century, it was felt to be desirable that
these institutions should possess pieces of garden-
ground, on which to perform such extended experiments
as might be beyond the reach of private cultivators.
Methods of culture recommended by professional men,
or speculative amateurs, were to be repeated, and their
general utility to be ascertained. Original observa-
tions were to be made. In all these and various other
spheres of progress, the gardens of which we now pro-
pose to speak, as is universally admitted, have conferred
most important benefits on the practice of horticulture.
In botanic gardens many valuable and interesting
plants can appear only as single specimens of the
vegetable system, for in these the principle to be fol-
lowed is the collection of species, and as the known
species are now very numerous, many varieties and
sub-varieties of great value in ornamental and eco-
nomical points of view are necessarily excluded. In
the horticultural garden, (to adopt the popular, but

THE GARDEN OF HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 243

somewhat tautological name,) the principle which ie,
or ought to be, adopted is selection. Certain plants,
whether species or varieties, but possessed of notice-
able qualities, are chosen, and their culture is so
extended and varied as at once to determine their
practical value, and to illustrate and exemplify the
best methods by which they may be produced in pri-
vate establishments. In the botanic garden the pre-
dominating interest is the purely scientific ; in the
horticultural garden the chief aim is the useful, includ-
ing in that term, however, the process of ornamental
as well as economical gardening, and the application
of scientific principles to the effecting of these utili-
tarian results.

The gardens attached to horticultural societies have
done much to promote the great advance recently
made by this pleasing and useful art. The conductors
of the splendid establishment belonging to the great
metropolitan society — some of them men of high
scientific attainments, all of them characterized by
skill, perseverance, and devotedness to their favorite
pursuits — have been particularly instrumental in for-
warding the march of improvement. They have estab-
lished a correct nomenclature of fruits, which, from
the prevalence of provincial names and other circum-
stances, had previously been in a state of great confu-
sion. They have brought into general notice many
good varieties heretofore confined to particular locali-
ties. They have introduced many new and admirable
sorts from abroad. The comparative value, too, of
numerous fruits and culinary vegetables and flowers
has been correctly appreciated, and those wThich were
found worthless or indifferent have received the merited

244 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

stamp of inferiority and rejection. Besides much
work of this kind done effectually, the Horticultural
Society of London has sent Botanical collectors to
China, Mexico, and other imperfectly explored regions,
and by their agency have introduced many plants,
both useful and ornamental. In most of these objects
the Caledonian Horticultural Society has zealously
cooperated; and notwithstanding the less propitious
climate, its distance from the center of government
and commerce, and other difficulties with which it has
had to contend, it has been eminently successful in the
promotion of gardening in Scotland. Both of these
societies, as well as others in the provinces, have con-
tributed greatly to the diffusion of new and approved
kinds of fruits, flowers, and vegetables, by the distri-
bution of grafts, cuttings, and small specimen parcels
of seeds. And we must not omit to notice the bene-
ficial effects of the public exhibitions of plants and
fruits which have been promoted by horticultural soci-
eties, and generally held in their gardens. The prizes
given on these occasions have proved a great stimulus,
not only to the perfecting of fine individual specimens,
but also to the improvement of the general crops ; and
while they have elicited and rendered prominent many
cultivators of distinguished talent, they have been. the
means of establishing a standard of excellence in refer-
ence to horticultural productions which would have
been considered visionary forty years ago. In many
parts of the country every considerable village and
little town has its own flower and fruit shows ; and
when it is considered how much harmless and health-
ful enjoyment is thus afforded to all classes of society,
and what substantial additions are made to the people's

LAYING-OUT OF HORTICULTURAL GARDENS. 245

food, the philanthropist must be ready to approve and
rejoice.

Laying-out of Horticultural Gardens. — In the
arrangement of these gardens, the special objects to
which they are destined must be kept distinctly in
view. When furnished with complete appointments,
they include divisions for culinary vegetables, fruit-
trees, forcing, flowers, shrubs, etc.; in other words,
they embrace gardening in all its branches, and so re-
quire treatment of the most varied description. Our
limits forbid us to enter into full details; we shall,
therefore, suppose that a suitable locality in respect to
soil and situation has been chosen, and shall content
ourselves with throwing out a few hints which may be
useful to persons contemplating work of this kind,

The extent of such a garden ought to be a matter
of primary and serious consideration. It should be
first of all ascertained what amount of expense the
average resources of the society are adequate to meet.
Financial difficulties always operate most injuriously
on institutions of this kind, as they impede or obstruct
direct experiment, and by limiting the number of
workmen employed, embarrass the superintendents
and divert them from their proper work. Such gar-
dens ought never to be too extensive; they should
rather be small than otherwise. A large flower-garden,
to be filled with beds of ordinary annuals, or even
common florists' flowers which have been cultivated
perhaps for half a century, is wholly unnecessary.
We should even be inclined to abridge the extent of
ground sometimes allotted to culinary vegetables: a
few plots would be sufficient to cultivate and exhibit
the newer sorts. The orchard-ground must always be

246 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

spacious, but perhaps it might be in part reduced by
grafting two or three sorts on one stock, and by the
eradication of those which have been proved to be
worthless. Ample room should also be secured for
a collection of trees and shrubs, particularly the latter,
of which there are many fine species not generally
known in private gardens. In this department the
horticultural societies have already done good service.
The Arboretum in the garden of the London Society
was long the best in Britain, though it must now yield
the palm to that in the Royal Gardens at Kew. Such
collections should be made, if possible, to take the
place of those tawdry, insipid, promiscuous shrubberies
which are too common everywhere.

We should further be disposed to recommend the
special adaptation of a garden of this class to the
peculiar wants of the locality at which it is placed.
It is evident that such a garden at Edinburgh may be
made a shade or two different from one at Exeter or
Cork. In Scotland it is vain to plant a Chaumontel
pear as a standard, or a black Hamburg vine on an
open wall ; experience has pronounced sufficiently on
these points already ; but it would be a very proper
thing to form a complete collection of the fruit-trees
which are found to be suitable for the climate ; and it
would be equally proper to acquire supplies of those
new varieties which might be expected to succeed in
that country. So in the cider districts of England, an
experimental garden might well be devoted to the
determination of the relative qualities of the cider
fruits, and to the promotion of that improvement of
which they are susceptible. By the adoption of special
aims in different gardens, something like a division of

LAYING-OUT OF HORTICULTURAL GARDENS. 247

labor might be attained, valuable knowledge of local
peculiarities might be secured, and needless expense
might be avoided. At the same time, every one will
be ready to desire that the great garden at Turnham
Green, which is maintained by the affluent London
Society, should retain its general destination and full
complement of sectional departments, and that from
the influence which its wealth, science, and central
position fit it to exercise, it should continue to be the
connecting link of all such gardens in the Empire.

In every case a considerable space of lawn should
be left open in some prominent part of the garden for
the temporary erection of tents, stages, and other ap-
pliances of those flower-show exhibitions which have
been found to contribute so much to the funds and to
the general prosperity of the societies. These shows,
indeed, have proved to be of so much importance that
some of the older horticultural gardens have been
more or less altered to admit of their extension. The
space thus devoted need not be of any formal shape,
but it should not be encumbered with too many par-
terres or figures of shrubs and trees. It should com-
municate with the more ornamental parts of the garden
by means of walks and lawns, in order to extend and
diversify the promenades.

Certain of the minor departments of these gardens,
such as the culinary vegetable section, the propagating
grounds, and the forcing frames and nursing pits, may
be appropriately kept within small inclosures formed
by means of low wTalls or hedges, arrangements that
are found to be highly convenient, as affording seclu-
sion for experiment and shelter for delicate plants.
These inclosures require to be masked externally.

248 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

The rest of the garden should be rather open, well
provided with walks, and the arboretum and flower-
garden, in particular, should be interspersed and
adorned with lawns of varying size. In this quarter
there should be a close approach to the aspect of the
private pleasure-ground.

The decorated grounds should be ornamented with
plant-stoves, conservatories, and green-houses for the
growth and exhibition of the rare and showy exotics
that require protection or artificial heat. The proper
distribution and arrangement of these glazed structures
are matters of primary importance. Perhaps there
is a tendency to mass them too much together. We
do not disapprove of imposing ranges of ornamental
glass-houses ; at the same time, we prefer the divided
interest of groups of two or three houses, so placed as
to form prominent objects on the principal lawns.
Perhaps some of these should be employed to lighten
and diversify the effect presented on ordinary occasions
by the area left open for exhibitions ; but to wall in
that space all round with glazed structures we think in
worse taste than to leave it open altogether.

Speaking generally, we would say that the more
decorated parts of these gardens should be in the
highest style of the art, and should combine the broad,
winding, and varied lawn of the pleasure-ground, with
the richly grouped beds and figures of the flower-gar-
den. We may add, that the trees, shrubs, and plants
cultivated should not be mere botanical rarities. Pos-
sessed of some intrinsic ornamental properties either
of elegance of form or beauty of flower, they, when
new, should be presented in considerable masses, in
order that they may be introduced to public notice,

HORTICULTURAL MUSEUM. 249

and their decorative value may be clearly ascertained
and exhibited to the eye. This is a function properly
belonging to horticultural gardens and which, it must
be owned, they have as yet imperfectly discharged.
The horticultural prints teem with advertisements of
flowers, fruits, and apparatus, for the worth of which
the editors can not possibly be made responsible ; and
if the ill-advised purchaser trusts implicitly to some
of these seductive statements, he will soon find that
he is paying dear for his experience. We should wish
to see all these lauded articles tested in the Horticul-
tural Gardens, and marked with the im/primatar of
these societies. Surely fair dealers would find it for
their benefit to establish such a practice ; at least the
protection of the public requires that something of this
kind should be done.

Horticultural Museum. — This is another improve-
ment which we earnestly desire to see introduced.
Most of the societies, it is believed, possess drawings,
and models of fruits, and dried collections of horticul-
tural products more or less extensive ; but they are
seldom so arranged as to be easily accessible to stran-
gers, or even to be readily consulted by those in charge
of them. Why should there not be a spacious room,
well aired and lighted, fitted up with glass cases, etc.,
for the reception of objects worthy of preservation?
We would assemble there specimens or models of the
fruits and vegetables of our own and other climes.
We would have an herbarium of the plants and shrubs
that have occupied a place of distinction in the flower-
garden, as many of these, through the influence of
fashion, pass away and are forgotten. Those who
have examined the agricultural museums now being
11*

250 PARKS AND PLEASTTEE-GROUNDS.

collected in various parts of the empire will easily
imagine the benefit which might be derived from kin-
dred collections in public gardens. To these museums
we would recommend the addition of a well-chosen
horticultural and botanical library, composed not mere-
ly of treatises which ought to be in the hands of every
one, but of books of reference, such as the works of
Lindley, Loudon, Diel, Hooker, De Candolle, Balfour,
and others, to which should be added the various hor-
ticultural and botanical periodicals of the day, and
many other illustrated works, which persons of mode-
rate fortune, unless they enjoy peculiar facilities of
access to public libraries, have no opportunities of
consulting. There might also be a collection of ele-
mentary treatises for the instruction of the operatives
employed in the gardens: indeed, such a library has,
with praiseworthy liberality, been formed by the Hor-
ticultural Society of London for the benefit of the
young men in the garden at Turnham Green. It may
seem more connected with our present object to recom-
mend the keeping of a register of observations made
from time to time in the garden. In this book we
would insert all the judgments formed of fruits and
flowers, the reception of every new plant, with its
date, the rejection of every worthless article, and the
reasons for the same, and all the comparisons of pro-
ducts made in respect to quantity and quality. Selec-
tions of the more interesting parts of this information
might be published occasionally; but undoubtedly
there would also be much which, though it might not
be of sufficient importance to be presented to the eyes of
the world, might yet be highly worthy of preservation

HORTICULTURAL MUSEUM. 251

as a part of the history of the garden and of hor-
ticulture in the locality. Under the present system
much curious matter is continually lost. An aged and
experienced curator dies every now and then, and the
whole store of knowledge, of which his memory was
the only record, passes away.

Note. — Scarce fledglings, as we are, in horticultural
attainment, compared with the people of England,
Scotland, and Western Europe, where so much wealth
and patronage abounds, we are modestly, and accord-
ing to our opportunities, diligently following, but at a
far distance, in the track which may lead us in time
to matured excellence in this delightful science, and
art, "When, through individual exertion, and the
combined efforts of our numerous horticultural soci-
eties, we shall have accomplished the principal objects
at which they aim, as we shall to a good degree,
we may profit by the sound remarks of our instruc-
tor. They are conceived in truth, and decidedly good
taste. — Ed.

(2.) Zoological Gardens. — These places of public
resort, though but recently established, have already
received much attention, and have contributed largely
to popular amusement and instruction. Formerly, col-
lections of wild beasts were immured in the Tower of
London, in Exeter Change, and in other confined
localities, or at most were carried about in traveling
caravans. The arrangements of the menageries in the
Jardin des Plantes at Paris probably first suggested
the union of collections of living animals with gardens.
This plan, at least, was adopted by the Zoological So-
ciety of London, and it has been subsequently followed

252 PARKS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS.

by various kindred institutions throughout the country.
Of course, in all these cases the accommodation for
the animals has been the main object, and the garden
only an accessory appendage; but neatness and clean-
liness are the qualities which we most desire to find in
menageries, and with these the trimness of gardens
sufficiently accords. Let the necessary buildings be
tastefully and conveniently arranged, and we can not
conceive a more appropriate filling up of the picture
than that supplied by lawns, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
Por holiday folks, who probably form a majority of
those who frequent zoological gardens, the promenade
afforded by the neat gravel walks and well-shaven
lawns is an agreeable addition to the other pleasures
of the visit. Certain it is, at least, that these gardens
have been among the most popular places of amuse-
ment that have lately come into vogue

It will be apparent to slight consideration that the
proper style for a zoological garden is a medium between
a pleasure-ground and a flower-garden ; it may partake
of the characters of both in different places, or rather
it may be described generally as a highly ornamented
pleasure-ground. It hardly belongs to us to say any
thing about the arrangement of the buildings for the
use of the animals, except that they may be easily
combined so as to form picturesque groups. Of course,
certain roads must be formed from the exterior of the
garden and between the several buildings, so as to
facilitate carriage and transit. Plantations and shrub-
beries should mask these roads and vail other deformi-
ties. Pieces of artificial water may be constructed
both for ornament and for the use of aquatic fowls.

ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS. 253

Walks should be laid clown so as to afford easy com-
munication between the various departments of the
garden. Where the style approaches that of a flower-
garden, it should be of the mixed flower-garden de-
scribed in a previous chapter, displaying an agreeable
intermingling of shrubs and flowers. Perhaps flower-
ing shrubs and a mixture of evergreens should pre-
dominate. We are of opinion that any thing like
excess in the culture of flowers is here out of place,
both as requiring an ill-advised expenditure, and as
exciting an adventitious interest. Zoological gardens
have recently been made the scenes of flower-shows :
at first sight this may seem a grotesque and incongru-
ous combination, but in practice the occasions are
pleasant enough, and if they benefit the funds of these
meritorious institutions, no reasonable objection can
be made to them.

Note. — As every thing in America must he made to
jpcty^ we do not see why a zoological garden, rightly
got up, may not be made a permanent "institution"
of this country, as well as the traveling menageries.
The city of New York can certainly afford one. We
trust that our country will ere long be provided with
an establishment which has proved so attractive an
object of interest to the immense population of Lon-
don, as well as to the innumerable multitudes who
flock thither from countries abroad. In New York,
its attractions would be none the less, and in the "pay-
ing55 department, far more productive upon the capital
employed than there ; and as a school of study, and
science, the benefits of a zoological garden would be
unquestioned. The department of Natural History

254 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

embracing the varied subjects attached to an insti-
tution of the kind is one of exceeding interest to all
who love to investigate the structure of animated
nature ; and the opportunity thus afforded to the sci-
entific inquirer, would be a fund of knowledge to
those having access to it, as yet but imperfectly un-
derstood in this country. — Ed.

THE VILLA. 255

CHAPTER XI.

THE VILLA.

Introductory Remarks.

Sect. I. General Properties of the Villa — The Locality — The Site —
Roads — Position of the House — Style and Arrangement of the
House.

Sect. II. Laying-out of the Grounds of a Villa — Seclusion — The
Approach — Kitchen -garden — Trees and Shrubs — Water — Lead-
ing Varieties of Villa Scenery — The Pleasure-ground Villa — The
Park Villa.

Probably there are few men, not possessed of an-
cestral lands, or without the prospect of succeeding to
them, and who betake themselves therefore to business,
that do not wish and hope, in their outset, to realize
so much wealth as will enable them, in the decline of
life, to retire to some comfortable villa near their
native place, or in some other locality to which they
have become attached. Such visions are not unfre-
quently realized ; and the desire in which they have
originated has sometimes led to the amassing of large
fortunes, and to the possession of extensive estates
provided with parks and pleasure-grounds. But even
if all that is attained is the villa, still, a great good
may have been reached. Such residences, whether as
retirements from active life, or occasional retreats from
business, or the dwellings of competence, are very
generally the abodes of intelligence and refinement.
As a whole, they are, perhaps, as happy homes as

256 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Britain can boast of. Hence their construction and
decoration possess an interest, and invite a considera-
tion, which call for careful exposition and study.

Taking the term, residence, to denote not only the
house, but the locale occupied by the proj>rietor and
employed for his domestic purposes, the villa may be
described as a small residence, embracing the whole
of the property laid out in gardens and dressed grounds ;
or, if it include some pieces of pasture-lands, such
only as are of a limited and subsidiary description.
The name, villa, is applied to places of considerable
variety in dimensions — from the house with a small
plot of garden-ground attached, to one surrounded by
thirty or forty acres of pleasure-ground and park.
Some mansions, belonging to small or moderate-sized
estates, are, in their whole character and arrangements,
nothing else than villas ; but it is not usual so to de-
signate them ; they are rather said to be laid out in
the villa style, though the distinction is perhaps more
imaginary than real. In a suburban district, the villa
is generally surrounded by a fence of sufficient height
to exclude, if not all the scenery at a distance, at
least most of it in the immediate neighborhood. In
the country, however, and particularly when attached
to a small estate, it will depend not more on the views
connected wTith the estate itself, than on the prospects
presented by the surrounding scenery. Besides its
inferior size, the villa is distinguished by its superior
keeping. Its style may be more ornamental, and its
finish ought to be more elaborated and more carefully
maintained, than is commonly deemed necessary in
more extensive country residences.

Our remarks on the villa may be arranged under

GENERAL PROPERTIES OF THE VILLA. 257

two heads ; the first presenting certain general and
preliminary considerations, and the second containing
directions for the laying-out of its grounds.

Note. — The people inhabiting the towns of the North-
ern United States, of all others in the world, are villa-
builders. The villa appears to be the summum bonum
of worldly desire, in the way of ultimate settlement
in life ; and they are usually constructed with a taste
and convenience which, in very many instances, em-
body all of comfort and luxury to which a moderate
family need aspire, in the way of a dwelling. Erected
on fine grounds in an eligible position, they combine
all the requisites for leisure, quietude, and ease in life,
that a house can possibly afford; adding the advan-
tages of social intercourse, and the facilities to the
enjoyment of compact town life without its priva-
tions, crowding, and inconveniences. We commend
a close study of our author's succeeding remarks to
the reader.— Ed.

Sect. I. — General Properties of the Villa.

The Locality.— There are certain circumstances of
a local nature which are of much consequence to the
proprietor of a villa. If he possesses that taste for
society which is common to all, except persons of re-
cluse habits, he will find it important to have a pleas-
ant vicinage, and to be placed near a respectable and
healthy class of population. When the villa is to be
formed in a suburban, or semi-suburban district, it
should, if possible, be set down between the city and

258 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

the points from which the prevailing winds blow.
Westerly, or south-westerly winds are probably the
most common in these islands ; and therefore the best
situations, in this respect, are to be found from the
south-east round by south to the north-west of the city.
If easterly winds predominate, the preferable sites will
be on the reverse half of the compass; that is, from
north by east to south. By attending to this principle,
the inhabitant of the villa will live in purer air than
he would otherwise do, and will reduce the nuisance
necessarily arising from the smoke of the city to its
minimum. For the same reason, the vicinity of public
works should be avoided. Some of them vitiate the
air by the emission of chemical vapors ; all are largely
productive of smoke ; and, not to speak of the bustle
which they create on the roads, present, in their tall,
staring chimneys, and bulky, unshapely fabrics, objects
of contemplation by no means agreeable to the eye.
Besides, they tend to pollute the sluggish streams that
often flow past them, and to render the whole neigh-
borhood dirty and slovenly. The very worst locality
of all, however, is that near the general outlet of the
sewerage of a city, and more particularly if the foul
contents are applied to purposes of irrigation, as at
Edinburgh. It may be added, that a locality adjacent
to a poor and dirty suburb should hardly be chosen.
A benevolent man, indeed, will not fail to visit fre-
quently such abodes of poverty, and to do what good
he can in them ; but he will not find his benevolence
increased by obtrusive sights of misery, or by the im-
portunities to which, by his proximity to such scenes,
he is sure to be exposed.

Note. — Happily, the American villa is seldom seen

THE SITE. 259

amid the noisome atmosphere of sewers, chemical
works, or huge, sooty manufactories. Some of our
manufacturing towns boast many and beautiful resi-
dences of the kind; but propelled, as the machinery
of our factories usually is, by water, the locality of the
villa is usually in a pure atmosphere, and under a clear
sky. When otherwise situated, as in the vicinity of
our coal districts and iron manufactories, the remarks
of our author can not be too closely followed. — Ed.

The Site. — Before proceeding to select a site, the
future proprietor should be satisfied that he has fixed
on a proper locality, and on a neighborhood of easy
access. The site, however, is generally much less
within the power of absolute choice ; probably he will
find the best already occupied, and his only resource
may be to adopt a secondary position, or to seek for a
better in another district, in all respects not so desir-
able. The best site is one moderately elevated, with a
warm, sunny exposure. We say, moderately elevated ;
and this quality should be specially attended to when
the general range of the surrounding country is high ;
for though some sites, from their elevation, may com-
mand superior views, and may afford comparative
seclusion, yet these advantages may be more than
counterbalanced by their increased exposure and greater
difficulty of access. It is nevertheless very desirable
that there should be some tolerable views from the
windows of the principal rooms of the house, as these
very much promote the habitual cheerfulness of the
residence. A rounded swell or gently -sloping ridge is
often a happy situation; for, though it may occasion-
ally suffer from high winds, it will enjoy a purer and
drier atmosphere than is to be found lower down in

260 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

the valley. We do not object to flat surfaces, pro-
vided they are formed of light, porous soils. Deep
clay and retentive subsoils ought, by all means, to be
avoided. A facility for perfect drainage ought to be
regarded as an indispensable property in a villa resi-
dence. The soil should be rather light than otherwise,
and certainly should not approach to strong clay, as
the latter has a tendency to create damp, to make the
climate cold and the garden late, to prevent the walks
from drying rapidly, and to impart, during most kinds
of weather, a raw, uncomfortable aspect to the grounds.
It is further to be noted, that direct and immediate
proximity to some great frequented thoroughfare is far
from being desirable ; for in such places the dust,
blown from the public road in dry seasons, often
amounts to a positive nuisance.

Note. — A clay soil is easy to drain, and then it is
better and stronger, for vegetation generally, than the
light, loamy, sandy, or gravelly soils which our author
so highly recommends. Therefore, we should not re-
gard a clay soil, other things equal, as highly objec-
tionable. A crowded thoroughfare is to be avoided, if
possible ; but even that may be endured, by throwing
the house well back from the street, and planting a
thick belt of shrubbery next the line of it. Trees and
shrubbery are a great protection from the dust of
highways, arising either from winds, or driving over
them.— Ed.

Roads. — At first sight, the reader may suppose that
the villa has little to do with public roads, as it seldom
requires a long approach, and may seem to have no
other connection with the subject. Such, however, is
too hasty a conclusion. Public roads are of about as

POSITION OF THE HOUSE. 261

much importance to a villa as an approach is to a
mansion-house in the country. Unless the roads in a
district are well formed and kept in good repair, most
of the comfort and enjoyment yielded by an otherwise
perfect site, will be in great measure neutralized.
What is more disagreeable than to drive or wade
through a rugged lane or ill-kept parish road, in order
to reach a country house ? To persons about to form
residences in such localities, we would say, Be not
deceived with the idea that these roads are easily ame-
liorated ; the public boards who have the management
of them are moved with difficulty, even by individuals
who are members of them. Before fixing on a locality
or site, see at least that there are well-frequented roads
in the neighborhood ; for if they are not in good repair
at present, it may be hoped that they wTill not be al-
lowed to continue so. Easy access to public convey-
ances is also an advantage not to be overlooked ; for,
though a gentleman may use his own carriage, some
of his family or his servants may find it convenient to
avail themselves of the public means of traveling.
Even for friends and other visitants, twenty minutes'
distance from a railway station may afford a pleasant
morning or evening walk.

Position of the House in relation to the other
parts of the Residence. — After arrangements have
been made for the purchase or possession of the ground,
the proprietor generally proceeds to fix the spot on
which he is to set down his house ; and the plan is
often adopted, and the buildings are sometimes erected,
before any attention is paid to the laying-out of the
grounds. This is a very grievous mistake. The plan
of the house, its position, and the designing of the

262 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

gardens and dressed grounds, should be considered
together, and mutually adjusted to each other. When
the architect is the only person consulted about the
position of the house, unless he has a more than ordi-
nary knowledge of landscape-gardening, the only ele-
ment he will take into consideration will be the
securing of a site which, according to his ideas, will
best exhibit his powers of architectural design. Most
probably the house will be so placed, and the approach
so contrived, as to make a decided impression on stran-
gers and other visitors. The place, indeed, will often
be little more than an inclosed approach to a house in
the center, or perhaps even in an extreme corner of
the little domain. It ought to be remembered, that a
house is always most effectively, and certainly to its
inmates most agreeably seen, when it is so placed as
to enable the grounds to be decorated to the greatest
advantage. In practice, wre have often felt the loss
arising from the absence of combined arrangement;
we have often been mortified to think that the result
of our best endeavors has been greatly inferior to what
it might have been, had the position of the house been
more happily selected, or could it have been altered
even to the distance of a few feet ; and any error com-
mitted in this way we have found the more difficult to
repair, or even modify, the smaller the extent of the
place. The position of the house should be such as
not only to be of easy external access, but to impart to
it a considerable degree of seclusion. The internal
road, or approach, should not be allowed to traverse
much of the grounds. The windows of the principal
rooms should command the best portion of the inner
scenery, and any thing worth looking at without, that

POSITION OF THE HOUSE. 263

can be conveniently brought into view. These con-
ditions will generally place the house at no great dis-
tance from what may be called the entrance-boundary.
In all villa residences, whether large or small, such a
position of the house will enable the proprietor to form
a more varied disposition of his grounds, than if it
were set down in the center, or toward the more dis-
tant extremity. In a small place, the designer will, on
this plan, have more space for useful and ornamental
purposes, while in a larger one he will be able to make
a more compact arrangement and a more felicitous
combination of his dressed grounds, gardens, and
offices, as well as to introduce a larger amount of
park and woodland scenery than could otherwise be
obtained.

