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A
TREATISE
ON
THE THEORY AND PRACTICE
OF
LANDSCAPE GARDENING,
ADAPTED TO
NORTH AMERICA;
WITH A VIEW TO
THE IMPROVEMENT OF COUNTRY RESIDENCES.
COMPRISING
HISTORICAL NOTICES AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF THE ART,
DIRECTIONS FOR LAYING OUT GROUNDS AND ARRANGING PLANTATIONS,
THE DESCRIPTION AND CULTIVATION OF HARDY TREES,
DECORATIVE ACCOMPANIMENTS TO THE HOUSE AND GROUNDS,
THE FORMATION OF PIECES OF ARTIFICIAL WATER, FLOWER GARDENS, ETC.
WITH REMARKS ON
RURAL ARCHITECTURE.
Seconli 3SDition,
ENLARGED, REVISED, AND NEWLY ILLUSTRATED.
By a. J. DOWNING,
AUTHOR OF DESIGNS FOR COTTAGE RESIDENCES, ETC.
' Insult not Nature with absurd expense,
Nor spoil lier simple charms by vain pretence ;
Weigh well the subject, he with caution bold,
Profuse of genius, not profuse of gold."
NEW-YORK & LONDON:
WILEY AND PUTNAM.
1844.
Entered according to the Act of Congress, by
A. J. Downing,
In the Clerk's Office of the Southern District of New-York,
in the year 1841.
NEW-TORK :
"WlIiLIAM OsBORN, PeIKTER,
83 William.strect.
TO
JOHN aUINCY ADAMS, LL.D.,
EX-PKESIDENT OP THE UNITED STATES;
THE LOVER OF RURAL PURSUITS,
AS WELL A3
THE DISTINGUISHED PATRIOT, STATESMAN,
AND sage;
THIS VOLUME,
BT FEBMISSION,
IS EESPECTFULLT AND AFFECTIONATELY
DEDICATED,
BT HIS FKIEND,
THE AUTHOR.
^
74S43
PREFACE
TO THE SECOND EDITION.
The favourable manner in which the first edition of this
work has been received, is highly gratifying to the author ;
and the strong interest existing, at the present moment,
on the subject of rural improvement gives us every rea-
son to hope that during the next twenty years, our
advance towards a national taste in Landscape Gardening
and Architecture, will be as rapid as it has hitherto been in
the increase of population and general prosperity. Those,
who have reflected how much the happy condition of a
nation depends on the nature of its " country homes," will
be able to appreciate the moral and social value of such a
progress in taste.
In the present edition, a large part of the first portion of the
work has been re-written, — some modification of the princi-
ples of the art have been introduced, — considerable new
matter has been added, — the whole has been revised, and
newly and more copiously illustrated, from examples now
existing in this country, — and the work is now offered in a
much more complete form, than it was heretofore possible to
present it.
A. J. D.
Highland Gardens,
Newburgli, N. Y., Aug. 1844.
PREFACE.
A TASTE for rural improvements of every description is
advancing silently, but with great rapidity in this country.
While yet in the far west the pioneer constructs his rude
hut of logs for a dwelling, and sweeps away with his axe
the lofty forest trees that encumber the ground, in the older
portions of the Union, bordering the Atlantic, we are sur-
rounded by all the luxuries and refinements that belong to
an old and long cultivated country. Within the last ten
years, especially, the evidences of the growing wealth and
prosperity of our citizens have become apparent in the great
increase of elegant cottage and villa residences on the banks
of our noble rivers, along our rich valleys, and wherever
nature seems to invite us by her rich and varied charms.
In all the expenditure of means in these improvements,
amounting in the aggregate to an immense sum, professional
talent is seldom employed in Architecture or Landscape
Gardening, but almost every man fancies himself an ama-
teur, and endeavours to plan and arrange his own residence.
With but little practical knowledge, and few correct princi-
ples for his guidance, it is not surprising that we witness
much incongruity and great waste of time and money.
Even those who are familiar with foreign works on the sub-
ject in question labour under many obstacles in practice,
which grow out of the difference in our soil and climate, or
our social and political position.