In support of these views, we might instance some
of the finest residences near London. Sion House and
Holland House, though not mere villas, exhibit no
affectation of long approaches. At Bedford Lodge,
Campden Hill, a suburban villa of the Duchess of
Bedford, the house is separated from the lane wThich
leads to it merely by the gate and entrance-court, and
wall inclosing the latter. At Mrs. Lawrence's villa
of Ealing Park, celebrated for its highly decorated
garden, pleasure-grounds, and beautiful little park, from
the proximity of the house to the road by wThich is
the principal access to the place, a very short approach
is all that is necessary.

All these examples show the value put on internal
space by the owners of these residences. It may be
said, indeed, that these are only proofs of the desire
to have room in the interior for flower-grounds and
shrubberies, and therefore they were likely to be

264 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

adopted by persons having a taste for floriculture.
That may be partly true; but the ground occupied in
them by flower-gardens and pleasure-grounds could as
readily have been applied to the production of rural
scenery in general, and therefore may be equally re-
commended to those who have no special predilection
for plants. Certainly, to place the house near the
entrance- boundary is the most effectual method of
obtaining the seclusion which every one wishes in the
country, and securing space for lawns, kitchen -garden,
orchard, pasture-fields, or whatever else a man may
set his heart on. Any thing, almost, seems in better
taste tban an exaggerated and ostentatious approach
contrived for the purpose of showing off to strangers
the columns and pilasters and fine proportions of the
house.

Note, — We have scarce a word to add beyond the
sensible and fitting remarks of our author, other than
to say, that the designs of the architect should be sub-
ordinate to the plan of the grounds, and the planta-
tions upon them. And in the construction of all, the
proprietor, in getting them up, should know exactly
what will please his own taste, and what he wants of
his villa after it is built. In the occupation of the
villa, wants and tastes differ so widely, that what
would please one would ill suit another, yet each be
an excellent house in its way. The purpose of the
occupant, in fact, should be the expression of the villa,
as much as in a building for any other object. Pur-
suit, inclination, mode of life, considerations touching
the circumstances of one's family, their social rela-
tions— all, should measurably govern the internal ar-
rangement of the house, and in some cases, its locality

STYLE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE HOUSE. 265

within the inclosure ; keeping in view/ however, an
avoidance of incongruity in what would mar its ex-
ternal effect, and injure its value to one of like tastes
and circumstances.

It is well to note, that your retired Englishman is a
different man, both in himself, and in his family, from
the American. The Englishman withdraws into his
household walls, from his office, or his counting-room,
and dinner ends the day with him — out of doors. The
American sallies out to his place of business after his
midday meal, returns to his home for "tea," and walks
out in the sunset and twilight to look over his grounds,
or enjoys with his family an evening on the veranda.
Climate measurably forms the tastes and habits of
each; and each will build to comport with his own
predilections, and humor. Thus, the one will place
the winclowless and doorless walls of his house close
upon the street, with a forbidding frown to the passer-
by, while the hidden interior grounds are reserved for
the sole enjoyment of his family and friends. The
other throws the open, dressy front of his house to the
public gaze, and lays the tastiest portion of his lawn,
or garden, out for the world to look upon. Educated
to the latter, the American will differ materially in his
conclusions from our author, who, with the generality
of his countrymen, think it to be none of the world's
business how they live, or what they do inside of their
own castle inclosure. — Ed.

Style and Arrangement of the House. — These are
subjects which have probably occupied the attention
of a gentleman who has resolved to form for himself a
suburban residence, even before he has taken any steps
to procure a site in a particular locality. Examining
12

266 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

the villas of his friends, one or other of which he may
be desirous of copying, or all of which he may wish
to differ from as much as possible, he may be rash
enough to make up his mind, as to his future opera-
tions, from reasons totally irrespective of the circum-
stances which should be permitted to modify, if not
determine, his choice. We would counsel him to leave
the style and arrangement of his house open questions
till he has ascertained the nature and extent of the
residence he requires, and till he has fixed on the site
which it is to occupy, as he will then be in a better
position to judge how various matters connected with
them should be settled. In offering some remarks on
this subject, we do not intend to give any special direc-
tions in regard to either the style or the internal ar-
rangements, except so far as these sjiould obviously be
governed by their relation to the grounds by which
the house is surrounded. ^

Of course the style of architecture, in villas of even
inconsiderable pretensions, will fall to be determined
by the peculiar taste of the proprietor, or wTill be
swayed by the fashion of the time, or the prevailing
practice of the district. We have seen a few fine
specimens in the Italian or the revived antique style,
but it may be doubted whether they are altogether
suited to our colder climate, and the accessory scenery
in which we can array them. Probably we have more
numerous instances of a felicitous employment of the
Elizabethan, or perpendicular Gothic style, as it is
sometimes called. We have generally, however, been
impressed with a certain diminutive look presented by
detached buildings of this class. To be effective, they
must be massive to a degree which materially increases

STYLE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE HOUSE. 267

their expense. For small or moderate villa residences,
the most suitable style, we humbly think, is one or
other of those forms usually called cottages: and as
there is a great variety of these, an architect can be
at no loss in furnishing or suggesting such a number
of designs as will afford materials for a good selection.
The varied outlines and low elevations of houses in
the cottage style harmonize better with the limited
scenery of a small residence than those huge square
masses of brick or stone and mortar which are fre-
quently seen overlooking, and as it were overpowering
a place of three or four acres. The affectation of Gre-
cian architecture has generally led to a tame unifor-
mity in villa mansions. The pattern followed in many
cases is, with some slight variations, the street house,
that is, a house with a main door in the center, and a
dining-room and drawing-room on each side of it. So
long as this fashion prevails, there can be little hope
of improving small residences. Except in special
circumstances, one or both of the principal rooms
above mentioned should be on the side of the house
opposite to that in which the principal entrance is
situated ; or, if this cannot be effected, they ought to
be in a line at right angles to the main-door front. It
is indeed convenient to have a window toward the
entrance for the inspection of approaching visitors ;
but that can be easily accomplished by directing one
e d of the dining-room or parlor to that side of the
hi ?ise. In suburban Residences, it is desirable that
the public rooms should command the whole or the
greater part of the decorated grounds. The drawing-
room will occupy the best position, followed by the
parlor, dining-room, and library in succession, each,

268 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROTJHDS.

if possible, having some advantage of its own, though
in an inferior degree. The proper position of a con-
servatory or green-house is in connection with the
drawing-room, and communicating with it by a glass
door; it will thus not only be an object of interest in
itself, but it will form an extension of the drawing-
room, and will afford an agreeable lounge in wet
weather. For this purpose the passage ought to be
roomy and unencumbered. In green-houses this con-
venience is too often neglected, and the floor is over-
crowded with stages and shelves for the reception of
plants. A plant-house of easy access, with wide pas-
sages, and a smaller number of well-grown plants,
may be tenanted by objects highly worthy of admira-
tion, and will prove a most pleasant adjunct to a
drawing-room. If the conservatory or green-house
can not be united to this room, another position may
probably be found for it in connection with some of
the other public rooms. A green-house of all work,
as it is called — that is, a glazed house for the general
protection and propagation of plants — should not be
immediately accessible from the mansion, as it can not
be kept in sufficient order to warrant such proximity.
Its place should be in the kitchen-garden, or on the
edge of the flower-garden.

It will be inferred from what has been stated above,
that the entrance-front of the house should, other things
being equal, be placed toward that direction which is
least favored in point of view, or where there is little
or no beauty to lose. We do not mean that the prin-
cipal door should be thrust into some obscure corner,
but that it should occupy a secondary position in rela-
tion to the grounds and the public rooms. In that case

STYLE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE HOUSE. 269

the drawing-room front will receive the chief attention
of the architect. In some of the best-laid-out villa
residences that we have seen, the main door faces an
adjacent boundary wall of considerable height, and is
separated from it merely by a graveled court of suffi-
cient extent to aiford room for the turning of a carriage.
In other well constructed places this court is wanting,
and its place is occupied with flower-beds and shrub-
beries, with a covered way communicating with the
main door at one end, and with the entrance-gate in
the boundary wall at the other. Of course, in this
arrangement, carriages are left on the outside alto-
gether. A small door at the end of the house opening
on a back court or road between the kitchen and stable-
offices is used when it is needful to bring a carriage
close to the house. A kitchen-court should be formed
at one end or side of the house; and if this is the only
court that is necessary, and the house is near enough
to the boundary, it may be brought out to the external
wall. When stables are required, they may be placed
in connection with the kitchen- court, or if there be
room and access, they may be built at a little distance
along the boundary wall, with a separate entrance, for
example, in a corner of the property. The respective
positions of these courts must vary with that of the
house itself in reference to the other parts of the resi-
dence ; but they should never occupy more than one
end or side of the house, and should leave the remain-
der of it to be surrounded by the ornamental grounds.
To these apparently minor points we solicit the reader's
earnest l attention, as success in these arrangements,
which are very apt to be overlooked at first, has a most
material effect on the general result.

270 PARKS AND PLEASUKE-GROTJNDS.

Note. — If theA be a minor vice in which the Ameri-
can is prone to indulge in the way of money-spending,
it is that of over-building. Not that he builds too well,
too substantially, too conveniently ; but he builds too
pretentiously, and too much. It is needless to particu-
larize, but the fact readily occurs to any man who un-
derstands the real properties which a dwelling requires.
It is not uncommon to see a house with more filagree
and gingerbread work upon the top of it, (which is of
no possible use whatever, either in the way of orna-
ment or finish, but an absolute damage to the whole
structure by exposing it to decay,) than would, at the
same cost, finish half the rooms within it. Any quan-
tity of meaningless gables, turrets and battlements
are stuck up by way of imitating certain ancient styles
of architecture, and which, in their paltry dimensions,
are only a burlesque upon the grand old structures
they thus attempt to copy. These are termed Gothic,
Tudor, or Elizabethan. Others are seen having high,
shallow porticoes, with massive columns supporting the
gable end of the house, by way of pediment, giving to
the front neither shade, shelter, nor protection, but ex-
posing a wide, glaring front, looking, in fact, more like
a building for public uses than a private dwelling.
These may be called Grecian, Moorish, or Roman-
esque— all false in style, as comporting with the idea
of snugness, coi^fort, and really good taste — features
which a dwelling-house of any character should always
express. In the first category, of the Gothic, and
others, every essential feature may be sacrificed to
give a bay window in the first, or an oriel window in
the second story a conspicuous front, while the main
entrance-door, which should in all cases be shown, is

STYLE AND ARRANGEMENT OF THE HOUSE. 271

tucked away in some by-corner where the family and
its guests must apparently sneak around some project-
ing angle into it for fear of observation. In the other,
every thing else is sacrificed to a showy entrance-door
with its flashy dressings, and a splendid approach.
The architect of true taste will do neither. He will
take a medium course, and show that his dwelling has
both an approach and a front door, and give his parlors
and principal rooms a good position to command, each
in their own character, a proper view of the most eli-
gible points belonging to them. Climate must some-
what govern in all these arrangements, and as our au-
thor writes for the humid, cloudy skies of Britain, we
differ somewhat from his recommendation of throwing
the main entrance-door into a " secondary position in
relation to the grounds and the public rooms." In
American climates the principal door should be seen
at once by every one who approaches the house, and
the approach to it be bold and unmistakable. A
veranda to a villa we would always have, let the style
of building be what it may ; and this veranda should
not, unless *for some extraordinary purpose, such as
commanding a surpassingly fine view, or sheltering
some7 exposed part of the house, be carried above the
first story. It should be broad, never less than ten
feet for a substantial villa, and in some cases twelve.
A narrow, pinched veranda is a pretense only, and
should never be built. For all useful objects and ap-
pearance, the house is better without it.

Stables, and stable-yards, and the approaches lead-
ing to them, should be thrown as far from the house
as due convenience, and the area of the grounds will
admit. Stables breed innumerable flies in hot weather,

272 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

and if near the house, the latter become an intolerable
pest. This, and the odors created by them, should
be well considered in whatever relates to their loca-
tion.— Ed.

Sect. II. — The Laying^out of the Grounds of a
Yilla.

We take up this subject, in the second place, be-
cause the execution of the works which it embraces is
generally postponed till the completion of the house
and offices. We would again, however, insist on the
expediency of obtaining a plan of the grounds along
with the plan of the house ; as very much of the effect
of both will depend on their mutual adjustment. In
a work of limited extent, like the present, it would be
inconsistent with the design in view to give formal and
detailed directions for the laying-out of villa residences.
It is evident that the designs must vary considerably
along with the diversified dimensions and surfaces on
which they are to be executed. At the same time,
the general principles involved in the designing of
parks and pleasure-grounds will regulate the environs
of the house, proper allowance and modification being
made for the more limited extent of the latter. The
grounds of the villa should, generally speaking, pre-
sent a miniature example of the finest portions of the
pleasure-grounds and park. Its scenery, indeed, may
partake more or less of either of these, or may com-
bine the character of both; in other words, we may
have the pleasure-ground villa or the park villa, or a
union of the two varieties. The peculiar character to

SECLUSION. 273

be elicited must be determined by the taste of the pro-
prietor and a due consideration of the nature of the
ground. While, then, we would refer the reader to
the earlier part of this work, wre would offer some
special remarks in the way of aiding the application
of the principles already inculcated. These may fall
appropriately under the following heads :

(1.) Seclusion. — This is a quality more or less de-
sirable in all small residences ; and in the vicinity of
large cities, it may be regarded as indispensable. Of
course it does not consist in the exclusion of light and
air; neither does it suppose the shutting-out of fine
views, whether at hand or at a distance. It is rather
the protection of the family from that exposure to pub-
lic gaze which would prevent them from using any
part of their grounds as freely and comfortably as they
would their drawing-room. A certain amount of
privacy, at least, is essential to that rural feeling which
is a principal charm in retirement from the bustle of
city life. Some individuals, indeed, seem to have a
particular fancy for displaying their flower-beds and
lawns to the eyes of the public ; a taste, we humbly
think, more suited to hotel establishments than to the
abodes of private families. We would have the greater
portion of the villa grounds to be possessed of the
characters of complete seclusion. At the same time,
the error arising from the excess of this quality — the
dull, gloomy insipidity caused by over-planting and an
over- affectation of privacy — is to be carefully guarded
against. On level or gently- si oping surfaces, the pro-
per amount of seclusion may generally be obtained by
building the boundary walls from eight to ten feet
. high. On surfaces with a considerable declivity, such
12*

274 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

walls will be found insufficient ; and as no consider-
able addition can be made to their height, nor indeed,
if added, would prove effectual, the object aimed at
must be attained by planting trees and shrubs, which
will have to grow for several years before they afford
the desired shelter. As the size of villa residences
increases, the difficulties in regard to privacy dimin-
ish, as there is room for enlarged masses of trees and
shrubs, and the whole place naturally assumes the
character of a common country residence.

(2.) The Approach. — As remarked in the previous
section of this chapter, small residences seldom require
an approach of any great length. The smaller the
quantity of the ground occupied in this way, the
greater will be the extent capable of being devoted to
useful and ornamental purposes. We do not say that
the approach to a small residence may not be made in
some measure ornamental ; but in its formation, its
peculiar use ought to be principally kept in view, and
any decoration connected with it should be made sub-
sidiary to the adornment of the other parts of the
grounds. We should be disposed to line them with
groups of shrubs, or to screen them with hedges of
evergreens, so that they should not interfere with the
general privacy of the place. It will be found that
the approach is seldom used as a walk or lounge by
the members of the family, even when it is not ex-
posed to the external world. In a former page it was
stated that in some admirable villas there is no ap-
proach, in the proper sense of the word ; that its place
is sometimes taken by a graveled court or covered
way; and without doubt the advantages of such ar-
rangements, if they do not supersede the necessity of

THE APPROACH. 275

an approach altogether, certainly reduce it to a mini-
mum. Of course, such expedients can be adopted
only in favorable circumstances. There may be ele-
ments in the size of the place, or in the slope of the
ground, or in the position of the most favorable site,
which demand an approach in the ordinary form ; still
the line leading from thQ entrance-lodge to the .house
should, without falling into a straight line, be as short
as possible. Passing the entrance-gate at right angles,
or nearly so, to the boundary wall, it should proceed
with such a moderate curve or sweep as will place the
side of the carriage abreast of the main door. The
approach should never be carried across the entrance-
front before reaching the door of the house, unless the
ground is so steep as to render the formation of a road
with an easy inclination otherwise impracticable. A
lodge may sometimes be a necessary appendage to the
entrance-gate, and that is a sufficient reason for a
moderate prolongation of the approach. Certain fine
views, or other advantages, carrying the house con-
siderably into the interior of the territory, may make
a similar demand; still, it should be an object steadily
kept in view, that on this account there should be as
little intersection of the grounds as possible. When
the whole place approaches the form of a parallelo-
gram, the gateway and lodge may be placed in one
corner, and the approach may fall into a straight line,
or form an avenue along the boundary, till it is neces-
sary to curve off to the door of the house. When
these residences increase in size, they assume the ap-
pearance of a park, and of course the approach will
follow the character of those required in such places.
It is not unusual to find two approaches to a villa

276 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

entering from the same line of road, and at points within
a hundred yards of each other; a fact which indicates
an excessive love of road-making, for one ought to be
sufficient for the requirements of the place. When a
communication with a separate line of road is needed,
a second approach is not only excusable, but it may
be necessary, though it will generally encroach con-
siderably on the privacy of the grounds. "We do not
pretend to give such directions on this subject as will
meet every exigency. Varieties of situation are con-
tinually occurring, which must be treated with a ref-
erence to their own peculiarities. We may, however,
remark in conclusion, that villa residences are more
frequently spoiled by ill-judged attempts at fine ap-
proaches than by any other mistake, except, perhaps,
the wrong selection of a site for the house. We know
scarcely any thing in more miserable taste than a house
with a broad mural facade and a door in the center,
standing far back in a vista, and occupying its whole
width, while the foreground of the picture is taken
up with a disproportionate road winding across the
grounds, and leaving space in its flanks only for ill-
grown turf or paltry shrubberies, or, what is worse
still, lines of potatoes and cabbages, and the necessary
deshabille of uninclosed kitchen-ground. The disap-
pearance of such sights is surely devoutly to be wished.
The Kitchen-garden. — Where the taste of the
proprietor inclines chiefly to the possession of orna-
mental grounds, or to the cultivation of fine plants,
want of space may require the omission of the kitchen-
garden, and in the vicinity of vegetable markets the
privation maybe inconsiderable; but in most places,
and particularly in remote districts, the culinary

THE KITCHEN-GARDEN. 277

department of the garden is at once a necessary and an
interesting appendage to a villa. It requires a com-
partment separate from the ornamental grounds. The
proper site must be determined by the lay of theground,
and especially by the arrangements of the house.
Obviously, the kitchen-garden should not be on the
entrance or drawing-room fronts ; or, if it must be
placed on these sides, it should be removed to such a
distance and screened in such a way as to conceal all
disagreeable objects, and so as to obstruct the general
scenery as little as possible. The most convenient
position is close to the stable-offices, as that will facili-
tate the introduction of manure and the removal of
rubbish without injury to the walks or dressed grounds.
It is desirable that the site should be warm and shel-
tered, with a sunny exposure and a dry subsoil. If
the proprietor desires to have fine wall-fruits, proper
walls must be built for their cultivation. These should
not exceed twelve feet in height, otherwise they will
often be injurious to the scenery of the place. The
boundary wall may occasionally form part of the in-
closure of the garden. Walls formed or lined with
brick are the most suitable for the training and culture
of fruit trees. Stone is also a good material, when
formed of a proper size, and carefully dressed, and
well built. On steep declivities, the walls may be
made the facings of terraces, the intermediate surfaces
of which are occupied with vegetables. Of the other
buildings connected with the kitchen-garden, the mel-
onry and pine-pit should form a separate compart-
ment, either in the interior of the garden or attached
to it; the vineries and peach-houses may occupy suit-
able places on the walls, or may stand in detached

278 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

situations, as may be found most convenient. The
latter forcing- houses may sometimes be erected with
propriety in the dressed grounds, and along with the
green-house may form a connecting link between these
grounds and the kitchen-garden. The favorite form of
the kitchen-garden is the square or parallelogram, and
these are more compact than most other forms, and
have many conveniences ; but it would be injudicious
to disfigure the internal scenery of a place by a servile
adherence to any particular plan, when one perhaps
equally good, though not quite so regular, can be had
by the adjustment of the outlines to those of the
ground, or to the positions of surrounding objects.
The kitchen-gardens of small residences should be
exclusively devoted to fruits and vegetables ; by that
means they are more easily kept in order. Where
orchards are planted, they should be connected with
the kitchen-garden, or its immediate vicinity ; a few
pretty groups of apple, pear, and cherry trees might
be formed on some of the less conspicuous portions of
the lawn.

(4.) Trees and Shrubs as the means of Decora-
tion in Villas. — In the marine residence and in the
mountain shooting-lodge, trees and shrubs may be
awanting altogether, or may exist in only small quan-
tities, without their absence or their paucity being
sensibly felt. In some marine residences, they can
not be grown except under the shelter of a wall or
rock; but to the taste of many, a varied shore and an
unlimited expanse of, sea, with its incessant changes,
afford an ample compensation. Again, in the alpine
shooting-lodge, the varied outlines of hill and glen,
of crag and ravine, of lake and waterfall, of trailing

TREES AND SHRUBS. 279

mist and glimpsing sunshine, may afford such magni-
ficent and entrancing scenery as may make the tran-
sient inhabitant forget the softer beauties of trees,
except when he is reminded of their shelter by the cut-
ting breath- of the mountain wind. It is hardly worth
while to spend much labor on the culture of trees and
shrubs where they grow with difficulty into stunted
forms, and where, even in their finest developments,
they would be wholly eclipsed by the grander and
wilder features of nature.

But it is different with the ordinary, and particularly
the suburban residence. They have seldom the sub-
lime accompaniments of the broad sea, or of the blue
ridgy mountain. Trees, shrubs, and flowers, are their
principal means of ornament. Devoid of these, they
would only be like a house in a bare field, or " a lodge
in a garden of cucumbers."

In the villa grounds, trees can not be formed into
woods, but they should be introduced into the" larger
masses of shrubs so as to heighten their effect; in
other places, they may be sprinkled on the remoter
parts of the lawns, and so may unite with the former
in making up an appearance of woodland scenery.
Some of the more rapidly growing kinds should be
inserted in the shrubberies of new-made places, for the
purpose of imparting a clothed effect at an earlier
period than can be accomplished by shrubs alone; but
where not intended to remain, they should be carefully
weeded out when the object wanted has been attained
by their neighbors of slower growth. Breadths of
trees and shrubs are needed to clothe and diversify
even a small place when new; but they should not be
planted to the extent of over-crowding, and should be

280 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

rigidly thinned out at the proper time. A greater
variety of kinds may be introduced into a small resi-
dence than into an equal space in a large park or
pleasure-ground ; for two trees or half a-dozen of shrubs,
tall and well grown, will produce in the former a mass
of foliage and a breadth of effect which would have
but an insignificant appearance in the latter. The oak,
elm, horse-chestnut, and plane may be admitted, bat
only in comparatively small quantities of each, in
order to leave room for the ordinary hardy exotic trees
and shrubs, which in a small place produce a variety
and awaken an interest not to be derived from the
most skillful arrangement of the more common sorts.
Small groups may be formed of various kinds of trees,
such as oaks, maples, ashs, planes, and pines. The
ordinary broad-leaved shrubs may afford materials for
the principal masses of evergreens ; but a considerable
variety of others may be grouped along with them.
The low-growing sorts, such as the Rhododendron pon-
ticum and some of its congeners, should be planted
round the outsides of those of taller stature; and when
the clumps on the lawn fill up and merge into masses,
the united effect adds much to the varied beauty of
the groups.

(5.) Water. — A sufficient supply of water for orna-
mental purposes can not frequently be obtained in the
limited domain of a villa. Where it is to be had, and
the cast of ground is such as to warrant the use of
artificial water, a small lake will be a pleasing addi-
tion to one of the principal lawns. Its position and
form should be regulated by the principles laid down
in the chapter on water. Fountains, too, are desir-
able ornaments in a place of minor extent; one will

LEADING VARIETIES OF YILLA SCENERY. 281

generally be sufficient, and it may be put in a promi-
nent position on a lawn, or be made a center-piece in
the flower-garden.

(6.) The Leading Yarieties of Yilla Scenery. —
At the beginning of this section we have mentioned a
distinction which we should be glad to see generally
recognized and observed in the laying-out of small
residences, viz : the predominance in each case of the
pleasure-ground or park character, according as the
nature of the ground may suggest, or the taste of the
proprietor might dictate. We would have the pleas-
ure-ground villa and the park villa, and we would
employ in each a distinctive style of ornament. In
the following remarks, which are to be supposed as
applicable more particularly to residences of from
three to ten acres, we shall endeavor to keep this dis-
tinction in view. When the domain extends to twelve,
fourteen, or twenty acres, it may be treated rather as
a park than as a villa.

The Pleasure-ground Yilla. — In this, the more
ornamental form of a minor residence, the whole of
the ground not covered by the house and offices is
taken up with the gardens and dressed grounds. The
lawns are, speaking comparatively, of considerable
extent ; the groups and clumps of trees and shrubs are
very much as are common in -pleasure-grounds of
moderate dimensions, and the execution of the whole
is careful and unobtrusively elaborate.

The first object aimed at is, by means of a skillful
distribution of the principal masses of trees and shrubs,
to conceal the kitchen-garden and offices, and more
particularly the boundaries of the place. The ap-
proach, too, should be screened or masked. The next

282 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

object is to lay down one or two of the principal lawns,
so as to have the appearance of considerable extent as
seen from the windows of the public rooms. It is
possible, by means of masses and groups of shrubs, to
convey theidea that these lawns branch off indefi-
nitely, while other minor lawns, separated by the in-
terposition of shrubs, may seem to be connected with
the former by smaller breadths of grass. While the
principal lawns have for the most part a clothed aspect,
it is desirable that one of them should be made to
show a large extent of length and breadth of grass,
wholly free from the interruptions which numerous
flower-beds and single trees and shrubs injudiciously
placed are sure to produce. In the margins of the
lawns, and especially of the principal one just alluded
to, the masses of trees should be so formed as to pre-
sent a varied outline of projection and recess ; without,
there can not be that breadth of light, and depth of
shade, which are so rich a source of beauty in pictur-
esque scenery. The recesses of the lawns will afford
room for groups of flower-beds, or even small flower-
gardens for the budding-out of green-house plants,
annuals, etc. In some of these nooks, too, rosaries and
collections of American plants are furnished with ap-
propriate homes. Rock-works, grottoes, bowers, houses,
or covered seats formed of combined moss and wicker-
work, may be attached to the flower-gardens, or may
be placed as detached bbjects in the grounds. It is
not advisable, however, to confine the whole of the
roses and flowering plants and shrubs to particular
places ; the ornamented style aimed at permits them
to be scattered liberally throughout the whole place.
Narrow Hower-borders and small flower-beds, destined

THE PLEASURE-GROUND VILLA. 283

more particularly for spring flowers, may be formed
near the house, but are not to be permitted to inter-
rupt the continuity of the principal lawns.

There ought to be at least one principal walk, not
less than seven feet wide, leading through the grounds
and exhibiting the main objects and positions of the
place. A number of secondary walks will also be
required to afford access to some of the ornaments
above specified, and to facilitate the inspection of the
flowers. They should not be allowed, however, to
trench on the glades of the lawns. Narrow walks
should be avoided, except when connected with groups
of flower-beds.

Terraces and bowling-greens may often be intro-
duced with excellent effect, the former in combination
with the house and flower-garden, the latter in some
of the more secluded lawns. Vases form suitable
additions to the terraces and flower-gardens; a sun-
dial may likewise find a place, and a group or two of
statuary; but this last requires to be sparingly and
tastefully employed.

» The inner surfaces of the boundary walls should
be covered with ivy, which will present a mantle of
verdure at all seasons. It is well to do this, even
where trees and shrubs are placed in front of the walls,
for they are often more conspicuous than they ought to
be in the winter and spring months. Portions of
these walls may be rendered interesting by having half-
hardy climbing plants placed against them in spaces
of six or seven feet broad. To afford protection to
these exotics, it is a good expedient to plant between
the above-mentioned spaces vigorous specimens of
Magnolia grandiflora^ sweet bay, arbutus, and common

284: PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

laurel, trained up to cover three feet in breadth, and
to project eighteen inches or two feet. These ever-
greens, if well kept, will not only form fine verdant
columns, but will be found to yield a considerable de-
gree of shelter to the more tender plants trained in the
intermediate spaces. The walls of the house, as also
the porches and verandas, may be decorated with
climbing plants and shrubs.

The pleasure-ground villa is generally the choice of
the botanist and flower-fancier ; and in the vicinity of
cities it is often the abode of those whose wealth per-
mits them to indulge a taste for fine scenery and ele-
gant decoration. As being more complicated, and
more carefully furnished in all its parts, it requires a
larger outlay at first, and a more laborious, and there-
fore more expensive keeping, than the plainer form,
on which we now proceed to offer some remarks.

The Park Villa. — In this species of villa, from
one-half to two-thirds of the whole area is taken up
with pasture-land, arranged into one larger or two
smaller fields, to suit convenience ; while the remain-
ing space is allotted to the house and its offices, the
kitchen-garden, and lawns with the appended shrub-
beries. For example, and without laying down any
proportions to be adhered to invariably, say that the
whole ground to be operated on amounts to seven
acres ; we may suppose that half an acre is occupied
by the site of the house, offices, and their relative
courts ; that one acre is allotted to the kitchen-garden,
and another acre and a half is distributed among the
lawns, shrubberies, and approach ; there would be left
four acres for pasture to be grazed by sheep, or by a
few cows, or a horse or two, as the wants of the family

THE PARK VILLA. 285

might require. In this way, the whole place might
be arranged so as to be a miniature representation of
a park and pleasure-grounds on a larger scale. The
grass field, then, thus promoted to the dignity of a
park, may be formed on one side or other of the house,
or may surround it on two or three sides, and should
constitute the principal lawns. It may be divided
from the dressed grounds by wire fences or iron hur-
dles, which, from their lightness, are better adapted
for the internal fencing of small places than walls and
hedges. It may also have a few small groups of trees
irregularly scattered, but not dotted over it. The
dressed grounds should be attached to the house ; but
a curtain of trees and shrubbery will be needed to
encircle the little park so as to screen the boundary
walls where these are too conspicuous, to shelter the
kitchen-garden, and, in short, to conceal any thing that
is objectionable. It may sometimes happen, however,
that the extreme verge of the field may seem to pass
imperceptibly and harmoniously into the adjacent
property, and if there are no special reasons for mak-
ing the distinction, the ring curtain in that quarter
may well be dispensed with. The finest part of the
pleasure-grounds should be between the house and the
pasture-field, and both should be laid out so that the
one should appear a continuation of the other. As
recommended in the other form of a villa, a consider-
able variety of trees and shrubs should be planted in
the grounds. Besides the walks in the immediate
vicinity of the house, one leading walk should pass
round the boundary, communicating with those in the
kitchen-garden, and also with the approach, if there is
one. A small lake, a fountain, vases, and other

286 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

artificial decorations, may often be introduced with good
effect, but only sparingly, on account of the limited
extent of the dressed grounds. The kitchen-garden,
with its structures, may be placed at one end or along
one side of the place, as convenience may dictate. If
the approach comes in contact with the pasture-field,
it should only skirt the side of it, and should be par-
tially shaded by groups of shrubs and trees.

The park villa is often a very agreeable, and, though
plainer in its style than the other, a very beautiful
residence. If well-arranged at first, it is the more
easily managed of the two. Where only a moderate
amount of forcing and green-house work is required,
one man, with occasional assistance, or at most two
men, will be sufficient to keep a place such as thai
described above in perfect order.

Note. — The several subjects comprising this section
are so well and so fully discussed by our author, tha*
hardly an additional word is required. The fervid
sun of an American climate will relieve the proprietor
of much of the walling recommended for the protec-
tion of his plants, and promoting the growth and ripen-
ing of his vegetables and fruits. Of all these the
intelligent cultivator will be a competent judge; and
in the general scope and good sense of the remarks
before us, no one need make a, wide mistake in coii
structing a complete house, and surrounding it wit h
the most desirable grounds.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 287

CHAPTER XII.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE LAYING-OUT AND
IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS.

Landscape-gardening — Analogies to Landscape-painting — Compara-
tive Power over Materials — Simplicity and Multiplicity of Points of
View — Processes wholly and partly Tentative — Propriety of Re-
vision — Utility of Plans — Hazard of Preparatory Operations.

In the preceding chapters, we have adhered, as
closely as possible, to practical views of the subjects
which we have treated, and we have carefully ab-
stained from all merely theoretical reasoning. Our
preparatory studies, however, as well as our experi-
ence in the exercise of the profession, have led us to
some general conclusions regarding the principles and
the practice of the art, which it may be proper to bring
under the notice of the reader, both as conducing to
the unity and as adding to the completeness of the
work. To a brief, exposition of these conclusions,
then, we shall devote this chapter; and we shall allow
our remarks on principles to run at once into their
practical applications.

The name, Landscape-gardening, usually given to
the laying-out and improvement of grounds, suggests
some considerations worthy of attention. Sir "Walter
Scott, in an interesting paper reprinted from the

288 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Quarterly Review, in his miscellaneous works, disap-
proves of its being called gardening in any sense.
uThe art," he says, "has been unfortunately named.
The idea of its being, after all, a variety of the garden-
ing art, with which it has little or nothing to do, has
given a mechanical turn to the whole profession, and
certainly encouraged many persons to practice it with
no greater qualifications than ought to be found in a
tolerably skillful gardener." (Prose Works, vol. xxi. p.
104.) In these observations, there is undeniably some
truth ; though it may be urged, on the other hand,
that a gardener is as likely to be a successful designer
as the forester,1 the bailiff, or the road-surveyor, or
even the amateur, to whom the work is occasionally
intrusted. Unquestionably, the artist employed in
this department ought to have a special and profes-
sional training; but it may also be asked, Is not the
other part of the title, Landscape-gardening, a little
too ambitious, and does it not proceed on an analogy
calculated to mislead, and therefore to disappoint? It
is well known that the expounders of this branch of
art have adopted some of the principles and employed
very much the language of painting. The artist in
our department is supposed to create a landscape in
living nature, just as the painter creates one on can-
vas. The comparison thus instituted between the two
arts, implies that there are certain resemblances be-
tween them ; but if there are resemblances, it is no
less certain that there are differences. A brief con-
sideration of these harmonizing and antagonistic points
may afford us some light, and will enable us to make
most of those general observations which we have
proposed to offer.

LANDSC APE-GARDENING. 289

First, the Landscape-painter may copy with the
most scrupulous exactitude some piece of scenery ac-
tually existing ; and such is the wonderful beauty and
diversity of nature, that if his selection has been
felicitous, the result may be among the most truthful
and successful of his efforts. The Landscape-gardener
can seldom copy. He may indeed fall into that same-
ness of style which constitutes mannerism, but he can
never servilely copy ; for even on the most level sur-
faces his materials are not often the same, and the
relative situations of his permanent objects are al-
most always different. He is bound to create views, if
we may here use a word of so much weight of mean-
ing ; in short, his business is what is technically called
composition. This circumstance makes his work paral-
lel to what, we believe, is the highest line of landscape-
painting, viz: the formation of pictures by the combi-
nation of the finest objects which the artist has copied
into his sketch-book, or can recall by his memory, or
can embody by his imagination. But here the painter
has some important advantages. His canvas is at first
a tabula rasa, a wholly unoccupied field, and his ob-
jects are fully at his command. He can put down
rocks here, and water there, and buildings and trees
wherever the rules of perspective or the management
of his distances render them admissible. The Land-
scape-gardener has most of his objects laid down to
him. He must accept of the locality with its natural
features, and the contour of the ground, which often
prescribes a particular treatment ; and he must make
it his business to conceal deformities, to elicit existing
but unapparent beauties, and to adorn whatever is
susceptible of improvement. It is true that in these
13

290 PAKKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

seeming disadvantages there is also some real compen-
sation. If his broad terrene canvas is not so pliant
and submissive to his will as that of a painter — if he
has not so clear a field and so absolute a command
over his objects — yet the very difficulty and peculiari-
ties of the locality are often suggestive of his most
admirable results. Sir Uvedale Price, in one of the
notes to his well known work, records the practice of
Zucchi, a celebrated Eoman painter of castellated
scenery. It was the method of that artist, first to dash
off a large rock, the more diversified and picturesque
the better, and he then proceeded to build his towers
on this crag and on that, according as he could find
foundations for them ; and it was generally observed
that he was successful in his castles in proportion as
he had been happy in constructing their rocky bases.
Here it is easy to perceive the process by which picto-
rial effects were suggested to the mind of the painter.
More subtle, and therefore more untraceable, may be
the operation of suggestion, in the practice of Land-
scape-gardening, but not less certain is its influence.
We believe that many of its happiest effects have
flowed from this source; and on the other hand it
would not be difficult to recount some lamentable in-
stances of failure and error arising from neglect of this
principle. The practical conclusion is, that the artist
should never venture to design, much less execute, till
he has made himself thoroughly acquainted with the
natural and acquired characters of the ground.

Again, the Landscape-painter has to deal with no
more than one view at a time ; and he can not only
place the spectator at the point most favorable for con-
templating it, but by certain modes of treatment he

LANDSCAPE-GAEDEHINa. 291

can compel attention to the foreground, the middle dis-
tance, and the extreme distance, as he pleases. In
these respects the Landscape-gardener is by no means
so fortunate. It is true that he too can lead the eye to
certain definite objects, though in this his power is
comparatively limited. His greatest difficulty, how-
ever, is, that his points of view are continually chang-
ing. A scene which is really beautiful, as viewed from
the window of the drawing-room, may appear tame at
the end of the terrace, or, as seen transversely from
some point in the grounds, may exhibit little else than
incongruity and confusion. These are defects which
of course are to be abated or concealed. Besides one
or two leading views, numerous subordinate scenes
may have to be elaborated in the same range of
grounds— -as many, in short, as, were they painted,
would fill a gallery of moderate dimensions. Here
the principle of intricacy comes to the artist's aid, if
he is only skillful enough to employ it. There is also
a boundless variety in the expression of trees, which
often supply most beautiful and interesting pieces of
verdure apart from the main beauties of the place.
Distant prospects into the adjacent country are also
a useful and often an available resource. It may be
assumed as an axiom that a residence with a single
fine view will speedily prove a wearisome one. The
visitor will admire the show-scene for a little, but he
will soon turn away from it, inquiring, "Is this all? —
have you no more pictures in your gallery ? " To meet
these demands the artist must provide a variety of
food for the eye, which is quickly sated and wearied
with uniformity. But to effect this he must not only
possess invention and industry in himself, but he must

292 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

be allowed time and opportunity to exercise them. If
he is called but once to lend his aid, and perhaps with
an intelligible hint that the sooner he is done the bet-
ter, he may proceed rapidly to work, and in the brief
period conceded to him may do wonders ; but the
more quickly and clearly he conceives the plan of the
one grand view, if there be but one, and the more
perfectly he carries it into execution, the more likely
he is to leave every thing else an entire barren. A
man may thrust his preconceived fancies on a place
as fast as he can stake them out ; but if the treatment
is to be adjusted to the ground, and if harmony and
variety of effect are desired, as they always ought to
be, time should be given for the laws of suggestion to
come into free play.* Here an intelligent and tasteful
proprietor may render efficient aid, and of that aid a
sensible artist will always be glad to avail himself.
Even the expression of a feeling of want, though what
is wanted is not distinctly perceived, may direct the
attention of the designer, occupied with other things,

*" According to the common process, their time (that of improvers) is estimated at
a certain number of guineas per day, and the party consulting them is not unnatu-
rally interested in getting as much out of the professor within as little time as can
possibly be achieved. The landscape-gardener is therefore trotted over the grounds
two, three, or four times, and called upon to decide upon points which a proprietor
himself would hesitate to determine, unless he were to visit the grounds in different
lights and at different seasons and various times of the day during the course of a
year. This leads to a degree of precipitation on the part of the artist, who knows his
remuneration will be grudged unless he makes some striking and notable alteration,*
yet has little or no time allowed him to judge what that alteration ought to be.
Hence men of taste and genius are induced to act at random ; hence an habitual disre-
gard of the genius loci, and a proportional degree of confidence in a set of general
rules, influencing their own practice, so that they do not receive from nature the
impression of what a place ought to be, but impress on nature at a venture the stamp,
manner, or character of their own practice, as a mechanic puts the same marks on all
the goods which pass through his hands." — Sir Walter Scott's Prose Works, vol. xxi,
p. 105.

COMPARISON WITH LANDSCAPE-PAINTING. 293

to some bald or feeble point, and so by stimulating
invention may lead to valuable results.

Another point of comparison between landscape-
painting and landscape-gardening, which presents at
the same time an analogy and an important difference,
is to be found in the manner in which the designs con-
templated are respectively carried into effect. In
painting, there is, or at least may be, something tenta-
tive or experimental, running throughout almost the
whole of the processes which intervene between the
first conception of the picture and its complete execu-
tion. The artist, if engaged in composition, traces his
outlines on his canvas ; but he can alter them as he
goes along, and probably his success, or the want of it,
in one part of the picture, will suggest a corresponding
or compensating feature in another. Even when ap-
proaching a conclusion, his work is yet open to change,
though such liberties may then be most unadvisable,
still change is possible ; but when the last touch has
been given, the picture is finished, and will continue
so, as long as the colors and other materials endure.
All along the work has been wholly in the artist's
power, and he has the felicity of completing it, and
stamping even its minutest parts with the abiding
impress of his own mind.

" I also am a painter ? " says the Garden Artist ; and
it is true that he creates a varied scenery ; but neither
are his materials nor his operations so entirely under
his command. Trees and shrubs may be regarded as
his colors ; but how ineffective and untractable are
these, when compared with the pigments on the paint-
er's palette ! And his processes are only in a slight
degree tentative, at least so far as he has immediately

294r PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

to do with them. He can alter his plans, indeed,
while they exist in his own mind or on paper, or even
while he is tracing his outlines on the ground. But it
is to be remembered, that the outline, or ground-plan,
as it is called, is only the skeleton, if it be so much, of
scenery which is to appear in relief, in the form of
trees and other elements of landscape. The process is
only begun when the outlines are staked out ; many
other agencies and influences must operate, before the
contemplated result is realized. Other artists, if we
may so call them, have to take up the brush and pal-
ette—the processes of nature, to sum many activities
under one term — and the axe of the woodman must
have had free play, before the effect designed by the
prophetic eye, of taste can be accomplished. The
aspect of woodland scenery changes more or less per-
ceptibly every successive year. Suppose that the rudi-
mentary appearance of a park, ten years from planting,
could be accurately compared with its full-grown aspect
fifty years from the same date, the difference would be
striking indeed. Possibly, the designer has never seen
it since its first formation ; probably his plans, in re-
gard to the distribution of trees, were only very im-
perfectly executed in the first planting; it may be
assumed as almost certain, that his aims respecting
the thinning of masses, the feathering of outlines,
and the defining of groups, have been either neglected
or imperfectly attained; but, meanwhile, nature has
steadily pursued her course, and, from a variety of
causes, which can be more readily imagined than won-
dered at, has most inadequately realized the fair ideal
of the artist ; and yet, the whole scenic effect is often
held to be as justly ascribable to him, as some finished .

UTILITY OF PLANTS. 295

gem of a picture is attributable to a Claude or a
Turner. We fear that proper allowance is seldom
made for this disadvantage on the part of the garden-
artist. It was averred, for example, by Repton, that
many of those clumps which brought no small share
of obloquy on the style of Brown — a style sufficiently
marked with other and inherent faults — were intended
by him to be thinned out into groups ; but in conse-
quence of his intentions being forgotten or disregarded,
were permitted to remain and grow up into that unde-
niable deformity which awakened the bitter criticism
of Price and others. In this. Brown appears to have
been made responsible for errors not his own. It is
easy to see how other artists may suffer similar injus-
tice. In short, by this means, the delicate finish of
the scenic picture may never have been accorded, and
so the desired effect, imagined with exquisite taste,
and skillfully aimed at in the primary execution, may
be entirely frustrated. And how are these natural
defects of the art to be remedied ? Only by repeated
revision. To stipulate for such revision, as the privi-
lege of the original artist, may be inconsistent with
the delicacy of a gentleman, while actually engaged
in his profession ; but in a work like the present, no
delicacy should prevent the strong assertion of its ne-
cessity. Without doubt, to attain a degree of perfec-
tion, the artist should be occasionally recalled to revise
his work, and to correct the consequences of time by
a few additional touches. But the artist may cease to
practice, and his works may long outlive him; to meet
these contingences, we should recommend that, in the
case of any new parks and pleasure-grounds, or where
mij considerable addition or alteration in them has

296 PARKS AND PLEASTJRE-QROUNDS.

been made, a general plan should be executed on
paper, accompanied by sufficient memoranda, and kept
as a record of what had been originally, or subse-
quently, proposed and sanctioned. By this means,
the designs, in their proper form, could be successively
carried into effect. In visiting certain old parks and
pleasure-grounds, bearing on their face the evidence
of repeated changes, we have often wished for a plan
coeval with their formation, and some documentary
tracings of the alterations which time and varying
taste had wrought on them. If trees had the gift of
speech, they could tell us many curious tales. Such
authentic memorials would be most interesting in re-
gard to the history, and instructive as to the practice,
of the art.

The general plans which we have thus recommended
as a record of original designs and successive changes,
are not less necessary in the primary arrangement and
laying-out of parks and pleasure-grounds. Those who
have had the management of extensive and diversi-
fied operations, and have studied the means of effec-
tually carrying them out, will not fail to appreciate
their great value. We are aware that it is the custom
of some amateurs, who busy themselves in landscape-
gardening, to sneer at plans as below the dignity and
unworthy of the notice of a great artist. We must
be allowed to say, that we have generally found these
great artists rather defective in that practical knowl-
edge which would fully warrant them to give a decided
opinion on the subject. The architect knows well the
importance and the necessity of plans and specifica-
tions, in building the mansion-house, in which work
many operations are to be carried on under a deputed

UTILITY OF PLANS. 297

superintendence, that would otherwise require his con-
stant presence. So the landscape-gardener, who has
examined grounds with such care as to warrant his
attempting their improvement in the way of decora-
tion, can have little difficulty in making plans and
specifications for the general arrangement of the place
and for the particular execution of many of the details,
such as may be put into the hands of competent indi-
viduals with the assurance that they will be duly exe-
cuted without his continued attendance on the grounds.
There are, however, things which must be doner under
his own eye, or at least must be frequently inspected
by him during their progress. This remark holds
especially true in the extending and remodeling of old
places. The opening of views, the grouping of trees
and shrubs, and some other nice operations, can be
effected neither by plans nor by delegation. The im-
prover ought, if possible, to give them the benefit of
his personal direction ; otherwise, he may find that, in
his absence, a few trees — ay, a single tree, has been
cut down, to the most serious injury of one of his best
pictures. Even in such cases, however, it is beneficial
for the sake of the improvements as a whole, to have
a general plan constructed. Undoubtedly, when little
time is allowed, the artist may at once stake out some
hurried designs on the ground ; and this he may do
with less expense of thought and contrivance than the
proper treatment of the case demands, and with much
less labor than is necessary to that minute survey of
the locality which is required for the formation of a
plan upon paper ; but the probability of his erring
will, on that very account, be proportionally greater,
13*

298 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

and the likelihood of his directions being mistaken or
forgotten may be Regarded as amounting to certainty.
In connection with this part of the subject, we take
the liberty of remarking, that it is not advisable for
gentlemen who intend to consult a landscape-gardener
to engage in preparatory operations, for the purpose
of clearing the way for him. Such work is better left
to the artist himself, and more particularly when he
has to deal with old places. In the improvement of
existing park and pleasure-grounds, the operations
have, perhaps, as close an analogy to sculpture as to
painting. Give the improver a well-wooded country,
with a surface sufficiently diversified, and he will cut
out of it a park and pleasure-ground, just as a sculptor
will cut a group out of a block of marble. But what
would the sculptor say, were the stone-cutters in the
quarry to insist on reducing his block to what they
conceived might be an appropriate shape ? Equally
objectionable is preliminary interference with the pro-
per work of the landscape-gardener. We once met
with an afflictive case of this kind. A gentleman had
been induced to prepare for our advent, by thinning
out the trees and smoothing the ground in an old wood
on the drawing-room front of the house. He unfor-
tunately allowed the operations to proceed in his ab-
sence ; and on his return home, which he had been
obliged to leave for some months, he found several
acres of grass, and, instead of the old wood, a few
ragged, misshapen trees, little better than bare poles,
stuck here and there over the surface. The reader
will readily conceive the horror of the proprietor when
he discovered that the leveling Goths had not con-
tented themselves with smoothing the ground, but had

HAZARD OF PREPARATORY OPERATIONS. 299

also swept away trees which it would take a century
to replace. It was with deep sympathy that we sur-
veyed the scene of desolation, mingled with regret,
that for the preservation of many elements of beauty
which had, without doubt, existed, we had arrived
nine months too late.

Note. — In whatever relates to the subject of this
chapter, a natural taste, matured by cultivation, and
years of observation, is necessary in any one propos-
ing to practice upon it. Neither the cultivation nor
the observation required for the maturity of a proper
taste in the laying-out and construction of parks, or
other grounds, is to be acquired from books alone.
Nature itself, in all her moods and circumstances,
should be closely studied. Among the professional
"arts," that of '* Landscape-gardening" should be the
least artistic in its operations. It has to deal with
nature alone, and is, in its true sense, but nature di-
vested of its prurient excesses, and modified into sim-
plicity and beauty. Art, of itself, in the disposi-
tion of woods and waters, is poor, compared with
nature, in clothing the earth with trees, and lighting
it up with waters. The cultivation of the earth is
art, so far as digging its surface, deposit of seeds, or
setting of plants, are concerned ; but in all that suc-
ceeds, nature is the only operator. Nature may be
guided and directed, but all the interference of art can
add no beauty to shape or effect. The surfaces of
ground may be modified; abrupt points, or banks,
may be softened ; streams of water may be changed
in their courses, and by their presence add new beau-
ties to a chosen spot ; but no territory thrown into fan-
ciful designs will produce an effect otherwise than

300 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

/

repulsive to those of true taste and judgment. So with
trees and shrubbery. Nature has given each variety
its own chosen form, which no artificial aid will im-
prove. The saw and the pruning-knife, to remove a
superfluous branch, are all that need be required, to
give them the highest possible expression ; and what
these will not do, is hardly worth attempting.

Art, in this relation, when deeply studied, is apt to
degenerate into mannerism ; and mannerism is always
stiff and ungraceful. No two spots of ground, or
tracts of land, are exactly alike. In improving them,
their salient points should be ascertained. They should
be placed in prominent relief, and their peculiar char-
acteristics preserved. Such, even when repulsive at
first view and considered by themselves alone, skill-
fully treated, may become the most agreeable objects
in contrast or connection with others of opposite char-
acter. This is all the art required — that of moulding
and softening natural features into agreeable forms,
and giving them agreeable expression. To accomplish
this in the most acceptable manner, requires an en-
larged and comprehensive scope, both of vision and
imagination, embracing the whole as it will appear
when perfected.

Note. — Our author has treated this part of his sub-
ject with good sense and judgment. There is nothing
of the quack or charlatan about him, and no one can err
in following his clear and direct suggestions. Sir Wal-
ter Scott, whose true spirit and feeling he has strongly
imbibed, was, in theory at least, one of the most ac-
complished landscape-gardeners of the present century,
and has left some of the best instructions in that line
which it has been our fortune to consult. He had an

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 301

exquisite eye for the sublime, the grand, the pictur-
esque, and the beautiful in nature. He has delineated
and interwoven them, with the highest effect, into his
various writings, giving to them much of their striking
effect and beauty; and to his essays on this subject we
commend the scholar who is solicitous to learn in so
interesting a subject.