These views have so often presented themselves to me of
Vlll PREFACE.
late, and have been so frequently urged by persons desiring
advice, that I have ventured to prepare the present volume,
in the hope of supplying, in some degree, the desideratum so
much felt at present. While we have treatises, in abun-
dance, on the various departments of the arts and sciences,
there has not appeared even a single essay on the elegant art
of Landscape Gardening. Hundreds of individuals who wish
to ornament their grounds and embellish their places, are at
a loss how to proceed, from the want of some leading prin-
ciples, with the knowledge of which they would find it com-
paratively easy to produce delightful and satisfactory results.
In the following pages I have attempted to trace out such
principles, and to suggest practicable methods of embellishing
our Rural Residences, on a scale commensurate to the views
and means of our proprietors. While I have availed myself
of the works of European authors, and especially those of
Britain, where Landscape Gardening was first raised to the
rank of a fine art, I have also endeavoured to adapt my sug-
gestions especially to this country and to the peculiar wants
of its inhabitants.
As a people descended from the English stock, we inherit
much of the ardent love of rural life and its pursuits which
belongs to that nation ; but our peculiar position, in a new
world that required a population full of enterprise and ener-
gy to subdue and improve its vast territory, has, until lately,
left but little time to cultivate a taste for Rural Embellish-
ment. But in the older states, as wealth has accumulated,
the country become populous, and society more fixed in its
character, a return to those simple and fascinating enjoy-
ments to be found in country life and rural pursuits, is
witnessed on every side. And to this innate feeling, out
of which grows a strong attachment to natal soil, we must
look for a counterpoise to the great tendency towards con-
stant change, and the restless spirit of emigration, which
form part of our national character ; and which, though to a
certain extent highly necessary to our national prosperity,
are, on the other hand, opposed to social and domestic hap-
PREFACE. IX
piness. " In the midst of the continual movement which
agitates a democratic community," says the most philosophi-
cal writer who has yet discussed our institutions, " the tie
which unites one generation to another, is relaxed or broken ;
every man readily loses the trace of the ideas of his fore-
fathers, or takes no care about them."
The love of country is inseparably connected with the
love of home. Whatever, therefore, leads man to assemble
the comforts and elegancies of life around his habitation,
tends to increase local attachments, and render domestic life
more delightful ; thus not only augmenting his own enjoy-
ment, but strengthening his patriotism, and making him a
better citizen. And there is no employment or recreation
which affords the mind greater or more permanent satisfac-
tion, than that of cultivating the earth and adorning our own
property. " God Almighty first planted a garden ; and, in-
deed, it is the parent of human pleasures," says Lord Bacon.
And as the first man was shut out from the g-nrden, in the
cultivation of which no alloy was mixed with his happiness,
the desire to return to it seems to be implanted by nature,
more or less strongly, in every heart.
In Landscape Gardening the country gentleman of leisure
finds a resource of the most agreeable nature. While there
is no more rational pleasure than that derived from its prac-
tice by him, who
" Plucks life's roses in his quiet fields,"
the enjoyment drawn from it, (unlike many other amuse-
ments,) is unembittered by the after recollection of pain or
injury inflicted on others, or the loss of moral rectitude. In
rendering his home more beautiful, he not only contributes
to the happiness of his own family, but improves the taste,
and adds loveliness to the country at large. There is,
perhaps, something exclusive in the taste for some of the
fine arts. A collection of pictures, for example, is compara-
tively shut up from the world, in the private gallery. But
the sylvan and floral collections, — the groves and gardens.
PREPACK.
which surround the country residence of the man of taste, —
are confined by no barriers narrower than the blue heaven
above and around them. The taste and the treasures, grad-
ually, but certainly, creep beyond the nominal boundaries of
the estate, and re-appear in the pot of flowers in the window,
or the luxuriant, blossoming vines which clamber over the
porch of the humblest cottage by the way side.
In the present volume I have sought, by rendering fami-
liar to the reader most of the beautiful sylvan materials of the
art, and by describing their peculiar effects in Landscape
Gardening, to encourage a taste among general readers.
And I have also endeavoured to place before the amateur
such directions and guiding principles as, it is hoped, will
assist him materially in laying out his grounds and arrang-
ing the general scenery of his residence.
The lively interest of late manifested in Rural Architec-
ture, and its close connection with Landscape Gardening,
have induced me to devote a portion of this work to the con-
sideration of buildings in rural scenery.