To the American, working on American soil, and
under an American sun, the practical labors of cloth-
ing the ground with wood should be widely different
from the teachings of British authors. The humid
climate of the British Isles will tolerate a far different
treatment in plantations than in America. Sir Henry
Stuart, of Allanton Park, in Scotland, many years
ago published an elaborate and interesting book upon
giving immediate effect to park scenery, by transplant-
ing large trees. It was read with much interest by
many an American, and unfortunately followed in
practice by some of them, with calamitous results —
our American climate being unfitted for such a system
of transplanting as Sir Henry found so successful in
Scotland. In all else were his instructions valuable.

It will doubtless be some years before our country
will exhibit many striking evidences of skill and con-
tinued care in the cultivation of parks and pleasure-
grounds. We are too unstable in our pursuits, and
our landed tenures too fitful in possession, save in iso-
lated cases, to show those striking features of interest
which belong to the ryore permanent estates of Euro-
pean landholders. Yet much may be done, in a com-
paratively short time, by choosing a favorable spot
and treating it with taste and judgment. The very
improvement of such places, properly appreciated, will

302 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

impress themselves in the affections of their proprie-
tors, and induce them to retain them as heir-looms to
their posterity. Without a motive of this kind, our
progress must be slow and fitful, dictated by fashion or
caprice. Taste and refinement may seek such objects,
and such pursuits ; but without a proper education in
those who are heirs to such possessions, and a love and
veneration for them, they become the shuttlecock of
wealth, and a resort only of such as lead or follow in
the train of fashion. In this relation, parks and pleas-
ure-grounds entail enlarged expense and consequent
vexation in the occupation; and, after a short-lived
possession, are whistled away like any other bauble
whose annoyances largely overbalance their advan-
tages ; and all this from the want of a proj>er under-
standing of their true purposes. — Ed.

THE ARBORETUM. 303

CHAPTER XIII.

THE ARBORETUM.

Definition — Recent Introduction — General Idea of Arrangement.

Sect. 1. Scientific Treatment of the Arboretum — Introductory Re-
marks— Dr. Lindley's Classification of the Natural Orders — Ex-
planations— Synopsis of Orders and Genera — Application of Prin-
ciples — Transference of the System to the Ground.

Sect. II. Decorative Treatment of the Arboretum — Object in View —
Employment of Larger Trees — Lawns — Surfaces Planted — Ever-
greens— Arboretums Attached to Private Residences — Sites in
Pleasure-grounds.

An arboretum, as now planted, may be defined to
be a collection of hardy trees and shrubs, arranged
according to their natural affinities. The different
species and varieties are placed together under the
genera, orders, and natural groups to which they be-
long; and by this means, their resemblances and dif-
ferences are more easily recognized and distinguished — -
from their being brought into proximity — than they
would be in any promiscuous distribution. The affini-
ties to which we have alluded are best preserved when
the arrangement adopted is that of some one of the
botanical systems constructed on the principle of
Natural Orders; and fortunately, these, too, exhibit
most conspicuously those more external and prominent
characters which are apt to strike the eye of even a
casual observer. We have thus a happy union of the

304 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

scientific and the popular elements. Such collections
of trees and shrubs are extremely interesting to the
botanist, as presenting to his outward eye, in material
and living presence, the various forms which in their
more refined relations enter into his abstract and re-
condite arrangements; but they also possess much
interest to the general student of nature, exhibiting, as
they do, the number and diverse characters of the
trees and underwood which tenant the mighty forests,
the tangled brakes, the stunted scrubs, and barren
heaths, that cover the valleys, plains, and mountains
of the colder regions of the globe.

Arboretums are only of recent introduction as deco-
rative accompaniments to country residences and pub-
lic gardens. For a long period, indeed, a considerable
variety of trees and shrubs have been cultivated in
parks and pleasure-grounds ; and flowering shrubs, in
particular, have always been favorite materials of or-
nament in flower-gardens. But scientific classifications
of these forms of vegetable life received little attention
previous to the formation, in 1823, of the arboretum
in the garden belonging to the London Horticultural
Society, at Turnham Green. Since that great and
meritorious collection attracted the notice which was
due to it, many similar, though generally less exten-
sive, arboretums have been formed ; so that now no
moderate sized country residence or public park and
garden can be considered complete unless something
of the kind enters into their arrangements. Undoubt
edly the finest arboretum now in existence, at least so
far as we are aware, is that in the Royal Gardens at
Kew, though even there the limitation of the space to
which it is restricted leaves some reasons for regret,

ARBORETUM. 305

which, however, we trust will be removed by the na-
tional liberality as applied and regulated by the Com-
missioners of Woods and Forests.

In order to realize its aims and adequately to fulfill
its main purposes, an arboretum requires a botanical
arrangement; and that commonly adopted has been
the Natural System of the celebrated De Candolle.
Such is the method followed by Loudon in his great
work, " The Arboretum Britannicum," and also in his
abridgment of it in his "Encyclopaedia of Trees and
Shrubs." In this arrangement the Natural Orders are
thrown into three great divisions, which, in the actual
construction of an arboretum, we have found to be not
a little unwieldy and unmanageable. We very greatly
prefer the classified Alliances of orders given by Dr.
Lindley in his " Vegetable Kingdom,*" as allowing a
more unfettered distribution of the materials, and
therefore yielding more abundant opportunities for the
eliciting of picturesque effects than any other system
we have yet studied. We have no doubt that a care-
ful examination of Dr. Lindley's valuable work, and
a practical acquaintance with the subject, will lead
most impartial inquirers to the same conclusion. At
the same time the reader is reminded that any botan-
ical arrangement of living vegetables can be only an
approximation of a very fragmentary character. Trees
and shrubs compose only a part of the sj^stem of na-
ture, though happily some of the groups are very com-
plete, even when made up of the hardy species. It is
evident that the linear arrangements, such as those to
be found in catalogues of names, are not to be enter-
tained as satisfactory. The distribution is necessarily
made on superficial space, that is, on space of two

306 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

dimensions, as it is technically called. Any one who
studies the interesting indications of "position," ap-
pended by Dr. Lindley to each of his natural orders,
will readily perceive the difficulties which exist in this
quarter. Some have thought that a perfect coordina-
tion of affinities can be made only on space of three
dimensions, as, for example, in the manner the stars
are distributed in the firmament. We "can not pursue
this subject, which would lead us into the most pro-
found depths of the science of botany ; and indeed
we need not enter into it, as in the actual formation of
an arboretum we are compelled to work on surfaces.
Let it be remembered then, that both on account of the
fragmentary nature of the materials employed, and
their numerous and intertwining relations, as well as
the superficial form of the space operated on, the ar-
rangement can only be an approximation when con-
sidered as a whole.

Sect. I. — Scientific Treatment of the Arboretum.

In this section it is proposed to give a sketch of the
Natural System of botany as it may be embodied in
a living collection of hardy trees and shrubs. This,
we are aware, may appear something different from,
and discordant with, the other subjects treated in this
volume ; nevertheless, on mature consideration, we
feel constrained either to present it to our readers as
absolutely necessary to render the remainder of our
remarks intelligible, or to omit the interesting subject
of the arboretum altogether. We might as well dis-
cuss the topography of a country without a map, as

SCIENTIFIC TREATMENT OF THE ARBORETUM. 307

describe an arboretum, or give directions for its forma-
tion, without reference to the scientific principles on
which its arrangement is based. We trust the reader
will not be repelled by the terminology, which it must
be owned has a somewhat formidable look, but which
no one has ever imagined could be materially simpli-
fied, and at the same time retain its exactness. Even
the unbotanical reader, by running his eye ,along the
English names, will be able to form a pretty correct
conception of the materials of which an arboretum is
composed. Persons about to undertake the execution
of such work will find in the following synopsis the
general outlines of an arrangement which they may
modify or abridge according to the special objects they
have in view. To those who may think our labor use-
less, we shall only say that we should have considered
a much slighter sketch a boon the first time we were
called to lay out an arboretum.

As already stated, we prefer Dr. Lindley's arrange-
ment of the natural orders, as most suited for the
effective adornment of an arboretum ; accordingly we
have borrowed the following syllabus of classification,
with some very slight modifications of the genera,
from the second edition of his "Vegetable Kingdom."
The reader who desires fuller information regarding
the alliances, orders, and genera, will find it amply
supplied in that admirable work. Of course, in regard
to the species, we must have recourse to books contain-
ing detailed descriptions, or to the larger catalogues
which have been published by Loudon and others.
Loudon's " Arboretum Britannicum " and "Encyclo-
paedia of Trees and Shrubs " may also be consulted
with advantage, or rather may be regarded as means

308 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

essential to success. "We refer throughout to his Natu-
ral Orders, exhibited in his u Encyclopaedia of Trees
and Shrubs," as affording detailed descriptions of the
species. Any hardy plants recently introduced may
easily be inserted into their proper places as soon as
their respective genera and orders are ascertained.

In connection with the genera we have indicated
whether the individuals are trees or shrubs, whether
they are deciduous or evergreen, or whether they are
partly the one and the other. "When the genus is not
generally hardy, it is marked as sub-hardy; and when
there are hardy and sub-hardy species in cultivation,
this fact also is marked. Where no such distinction is
made, the plants may be considered as hardy in the
average climate of the United Kingdom. The heights
specified must be regarded as the general altitude of
the genus rather than the stature of the individual
species ; the latter being often extremely varied, in
some cases ranging toward the higher, in others to-
ward the lower limit. The numbers of species and
varieties are sometimes only approximative. Mr.
Loudon, for example, describes 170 willows, while we
have described only 100 ; and even that lower number
it would probably be difficult to procure. We believe
that there are about 1500 species and 1000 botanical
varieties of hardy trees and shrubs — exclusive of
what may. be called florists' varieties of roses, azaleas,
etc. — cultivated in our well-appointed nurseries. Of
course a selection of these is sometimes all that the
extent of the ground to be occupied will permit to be
employed.

As many of Dr. Lindley's alliances and orders do
not contain plants which are ligneous and hardy, they

SCIENTIFIC TREATMENT OF THE ARBORETUM. 309

are of course omitted. For the sake of convenience
we have marked the alliances and orders, selected for
our present purpose, with running numbers, beginning
in both cases from unity ; but to prevent confusion
we have quoted the numeration of "The Vegetable
Kingdom" throughout, giving the numbers of its
classes and alliances within parentheses, thus : for a
class (V. K. IV.,) and for an alliance (V. K. 16.) "We
beg the reader's attention to the following

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS.

D. Deciduous ; denoting plants shedding their leaves in autumn.

E. Evergreen.

SE. Sub-Evergreen ; applied to plants retaining part of their foliage

through winter.
T. Tree.
S. Shrub.
CI. Climber — a plant climbing or twining, and requiring or finding

support.
Tr. Trailing — applied to plants creeping or lying on the ground.
h. Hardy ; sh. sub-hardy, L e. hardy in some places but not in others.
Sp. Species ; v. botanical variety.

SYNOPSIS

OF THE NATURAL ORDERS AND GENERA OF PLANTS WHICH MAY BE EMPLOYED
IN FORMING AN ARBORETUM.

Class ENDOGENS. (V. K. IY.)

Alliance 1. LILIALES. (V. K. 16.)

Ord. 1. Liliace^e. Lilyworts. (Lindl. 62; Loud. 80.)

Yucca. Adam's Needle. E. S. sh. 4-10 ft. Sp. 10 ; v. 2.
Ruscus. Butcher's Broom. E. S. 2-3 ft. Sp. 4 ; v. 3.
Borya. D. S. 5-8 ft. Sp. 3.

Class DICTYOGENS. (V. K. Y.)
Alliance 2. DICTYOGENS. (Lindl.)

Ord. 2. Smilace^e. Sarsaparillas. Lindl. 69 ; Loud. 79.)
Smilax. E. D. CL Sp. 16.

310 PARES AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Glass GYMNOGENS. (V. K. VI)
Alliance 3. GYMNOGENS, (Lindl.)

Ord. 3. PrNACE^:. Conifers. (Lindl. 74 ; Loud. 77.)
Sub-oral. 1. Abiete^e. Firs.

Pinus. Pine. E. T. S. 10-100 ft. Sp. 67 ; v. 27.

Abies. Fir and Cedar. E. D. T. S. 10-200 ft. Sp. 40 ; v.
29. Picea. Larix. Cedrus.

Araucaria. Chili Pine. E. T. 100 ft. Sp. 1.

Cimninghamia. E. T. sh. Sp. 1.

Sequoia. E. T. h. sh. 50-200 ft. Sp. 2.
Sub-ord. 2. Cupresse^e.

Juniperus. Juniper. E. T. S. h. sh. 1-40 ft. Sp. 31 ; v. 12.

Callitris. E. T. sh. 30-40 ft. Sp. 1.

Libocedrus. Chili Arborvitce. E. T. h. sh. 30-70 ft Sp. 3.

Biota. Chinese Arborvita. E. T. S. h. sh. 15-50 ft. Sp. 5 ;
v. 4.

Thuia. Arborvitce. E. T. S. 15-40 ft. Sp. 3.

Cupressus. Cypress. E. T. S. h. sh. 15-40. Sp. 10 ; v. 2.

Chamaecyparis. White Cedar. E. T. 10-30 ft. Sp. 5 ; v. 3.

Taxodium. Deciduous Cypress. D.T.h.sh. 20-70 ft. Sp.4.

Glyptostrobus. E. S. h. sh. 10-15 ft. Sp. 2.

Cryptomeria. Japan Cedar. E. T. h. sh. 15-50 ft. Sp. 2.

Fitzroya. Fitzroy Yew. E. T. 20-100 ft. Sp. 1.

Sax-Gothea. Prince Albert's Yew. E. T. 30 ft. Sp. 1.
Ord. 4. Taxace^e. Taxads. (Lindl. 75 ; Loud. 76.)

Taxus. Yew. E. T. 10-40 ft, Sp. 3 ; v. 9.

Podocarpus. Lobb's Yew. E. T. 40 ft. Sp. 1.

Torreya. Torrey's Yew. E. T. 20-40 ft. Sp. 3.

Cephalo taxus. Japanese Yew. E. T. 20-30 ft. Sp. 5.

Salisburia. Maiden-hair Tree. D. T. 15-50. Sp. 1.

Class EXOGENS. (V. K. VII.)

Alliance 4. AMENTALES. (V. K. 18.)

Ord. 5. Casuarinace^e. Beef woods. (Lindl, 77.)

Casuarina. E. S. sh. W. 9-12 ft. Sp. 1.
Ord. 6. Betulace^e. Birehworts. (Lindl. 78 ; Loud. 69.)

Betula. Birch. D. T. S. 3-60 ft. Sp. 12 ; v. 11.

Alnus. Alder. D. T. S. 6-60 ft. Sp. 11 ; v. 10.
Ord. 7. Altingiace^e. Liquidarnbar. (Lindl. 79 ; Loud. 73.)

Liquidambar. D. T. 30-40 ft Sp. 2.
Ord. 8. SAucACEiE. Willowworts. (Lindl. 80 ; Loud. 68.)

SYNOPSIS. 311

Salix. Willow. D. T. S. 3-70 ft. Sp. 100 ; v. 15.

Populus. Poplar. D. T. 30-100 ft. Sp. 18 ; v. 15.
Ord. 9. Myricace^e. Galeworts. (Lindl. 81 ; Loud. 74)

Myrica. Gale. D. E. S. 3-12 ft. Sp. 2 ; v. 1.

Comptonia. D. S. 3-4 ft. Sp 1.
Ord. 10. El^eagnace^e. Oleasters. (Lindl. 82 ; Loud. 62.)

Shepherdia. D. T. S. 8-20 ft. Sp. 2.

Hippophae. D. T. S. 6-16 ft. Sp. 2 ; v. 1.

Elaaagnus. D. T. S. 10-20 ft. Sp. 7 ; v. 3.
Alliance 5. URTICALES. (V. K. 19.)

Ord. 11. Horaces. (Lindl. 87 ; Loud. 65.)

Morus. Mulberry. D. T. 20-30 ft. Sp. 4 ; v. 13.

Madura. D. S. 6*-l0 ft. Sp. 1.

Ficus. Fig. D. T. S. 5-20 ft. Sp. 1.
Ord. 12. Platanace^e. (Lindl. 89 ; Loud. 72.)

Platanus. Plane. D. T. S. h. 60-80 ft. Sp. 4 ; v. 3.
Alliance 6. EUPHORBIALES. (V. K. 20.)

Ord. 13. Euphorbiacejs. (Lindl. 90 ; Loud. 64.)

Buxus. Box. E. S. 4-15 ft. Sp. 2 ; v. 18.
Ord. 14. Empetrace^e. Growberries. (Lindl 93 ; Loud. 78.)

Empetrum. Crowberry. E. S. 6-12 in. Sp. 2 ; v. 8.
Alliance 7. QUERNALES. (V. K. 21.)

Ord. 15. Corylacejs. Mastworts. (Lindl. 95; Loud. 70.)

Carpinus. Hornbeam. D. T. 10-70 ft. Sp. 3 ; v. 2.

Ostrya. Hop-hornbeam. D. T. 15-40 ft. Sp. 2.

Corylus. Hazel. D. T. S. 5-50 ft. Sp. 4; v. 8.

Fagus. Beech. D. E. T. 20-80 ft. Sp. 3 ; v. 6.

Castanea. Spanish Chestnut. D. T. S. 8-80 ft. Sp. 2 ; v. 6.

Quercus. Oak, Ilex. D. E. T. S. 15-100 ft. Sp. 36 ; v. 48.
Ord. 16. Juglandace^e. Juglands. (Lindl. 96 ; Loud. 67.)

Juglans. Walnut. D. T. 30-60 ft. Sp. 4 ; v. 4.

Carya. Hickory. D. T. 60-80 ft. Sp. 8 ; v. 2.

Pterocarya. D. T. 20-40 ft. Sp. 1.
Alliance 8. GARRYALES. (Y. K. 22.)

Ord. 17. Garry ace^e. Garryads. (Lindl. 97 ; Loud. 71.)

Garrya. E. S. 6-10 ft. Sp. 2.
Alliance 9. MENISPERMALES. (V. K. 23.)

Ord. 18. Menispermace^e. Menispermads. (Lindl. 104; Loud. 5.)

Menispermum. Moonseed. D. CI. 8-10 ft. Sp. 2.

Cocculus. E. Tr. 1-1% feet. Sp. 1.
Alliance 10. VIOLALES. (Y. K. 26.)

Ord. 19. FlaooustucEuE. BixadL (Lindl. 110 ; Loud. 23.)

312 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Azara. E. S. W. Sp. 1.
Ord. 20. Tamaricacea (Lindl. 118 ; Loud. 29.)

Tamarix. Tamarisk. D. S. 5-15 ft. Sp. 2.
Alliance 11. CIST ALES. (V. K. 27.)

Ord. 21. Cistaceje. (Lindl. 122 ; Loud. 8.)

Cistus. Rock Rose. SE. S. sh. 2-8 ft. Sp. 12.

Helianthemum. Bun Rose. SE. Tr. 6-12 in. Sp. 8 ; v. 20.
Ord. 22. Brassicace^e. Crucifers. (Lindl. 123 ; Loud. 7.)

Vella. Cress Rocket. SE. S. 2-4 ft. Sp. 1.
Alliance 12. MALVALES. (V. K. 28.)

Ord. 23. Malvaceae. Mallowworts. (Lindl. 130 : Loud. 9.)

Hibiscus. Althaia Frutex. D. S. 3-6 ft. Sp. 1 ; v. 13.

Sida. D. S. 6-8 ft. Sp. 1.
Ord. 24. Tiliace^e. Lindenblooms. (Lindl. 131 ; Loud. 10.)

Tilia. Lime Tree. D. T. 20-90 ft. Sp. 3 ; v. 11.

Corchorus. D. S. 6-10 ft. Sp. 1.
Alliance 13. SAPINDALES. (V. K. 29.)

Ord. 25. Polygalace.e. Milkworts. (Lindl. 133; Loud. 58.)

Polygala. Milkwort. E. S. 6 in. Sp. 1.
Ord. 26. Staphyleace^e. (Lindl. 135 ; Loud 19.)

Staphylea. Bladder-nut. D. S. 6-10 ft. Sp. 2.
Ord. 27. Sapindace^e. Soapvjoits. (Lindl. 136 ; Loud. 13.)

uEsculus. Horse Chestnut sp. D. T. 20-60 ft. Sp. 6 ; v. 4.

Pavia. Horse Chestnut sp. D. T. S. 4-40 ft. Sp. 8 ; v. 3.

Koelreuteria. D. T. 30-40 ft Sp. 1.
Ord. 28. Acerack^e. Maples. (Lindl. 138; Loud. 13.)

Acer. Maple, Sycamore. D. T. 20-80 ft. Sp. 20 ; v. 17.

Negundo. Box-elder. D. T. 30-50 ft. Sp. 1 ; v. 2.
Alliance 14. GUTTIFERALES. (V. K. 30.)

Ord. 29. Ternstrcemiace^e. Theads. (Lindl. 142; Loud. 11.)

Malachodendron. D. T. 6-12 ft. Sp. 1.

Stuartia. D. S. 6-10 ft. Sp. 1.

Gordonia. D. SE. S. 6-10 ft. Sp. 2.
Ord. 30. Hypericace^e. Tutsans. (Lindl. 146; Loud. 12.)

Hypericum. St. John's Worts. D. SE. S. 1-5 ft. Sp. 9; v. 2.
Alliance 15. RANALES. (V. K. 32.)

Ord. 31. Magnoliace^e. Magnoloids. (Lindl. 151 ; Loud. 3.)

Magnolia. D. E. T. S. h. sh. 3-50 ft. Sp. 10; v. 10.

Liriodendron. Tulip-tree. D. T. 40-80 ft. Sp. 1 ; v. 1.
Ord. 32. Anonace^e. Anonads. (Lindl. 142 ; Loud. 4.)

Uvaria. Asiminia (syn.). D. S. 6-10 ft. Sp. 1.
Ord. 33. Ranunculace^e. Ranunculoids. (Lindl. 144; Loud. 1.)

SYNOPSIS. 313

Clematis. Virgin's Bower. D. E. CL Sp. 16 ; v. 18.

Atragene. D. CI. Sp. 3.

Paeonia. Peony. D. S. 3-7 ft. Sp. 1 ; v. 6.

Xanthorrhiza. YellowrooC. D. S. 2-3 ft. Sp. 1.
Alliance 16. BERBERALES. (V. K. 33.)

Ord. 34. Berberidace^e. Berberids. (Lindl. 159; Loud 6.)

Berberis. Berberry. D. E. S. 6-15 ft. Sp. 20; v. 11.

Mahonia. E. S. 1-7 ft. Sp. 0.
Ord. 35. Vitace^e. Vineworts. (Lindl. 140 ; Loud. 16.)

Vitis. Vine. D. CL Sp. 5 ; v. 3.

Cissus. Ampelopsis (syn.). D. CL Sp. 1.
Ord. 36. Pittosporacejs. PiUosporads. (Lindl. 141.)

Pittosporum. E. S. W. 6-10 ft Sp 1.

Billardiera. W. Sp. 1.

Soliya. S. W. 8-10 ft. Sp. 1.
Alliance 17. ERICALES. (V. K. 34.)

Ord. 37. Ericaceae. Heathworts. (Lindl. 169 ; Loud. 43.)
(1.) Ericeo*.

Erica. Heath. E. S. ^-6 ft. Sp. 12 ; v. 15.

Calluna. Ling. E. S. 1-3 ft. Sp. 1 ; v. 12.

Menziesia. Bryanihus (syn.) E. S. 3^-2 ft Sp. 3.

Andromeda. D. E. S. ^-10 ft. Sp. 16 ; v. 12.

Lyonia. D. E. S. 2-5 ft. Sp. 10.

Clethra. D. S. 3-4 ft Sp. 5 ; v. 1.

Epegaea. E. Tr. Sp. 2.

Gaultheria. E. S. 1-3 ft Sp. 3.

Pernetya. E. S. 2-6 ft Sp. 4.

Arbutus. Strawberry-tree. E. S. h. sh. 3-25 ft Sp. 10; v. 6.

Arctostaphylos. Bear-berry. E. Tr. Sp. 3.
(2.) Rhododendrea.

Azalea. D. E. S. J^-6 ft Sp. 14 ; v. 60.

Kalmia. E. S. 1-5 ft Sp. 35 ; v. 7.

Rhododendron. E. D. S. h. sh. 1-15 ft Sp. 35 ; v. 60.

Rhodora. D. S. 2-4 ft Sp. 1.

Leiophyllum. D. S. J£-l. Sp. I.

Ledum, E. S. 2-4 ft Sp.5.
alliance 18. RUTALES. (V. K. 35.)

Ord. 38. Anacardiaceje. Terebinths. (Lindl. 174 ; Loud. 24.)

Pistacia. E. D. I. sh. Pistachia-tree. 10-20 ft Sp. 3; v. 5.

Duvaua. E. S. W. Sp. 3.

Rhus. Sumachs. D. T. S. CL 4-20 ft Sp. 8 ; v. 10.

14

314 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Ord. 39. Xanthoxylace^e. Xnnthoxyls. (Lindl. 177; Loud. 17.)

Xanthoxjlon. Toothache -tree. D. S. 10-12 ft. Sp. 2; v. 1.

Ptelea. D. S. 6-10 ft. Sp. 2 ; v. 2.

Ailanthus. The Ailanto. D. T. sh. 15-50 ft, Sp. 1.
Ord. 40. Ochnace^e. Coriariecz (syn. Loud.) (Lindl. 178 ; Loud.
18.)

Coriaria. D. S. 2-3 ft. Sp. 1.
Alliance 19. SILENALES. (V. K. 37.)

Ord. 41. Polygonace^e. Buckwheats. (Lindl. 191 ; Loud. 58.)

Atraphaxis. SE. S. 3^-3 ft. Sp. 1.

Tragopyrum. SE. S. 1-2 ft. Sp. 3.

Calligonum. E. S. 2-3 ft. Sp. 1.
Alliance 20. CHENOPODALES. (V. K. 38.)

Ord. 42. Chenopodiace^e. Chenopods. (Lindl. 195; Loud. 57.)

Atriplex. Orache. SE. S. 4-6 ft. Sp. 2.

Diotis. D. S. 2-3 ft. Sp. 1.

Chenopodium. Goose-foot. D. S. 2-3 ft. Sp. 2.
Alliance 21. DAPHKALES. (V. K. 41.)

Ord. 43. Thymelace^e. Daphnads. (Lindl. 203 ; Loud. 60.)

Daphne. Spurge Laurel. E. D. S. h. sh. 1-4 ft. Sp. 14 ; v. 4.

Mezereum. Meier eon. D. S. 2-6 ft Sp. 1 ; v. 2.

Dirca. Leatherwood. D. S. 2-4 ft. Sp, 1.
Ord. 44. Laurace.e. Laurels. (Lindl. 205; Loud. 59.)

Laurus. Sweet Bay. E. S. 5-20 ft. Sp. 1 ; v. 6.
Alliance 22. ROSALES. (V. K. 42.)

Ord. 45. Calycanthace^e. Calycanths. (Lindl. 207; Loud. 27.)

Oalycanthus. Allspice. D. S. 3-8 ft. Sp. 4 ; v. 9.

Chimonanthus. Winter -flower. D. S. W. 4-6 ft. Sp. 8; v. 3.
Ord. 46. Fabaoe^e. Leguminous Plants. (Lindl. 209 ; Loud. 25.)

Piptanthus. SE. S. sh. "W. 6-8 ft. Sp. 1.

Thermopsis. SE. S. sh. W. 6-8 ft. Sp. 1.

Adenocarpus. D. S. 2-10 ft. Sp. 5.

Ulex. Whin, Furze. E. S. 2-10 ft. Sp. 4; v. 1. '

Spartium. Spanish Broom. E. S. 6-10 ft, Sp. 1 ; v. 2.

Genista. Broom. D. SE. S. Tr. 1-6 ft. Sp. 24; v. 8.

Cytisus. Cytians, Laburnum. D. SE. T. S. Tr. 1-30 ft.
Sp. 27 ; v. 9.

Ononis. Rest-harrow. D. S. 2-10 ft. Sp. 2.

Indigofera^ Indigo. D. S. W. Sp. 2.

Amorpha. Bastard Indigo. D. S. 2-10 ft. Sp. 6 ; v. 4.

Wisteria. D. CI. W. Sp. 1.

Robinia. Locust-tree. D. T. S. 6-60 ft. Sp. 8 ; v. 19.

SYNOPSIS. 315

Sutherlandia. D. S. 5-8 ft. Sp. 1.

Colutea. Bladder -senna. D. S. 3-12 ft. Sp. 5.

Caragana. Siberian Pea-tree. D. T. S. 1-20 ft. Sp. 13 ; v. 4.

Halimodendron. Salt-tree. D. S. 3-6 ft. Sp. 2 ; v. 3.

Astragalus. Milk-vetch. D. S. 6-12 in. Sp. 1.

Coronilla. Scorpion-senna. D. S. 3-10 ft. Sp. 4.

Edwardsia. E. S. W. Sp. 1.

Sophora. D. T. 30-50 ft. Sp. 2.

Virgilia. D. T. S. 10-30 ft. Sp. 2 ; v. 4.

Gymnocladus. D. T. 10-30 ft. Sp. 2 ; v. 4.

Cercis. Judas-tree. D. T. S. . 10-30 ft. Sp. 2 ; v. 4.

Gleditschia. D. T. 15-50 ft. Sp. 6 ; v. 7.

Acacia. D. S. sh. Sp. 3.
Ord. 47. Drupaceje. Almondworts. (Lindl. 210; Loud. 26.)

Amygdalus. Almond. D. T. S. 2-20 ft. Sp. 4 ; v. 9.

Persica. Peach. D. T. W. Sp. 2 ; v. 8.

Prunus. Plum. D. T. S. 3-30 ft. Sp. 9 ; r. 13.

Armeniaca. Apricot. D. T. W. Sp. 4 ; v. 4.

Cerasus. Cherry and Laurels. D. E. T. S. 3-60 ft. Sp. 30 ;
v. 18.
Ord. 48. Pomaces. Appleworts. (Lindl. 211 ; Loud. 26.)

Cydonia. Quince. D. T. S. 5-20 ft. Sp. 3; v. 5.

Pyrus. Pear, Apple. D. T. S. 4-60 ft. Sp. 42; v. 29.
Aria. Malvs. Sorbus.

Mespilus. Medlar. D. T. 10-20 ft. Sp. 2 ; v. 4.

Amelanchier. D. T. 15-30 ft. Sp. 5 ; v. 3.

Cotoneaster. D. E. SE. S. Tr. 2-10 ft. Sp. 10; v. 5.

Photinia. E. T. h. sh. 15-20 ft. Sp. 4.

Crataegus. Hawthorn. D. E. T. S. 4-30 ft. Sp. 30 ; v. 52.

Stranvsesia. E. S. W. 10-15 ft. Sp. 1.
Ord. 49. Rosacea. Roseworts. (Lindl. 213; Loud. 26.)

Rosa. Rose. D. E. S. CI. 1-20 ft. Sp. 63 ; v. 35.

Potentilla. Cinquefoil. SE. S. 1-4 ft. Sp. 3 ; v. 2.

Rubus. Bramble, Raspberry. D. S. T. 2-10 ft. Sp. 13 ; v. 13.

Purshia. D. S. sh. 2-3 ft. Sp. 1.

Dryas. E. T. 6 in. Sp. 1.

Kerrea. D. S. 2-3 ft. Sp. 1.

Spiraea. Queen of the meadows. D. S. h. sh. 2-10 ft. Sp.
26; v. 4.
Alliance 23. SAXIFRAGALES. (V. K. 43.)

Ord. 50. Hydrangeace^e. (Lindl. 215 ; Loud. 34.)

Hydrangea. D. S. sh. 3-6 ft. Sp. 6 ; v. 1.

316 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Alliance 24. RHAMNALES. (V. K 44.)

Ord. 51. Ulmace^e. Elmworts. (Lindl. 221 ; Loud. 66.)

Celt-is. Nettle-tree. D. T. 15-40 ft. Sp. 3 ; v. 2.

Planera. D. T. 20-60 ft. Sp. 12 ; v. 1.

Ulmus. Elm-tree. D. T. 40-80 ft. Sp. 12 ; v. 41 .
Ord. 52. Rhamnace.e. Rhamnads. (Lindl. 222; Loud. 22.)

Paliurus. Christ's thorn. D. T. S. 10-20 ft. Sp. 2.

Zizyphus. D. S. 5-10 ft. Sp. 3.

Rhamnus. Buckthorn. D. K T. S. 2-20 ft. Sp. 16 ; v. 6.

Ceanothus. D. E. S. h. sh. 4-6 ft. Sp. 4.

Berchemia. D. CI. 8-10 ft. Sp. 1,

Colletia. B. S. 3-4 ft. Sp. 1.
Ord. 53. Celastrace^e. Spindle -trees. (Lindl. 225; Loud. 20.)

Euonymus. Spindle-tree. D. SE. T. S.h.sh. 6-30 ft. Sp.7.

Celastrus. Staff-tree. D. CI. 12-20 ft. Sp. 1.

Hartogia. E. S. 1-2 ft. Sp. 1.

Myginda. E. S. 3-4 ft, Sp. 1.
Ord. 54. Sapotaceje. Sapotads. (Lindl. 227; Loud. 46.)

Argania. E. S. W. Sp. 1.

Eumelia. SE. T. S. h. sh. 8-15 ft. Sp. 5.
Ord. 55. Styracace^e. Storaxworts. (Lindl. 228; Loud. 44, 45.)

Styrax. D. S. 4-10 ft. Sp. 4.

Halesia. Snowdrop -tree. D. T. 10-30 ft. Sp. 3
Alliance 25. GENTIANALES. (V. K. 45.)

Ord. 56. Ebenaceje. Ebenads. (Lindl. 229 ; Loud. 47.)

Dyospyrus. Date-plum. D. T. 20-30 ft. Sp. 4 ; v. 2.
Ord. 57. Aquifoliace^e. Hollyworts. (Lindl. 230 ; Loud. 21.)

Ilex. Holly. E. T. S. 10-40 ft. Sp. 12 ; v. 24.

Prinos. Winter-berry. D. E. S. 5-10 ft. Sp, 7.

Nemopantlies. D. S. 3-5 ft Sp. 2 ; v. 6.
Ord. 58. Apocynace^e. Dogbanes. (Lindl. 231 ; Loud. 50.)

Vinca. Periwinkle. E. S. 1-2 ft. Sp. 1 ; v. 6.
Atliance 26. SOLAN ALES. (V. K. 46.)

Ord. 59. Oleace^e. Oliveworts, (Lindl. 237 ; Loud. 48.)
Sub-ord. 1. Ole^e.

Chionanthus. Fringe-tree. D. S. 5-10 ft. Sp. 1 ; v. 3.

Olea. Olive. E. S. W. Sp. 1.

Phillyrea. E. T. S. 5-30 ft. Sp. 9.

Ligustrum. Privet. E. D. S. 6-12 ft. Sp. 3 ; v. 6.
Sub-ord. 2. Fraxine^e.

Fraxinus. Ash. D. T. 30-100 ft Sp. 20 ; v. 24.

Ornus. Flowering Ash. D. T. 20-40 ft Sp. 4.

SYNOPSIS. 317

Fontanesia. SE. S. 8-12 ft. Sp. 1.

Syringa. Lilac. D. S. 6-14 ft. Sp. 4 ; v. 8.

Forsythia. D. S. 8-10 ft. Sp. 1.
Ord. 60. Solanace^e. NigUshades. (Lindl. 238 ; Loud. 53.)

Fabiana. E. S. W. 8-10 ft. Sp. 1.

Solanum. Nightshade. SE. 01. 20-30 ft. Sp. 1.

Atropa. Deadly Nightshade. D. CI. 6^8 ft. Sp. 1.

Grabowskia. D. S. 6-8 ft. Sp. 1.

Lycium. Box-thorn. D. 01. 6-30 ft. Sp. 6.
Ord. 61. Asclepiadace^e. Asclepiads. (Lindl. 229; Loud. 51.)

Periploca. Virginian Silk. D. CI. Sp. 1.

Alliance 27. ECHIALES. (V. K. 48 )

Ord. 62. Jasminace^e. Jasimineworts. (Lindl. 249 ; Loud. 49.)

Jasminum. Jasmine. SE. S. 6-12 ft. Sp. 7; v. 3.
Ord. 63. Lamiace^e. Labiates. (Lindl. 255; Loud. 55.)

Lavandula. Lavender. E. S. 2-4 ft. Sp. 1.

Rosmarinus. Rosemary. E. S. 3-5 ft. Sp. 1.

Phlomis. E. S. 4-5 ft. Sp. 1.
Ord. 64. Verbenace^e. Verbens. ( Lindl. 256 ; Loud. 56.)

Vitex. Chaste-tree. B. S. 6-8 ft. Sp. 3 ; v. 1.
Ord. 65. Myoporace^e. Mygporads. (Lindl. 257.)

Myoporum. E. S. sh. 1-3 ft. Sp. 1.
Alliance 28. BIGNONIALES. (V. K. 49.)

Ord. 66. Bignoniace^e. Bignoniads. (Lindl. 262; Loud. 52.)

Bignonia. Trumpet-flower. D. S. CI. W. Sp. 1.

Tecoma. D. CI. Sp. 2.

Catalpa. D. T. h. sh. Sp. 1.
Ord. 67. Schrophulariace^e. Figworts. (Lindl. 264; Loud. 54.)

Maurandia. S. E. CI. W. Sp. 1.

Pawlownia. D. T. sh. 20-40 ft. Sp. 1.

Buddlea. D. S. 8-12 ft. Sp. 1.
Alliance 29. CAMPANALES. (V. K. 50.)

Ord. 68. Asteracejs. Composites. (Lindl. 273 ; Loud. 42.)

Aster. Starwort. D. S. sh. 4-5 ft. Sp. 2.

Artemisia. Wormwood, D. S. 3-4 ft. Sp. 1,
Alliance 30. MYRTALES. (V. K. 51.)

Ord. 69. Alangiace^e. Alangiads. (Lindl. 275; Loud. 61.)

Nyssa. Jupelo. D. T. 10-15 ft. Sp. 4.
Ord. 70. Myrtace^e. Myrtleblooms. (Lindl. 282 ; Loud. 74.)

Punica. Pomegranate, D. S. W, Sp. 1 ; v. 5.

Myrtus. Myrtle. E. S. W. Sp. i ; v. 2.

318 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Alliance 31. GROSSALES. (Y. K. 52.)

Ord. 71. Grossulariace^e. Ourrantworts. (Lindl. 287 ; Loud, 32.)

Ribes. Currant. D. S. 2-10 ft. Sp. 45 ; v. 37.
Ord. 72. Escalloniace^e. Escalloniads. (Lindl. 288 ; Loud. 33.)

Escallonia. SE. S. 3-10 ft. Sp. 4; v. 3.

Itea. D. S. 2-5 ft. Sp. 1.
Ord. 73. Philadelphace^e. Syringas. (Lindl. 289 ; Loud. 30.)

Philadelphus. Mock Orange. D. S. 3-10 ft. Sp. 12 ; v. 4*

Decumaria. D. S. W. 4-5 ft. Sp. 1.

Deutzia. D. S. 3-10 ft. Sp. 2; v. 4.
Alliance 32. CINCHONALES. (Y. K. 54.)

Ord. 74. Yaociniace^e. Cranberries. (Lindl. 291 ; Loud. 43.)

Yaccinium. Bleaberry, Whortleberry. D. E. S. 1-10 ft. Sp.
32 ; v. 10.

Oxycoccos. Cranberry. SE. S. Tr. ^-2 ft. Sp. 3.
Ord. 75. Caprifoliace^e. Caprifoils. (Lindl. 294 ; Loud. 40.)
Sub-ord. 1. Lonicere^e.

Symphoricarpui*. Snowball-berry. D. S. 3-6 ft. Sp.4;v. 1,

Dervilla. D. S. 3-4 ft. Sp. 1.

Weigelia. D. S. 4-6 ft, Sp. 1.

Leycesteria. SE. S. W. 5-7 ft, Sp. 1.

Oaprifoliura. Honeysuckle. D. S. Sp. 18.
Sub-ord. 2. Sambuce^e.

Yiburnum. Wayfaring -tree, Lauristine. D. E. S. 5-12 ft*
Sp. 19 ; v. 11.

Sambucus. Elder. D. T. S, 4-30 ft. Sp. 4 ; v. 8.
Alliance 33. UMBELLALES. (Y. K. 55.)

Ord. 76. Apiacejl. Umbellifers. (Lindl. 296.)

Bupleurum. SE. S. 4-6 ft. Sp. 2.
Ord. 77. ArAliace^e. Ivyworts. (Lindl. 297 ; Loud. 36.)

Aralia. Angelica-tree. D. S. 5-12 ft. Sp. 2.

Hedera. Ivy. E. CI. Sp. 6 ; v. 8.
Ord. 78. Cornace^e. Cornels. (Lindl. 298; Loud. 37.)

Benthamia. SE. S. sli. 5-12 ft. Sp. 1.

Cornus. Dogwood. I). S. 5-20 ft. Sp. 1 ; v. 2.

Aucuba. E. S. 4-10 ft. Sp. 1.
Ord. 79. Hamamelidace^e. Witch Hazels. (Lindl. 299 ; Loud. 37.)

Hamamelis. Witch Hazel. D. T. 15-25 ft. Sp. 1 ; y. 2.

Fothergilla. D. S. 3-6 ft. Sp. 1 ; v. 2.
Alliance 34. ASARALES. (Y. K. 56.)

Ord. 80. Santalace^e. Sandalworts. (Lindl. 301 ; Loud. 61.)

Osyris. JPuet' s Cassia. SB. Tr. Sp. 1.

SYNOPSIS.

319

Ord. 81. Loranthaceje. Loranths. (Lindl. 302; Loud. 39.)

Viscum. Misseltoe. E. Parasite.
Ord. 82. Aristolochiaceje. Birthworts. (Lindl. 303 ; Loud. 63.)

Aristolochia. Birthwort. D. CI. Sp. 2.

Conspectus of the Classes, Alliances, and Orders
of the preceding Arrangement.

( The Number of Genera, Species, and Varieties are marked after each
Order.)

Class ENDOGENS.
Alliance 1. Liliales.
Ord. 1. Liliaceae.

Gen. 3 ; Sp. 17 ; v. 5.

Class DICTYOGENS.
Alliance 2. Diotyogens.
Ord. 2. Smilacese.
Gen. 1; sp. 16.

Class GYM NO GENS.
Alliance 3. Gymnogens.
Ord. 3. Pinaceae. 17 ; 149 ; 45.
Abietece.
Cupresseaz.
4. Taxaeeae. 5 ; 11 ; 5.
Gen. 22; sp. 160; v. 50.

Class EXOGENS.
Alliance 4. Amentales.
Ord. 5. Casuarinaceae. 1 ; 1 ; 0.
Ord. 6. Betulaceae. 2 ; 23 ; 21.

7. Altingiaceae. 1 ; 2 ; 0.

8. Salicaceae. 2 ; 100 ; 30.

9. Myricacese. 2 ; 3 ; 1.
10. Elaeagnaceae. 3; 11; 6.

Gen. 11; sp. 140 ; v. 76.

Alliance 5. Urticales.
Ord. 11. Moraceae. 3; 6; 13.
12. Platanaceas. 1 ; 4 ; 13.
Gen. 4; sp. 10- v. 26.

Alliance 6. Euphorriales.
Ord. 13. Euphorbiaceae. 1 ; 2 ; 8.
14. Empetraceae. 1 ; 2 ; 8.
Gen. 2 ; sp. 4 ; v. 16.

Alliance 7. Quernales.
Ord. 15. Corylacese. 6 ; 49 ; 70.
16. Juglandaceae. 3 ; 13 ; 26.
Gen. 9; sp. 62 ; v. 76.

Alliance 8. Garryales.
Ord. 17. Garry aceae. 1 ; 2 ; 0.
Gen. 1 ; sp. 2.

Alliance 9. Menispermales.
Ord. 18. Menispermaceae.
Gen. 2 ; sp. 3.

Alliance 10. Violales.
Ord. 19. Flacourtiaceae. 1 ; 1 ; 0.
20. Tamaricaceae. 1 ; 2 ; 0.
Gen. 2 ; sp. 3.

Alliance 11. Cistales.
Ord. 21. Cistaceae. 2 ; 20 ; 20.
22. Brassicacese. 1 ; 1 ; 0.
Gen. 3 ; sp. 21 ; v. 20.

Alliance 12. Malvales.
Ord. 23. Malvaceae. 2 ; 2 ; 13.
24. Tiliaceae. 2 ; 4 ; 11.
Gen. 4 ; sp. 6 ; v. 24.

320

PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Alliance 13. Sapindales.
Ord. 25, Polygalaceae. 1 ; 1 ; 0.

26. Staphyleaceae. 1 ; 2 ; 0.

27. Sapindaceae. 3; 15; 7.

28. Aceracese. 2 ; 21 ; 19.
Gen. 7 ; sp. 39 ; v. 26.

Alliance 14. Guttiferales.
Ord. 29. Ternstrcemiaceae. 3; 4; 0.
30. Hypericaceae. 1 ; 9 ; 2.
Gen. 4 ; sp. 13 ; v. 2.

Alliance 15. Ran ales.
Ord. 31. Magnoliaceae. 2; 11; 11.

32. Anonaceae. 1 ; 1 ; 0.

33. Ranunenlaceae. 4; 21; 24.
Gen. 7 ; sp. 33 ; v. 35.

Alliance 16. Berberales.
Ord. 34. Berberidacese. 2 ; 26 ; 11.

35. Vitaceae. 2 ; 6 ; 3.

36. Pittosporaceae. 3; 3; 0.
Gen. 7; sp. 35; v. 14.

Alliance 17. Ericales.
Ord. 37. Ericaceae.

Ericeae. 11; 69; 46.
Rhododendreas. 6; 61; 120.
Gen. 17; sp. 130; v. 166.

Alliance 18. Rutales.
Ord. 38. Anacardiaceae. 3 ; 14 ; 15.

39. Xanthoxylaceae. 3 ; 4 ; 2.

40. Ochnaceae. 1 ; 1 ; 0.
Gen. 7 ; sp. 19 ; y. 17.

Alliance 19. Silenales.
Ord. 41. Polygonaceae.
Gen. 3 ; sp. 6.

Alliance 20. Chenopodales.
Ord. 42. Chenopodiaceae.
Gen. 3 ; sp. 5.

Alliance 21. Daphnales.
Ord. 43. Thymelaceae. 3 ; 16 ; 6.

Ord. 44. Lauraceae. 1 ; 1 ; 6.
Gen. 4 ; sp. 17 ; v. 12.

Alliance 22. Rosales.
Ord. 45. Calycanthaceae. 2; 12; 12.

46. Fabaceae. 25 ; 130 ; 69.

47. Dupraceae. 5 ; 52 ; 52.

48. Pomaceae. 8 ; 97 ; 98.

49. Rosacea?. 7 ; 108 ; 54.
Gen. 47 ; sp. 399 ; v. 285.

Alliance 23. Saxifragales.
Ord. 50. Hydrangeaceae.
Gen. 1; sp. 6 ; v. 1.

Alliance 24. Rhamnale&
Ord. 51. Ulmacese. 3 ; 33 ; 44.

52. Rhamnaceae. 6 ; 27 ; 6.

53. Celestraceae. 4 ; 10 ; 0.

54. Sapotaceae. 2 ; 6 ; 0.

55. Styraceae. 2 ; 7 ; 0.
" Gen. 17; sp. 83; y. 50.

Alliance 25. Gentianales.
Ord. 56. Ebenaceae. 1 ; 4; 2.

57. Aquifoliaceae. 4 ; 20 ; 30.

58. Apocynaceae. 1 ; 1 ; 6.
Gen. 6 ; sp. 25 ; v. 38.

Alliance 26. Solanales.
Ord. 59. Oleaceae.

Oleae. 4 ; 14 ; 9.
Fraxineae. 5 ; 30 ; 32.

60. Solanaceae. 5 ; 10 ; 0.

61. Asclepiadaceae. 1 ; 1 ; 0.
Gen. 15 ; sp. 55 ; v. 41.

Alliance 27. Echiales.
Ord. 62. Jasmin aceae. 1 ; 7 ; 3.

63. Lamiaceae. 3; 3; 0.

64. Verbenaceae. 1 ; 3 ; 1.

65. Myoporaceae. 1 ; 1 ; 0.
Gen. 6 ; sp. 14 ; v. 4

SYNOPSIS.

321

Alliance 28. Bignoniales.
Ord. 66. Bignoniaceae. 3 ; 4 ; 0.
67. Schrophulariaceae. 3; 3; 0.
Gen. 3 ; sp. 7.

Alliance 29. Campanales.
Ord. 68. Asteraceae. 2 ; 3 ; 0.
Composite.
Gen. 2 ; sp. 3.

Alliance 30. Myrtales.
Ord. 69. Alangeaceae. 1 ; 4 ; 0.
70, Myrtacese. 2 ; 2 ; 7.
Gen. 3 ; sp. 6 ; v. 7.

Alliance 31. Grossalbs.
Ord. 71. Grossulariaceae. 1 ; 45 ;
37.

72. Escalloniaceae. 2 ; 5 ; 8.

73. Philadelphaceae. 3; 15; 16.
Gen. 6 ; sp. 65 ; v. 41.

Alliance 32. Cinchonales.
Ord. 74. Vacciniaceae. 2 ; 25 ; 10.
75. Caprifoliaceae. 8; 60; 27

Lonicercce.

Sambucece.
Gen. 10 ; sp. 95 ; v. 37.

Alliance 33. Umbellales.
Ord. 76. Apiaeeae. 1; 2; 0.

77. Araliaceae. 2 ; 8 ; 8.

78. Cornaceae. 3 ; 3 ; 2.

79. Hamamelidaceae. 2; 2; 4.
Gen. 8 ; sp. 15 ; v. 14.

Alliance 34. Asarales.
Ord. 80. Santalaceae. 1; 1; 0.

81. Loranthaceae. 1; 1; 0.

82. Aristolochiaceae. 1; 2; 0.
Gen. 3 ; sp. 4.

Note. — The extent to which the varieties of plants
and trees in the arboretum may be carried is to be
measurably governed by the locality. Liberal as the
foregoing list may appear, it can be largely and profit-
ably extended by selections from our American forests,
while some of the trees and plants named should be ex-
cluded, from their unsuitableness to the climate. — Ed.

A careful inspection of the preceding synopsis will
suggest most of the scientific principles on which the
arrangement of an arboretum must proceed. It will
be understood that the individual species of plants
unite to form genera, the lowest but most perfect com^
binations of vegetables that exist in nature. It will
also be perceived that cognate genera coalesce into
orders, which are the next important aggregations ;
and these orders, bv a highly refined analysis and
14*

322 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

synthesis of characters, are made to comprise alliances
and classes. These successive combinations, then, give
rise to what we may call generic, cardinal, allied, and
classific groupings; the last, however, we mention
chiefly for the sake of completeness, because, though
carefully preserved, it will be almost invisible, except
in one or two cases, on account of the multitude of
subordinate members which it includes. Every one
will admit the propriety of planting each genus by
itself, and this accordingly is the first step in the ar-
rangement. But the genera, as spread out on the
ground, may be combined into orders; and these
orders, again, may be made to occupy such positions
that the allied races, or " alliances," may be marshaled
together in space, and may be exhibited to the eye in
living presence as well as presented to the understand-
ing in theory. It is to the proper collocation of the
orders and alliances that attention must be chiefly
directed in the scientific treatment of the arboretum.