I take pleasure in acknowledging my obligations and re-
turning thanks to my valued correspondent, J. C. Loudon,
Esq., F. L. S., etc. of London, the most distinguished garden-
ing author of the age, for the illustrations and description of
the English Suburban Cottage in the Appendix ; to the seve-
ral gentlemen in this country who have kindly furnished
me with plans or drawings of their residences ; and to A. J.
Davis, Esq. of New- York, and J. Notman, Esq. of Philadel-
phia, architects, for architectural drawings and descriptions.
CONTENTS.
SECTION I.
HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
Objects of the art, page 10. The ancient and modern styles, p. 13.
Their peculiarities, p. 14. Origin of the modern and natural style, p. 20.
Influence of the English poets and writers, p. 22. Examples of the art
abroad, p. 27. Landscape Gardening in North America, and examples
now existing, p. 29.
SECTION II.
BEAUTIES OF LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Capacities of the art, p. 47. The beauties of the ancient style, p. 48.
General beauty, and picturesque beauty : their distinctive characteristics :
with illustrations drawn from nature and painting, p. 49. Nature and
principles of Landscape Gardening as an imitative art, p. 52. The
Graceful School, p. 55. The Picturesque School, p. 56. Simple beauty
of the art, p, 60. The principles of Unity, Harmony, and Variety, p. 61.
SECTION in.
WOOD AND PLANTATIONS.
The beauty of trees in rural embellishments, p. 66. Pleasure result-
ing from their cultivation, p. 69. Plantations in the ancient style ; their
formality, p. 70. In the modern style, p. 75. Grouping trees, p. 76.
Arrangement and grouping in the Graceful school, p. 81. In the Pic-
XU CONTENTS.
turesque school, p. 83. Illustrations in planting villa, ferme ornee, and
cottage grounds, p. 93. General classification of trees as to forms, with
leading characteristics of each class, p. 104.
SECTION IV.
DECIDUOUS OKNAMENTAL TREES.
The history and description of all the finest hardy deciduous trees.
Remarks on their effects in Landscape Gardening, individually, and in
composition : their cultivation, etc. The oak, p. 118. The elm, p. 131,
The plane or buttonwood, p. 136. The ash, p. 140. The lime or linden,
p. 144. The beech, p. 148. The poplar, p. 152. The horse chestnut,
p. ]58. The birch, p. 161. The alder, p. 166. The maple, p. 168.
The locust, p. 173. The three-thorned acacia, p. 177. The Judas tree,
p. 179. The chestnut, p. 180. The Osage orange, p. 185. The mul-
berry, p. 188. The paper-mulberry, p. 190. The svi^eet gum, p. 192,
The walnut, p. 194. The hickory, p. 198. The mountain ash, p. 202.
The ailantus, p, 206. The Kentucky coffee, p. 208. The willow, p.
211. The sassafras, p. 217. The catalpa, p. 218. The persimmon, p,
220. The peperidge, p. 222. The thorn, p, 224, The magnolia, p, 226.
The tulip-tree, p. 231, The dogwood, p. 234. The ginko, p. 237. The
American cypress, p. 239. The larch, p. 244. The Virgilia, p, 251,
The Paulownia, p. 253,
SECTION V.
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES,
The history and description of all the finest hardy evergreen trees.
Remarks on their effects in Landscape Gardening, individually and in
composiiion. Their cultivation, etc. The pines, p, 255, The firs, p,
264. The cedar of Lebanon, and Deodar cedar, p. 270. The red
cedar, p. 274. The arbor vitae, p. 276. The holly, p. 279. The yew,
p. 281.
SECTION VL
VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS.
Value of this kind of vegetation ;— fine natural effects, p. 286. The
European ivy, p. 287. The Virginia creeper, p, 290, The wild grape-
CONTENTS Xlll
vine, p. 291. The bittersweet, — the trumpet creeper, p. 292. The pipe
vine, p. 292. The clematis, — the wistaria, p. 293.||iThe honeysuckles
and woodbines, p. 294. The climbing roses, p. 296. Tne jasmine and
periploca, p. 297. Remarks on the proper mode of introducing vines, p.
298. Beautiful effects of climbing plants in connection with buildings,
p. 299.
SECTION VII.
TREATMENT OF GROUND. — FORMATION OF WALKS.
Nature of operations on ground, p. 300. Treatment[;of flowing and of
irregular surfaces to heighten their expression, p. 301, — of flats or level
surfaces, p. 306. Rocks, as materials in landscape, p. 307. Laying out
roads and walks : the approach, p. 309. Rules by Repton, p. 312. The
drive and minor walks, p. 314. The introduction of fences, p. 315.
Verdant hedges, p. 316.
SECTION VIII.
TREATMENT OF WATER.
Beautiful effects of this element in nature, p. 319. In what cases it is
desirable to attempt the formation of artificial pieces of water, p. 820. Re-
gular forms unpleasing, p. 321. Directions for the formation of ponds or
lakes in the irregular manner, p. 323. Study of natural lakes, 324. Is-
lands, p. 330. Planting the margin, p. 332. Treatment of natural brooks
and rivulets, p. 334. Cascades and water-falls, 33.5. Legitimate sphere
of the art in this department, p. 338.
SECTION IX.
LANDSCAPE OR RURAL ARCHITECTURE.
Difference between a city and country house, p. 340. The character-
istic features of a country house, p. 341. Examination of the leading
principles in Rural Architecture, p. 343. The harmonious union of build-
ings and scenery, p. 348. The different styles, p. 351. The Grecian
style, its merits and associations, p. 352 ; — its defects for domestic pur-
poses, p. 353. The Roman style. The Italian style, p. 3.56 ; — its pecu-
liar features, and examples in this country, p. 358. Associations of the
Italian style, 360. Swiss style, p. 362. The pointed or Gothic style, —
leading features, p. 364. Castellated buildings, p. 367. The Tudor
XIV CONTENTS
mansion, p. 368. Example here, p. 370. The Elizabethan style, p. 371.
The old English cottage,— its features, p. 372. Associations of the
pointed style, p. 375. Examples in this country, p. 379. Individual
tastes, p. 381. Entrance lodges, p. 382.
SECTION X.
EMBELLISHMENTS ; ARCHITECTURAL, RUSTIC, AND FLORAL.
Value of a proper connection between the house and grounds, p. 388.
Beauty of the architectural terrace, and its application to villas and cot-
tages, p. 389. Use of vases of different descriptions, p. 392. Sundials, p.
396. Architectural flower-garden, p. 397. Irregular flower-garden, p.
398. French flower-garden, p. 399. English flower-garden, p. 400.
Mino-led flower-garden, p. 406. General remarks on this subject, p. 407.
Selection of showy plants, flowering in succession, p. 407. Arrangement
of the shrubbery, and selection of choice shrubs, p. 411. The conserva-
tory and green-house, p. 418. Open and covered seats, p. 423. Pavi-
lions, p. 425. Rustic seats, p. 425. Prospect towers, p. 428. Bridges,
p. 430. Rockwork, p. 431. Fountains of various descriptions, p. 435.
judicious introduction of decorations, p. 441.
APPENDIX.
I. Notes on transplanting trees, p. 442. Reasons for frequent failures
in removing large trees, p. 442. Directions for performing this operation,
p. 445. Selection of subjects, p. 446. Preparing trees for removal, p.
447. Transplanting evergreens, p. 450.
II. Description of an English suburban residence, Cheshunt Cottage,
p. 451. With views and plans showing the arrangement of the house
and grounds, p. 452. And mode of managing the whole premises, p. 457.
III. Note on the treatment of Lawns, p. 490.
IV. Note on professional quackery, p. 493.
V. Note on roads and walks, p. 495.
ESSAY ON LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
SECTION I.
HISTORICAL SKETCHES.
Objects of the Art. The ancient and modern styles. Their peculiarities. Sketch of the
ancient style, and the rise and progress of the modern style. Influence of the English poets
and writers. Examples of the art abroad. Landscape Gardening in North America, and
examples now existing.