A consideration of the synopsis will bring out other
important results. By tracing the numbering of the
orders and alliances, as quoted from "The Vegetable
Kingdom" of Dr. Lindley, the reader will observe
that many of the orders, alliances, and even classes,
which exist in a complete system of plants, are ex-
cluded from our list by the conditions imposed by our
cold climate and the arborescent growth of the subjects
employed. The orders that remain are often found
in a sadly mutilated state. In the Fabaceoe, for exam-
ple — the old "pea tribe," or the Papilionaceous order,
as it was wTont to be called — the genera, as estimated
in "The Vegetable Kingdom," amount to 467, while
we have been able to assign only twenty-five as

PLANTING AN AJRBORETUM. 323

available to our present purpose. It is hardly needful
to point out the immense disruption of affinities these
chasms must cause, both in the alliances and the in-
ternal structure of the orders. Hence the arrangements
of an arboretum can be at best only fragmentary ; but
that is no reason for neglecting or disregarding the
materials for combination which are within our reach.
The fragments that remain to us are capable of assum-
ing a highly scientific form, and so may be invested
with attractive interest. -

Now, in planting the trees and shrubs of an arbore-
tum we might begin at one end of the classification,
it matters not at which, and taking the first genus that
came to hand, we might put down its species in a
straight or curved line, or double line, and we might
proceed to the other genera successively, till we had
gone through the whole series, as we would wind off
a thread from a reel. The lines might be drawn along
a border within the four sides of an inclosure, or might
occupy narrow parallel borders, separated by walks,
or might assume the form of a spiral, running from
the exterior of the space to its center, or reversely.
This is what we have already called the li?iear arrange-
ment ; but though it has been adopted in some nurse-
ries for the sake of mercantile convenience, it is highly
objectionable in various points of view. Not to speak
at present of the sacrifice of beauty thus made, it is
evident that this collocation preserves only the affini-
ties which a genus or order bears to that immediately
preceding, and to the other immediately succeeding ;
and these undoubtedly do not include the whole of its
relations. As already noticed, Dr. Lindley, in his
" Vegetable Kingdom,55 appends to each of his orders

324 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

an instructive exhibition of its position; that is, he
puts the order in question in the center, and right and
left of it the two orders in main affinity, while two in
weaker affinity are placed over and under it at right
angles. We have thus a star, composed of a nucleus
and four rays, and it is probable that it would be
easy, in some cases, to multiply the rays considerably.
Something of this kind ought to be adopted on the
ground ; but it is not difficult to perceive that the stellar
arrangement, if attempted to be strictly carried out in
practice, would lead to great complication of figure, and,
from the interlacing of affinities, might produce inextri-
cable confusion. The orders, then, must be formed
into minor groups or masses of varying form and size,
according to their extent — some genera will require a
considerable group for themselves — and these subor-
dinate members must be combined and coordinated
in conformity with the principles of the alliance of
which they form parts. Only the main relations can
be taken into account; and the combination should
approach that of a map, according to the old illustra-
tion, suggested, we believe, by Linnaeus himself. Let
the reader take a colored map of England, and select
one of the midland counties — such as Leicestershire —
he will find six other counties conterminous with it,
and bounding it by frontier lines of varying form and
length. Nothing can afford a better image of an order
or alliance of orders, in the natural system, as repre-
sented on the ground. Of course, when planted, the
boundaries of the respective genera or orders must
not be in actual contact. They should be separated,
not by a dotted line as in maps, not by a narrow grass
verge as in some gardens, but by lawns of a sufficient

PLANTING AN ARBORETUM. 325

breadth to allow the distinctive characters of the
groups to be perceptible. The distance or proximity of
the groups — in other words, the breadths of the
lawns — are to be regulated according to the closer or
more remote characters of the prevailing affinities.

It is only in the botanic garden, in the public park,
or in private grounds where botanical characters are
in high consideration, that an arboretum, in its full
extent, can be arranged on strictly scientific principles.
Even in these the system can be carried out with rigid
precision only at the expense of some baldness, and
with no small allowance of the dotting nuisance. For
the sake of public instruction, or for other purposes, a
very complete collection may be desirable — the larger
the better, we wTould say ; but as no eye can possibly
command 2500 trees and shrubs at once, we should
be disposed to recommend the free use of those tall
and conspicuous genera and species which are natu-
rally fitted to harmonize the more discordant elements
of the scenery. It must be remembered that in every
collection of trees there are a variety of considerations
which must be taken into account, particularly in con-
nection with private residences. There is the interest
arising from the rarity of the species and the com-
pleteness of the assemblage — qualities that will have
preponderating weight where botanical partialities are
strong. There is the satisfaction derived from^contem-
plating the beauty and magnitude of particular speci-
mens of trees ; and that will be chiefly affected by the
lovers of arboriculture in itself. And the student of
the picturesque will be attracted by the peculiar phys-
iognomy of uncommon plants and by the scenic effect
of the whole. Some of these features of an arboretum,

326 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

as separable from its strictly scientific character, we
shall endeavor to review in the following section.

Note. — The planter of an arboretum must bear in
mind that none but plants suited to the soil, as well as
climate, will give him satisfaction in their growth and
development. The qualities of moisture, and dryness,
to which they are partial, should also be studied; for
while many varieties will bear a wide range of either,
others can only be successfully propagated in such soils
as correspond to their native localities. — Ed.

Sect. II. — Decorative Treatment of an Arboretum.

In this part of our subject, we return to the princi-
pal object of our little work, viz: the adornment of
country residences. It is to be presumed, that there
are few who are willing to contemplate a living col-
lection of trees and shrubs without experiencing the
pleasurable emotions which their elegance of form and
beauty of tint are fitted to inspire. In such as would
dispense with these enjoyments, the scientific instinct
must be very strong indeed. We trust that the vast
majority of our readers would rejoice to find a new
source of pleasure in an ornamental assemblage of
plants. We come, then, to consider how, in the con-
struction, of an arboretum, the botanic interest may be
modified, and its scientific rigor softened, while its
exactness may not be seriously impaired.

In the arrangement of the arboretum, there are cer-
tain orders and alliances which include the trees of
largest growth ; these claim special attention for the
selection of their position, as they not only require a

DECORATIVE TREATMENT OF AN ARBORETUM. 327

liberal allowance of space, but also become the princi-
pal objects on account of their breadth and altitude.
They are mostly to be found in Alliances 3, 4, 7, 12,
13, 22, 24, 26. In distributing them on the ground,
their groups, of whatever rank they may be — i. e.
whether generic, ordinal, or allied — should be so
managed as not only to be in requisite union with the
cognate families of humbler growth, but also to be-
come the leading and most conspicuous features of
the scene. Where this expedient is properly employed,
it will add much variety to the whole, and will pro-
duce a greatly superior effect to that attained by a
mere botanical succession, or by the intermingling of
many genera in the same group, or wThere the place
assigned to each plant is determined by its stature, and
not by its generic character. Though we disapprove
of the intermingling of genera with each other, we
hold that many of them may be put in juxtaposition.
There are even certain alliances in which the numbers
of genera and species are so limited that they may
very properly form combined groups, as in the follow-
ing associated pairs: 8-9, 10-11, 19-20, 27-28, 29-30.
Between the different groups of trees and shrubs,
lawns of varying breadth should be interposed ; the
broader lawns being partly occupied with clumps of
low-growing trees and shrubs, and the narrower glades
being left entirely open. The distance at which the
trees and shrubs should be planted in their respective
groups must depend on the magnitude which the indi-
vidual species acquire in this country. While there
should be space for a pretty full development of each,
they should, generally speaking, not be placed at such
distances apart as to prevent various members of the

328 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

group from coming into contact with each other, when
they have attained a considerable size. At the same
time, the finer and more graceful forms should be so
stationed as to appear to the greatest advantage; and
to those that are less important may be assigned in-
ferior places. The margins of the large groups may
be feathered by smaller ones, or by single trees and
shrubs ; but this must be done so irregularly, and with
such a leaning forward in the major mass, or with such
other relation between it and the single trees, as to
obviate the effect of dotting, which, as the besetting
sin of arboretums, ought to be carefully guarded
against.

On ground with a flat surface, and soil of a uniform
quality, a combined botanical and pictorial grouping
of the whole collection will be the principal object of
study. Certain shrubs will require special soils, such
as peat and sand, and these should be formed for them.
Where there is a considerable diversity of surfaces
and soils, attention ought to be directed not only to
the grouping on the principles already indicated, but
also to the effect of the proposed distribution in rela-
tion to the surface which is to be covered, and to the
soils on which the plants are to grow. We must con-
sider what group will appear to most advantage on a
given hill, or knoll, or slope, or hollow, and whether
also the soils of these may not be more suitable for
one order or family than for another. A fine hollow
with moist soil might seem, at first sight, to promise a
propitious site for willows, alders, and poplars; and
yet, on examination, it may be found that such locality
may be better adapted, both in reference to beauty
and luxuriance of growth, for the hardier sorts of what

DISCRIMINATIVE TREATMENT OF SURFACES. 329

are usually called American shrubs. On the other
hand, it may be ascertained, with some degree of cer-
tainty, that the low, damp space referred to would
prove injurious to the more tender pines, eistus, mag-
nolias, and arbutus. The diversities of climate arising
from differences in exposure and evaporation, even
within the limited space of a dozen acres, is often very
considerable. We are aware, that to attend properly
to these and similar considerations is no easy matter;
but they do not on that account lose their importance,
and they should, if possible, receive the attention
which is due to them.

In an arboretum arranged on strictly botanical prin-
ciples, there is an invariable deficiency of the effect
produced by evergreen trees, as these valuable means
of decoration are mostly confined to Orders 3 and 4,
viz : Coniferm and Taxacece, and in the method pro-
posed they are all placed in one locality. To counter-
act or contrast with the bare and impoverished aspect,
during winter, of the deciduous tribes which pervade
the arboretum, we would recommend the severance
of these evergreen orders into generic, or even sub-
generic groups, which, if properly distributed and
connected, would tend to relieve the effect adverted
to, without their losing, to any considerable extent,
their rightful position in their own orders. But even
if their ordinary continuity were to suffer interruption,
it were better that it should be so, than that they
should all be confined to one place. We also recom-
mend the employment of the ordinary evergreen shrubs
as promiscuous underwood, in many of the tall decidu-
ous groups ; this will not materially affect their scien-
tific character, while it imparts to the whole grouping

330 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

a more clothed character, and improves the general
effect of the ornamental scenery.

Hitherto we have been adverting to an arboretum
formally constructed as such, and of considerable ex-
tent ; we may now view it as an appendage to the park
and pleasure-grounds of a country residence. In such
a case, its site should be chiefly in the pleasure-grounds,
where it can be mingled with, or made to form a part
of the dressed grounds. Such a position is generally
advantageous, as the walks and keeping of the envi-
rons afford great facilities for the culture and the dis-
play of trees and shrubs. We would, however, by
no means recommend the occupation of the whole
grounds with a botanical arboretum. A place of this
description would present numerous groups of a scien-
tific character ; but the incessant variation of the forms
and foliage of the trees and shrubs would certainly
diminish greatly, if it did not altogether destroy, the
harmonious repose produced by considerable masses
of the same kind of tree. Groups composed of single
specimens of the different species of oaks, (Quercus,)
elms, (Ulmus,) planes, (Acer,) etc., would be utterly
deficient in that graceful and impressive dignity which
is exhibited by large groups and masses of the English
oak and other common species of the above mentioned
genera. We do not deny that there are other species
of these genera but little known, which would be as
effective were they treated in the same way ; but we
mean that in ornamental planting there must be some
breadth of the same boughs and foliage before any
pleasure can be conveyed to the mind apart from the
interest created by variety.

In making part of the pleasure-grounds the basis of

ARBORETUMS IN PRIVATE RESIDENCES. 331

the arboretum, we would form the large groups or
masses of a magnitude proportioned to the extent of
the place, and we would plant them with the finest
trees, whether old or new, to constitute the leading
features of the scene. Taking these as the ground-
work, we would relieve or set them off by single trees
of the species belonging to the same genera, throwing
groups of a similar composition into the adjacent places
of the park ; or, using the same groundwork as before,
we would introduce generic^ ordinal^ or allied groups
of selected species into such positions as would con-
tribute to the variety and beauty of the whole. We
strongly recommend the selection of materials to pro-
prietors forming arboretums in the vicinity of private
residences. There are some hundreds of trees and
shrubs which may safely be left to the botanic garden
&nd public park. Probably there are few genera which
deserve to be taken in the whole. On the other hand,
there are many fine trees and shrubs but little planted,
which, with judicious treatment, might tend to remove
the reproach of " the shrubbery's insipid scenes."
Much remains to be done in this way ; and it is not to
be doubted, that a moderate-sized but well-selected
arboretum is the most effectual means of doing it. It
may be added, that, though the pleasure-ground affords
the most desirable site for the arboretum, there are
many parks in which it may be planted in the woods,
especially where there are walks, or where they can
easily be formed. On the outskirts of the woods, or
along the sides of open rides penetrating into their
interior, a pretty full arboretum might be formed, com-
posed of trees and of the stronger and less ornamen-
tal shrubs, reserving the more showy or less hardy

332 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

species of both for the decoration of the dressed grounds.
An arboretum in the woods might exhibit more of the
linear arrangement than is admissible in any other
situation; and the irritative variety, which is felt to
be so offensive in the pleasure-ground, would be soft-
ened, if not wholly sunk in the ponderous masses of
the surrounding trees.

Note. — To such as possess the opportunity, with suf-
ficient means, taste, and leisure to get up an arboretum
in the proper way, it will be a most delightful occupa-
tion. We know of no complete thing of the kind yet
attempted in the United States. An arboretum should
be adopted at some appropriate spot attached to an
institution of learning or science in every one of our
states ; and as we progress in science, art, and refine-
ment, arboretum s will j3robably be attempted by state
or corporate authority. A single life is too short to
produce mature effect in a work of such magnitude,
and they should hardly be attempted, except under
the perpetuated existence of an institution, either state
or corporate, where the full effect sought by such a
work may be accomplished. — Ed.

THE PINETUM. 333

CHAPTER XIV.

THE PINETUM.

Remarks on Special Collections of Trees — The Pinetum — Materials
and Arrangement — Enumeration of Species, with Observations on
the Groups — Effects of Climate — Soil — Early Cultivation of the
Plants — Planting of the Pinetum — Pruning of the Trees — Deco-
rative Treatment of the Pinetum.

Many persons, whose limited domains do not per-
mit, or whose scientific zeal does not incite them to
plant an arboretum, may yet be induced to form ex-
tensive collections of a few particular genera. A
botanist, for example, may begin by cultivating a few
willows, in order to study their characters at his leis-
ure, and he may add to his stock till it swells out to a
magnitude approaching that magnificent Salicetum
existing at Woburn Abbey. So a lover of wild roses
may extend his attention and predilection to the whole
of the species and numerous varieties of that beautiful
family; and such has been the origin of many fine
rosaries. We should like to see this method of special
culture more frequently exemplified. We have ob-
served a long walk in a pleasure-ground, skirted by a
row of oaks, exhibiting many diversified seminal vari-
eties, if not distinct species, and the thought occurred
that it would be a fine thing to have a broad ride bor-
dered with oaks in the sunny expanse of a wide park,

334- PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

or in the open glades of a sheltered forest. We are
assured that a quercetum, an aceretum, and various
other analogous collections, might be formed, possess-
ing great value in themselves, and imparting a decided
character to a place which, from its limited extent, or
other circumstances, might be naturally uninteresting.

The pinetum is unquestionably the most important
of all the special collections of trees, whether as a
member of a general arboretum or as planted by itself;
and accordingly it is deservedly receiving increasing
attention throughout the country. From the low banks
of the Thames to the subalpine slopes of the Gram-
pians, it is year after year more frequently planted.
This very interesting collection of trees is composed
of the natural families of pine, cypress, yew, and other
kindred races, or what, in popular, though not very
accurate language, are called Conifers. At present,
there are in cultivation about twenty hardy genera,
and nearly two hundred and eighty distinct species
and varieties, which, with the exception of about fif-
teen, are evergreen. From a fourth to a third of the
whole may be considered sub-hardy in many localities.
A number of them are shrubs ; but the most are tali
trees, even in this country, and in their native habitats
some attain a prodigious altitude. Deducting the low
and bushy sorts, there still remain a sufficient number,
when one of a species or variety in the extensive gen-
era, and one or two in the smaller are employed, espe-
cially if well arranged in generic and subdivisional
order, to furnish an evergreen arboretum of several
acres, room being allowed for the full development of
the trees.

In order to render our observations intelligible, as

endlicher's arrangement. 335

well as to have an opportunity of conveying useful
information, we deem it needful to give an enumera-
tion of the species which have been ascertained, or
may be expected to live and thrive in our climate.
We adopt the scientific arrangement and nomenclature
of Endlicher, as best suited to our present purpose.*
To the several groups and subdivisions we shall append
brief remarks on their respective characters, or on
other matters connected with them worthy of notice.
At the end of the chapter, we shall offer some general
observations on the influence of soil and climate in
relation to these trees, and on the pictorial arrange-
ment of the Pinetum as a whole. The reader is re-
quested to remember that when no indication is given
the species is known to be hardy ; that M denotes that
this character is doubtful ; s h means sub-hardy ; and
that the figures attached to the right of the specific
names mark the average or probable height in feet.
An asterisk is prefixed to a few species not yet intro-
duced into this country.

* It will be observed that the arrangement of Endlicher, taken from his " Synopsis
Coniferarum," and corresponding to the class and alliance Gymnogtns of Lindley,
differs in the order of sequence from that given from "The Vegetable Kingdom," in
our Synopsis of Orders in the chapter on The Arboretum. We do not profess to
adjudicate on their respective scientific merits. Perhaps the latter is better adapted
to express the external relations of the Order in a general system. In a detached
Pinetum, we should prefer Endlicher' s subdivisions. The reader may adopt either,
as it suits his convenience.

Much valuable and interesting information, regarding pines and the kindred genera,
may be found in Messrs. Lawson and Son's "List of Plants of the Fir Tribe," and in
Messrs. Knight and Perry's "Synopsis of the Coniferous Plants grown in Great
Britain."

336

PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

SYNOPSIS

OF THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE PINETUM.

ORDERS.

SUBORDERS. GENERA.

GROUPS.

- Caryocedrus.

' Juniperin^e Juniperus. ... <

Oxycedrus.
. Sabina.

. ( Callitris.

AOTINOSTROBEiE < _ .. .

( Libocedrus.

/ Biota.

CUPRESSlJSTEiE <

„ 1 Thuia.
Thuiopside^e.. •< ^, .

1 Thuiopsis.

' Fitzroya.

CupressinejE C Cupressus.

vera \ Chamsecypari

s.

/ Taxodium.

^Taxodinea / Glyptostrobus.

( Cryptomeria.

'Tsuga.

Abies.

•

Picea.

Larix.

Cedrus.

Abietinea vera Pinus <

Cembra.
Strobus.
Pseudo-Strobus.

ABIETINE^E.. <

Taeda.

.

Pinaster.

k Pinea.

Araucariea Araucaria.

_, ( Cunninghami

CuNNINGHAMIEA < «

a.

r Podocarpus.
PODOC A&PtM ; 1 Microcachrys.

I Saxe-Gotbea.

!Sa]isburia.
Cephalotaxus.
Torreya,
Taxus.

TAXINEJE .

LIST OF PINES.

337

Order I. CUPEESSINE^.

Suborder I. JUNIPERINJE.
Gen. 1. JUNIPERUS.

Juniperus. — Group 1. Caryocedrus.
1. J. dupracea, bush.

Juniperus. — Group 2. Oxyccdrus.

2. J. macrocarpa, 10-12 ft.

3. J. Oxycedrus, 10-12 ft.

4. J. rufescens, bush.

5. J. brevifolia.

6. J. hemisphserica, 1-3 ft.

7. J. nana, 3-5 ft.

8. J. alpina.

In this group, none of the sorts reach the habit of trees. The foliage

of 2, 7, 13, is of a light green, with a glaucous hue ; 10 and 11 are of a
deep green. Those of an erect form, 2, 3, 11, 12, 13, group well with
spreading shrubs. 12 has fine drooping branchlets ; the others are suit-
able for rockworks or for covering bare sandy knolls.

9. J. communis, 4-20 ft

10. J. vulgaris, bush.

11. J. Hispanica, 10-15 ft.

12. J. Caucasica, busk.

13. J. arborescens, 10-18 ft

*14. J. rigida.

*15. J. taxifolia.

16. J.

17. J.

18. J.

19. J.

20. J.

21. J.

22. J.

23. J.

24. J.

25. J.

26. J.

27. J.

28. J.

29. J.

30. J.

prostrata.
recurva, shrub.
squamata, 3-6 ft.
Davurica, tree.
Chinensis, 20-30 ft.
Pseudo-Sabina, bush,
Sabina, 3-4 ft.

humilis.

variegata.

sabinoides, bush.
oophora, s h, bush.
foetidissima, tree,
excelsa, tree.

Juniperus. — Group 3. Sabina.

31. J. occidentalis, h? 15-30 ft

32. J. Virginiana, 20-30 ft.

33. J. — australis.

34. J. variegata.

35. J. glauca, h?

36. J. argentea.

37. J. pendula.

38. J, Mexicana, h? tree.

39. J. flaccida, h? tree.

40. J. Bermudiana, h? tree.

41. J. tetragona, h? shrub.

42. J. Phoenicea, sclerocarpa.

43. J. malacocarpa.

44. J. sphasrica, tree.

procera, tree.

45. J, Gossinthanea, hf
47. J. gracilis.

15

Position Doubtful.

46. J. Japonica.
Doubtful Species.

48. J. cernua.

338 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

49. J. dimorpha. 53. J. racemosa.

50. J. aquatica. 54. J. prostrata.

51. J. glauca. 55. J. religiosa.

52. J. Cedro.

The size and forms of the species of this group are very varied ; 27,
28, and 31 are pyramidal ; 20 and 26 are oblongated, as is also 32 when
young ; 17 and 37 are fine shrubs with erect branches and pendulous
branchlets ; 26 and 44 are erect, with loose spreading branches : 42 is
pyramidal, with slender weeping branches ; 16, 23. 24 are prostrate
shrubs. The foliage of 21, 36, 39 is of a light silvery green ; 28, 34, of
a glaucous green ; 22 and 32, of a somber "green, and the latter with a
glaucous tint ; 18, 25, 27, 32, 41, are of a dark green color. J. procera
(30) is a large useful timber tree in Abyssinia.

Suborder II. ACTINOSTROBEJE,

Gen. 1. CALLITRIS.
1. C. Quadrivalvis, h? tree.

Gen. 2. LIBOCEDRUS.

1. L. Boniana, hf 30-70 ft. 3. L. Chilensis.

2. L. tetragona.

Callitris is a large tree from Mount Atlas, with horizontal branches,
and shining green leaves. Libocedrus 2 and 3 are from the Andes of
Southern Chili and Patagonia, where, it is said, they rival Araucaria
imbricata, and are both very fine trees ; 3 has a pyramidal head resem-
bling the upright cypress, with drooping branchlets and vivid green
foliage.

Suborder III. THUIOPSIDEJE.

Gen. 1. BIOTA.

1. B. orientalis, 10-15 ft. 6. B. orientalis pyramidalis.

2. B. expansa. 7. B. Tartarica, tree.

3. B. glauca. 8. B. stricta, tree.

4. B. Nepalensis. 9. B. pendula, bush.

5. B. Sieboldii.

The species of Biota, or Chinese Arbor-vitce, form handsome erect
shrubs, of a compact habit and of rather slow growth. B. pendula (9)
is an elegant bush or small tree, with slender branches and thread-like
drooping branchlets. The foliage of 1 is bright green when young, ac-
quiring at length a dark somber color ; 3 has a light glaucous hue, and
9 a light green.

LIST OF PINES. 339

Gen. 2. THITIA.

1. T. occidentals, 20-30 ft 3. T. gigantea, hf 60-70 ft

2. T. plicata, tree.

These species, popularly called Arbor -vitce, are of more rapid growth
than those of the previous genus ; 1 is of an elongated pyramidal form
when young, becoming afterward more spreading and irregular, and is
of a light tawny green ; 3 is a handsome tree, with spreading branches.

Gen. 3. THUIOPSIS.
1. T. dolobrata, hf 2. T. flagelliformis, U

These are handsome trees, resembling the Arbor-vita1, but of doubtful
hardiness.

Gen. 4. FITZROYA.
1. F. Patagonica, 100 ft.

A beautiful evergreen tree recently introduced from Patagonia, with
drooping branches and shining green leaves ; it resembles Libocedrus
tetragona when old.

Suborder IV. CUPRESSINEJE VERM.

Gen. 1.

CUPRESSUS.

1.

C. horizontals, 30-40 ft.

7. C. thurifera, tree.

2.

C. sempervirens, 30-40 ft

8. C. funebris, 60 ft

3.

0. torulosa, 60-100 ft.

9. C. Uhdeana, tree.

4.

C. elegans.

10. C. Goveniana, 10 ft

5.

0. viridis.

11. C. macrocarpa, 60 ft.

6.

C. glauca hf 10-30 ft.

12. C. Lindleyi, tree.

This is a beautiful genus, of which most of the species have an erect
habit, with horizontal branches ; 2 has upright branches, and is the
well-known ornament of cemeteries on the shores of the Mediterranean;
6 is the cedar of Goa, a spreading tree with pendulous branches ; 8 has
been already described, p. 148; 11 has tabulated branches, like the Cedar
of Lebanon. The foliage of 1 and 2 is of a somber, 3, 6, 8 of a glaucous,
and 10 and 11 of a vivid green. C. macrocarpa is a good timber tree,
and thrives well in poor soils and exposed positions in England.

Gen. 2. CHAM&CYPARIS.

1. C. sphseroidea, tree. 6. C. ericoides, hf bush.

2. C. atrovirens. 7. C. Nutkaensis, tree.

3. C glauca. 8. C. thurifera, tree.

4. C. — follis variegatis. *9. C. obtusa, 60-80 ft

5. C. squarrosa, hf bush, *10. O. pisifera, tree.

340 PARKS AISTD PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

Some plants of 1, the white cedar, have a compact, and others a
spreading habit ; 3 has gracefully curved branches, with numerous
spreading branchlets. C. thurifera is a spreading tree. The foliage of 2
is of a deep green ; and that of 3 and 5 of a glaucous green.

Suborder V. TAXODINEM.
Gen. 1. TAXODIUM.

1. T. distichum, 50-100 ft. 3. T. microphyllum, hf

2. T. adscendens, hf tree. 4. T. Hugelii, hf tree.

This is a deciduous family, with beautiful light green foliage. T. dis-
tichum, the well known deciduous Cypress, is of a slender pyramidal
form, growing to a large size in England, as at Sion House ; but which,
though hardy in most places in Scotland, scarcely ever grows above 12
or 15 feet high. The other species are not more robust.

Gen. 2. GLYPTOSTROBUS.
1. G. heterophyllus, small tree. 2. G. pendula, hf bush.

This is a new genus established by Endlicher. The species are shrubs
or low trees, not yet much known.

Gen. 3. CRYPTOMERIA.
1. C. Japonica, hf 60-100 ft. 2. C. nana, hf hush.

The first species becomes a large tree in China ; but it is still doubtful
whether it will be more than a bush in this country. It succeeds best
in a mild, moist climate.

Order II. ABIETINE^E.

Suborder I. ABIETINEJE VERM.

Gen. 1. PINUS.

Pinus. — Group J . Tsuga.

(Cones drooping. Leaves solitary and flat.)

*1. P. Tsuga, 25-30 ft. 4. P. Douglasii, 150-200 ft.

2. P. Brunoniana, hf 70-80 ft. 5. P. — taxifolia.

3. P. Canadensis, 20-50 ft.

Species 1 has not yet been introduced ; 2 and 3 are broad bushy trees,
the latter, from its slow growth, is well adapted for the shrubbery ; 4 is
of a pyramidal form, of prodigious size, and of unusually rapid growth.
The foliage of 2 is glaucous, of 3 a dark, and of 4 a vivid green.

SYNOPSIS OF PINES. 341

Pinus. — Group 2. Abies, Endl.; Picea, Loud.; — Silver Firs.
(Cones axillary and upright. Leaves solitary, flat, silvery beneath.)

6. P. bracteata, 120 ft. *19. P. firma, tree.

7. P. nobilis, large tree. *20. P. homolepis, 20-30 ft.

8. P. Fraseri, 10-20 ft. *21. P. bifida.

9. P. nana. *22. P. concolor.

10. P. religiosa, s h. 23. P. balsamea, 40-50 ft.

11. P. Nordmanniana, 80 ft. 24. P. amabilis, 150-200 ft.

12. P. Abies du Roi, 50-100 ft 25. P. grandis, 170-200 ft.

Picea, Linn. Silver Fir, 26. P. lasiocarpa.

13. p. pendula. 27. P. Pindrow, 80-100 ft.

14. P. tortuosa. 28. P. Webbiana, h? 80-100 ft.

15. P. pyramidalis. 29. P. Pichta, 60-70 ft.

16. P. foliis variegatis. 30. P. Pinsapo, 60-70 ft.

•17. P. leioclada. *31. P. Mertensiana.

18. P. Cephalonica, 60 ft.

This is perhaps the most remarkable section in the family of Pines, in
respect to both the size and beauty of the trees. Their forms are gene-
rally pyramidal, or of the spiry cone. P. Abies, or Silver Fir, is a trun-
cated pyramid, and we believe that many of the others will approach
that form when they have grown long enough among us to attain to
their maturity. P. Pindrow and Webbiana, from the Himalayas,
assume a columnar shape. P. Cephalonica, if not a broad-headed tree,
has such long horizontal branches as to produce a very broad cone : the
same remark applies to P. Pinsapo. The form and disposition of the
branches impart the characteristic features of this group. In 7 and 29
they are flat and tabulated ,* in 18 and 30 they are rigid, horizontal, and
verticillate, giving a very symmetrical habit to the trees ; in 27 and 29
they are close, spreading in whoris, with drooping branchlets. The
foliage in 7, 18, and 30 is closely set : in 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 23, and 27
it is of a dark green ; in 29 of a vivid green ; in 18 and 30 of a lighter
vivid green ; in 11 of a light pale green ; and in 25 of a silvery green.
The branchlets of some sorts such as nobilis, Cephalonica, and Webbi-
ana, are liable to be injured by spring frosts when the trees are young ;
but if planted in shady places or in late situations they seldom receive
injury. The timber of the silver firs is generally of inferior quality. P.
Cephalonica produces hard and durable timber. Though many of this
group will thrive tolerably on poor ground, they attain much greater
perfection in soils of good quality. P. Webbiana thrives in poor clay
soils.

32.

P. Menziesii, tree.

46.

33.

P. alba, 50 ft.

47.

34.

P. nana.

48.

35.

P. rubra, 30 ft.

49.

36.

P. violacea.

50.

37.

p. _ — arctica.

51.

38.

P. longifolia.

M.

39.

P. nigra, 80 ft.

53.

40.

P. — — variegata.

*54.

41.

P. orientalis, tall tree.

*55.

42.

P. Picea du Roi. Abies,

Linn.

56.

100-150 ft.

*57.

43.

P. Clanbrasiliana, 3

v-i ft.

58.

44.

P. elegans, 1-

-3 ft.

59.

45.

P. — - — stricta, 1-4 ft.

*60.

342 PARKS AND PLEASTJEE-GKOtTNDS.

Pinus. — Group 3. Picea, End!.; Abies, Loud.; — Spruces.

(Cones drooping, terminal. Leaves solitary and tetragonal.)

P. Picea foliis variegatis.
P. — — Lemoniana.
P. — — ■ monstrosa.

P. ■ viminalis.

P. Carpatica.

P. — tenuifolia.

P. — — gigantea.

P. — muCronata.

P. obovata, tree.

P. Schrenkiana, tree.

P. Jezoensis,/*? 100-120 ft.

P. polita.

P. Khutrow, 50-100 ft.

P. Morinda, 50 ft

P. Sitchensis.

Species recehity introduced.
60a. P. Ajanensis. 60£. P. Techugatskoi.

Doubtful Species, from Oregon (Lewis and Clark.)
Abies aromatica. Abies microphylla.

— - falcata. — — mucronata.

— — heterophylla. trigona.

The whole of this group, composed of the clan of Spruces, assume the
form of a spiry cone or pyramid. P. Menziesii, nigra, Picea, and Khu-
trow are rather quick growing trees. The branches are more or less
horizontal, with pendulous branchlets ; in some sorts the branches,
though at first horizontal, become depressed, with slightly raised points ;
and in 58 the branches are horizontal with drooping points and branch-
lets, presenting a very graceful appearance. P. Jezoensis is a native of
China, and is described by Mr. Fortune as a singularly graceful tree;'
The foliage of 35, 39, 42, 53 is a dark green ; of 56 a vivid green ; of 41,
is a pale green ; and 32, 33, 36, of a white glaucous ; and 58, 59, Of a
pale glaucous green. P. Jezoensis is said to retain its leaves for seven
years ; P. Menziesii often loses part of its foliage during the first year.
The majority of this group will thrive well on inferior lands, in poor
clays and boggy soils ; but they luxuriate in porous soils, in a moist
mountain climate, and come to perfection at higher altitudes than almost
all others. The Himalayan species, Khutrow and Morinda, require
strong loamy soils ; when planted in warm sunny situations, in dry soils,

SYNOPSIS OF PINES. 343

they are occasionally injured by spring frosts : in shaded and northern
exposures they appear quite hardy. P. nigra, Picea, and Menziesii
afford the best timber : P. nigra and Picea, with some others, form
ornamental hedges, and when planted thickly, and topped down to
four or five feet from the ground, afford excellent cover for game.

Pinus. — Group 4. Larix, Larches.

(Cones small and erect. Leaves in bundles, annual.)

61. P. Dahurica, low tree. 68. P. Larix flore rubro.

*62. P. leptolepis, tree. 69. P. pendula.

63. P. Ledebourii, tree. 70. P. Hussica.

64. P. pendula, 60-100 ft. 71. P. repens.

65. P. microcarpa, 100 ft. 72. P. Sibirica.

66. P. Larix, 100 ft. 7a P. Griffithiana, 40-60 ft,

67. P. flore albo.

The Larches are all deciduous trees. They are not highly ornamen-
tal in themselves ; yet they impart considerable variety to scenery. P.
Larix pendula is a graceful tree ; and P. pendula, with its few straggling
drooping branches, has a somewhat curious aspect The foliage is
mostly of a light-green ; in 65 it is more vivid than in the others. The
Larches succeed best in an open, porous soil, where there is a good
natural drainage ; in such situations, and with a moist atmosphere, they
are often extremely luxuriant. On close retentive subsoils they do not
thrive. P. microcarpa will grow vigorously in more swampy soils than
any of the others. The common larch is the most valuable exotic tim-
ber-tree which we have ; and, in favorable circumstances, will attain to
perfection at even higher altitudes than the Scotch Fir does.

Pinus. — Group 5. Cedrus.
(Cones large, erect. Leaves in bundles, perennial.)

74. P. Deodara, 100-150 ft. 77. P. Atlantica, 80-100 ft

75. P. robusta. 78. P. Cedrus, 60-80 ft.

76. P. viridis. 79. P. argentea.

The whole of this group have a pyramidal form when young, but
acquire a broad head m mature age. The Deodar, when full grown, is
said to have a wide roof-like head, with spreading branches and weep-
ing branchlets. The Cedars of Atlas and Lebanon have both a strongly
marked and characteristic form, in which the primary branches assume
an ascending position, and the secondary branches a horizontal and
tabulated arrangement Occasionally the old trees retain their early
pyramidal habit, the lesser branches still becoming horizontal. The
foliage of the common cedar is of a dark green ; 76 of a light vivid

344 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

green ; the others are more or less of a light silvery green. The timber
of P. Deodara is very durable ; that of the others is of a very inferior
quality. The physiognomy of this group is extremely distinct, and
when well exhibited is highly ornamental.

Pinus. — Group 6. Cembra.
(Cones erect. Leaves m fives, sometimes in fours and sixes.)
*80. P. parvifiora, s. tree. 83. P. Cembra humila, shrub.

*81. P. Koraiensis, 10-12 ft. 84. P. pygmsea, shrub.

82. P. Cembra, 50-70 ft. 85. P. Peuce, 30-40 ft.

This group begins the modern genus Pinus, according to the Botan-
ists who have subdivided the old Linnsean genus. Only P. Cembra
and its varieties have been introduced into this country ; the latter are
mere bushes. P. Cembra is of an oblongated conical form, and has fine
pale glaucous foliage. It is very widely disseminated, both in the extent
of surface which it covers, and of elevation through which it ranges, in
the mountain chains of Central Europe and Northern Asia. It thrives
well in poor soils, at considerable heights, and is a useful timber, as
well as an ornamental tree.

Pinus. — Group 7. Strobus.
(Cones drooping. Leaves in fives.)

86. P. excelsa, 50-100 ft. 91. P. monticola, tree.

87. P. Strobus, 50-150 feet. 92. P. Ayacahuite, 100 ft.

88. P. alba. 93. P. Lambertiana, 200 ft.

89. P. brevifolia. 94. P. brevifolia.

90. P. nana.

The type of this group is P. Strobus, the Weymouth Pine. The
general form is pyramidal. The branches of 86 are weeping ; in 87
they are at first ascending and then spreading. The foliage of 86 is of
a pale glaucous tint ; in 87, bluish ; in 92, whitish-green ; in 91, dark
glaucous ; in 93, vivid green color. The leaves of P. excelsa are above
6 inches long, and of the others about 5 inches. P. Lambertiana, which
is one of the giants of the North-west American forests, is said to attain
its greatest height in pure sand. P. exoclsa, a Himalayan species, has
been found to grow well on poor, sandy soils in this country.

Pinus. — Group 8. Pseudo- Strobus.
(Leaves in fives.)
*95. P. Ehrenbergii, 100 ft. 98. P. oocarpa, s h, 40-50 ft.

96. P. rudis, hf 99. P. oocarpa oocarpoides, s h.

97. P. Hartwegii, M 100. P. Russelliana, h? tree.

SYNOPSIS OF PINES. 345

101. P. Devoniana, hf 80 ft. 108. P. occidental, hf 30-50 ft.

102. P. macrophylla, hi tree. 109. P. Wincesteriana, 5 K 60-80 ft.

103. P. Acapulcensis, 50 ft. 110. P. tenuifolia, s h.

104. P. Montezurase, 40 ft. 111. P. Pseudo-Strobus, s h.

105. P. Lindleyana, tree. 112. P. leiophylla, hf

106. P. Grenvillese, 60-80 ft. 113. P. filifolia, s h.

107. P. Gordoniana, hf 60-80 ft. 114. P. Orizabse, tree.

This group is almost exclusively Mexican ; it is of recent introduc-
tion, and as most of the species are somewhat tender, more time must
elapse before their general habits can be accurately known. The Bot-
anists who introduced them do not seem to have paid much attention
to the forms of the trees ; but as far as can be judged at present, they
are likely to approach the rounded cone, or an irregular, broad, loose
habit. The branches of 106 and 113 are large and irregular; of 107,
numerous in whorls ; and of 109, few, strong, irregular, and spreading.
The foliage in 100, 107, 112, and 114, is of a light green ; in 102, 103,
104, 105, 109, 111, it is glaucous; and in 106 it is of a dark-green color.
The leaves of all the species are extremely long ; in P. Devoniana and
Wincesteriana they are from 12 to 14 inches long ; and in P. macrophylla
and Gordoniana about 15 or 16 inches long. The timber of 112 is val-
uable. The curious, tressy, light-colored foliage of this group makes
it very desirable for ornamental purposes. The value of the timber
generally has not yet been well ascertained.

Pinus. — Group 9. Tceda.
(Leaves in threes.)

115. P. Teocote, 100 ft. 125. P. Sabiniana, hf 120 ft.

116. P. patula, hf 126. P. radiata, 100 ft.

117. P. stricta, hf 127. P. tuberculata, 100 ft.

118. P. macrocarpa, hf 128. P. Benthamiana, 200 ft.

*119. P.insularis. - 129. P. insignis, 60-100 ft.

120. P. Persica, hf 130. P. ponderosa, 80-100 ft.

121. P. Sinensis, tree. 131. P. serotina, 40 ft.

122. P. longifolia, 5 h, 50-80 ft. 132. P. rigida, 70-80 ft.

123. P. Gerardiana, hf 50 ft. 133. P. Taeda, 80 ft.

124. P. macrocarpa, 120 ft. 134. P. australis, hf

Sinclair ii, Hort. 135. P. Canadensis, s h.

Coulteri, Don. 136. P. Bungeana.

In this group the forms range from the rounded cone to the broad,
irregular head. The branches exhibit peculiarities of habit ; those of
124, 128 are large, spreading, and irregular ; of 123, horizontal, spread-
ing, and twisted ; of 125, loose and robust ; of 130, few and horizontal,

15*

346 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

in regular whorls ; of 129 and 132, densely set. The color of 125 is a
silvery green ; of 124, glaucous; of 115, 116, 123, light-green; of 121.
and 129, vivid green ; and of 126, 128, 130, dark green. The length of
the leaves varies, generally from 2 to 8 inches, but in 124, 125, 128, 130,
it ranges from 10 to 12 inches. P. insignis, Sabiniana, macrocarpa, and
ponderosa are of very rapid growth. P. Tceda, radiata, and tuberculata
stand the sea-breeze well in their native countries, and are expected to
prove acquisitions to parks near the sea-coast in the United Kingdom.
P. Sabiniana requires a rich loam ; Gerardiana thrives among rocks
and crags ; Tceda in very barren ground, but attains its greatest perfec-
tion in swampy soils. P. insignis and rigida afford effective shelter.
The timber of P. rigida is valuable, and that of P. ponderosa is expected
to prove so. The light silvery color of P. Sabiniana and macrocarpa
will be as marked in ornamental scenery, during the whole year, as the
summer garb of the Huntingdon willow ; and the light green of P. Teo-
cote, patula, and Gerardiana, as that of the summer greens of the decid-
uous trees.

Pinus.— Group 10. Pinaster.

(Leaves in pairs, rarely in threes.)

137. P. pungens, 100 ft. 157. P. Altaica.

138. P. muricata, 40 ft. 158. P. globosa.

139. P. inops, 40-50 ft. 159. P. tortuosa.

140. P. mitis, 50-60 ft. *160. P. densiflora, 40 ft.

141. P. variabilis, 30-40 ft, 161. P. Massoniana, s h.

142. P. Pinaster, 50-60 ft, *162. P. Merkusii, 100 ft.

143. P. Escarena. 163. P. Banksiana, 40 ft.

144. P. — — Lemoniana. 164. P. resinosa, 80 ft.

145. p. minor. 165. P. Laricio, 100-150 ft.

146. P. variegata. 166. P. Calabrica.

147. P. Pumilio, 5-10 ft. 167. P. Caramanica.

148. P. uncinata, 30-50 ft. 16b. P. subviridis.

Mug ho, Lindl. 169. P. pygmsea.

149. p. rotundata. 170. P. Austriaca, 100-120 ft.

150. P. humilis. 171. P. Pyrenaica, 60-70 ft.

151. p. obliqua. 172. P. Pallasiana, 60-80 ft,

152. P. sylvestris, 40-80 ft. Taurica, Hort.

153. p. _ rubra, 60-70 ft. 173. P. Halapensis, h? 30-40 ft.

154. P. argentea. 174. P. maratima, h?

155. P. sylvestris monophylla. 175. P. Brutea, lif

156. P. — — Haganoviensis.

All the trees of this group have more or less pyramidal forms when
young ; many of them have, or approach to, the form of a rounded

SYNOPSIS OF PINES. 34:7

cone when they have attained a considerable size ; but 137, 161, 170
acquire broad-formed heads ; the pyramidal form is retained by 142,
165, 172 ; some, as 147, 148, are seldom more than bushes. The
branches of 139, 163, 173, are long and pendulous; of 161, 175, spread-
ing ; those of 164, 165, 171, have a loose, and 147 a creeping habit.
The color in 154 is silvery ; in 161, glaucous ; in 173, 175, light green ;
i& 152, a somber glaucous green ; and in the others, shades of dark
green. The whole of them thrive in inferior soils ; 139, 173, in dry,
barren, and sandy soils; 163, 165, 170, 172, in good sandy soils; but
the last three in a variety of other soils, if not wet. P. variabilis and
Pinaster, with its varieties, in sandy soils along the sea-coast, but not in
wet or calcareous soils. P. Laricio is of very rapid growth ; P. Pinas-
ter, Austriaca, Pyrenaica, and Pallasiana are also rapidly -growing trees.
The timber of 138, 152, 153, 164, 165, 170, 171, 175, is of superior qual-
ity. P. Pumilio and uneinata form good covers for game ; they will
grow in very elevated situations. Many of the members of this group
supply the landscape-gardener with the means of imparting depth of
shade to scenery.

Pinus. — Group 11. Pinea.

(Leaves in pairs, rarely in threes.)

176. P. Pinea, h? 50-60 ft. 179. P. Fremontiana, h? 20 ft.

177. p. Cretica, s h, 40-50 ft. 180. P. cembroides, h?

178. P. fragilis, s h. 181. P. Llaveana, h?

This group is a small one ; and from their impatience of cold in this
country, its members seldom rise above the size of large bushes. Pinea
and its varieties have a peculiarly flat head, and are of a dark green
color. The foliage of 179 and 181 is glaucous, and that of 180 a vivid
green. They may be planted as shrubs in sheltered places.

Doubtful Species.
P. Arabica. P. Finlaysoniana.

Suborder II. ARATJCARIEjE.
Gen.l. ARAUCARIA.
1. A. imbricata, 100 ft.
This remarkable tree is a native of the southern mountains of Chili,
and is quite hardy. It is to be regretted that its congeners, some of
which are not less beautiful, are not sufficiently robust to bear our cli-
mate out of doors. From the peculiarly rigid and apparently artificial
habit of A. imbricata, and its singular dark-green foliage, it has always,
since its introduction, been a special favorite. Intrinsically a fine

34:8 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

object, it is extremely effective in ornamental scenery, in the way of
contrast to the more massive and less marked forms of other trees and
shrubs. At the same time, it must be admitted that it does not group
very well by itself.

Suborder III. CUNNINGHAMIEJE.

Gen. 1. CUNNINGHAMIA.
1. C. Sinensis, s h, 40-50 ft.

Gen. 2. SEQUOIA.
1. S. gigantea, 200 ft. 2. S. sempervirens.

Cunninghamia Sinensis is not a very ornamental tree when young,
but it improves in this respect as it increases in age. It is, probably,
however, always inferior to the Araucaria. Sequoia gigantea is a re-
markable evergreen tree from California, of rapid growth, and requiring
shelter and a somewhat moist climate. In exposed situations, its fine
foliage is liable to be injured by winds. The branches alternate round
the trunk, and as they are short they give the tree an upright form.
We suspect that at present there is some confusion, or at least indis-
tinctness of view, among botanists regarding the two species.

Order III. PODOCAEPE^E.

Gen. 1. PODOCARPUS.
I. P. nubigena, hi Patagonia.

Gen. 2. MICROCACHRYS.
1. M. tetragona, 15-20 ft. Van Die?nan's Zand.

Gen. 3. SAXE-GOTHEA.
1. S. conspicua, 30 ft. Patagonia.
Of this fine Natural Order there are, unfortunately, of the species in-
troduced into this country, very few hardy. We have given the above
in the hope that, as two have proved sufficiently robust to stand our
climate, the others will do so also. Saxe~Gothea% or Prince Albert's
Yew, has scarcely been definitely located, as yet, in the Natural Sys-
tem ; but we have ventured to place it in this Order. It promises to be
a valuable addition to our ornamental trees.

SYNOPSIS OF PINES. 349

Order IV. TAXINE^E.

Gen. 1. SALISBURIA.
1. S. adiantifolia, 10-30 ft.
Where Salisburia, or the Maiden-hair tree, attains a considerable size,
it assumes a broad form ; but it is seldom found in that state, except in
the southern climates of Great Britain, in rich, deep soils and warm sub-
soils. Its light-green leaves, which are generally much divided and
furnished with conspicuous nerves, are its chief peculiarity, and render
it very unlike any other tree in cultivation.

Geu. 2. CEPHALOTAXUS.

1. C. pedunculata, tree. 4. C. umbraculifera.

2. C. drupacea, tree. 5. C. Fortuni.

3. C. tardiva.

These are fine evergreen trees : 1 is a large tree, with slender weep-
ing branches, and 3 has an upright habit. The foliage is of a dark
green, with a whitish glaucous tint underneath, in 3 and 4. The leaves,
which in all the species resemble those of the yew, are in 5 three or four
inches long.

Gen. 3. TORREYA.

1. T. taxifolia, 20 ft. 3. T. nucifera, 30-40 ft.

2. T. Humboldti, tree.

The Torreyas are yew-like trees. T. taxifolia has vivid green leaves,
which are glaucous underneath.

Gen. 4. TAXUS.

1. T. baccata, 30-40 ft. 9. T. baccata lutea.

2. T. sparsifolia. 10. T. fastigiata, Irish, 5-15 ft.

3. T. argentea. 11. T. variegata.

4. T. aurea. 12. T. Canadensis, 4-6 ft

5. T. Dovastoni. *13. T. cuspidata.

6. T. pyramidalis. *14. T. Wallichiana.

7. T. erecta. *15. T. globosa.

8. T. elegantissima. 1G. T. adpressa.

The common yew (1) is, in open situations, a broad, spreading,
branching tree ; in a close wood it grows more erect. In 5 the branches
are pendulous, and in 7 erect. In 6 the form is pyramidal ; the Irish
yew (10) is of a well-known upright form. T, Canadensis is of less
vigorous growth than the common yew, with slender spreading branches,

350 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

and leaves of a reddish tinge. The foliage of yews is generally of a
dark green. Mr. Barron, of Elvaston Castle, greatly commends 4 as the
most effective yellow evergreen known. Yews are extremely useful in
pleasure-grounds, as low trees and shrubs, and make good undergrowths
in the woods of the park, especially where a depth of shade is required.
It must never be forgotten that they are poisonous to horses and cattle*

The Effects of Climate. — The climate of the lo-
cality will, in great measure, limit the number of
species in the pinetum, or at least the number of those
which may be expected to attain a considerable degree
of perfection. Of the hardiness of certain recently-
introduced sorts some doubts may be reasonably enter-
tained, except, perhaps, in the case of such as are
known to thrive in climates of equal or greater se-
verity than our own. In the southern parts of Eng-
land and Ireland, most, perhaps all, of those marked
sub-hardy may succeed ; but in less favored localities,
they will exist only as specimens preserved with dif-
ficulty. Those marked doubtful will also become in-
ferior trees and shrubs. In the higher and more
northern regions of the country, the sub-hardy kinds
must increase in number, and so proportionally dimin-
ish the extent of the members of the pinetum. The
climate of the south of England and Ireland, and of
the west coast and islands of Scotland, where there is
little frost, we can not doubt, will prove most suitable
to the group Pseudo-Strobus, which is the most deli-
cate of all the divisions of the pine tribe. At the
same time, there are some countervailing circumstances
in elevated localities. Many of the pines are natives
of mountainous regions, and therefore find something

EFFECTS OE CLIMATE. 351

congenial in our hill climates. We doubt not that cer-
tain species, which do not succeed in the low grounds,
will be found to do better in the higher districts. The
principal reasons of their failure in the warmer locali-
ties are, that the season of growth being unduly pro-
tracted, they do not sufficiently ripen their annual
shoots before the arrival of the autumnal frosts ; and
further, even where the wood has been well ripened,
there are not unfrequently, in these localities, long
periods of mild growing weather, in winter and early
spring, which excite vegetation long before the vernal
frosts have passed away; in either case, the young
wood is more or less destroyed. In hill climates, again,
there is no time for a second or protracted growth in
the end of summer, and the young shoots, though
shorter, are better ripened than in the low country ;
besides, the spring is comparatively short ; the transi-
tion from winter to summer is generally rapid, and so
the plants escape with little injury. If there is a con-
stitutional tendency in any plants to a protracted
growth, there is little probability of their ever prov-
ing hardy ; still, this tendency is always found to be
greatest wThen the plants are young, and therefore no
one should be discouraged even by repeated failures
in such cases. H. Graham, Esq., of Belstane, whose
judicious and persevering efforts in acclimatizing
plants have met with deserved success, when furnish-
ing his pinetum, at his residence about twelve miles
from Edinburgh and more than seven hundred feet
above the level of the sea, found that plants procured
from the nurseries of Paris, London, and Edinburgh,
continued tender for the first two or three years, till
their constitution had become attempered to the place,

352 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

and they had outlived the period of irregular growth.
To Mr. Graham we are indebted for some of the indi-
cations of hardiness given in the foregoing enumera-
tion of species. We have also been favored with
similar information by George Patton, Esq., of The
Carnies, a zealous and successful cultivator of pines,
whose pinetum, in the sub-alpine country west of Perth,,
affords abundant corroborative proof of the views we
have expressed. In our remarks appended to the sec-
tions Abies and Picea, we mentioned several species
whose young shoots are liable to be injured by spring
frosts, and other sorts might easily be added to the
number. Such injuries generally occur when they are
planted in warm, sunny situations, and arise from their
being, at the time, in advance of the average climate
of the place. These results seldom occur when they
grow on ground sloping toward the north, or wThere
they are little exposed to the sun in spring. The de-
crease of injury from late frosts, as the tree increases
in age and size, is strongly marked in the Cephalonian
and silver firs. It remains to be added, that the power
of many species to resist the severities of our climate
has still to be tested by more rigorous winters and
springs than wre have experienced of late years.

Soil of the Pinetum. — Generally speaking, pines
do not require deep or rich soils, and they succeed best
on ground of loose texture, lying on subsoils through
which water percolates freely. Some spruces thrive
in comparatively poor clayey soils; and along with
Larix micvocarjpa and Pinus Tceda, grow vigorously
in moist or even swampy ground ; but these are excep-
tions to the general rule. Others, such as P. Lam-
lertiana, Pinaster, austmlis, excelsa, and a few more,

EARLY CULTIVATION OF PLANTS. 353

flourish greatly in dry, sandy soils ; the first two seem
to luxuriate in deep sand. The group Abies generally
requires richer land than the others to bring them to
perfection. The whole family, however, will do well
in the soil indicated above. Where the land is natur-
ally of a close, clayey texture, the growth of the
young trees will be promoted by the removal of the
earth, for each plant, to the extent of six or ten feet in
diameter and eighteen inches deep, its place being
supplied by earth of a more suitable quality. In re-
filling the pit thus made, the new surface should be
raised in the form of a hillock, from six to nine inches
above the old level ; allowance, besides, being made
for subsidence. In retentive ground, these pits should
be properly drained, otherwise they will become re-
ceptacles of water, to the serious detriment of the
young trees. In poor soils, the same method of pitting
may be employed for those species which require
richer food. Trenching to the depth of eighteen inches
is a useful but rather expensive preparation for the
pinetum; where it is adopted, as it may sometimes be
by zealous cultivators, care should be taken not to
bury the surface-soil under the lower and inferior soil,
or subsoil.

Early Cultivation of the Plants. — All pines
should, if possible, be raised from seed. Seedling
plants invariably grow most vigorously from the first,
and form ultimately the most handsome trees. In the
case of new and recently-introduced sorts, seed is often
procured with difficulty; and therefore, propagators
have frequently had recourse to grafts and cuttings.
Unexpected success has often attended both methods
of propagation. "We have already mentioned (p. 145)

354r PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

that we had grafted P. Morinda on common spruces,
at Hopetoun, and that they are now fine trees. Mr.
Barron, of Elvaston, seems to have been equally suc-
cessful with the deodar on the common cedar. At
present, indeed, P. 7idbilis, grandis, and some other
species, and many of the singular varieties, can hardly
be procured from nurseries in any other form. In
grafting, the stock should be of a vigorous and allied
species. We found that while Morinda flourished on
the spruce, it merely lived and dwindled on the Scotch
fir. The scion should be taken, if possible, from the
point of the leading shoot of an upper lateral branch ;
inattention to this precaution has been the cause of
many failures in grafting. We have seen good plants
of P. Deodara and Morinda formed from cuttings ;
and we should suppose that the same method might
succeed with various other of the small-leaved species.
In most plants, however, propagated by grafts or cut-
tings, some attention and skill is required, to throw,
by judicious pruning, the main strength of the tree
toward the leading shoot. After all, seedlings will
always be justly preferred. Hitherto many young
pines have been grown in pots. This has arisen partly
from the great demand for rare species, partly from
the idea, which is more or less correct, that some of
these are tender when young, and partly also from the
facility with which, when grown in pots, they can be
transmitted to distant parts of the country at any sea-
son. These supposed advantages are often sadly coun-
terbalanced by the early contortion of the roots, and
the consequent overthrow of the trees, in later years,
by strong winds, a disaster by far too common in pine-
tums. When put, at first, into very small pots™

EARLY CULTIVATION OF PLANTS. 355

which are often not more than two inches in diame-
ter— the roots become matted and twisted round the
interior of the pot ; and this process may be repeated
at each successive shifting, till the roots have assumed
the 4form of a bird's nest, and the upper part of the
plants have been in a great measure stunted. They
are frequently transferred to the open ground without
any efficient attempts being made to spread out the
roots on the surface; and when the separation of the
roots is resorted to, it may be so violent as to give a
considerable check to the growth, for which reason it
is often employed with reluctance ; indeed, in old pot-
grown plants, whose roots have acquired a firm set,
the operation may be impossible ; in which case it will
be more satisfactory to throw them away than to plant
them, for they are almost sure to be upset by the wind
when they have attained the height of fifteen or twenty
feet. Most of the pine tribe have few or no tap roots.
They spread their principal roots all round near the
surface of the soil ; and these roots, being more or less
at right angles to the trunk, according to the slope of
the ground, afford the tree a primary rest or support,
independently of the hold which, as roots, they take
of the soil. Of course this advantage is greatly less-
ened, if not wholly lost, by pot-culture. Nevertheless,
this mode of propagation can not be wholly discon-
tinued. Some pines are undeniably tender while
young. The facility with which plants can be turned
out of pots with good balls, is of considerable value.
For these reasons, this method of cultivation should
be, if possible, improved, and its disadvantages sedu-
lously remedied. We would recommend the employ-
ment of wider and shallower pots than those in

356 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

common use — say six inches in diameter by four in
depth for the first potting, and ten by six for the second.
Perhaps it would be better to adopt the larger pots at
once, as these would allow the roots to spread, and
prevent the corkscrew set, which is the bane of pot-
culture. Another error is, that pines are generally re-
tained too long in pots, being kept during summer in
some back region or shaded frame in a garden or nur-
sery, to save the trouble of frequent watering; and
the result of this treatment is almost invariably a
stunted habit, which is very difficult to overcome.
Pines in pots should be encouraged to grow vigorously,
and should be put out as soon as they are able to bear
the open air. It is right to add, that nurserymen have
met with unmerited reproach in regard to the small-
pot culture of pines. We have examined few private
collections in which the system was not equally
prevalent.

Planting of the Pinetum. — As a general rule, the
best season for planting pines is in October. If the
plants are in pots, or are growing in the vicinity of
their permanent site, and have been well prepared by
frequent removals, they may be successfully trans-
planted during moist weather in April or in the begin-
ning of May, At each of these seasons the soil should
be thoroughly saturated with water, when the opera-
tion of planting is two-thirds completed. The plants
should not be placed deeper in the earth than they
were previously ; and it contributes much to the early
prosperity of the plant that the roots be covered with
leaf-mould or well-rotted, turfy loam. It is injudicious
to stake the trees any further than may be necessary
to prevent windshaking, for a year or two. While the

PRUNING OF PINES. 357

young plants are tender, and require protection in
winter, three or four stakes driven into the ground,
and rising a few inches above the top of the tree, and
covered with matting or spruce-fir branches, will gen-
erally afford sufficient shelter. Some protect the lead-
ing shoot by a bell-glass, or cap of felt, supported in
the same way. For subsequent cultivation, little more
is required than the clearing away of long grass and
weeds from the young plants, and the thinning out
of nurses, where that mode of protection has been
employed.

Pruning of Pines. — The fir tribe, when grown in
close plantations, require little or no pruning. In the
pinetum, a moderate application of the knife is bene-
ficial to many of the species. Owing to differences
of climate, or variation in the pressure of the atmos-
phere from differences of altitude, some of the sorts,
which are tall trees in their own countries, are apt to
grow bushy with us ; or, from accidental' circumstances,
some of the higher lateral branches may show a dis-
position to compete with the leading shoot. In all
these cases, the thinning-out of the branches, especially
the small ones, and the foreshortening of those which
are acquiring an excessive or irregular luxuriance, will
be found useful, particularly in the Cedrus, Picea, and
Abies groups. The object kept in view should be to
direct the flow of sap to the head and shoulders of the
tree ; but it ought to be regarded as a first principle,
that by pruning the natural form of growth is to be
promoted, and not constrained into any thing artificial.
Mr. M'Nab, of the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, who
has inherited and acquired much experimental knowl-
edge in this department of arboriculture, has found

358 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

that the pruning of trees in the pinetupi is most suc-
cessfully performed in July. This result indicates that
the proper time for this work is when, the season's
growth being far advanced, and the flow of sap abated,
there is little danger of an excessive exudation of
resinous matter from the wounds. We may add, that
it is generally inexpedient to take off large limbs from
this class of trees.

Decorative Treatment of the Pinetum. — The
pinetum, when planted separately, as it is desirable it
should be, is best arranged in groups, with irregular
lawns passing between them ; the larger trees occupy-
ing the leading positions, and those of lower growth or
shrubby character filling up the secondary places. The
groups should be made up of the generic and sub-
generic divisions, as given in our enumeration of the
species. In the genera Juniperus and Pinus, some
of the sub-generic sections may require to be further
broken down, otherwise many of the species must be
so placed that they will have enough of room only for
their partial development ; or they must be dotted out
at such distances as nearly to ungroup the whole.
"Where there is a liberal allowance of ground to be
occupied by the pinetum, we should be disposed to
recommend that the groups should be constructed with
principal trees, arranged on strict botanical principles,
but planted very sparsely ; and that the intervals be-
tween these main trees should be filled up with inter-
esting duplicates of the same or allied species, to act
as nurses, or to be temporary occupants, till the whole
space is required by the others. This plan, of course,
implies. a continued and resolute thinning-out, as the
pinetum advances to maturity. We do not think it

DECORATIVE TREATMENT OF THE PEtfETUM. 859

needful to say any thing of the position of the groups
relatively to each other, as our remarks on the decora-
tive treatment of the arboretum will, mutatis mutan-
dis, apply to the pinetum.

In our remarks appended to the lists of species, we
have noticed the colors of the foliage and the forms of
many of the trees and shrubs there enumerated, to aid
the pianter in making his selection and fixing his
subordinate arrangements. The effect of the various
colors is an element which must be taken into careful
consideration. Hitherto, the species employed have
been principally those with dark-colored foliage — a
property extremely valuable in producing depths of
shade, and in affording contrasts where such effects
are necessary; but which, in many places and posi-
tions, both in the pinetum and in the pleasure-ground
generally, has imparted a gloomy expression, particu- *
larly when the masses are unbroken and unrelieved.
"When, then, the pinetum is planted on a level surface,
it is peculiarly needful, in order to lighten the somber
effect incident to fir- woods with dark- colored foliage,
that some of the lawns between the groups should be
of considerable width, to afford effective breadths of
light in contrast with the depth of shade yielded by
these deep-tinted and embowering trees. There should,
besides, be a free use of the species exhibiting silvery,
glaucous, and vivid greens; and the duplicates and
nurses, as suggested above, should be principally of
this character. It may not be out of place to remark,
that the somber effect to which we are now alluding
has probably been the cause of the very sparing em-
ployment of the Coniferce in parks and pleasure-
grounds generally, and of the corresponding excess in

360 PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.

the use of deciduous trees. This is an error to be re-
gretted, and, if possible, to be corrected. By the
judicious intermixture of firs possessed of light and
vivid green foliage, a considerable amount of ever-
green clothing might be given to the woods, without
saddening, but rather, on the contrary, enlivening,
particularly in winter, the general features of the place.
The effect of light-green foliage may be observed dur-
ing summer in the young shoots of the Scotch, silver,
and spruce firs, which, at that season, when seen from
a distance, are not easily distinguished from their de-
ciduous neighbors, except from their dissimilarity of
form. As to the general effects of form, in the fir
tribe, the reader is referred to our chapter " On the
Ornamental Character of Trees."

The necessary expansion of the lawns in a regular
and well-appointed pinetum, tends to discourage some
proprietors from allowing the ample space which is
requisite for their formation ; and where land is very
valuable, we can not wonder that it should be so. In
hilly or upland districts, there is often much more
space than is required for this purpose thrown away on
useless or promiscuous woods of little character or
value. In such cases, want of room is no valid objec-
tion. But even when his territory is limited, the pine-
fancier need not be wholly discouraged, as he may
have a considerable collection of his favorite trees, and
derive much pleasure from their cultivation, if he is
content with the opportunity of admiring them when
they are young, or during the first twenty or twenty-
five years of their growth; but after that period, he
may expect to see them disfiguring and destroying
each other by their mutual pressure, or he must be

DECORATIVE TREATMENT OF THE PINETUM. 381

prepared to exhibit the decision of the sailor who cuts
down one mast to preserve the others. The misfortune
is, that the pine-grower does not feel his own life in
danger while his trees are gradually perishing, and so
can not steel his mind to the requisite use of the axe.
We think it possible, to arrange a small pinetum so
that when the sorrowful period of extirpation has ar-
rived, such trees as P. nobilis, Deodar a, Douglasii,
Atlantica, LambeHiana, Beniliamiana, etc., might be
left in their glory, at well-spaced intervals ; while P.
Canadensis, Abies, Picea, Cernbra, and other of the
commoner sorts might be swept away. We question,
however, whether the actual planter would ever have
the heart to carry out such a plan. Another alterna-
tive is to scatter the Conifers, in separate groups,
through the grounds, as a main part of the evergreen
trees of the place. Pines of varied character are not
so deficient in calmness and breadth of effect, as are
most deciduous trees in similar circumstances. Or
they might be so distributed as to compose what may
be termed a shrubbery pinetum ; that is, they might
be grouped on lawns, with the groups at distances
suitable for trees and shrubs from fifteen to twenty-
five feet high, so as to form a shrubbery much more
interesting than those planted in the usual common-
place way. The Pinacece, even when only a few feet
in height, have forms which, in combination with their
evergreen foliage, exhibit a most decided character at
all seasons. The shrubbery pinetum is an interesting
decoration, not only for small residences, but for more
extensive pleasure-grounds in the higher parts of the
country, where many shrubs do not thrive ; but in this
16

362 PARKS AND iPLEASURE-GROtlNDS.

case, the selection must be made from the hardier
species of pines.

Where a piece of unoccupied ground can not be
allotted as space for a regular and formal pinetum,
constructed on scientific principles, a considerable col-
lection of pines may be formed in the woods, in which
much scenic beauty may be displayed, and all the
interest arising from individual specimens may be pre-
served. This plan can be most easily and successfully
executed when the trees, already planted, have not
attained a greater age than twenty or thirty years.
When the woods are older, much wider spaces must
be cleared out. In either case, however, a sufficient
number of the old trees must be removed to allow to
the new groups or individual plants a suitable breadth
of air and light from above. When this is not attended
to, the young trees will be excessively drawn up, and
so lose their natural characters. For the same reason,
the old trees should be early, but gradually thinned
out, in order that the pines may be inured to the cli-
mate of their position. To insure success, the ground
should be trenched, to prepare it for the reception of
the plants, and to cut off the roots of such of the old
trees as are likely to interfere with the new comers.
A little fresh soil, also, employed in planting, will be
advantageous. If large pits are opened and filled up
with new soil, the directions given above must be fol-
lowed. We are disposed to think that a pinetum in
the woods, when well executed, is one of the most pro-
pitious arrangements for the growth of the young
pines, and among the most graceful in point of scenic
character that can be formed.

Note. — With our recent acquisitions on the Pacific

NATIONAL AKBOEETUM AND PINETUM. 363

coast, the United States might boast a pinetum more
comprehensive in variety, and imposing in character,
than any country on the globe. In a central position,
with a variety of soil, and under skillful management,
it could embrace the evergreens of almost every known
land. Our general government can do nothing better
to advance our progress in vegetable physiology, than
by its authority, and under a liberal appropriation, to
establish a National arboretum, and pinetum, near
Washington, which shall be creditable to its munifi-
cence, and show the vast forest wealth which our
country may contain. It would be a work of enduring
beauty and usefulness, as creditable to the wisdom of
our national legislature as indicative of the increasing
good taste of the people. — Ed.

INDEX.

American garden, 91

Approach, 52. Direction of, 55.
Site of entrance of, 56. Line
through the Park, 60. Gates
on, 63. Termination of, 64.
Roadway of, 65, Decoration of,
67. Villa, 274.

Approach, the Fine, 70.

Araucaria, 347.

Arboretum, 3U3. General Idea of,

305. Scientific treatment of,

306. Principles of arrangement,
308. Synopsis of orders and
genera, 309. Conspectus, 319.
Application of principles, 322.
Transference of system to the
ground, 323. Decorative treat-
ment, 326. Soils and surfaces,
328. Arboretum in the pleas-
ure-grounds, 330. In the woods,
331.

Artificial style, 131.

Ash, 138. Weeping ash, 148.

Avenue, 69, 132.

Beech, 139.

Belts, 127.

Birch, weeping, 147.

Biota, 338.

Botanic Gardens, 231. Special

purposes of, 233. Laying-out

of, 237,

Botanical Museum, 236.

Callitris, 338.

Cedar of Lebanon, 139, 343; of
Mount Atlas, 343. Deodar, 141.

Cephalotazus, 349.

Chamcecyparis, 339.

Chestnut, Spanish, — Horse, 139.

Circles, 127.

Clump, 117.

Colors, Table of, 153. Variation
of, 154. Of trees in winter, 155.

Colors in the Pinetum, 337, 359.

Conservatory, 45, 268.

Cryptomeria, 340.

Cunninghamia, 348.

Cwpressus, Species of, 339.

Cypress, upright, 146, 339. Chi-
nese weeping, 148.

Dotting system, 123.

Deodar, 141.

Elm, English, and Scotch or Wych,
139.

Educational Institutions, gardens
of, 235.

Evergreens, planting and trans-
planting of, 1 77.

Fences, 184. Boundary, 185. In-
ternal, 185. Pleasure-ground,
187. Malleable iron, 187. Sunk
fence, 188. Walls and hedges,
189.

366

INDEX.

Firs in the Pinetura, 340. Forms
of, 142, 365.

Fitzroya, 339.

Flower-garden, 85. Site of, 86.
Ground-color of, 86. Parterres
in, 88. Mixed flower-garden,
93. Artistical decoration, 94.
Shelter of, 97.

Forms of single trees, 137. Broad
round-headed, 138. Conical, 142.
Upright or oblongated, 146. Pen-
dulous, 147. In the Pinetum,
337.

Forms of trees in combination, 157.
Round-headed, 157. Conical,
158. Intermingling of, 160.

Forcing garden, 212.

Forcing houses, 213.

Fruit garden, 211.

Gates, style of, 58. On the prin-
cipal approach, 63.

Glyptostrobus, 340.

Green-houses, 214, 268.

Ground, natural character, 109.
Acquired character, 111.

Group, 116.

Grouping of plantations, 121.

Head of lake, 194.

Holly, 142.

Horticultural Gardens, 242. Lay-
ing-out of, 245. Museum, 249.

House, 13. Site of, 14. Shelter of,
20. Position in the park, 22.
Style of, 28, 265. Arrangement
of interior, 42. Supply of wa-
ter for, 19. Drainage, 18.

Ilex, 140.

Islands, 194.

Jet fountains, 199.

Juniperus, 337.

Kitchen -garden, relations of, 203.

Site, 204. Drainage, 206. Soil,
207, Form, 208. Walls, 210.
Villa, 276-

Lake, artificial, 19.

Larch, 145. In Pinetum, 343.

Landscape gardening compared
with landscape painting, 287,
Its processes partly tentative,
293.

Landscape, composition of, in the
pleasure-grounds, 75.

Laurels, 83, 85.

Lawns, formation of, 102.

Libocedrus, 338.

Lime-tree, 139.

Lodge, 58.

Microcachrys, 348.

Mass of Wood, 117.

Oak, 139. Evergreen, 140.

Offices attached to the house, 49.

Ornamental characters of trees, 135.
Of single trees, 137. Of trees in
combination, 157. In the Pine-
tum, 337.

Park, 105. Unity of, 106. Natural
character of the ground, 109.
Acquired character, 111. Plant-
ing in, 112. Surfaces to be
planted, 113. Arrangement of
woods, 116.

Park, public, 215. Park villa, 284.

Parterre, 88.

Pines, forms of, 143. In the Pine-
tum, 337.

Pinetum, 333. Endlicher's ar-
rangement, 335. Synopsis of
genera, 336. . List of genera and
species, with remarks, 337. Ef-
fect of climate on, 350. Soils,

352. Early cultivation of plants,

353. Pot culture, 354. Planting

INDEX.

367

of, 356. Pruning of pines,
357. Decorative treatment, 353.
Grouping, 358. Distribution of
colors, 359. Lawns, 360.

Pinus Abies, 341. Cedrus, 343.
Cembra, 344. Larix, 343. Pi-
naster, 346. Pinea, 347. Pscu-
do-Strobus, 344. Strobus, 344.
Tsuga, 340.

Plans, utility of, 296.'

Plant-houses, 91, 238, 248.

Plantations, outlines of, 125.

Planting, 166. Preparation of the
ground, 166. Of forest trees,
168. Pitting, 169. Of ever-
greens, 177.

Pleasure-grounds, 73. Planting in,
99. Walks in, 100. Villa, 281.

Podocarpus, 348

Poplars, 146, 161

Pruning, 170.

Public park, 215. Site of, 218.
Laying-out of, 219.

Rivers, artificial, 198.

Roads, 65, 260. Through planta-
tions, 168. Secondary roads, 66.

Rockworks, 96.

Rosary, 90.

Salisburia, 349.

gaxe-Gothea, 348.

Seclusion, 112, 273.

Sequoia, 348.

Shelter of house, 20.

Site of the house, 14, 19, 25, 28.

Stable-court, 49.

Stairs, 83

Statues, 95.

Street gardens, 228.

Sycamore or Maple, 138.

Synopsis of Natural Orders and
genera for Arboretum, 309.

Table of temperatures of soil, 181.
Taxodium, 340.
Taxus, 349.

Terraces, 78. Walls of, 80. Grass
slopes of, 81. Banks and shrubs
on, 82. Stairs of, 83. Upper
surfaces of, 84.

Thinning of trees, 172.

Thuia, 339.

Thuiopsis, 339.

Torreya, 349.

Transplanting of trees, 173. Of
evergreens, 177.

Unity of the park, 106.

Vases, 84, 94.

Villa, 255. Locality of, 257. Site,
259. Roads to, 260. Position
of the house, 261. Style and
arrangement of the house, 265.
Laying-out of the grounds, 272.
Seclusion, 273. The approach,
274. Kitchen -garden, 276. Trees
and shrubs, 278. Water, 280.
The leading , varieties of villa
scenery, 281. The pleasure-
ground villa, 281. The park
villa, 284.

Walks, 83, 87, 100. Formation, 101.

Water, supply of, for the house, 19.

Water, ornamental, 191. Artificial
lake, 191. Islands in, 194.
Head of lake, 194. Artificial
rivers, 198. Jet fountains, 199.
Water as an ornament in public
parks, 222. Villa, 280.

Willow, weeping, 147.

Wire fences, 64, 187, 285.

Yew, 140. Irish yew, 146. In
Pinetuni. 349.

Zoological gardens, 2*1.

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Edited by Lyon Playfair, Ph D., F. G.
S., and William Gregory, M. D., F. R.

S. E. $1.

The Modern System of Far-

riery, as Practised at the Present Time
at the Royai Veterinary College, and
from Twenty Years' Practice of the
Author, George Skevington, M. R. V.
C. $5

The Horse's Foot,

And How to Keep it Sound. By Wm.
Miles. 25 cts.

Ewbank's Hydraulics:

A Descriptive and Historical Account
of Hydraulic and other Machines for
Raising Water. $2.50.

The Fruit Garden.

By P. Barry. $1.25.

The Amern. Fruit Culturist;

Containing Directions for the Culture
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The Rose Manual.

By E.obert Buist. 75 cts.

The Plants of Boston and

Vicinity. By Jacob Bigelow, M. D.
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Blake's Former's Every Day

Book. $2.50.

Catechism of Agr. Chemistry

and Geology. By J. F. W. Johnston.
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The Trees of America.

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American Flower Garden

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Loudon's Encyclopedia of Ar-

chitecture. $10.

Loudon's Arboretum.

Eight Vols. $25.

Loudon on Gardening.

Loudon's Encyclopedia of Gardening.

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Loudon on Agriculture.

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Loudon's Encyclopedia of Plants, &c.

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Practical Treatise on the Grape

Vine. By J. Fisk Allen. $1.

Agricultural Chemistry.

By Justus Liebig. Cloth, $1 ; cheap
edition, 25 cents.

Animal Chemistry.

By J. Liebig. Cloth, 50 cents , cheap
edition, paper, 25 cts.

Liebig1 s Complete Works,

In one vol. 8vo. $1.50.

American Cotton Spinner.

$i.

Cottage and Farm Houses.

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Country Houses.

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Sportsman }s Library.

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Landscape Gardening.

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Cottage Residences.

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ChaptaVs Agricul. Chemistry,

With Notes. $1.

American Husbandry.

By Gaylord and Tucker. $1.

Gardener's Dictionary.

By Geo. Don, F. L. S. 4 vols, quarto.
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Journal of Agriculture.

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Downing1 s Horticulturist.

Half morocco. Per Vol. Yearly Vols,
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The American Shepherd.

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The Principles of Agriculture,

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Lectures to Farmers on Agri-

cultural Chemistry. By Alexander
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The Complete Farrier.

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Milch Cows.

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A Home for All,

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The Gardener's Calendar.

By M. McMahon. $3.

The Poultry Breeder.

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The American Fowl Breeder.

25 cts.

The Farmers Companion.

By Judge Buel. 75 cts.

The Farmer's Instructor.

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European Agriculture ;

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The Gardener and Florist. .

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Elements ofPract. Agriculture.

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10

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Rogers' Scientific Agriculture.

75 cts.

Mills' Sportsman's Library.

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Stable Talk and Table Talk

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Hawker & Porter on Shooting.

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Field Sports.

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Fish and Fishing.

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The American Angler's Guide.

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Johnson's Farmer's Encyclo-

pedia. Edited by G. Emerson. M. D.

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culture. By Alonzo Gray. 75 cts.

Armstrong on Agriculture.

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Wilson's Rural Encyclopedia.

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Smith's Universal Hand Book.

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Agriculture for Schools.

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Text Book of Agriculture.

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Cottages and Cottage Life.

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Applied Chemistry.

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The Vegetable Kingdom ;

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The Muck Manual.

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Clater's Farrier.

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The American Herd Book.

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Browne's Trees of America.

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Downing' s Rural Essays.

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American Flower Garden Di'

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The American Flora.

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Miner's Domestic Poultry

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Stockhardt's Chemical Field

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culture. 50 cts.

B'ichannanon Grape Culture,

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J

B.P.L, Bindery,

JUN80 mi