" L'un a nos yeux presento
D'un dessein regulierrordonnance imposante,
Prete aux champs des beautes qu'ils ne connaissaient pas,
D'une pompe etrangere embellit leur appas,
Donne aux arbres deslois, aux ondes des entraves,
Et, despote orgueilleux, brille entoure d'esclaves ;
Son air est moins riant et plus majestueux,
Uautre, de la nature amant respectueux,
L'orne sans la farder, traite avec indulgence
Ses caprices charraants, sa noble negligence,
Sa marche irreguliere, et fait naitre avec art
Des beautes du desordre, et meme du hasard."
Delille.
U R first, most
endearing, and
most sacred • associations," says the amiable Mrs. Hofland.
" are connected with gardens ; our most simple and most
2
Library
N. C. State College
10 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
refined perceptions of beanty are combined with them."
And we may add to this, that Landscape Gardening, which
is an artistical combination of the beautiful in nature and
art—an union of natural expression and harmonious culti-
vation— is capable of affording us the highest and most in-
tellectual enjoyment to be found in any cares or pleasures
belonging to the soil.
The development of the Beautiful is the end and aim of
Landscape Gardening, as it is of all other fine arts. The
ancients sought to attain this by a studied and elegant
regularity of design in their gardens ; the moderns, by the
creation or improvement of grounds which, though of limit-
ed extent, exhibit a highly graceful or picturesque epitome
of natural beauty. Landscape Gardening differs from gar-
dening in its common sense, in embracing the whole scene
immediately about a country house, which it softens and
refines, or renders more spirited and striking by the aid of
art. In it we seek to embody our ideal of a rural home ;
not through plots of fruit trees, and beds of choice flowers,
though these have their place, but by collecting and combi-
ning beautiful forms in trees, surfaces of ground, buildings,
and walks, in the landscape surrounding us. It is, in short,
the Beautiful, embodied in a home scene. And we attain it
by the removal or concealment of every thing uncouth and
discordant, and by the introduction and preservation of
forms pleasing in their expression, their outlines, and their
fitness for the abode of man. In the orchard, we hope to
gratify the palate, in the flower garden, the eye and the
smell, but in the landscape garden we appeal to that sense
of the Beautiful and the Perfect,, which is one of the high-
est attributes of om- nature.
This embellishment of nature, which we call Landscape
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 11
Gardening, springs naturally from a love of country life,
an attachment to a certain spot, and a desire to render that
place attractive — a feeling which seems more or less
strongly fixed in the minds of all men. But we should
convey a false impression, were we to state that it may be
applied with equal success to residences of every class and
size, in the country. Lawn and trees, being its two essen-
tial elements, some of the beauties of Landscape Gardening
may, indeed, be shown wherever a rood of grass surface, and
half a dozen trees are within our reach ; we may, even with
such scanty space, have tasteful grouping, varied surface,
and agreeably curved walks ; but our art, to appear to ad-
vantage, requires some extent of surface — its lines should
lose themselves indefinitely, and unite agreeably and gra-
dually with those of the surrounding country.
In the case of large landed estates, its capabilities may
be displayed to their full extent, as from fifty to five hun-
dred acres may be devoted to a park or pleasure grounds.
Most of its beauty, and all its charms, may, however, be
enjoyed in ten or twenty acres, fortunately situated, and
well treated ; and Landscape Gardening, in America, com-
bined and working in harmony as it is with our fine
scenery, is already beginning to give us results scarcely less
beautiful than those produced by its finest efibrts abroad.
The lovely villa residences of our noble river and lake
margins, when well treated — even in a few acres of tasteful
fore-ground, — seem so entirely to appropriate the whole
adjacent landscape, and to mingle so sweetly in their out-
hnes with the woods, the valleys, and shores around them,
that the effects are often truly enchanting.
But if Landscape Gardening, in its proper sense, cannot
be applied to the embellishment of the smallest cottage
12 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
residences in the country, its principles may be studied
with advantage, even by him who has only three trees to
plant for ornament ; and we hope no one will think his
grounds too small, to feel willing to add something to the gene-
ral amount of beauty in the country. If the possessor of the
cottage acre, would embellish in accordance with propriety,
he must not, as we have sometimes seen, render the whole
ridiculous by aiming at ambitious and costly embellish-
ments ; but he will rather seek to delight us by the good
taste evinced in the tasteful simplicity of the whole arrange-
ment. And if the proprietors of our country villas, in their
improvements, are more likely to run into any one error than
another, we fear it will be that of too great a desire for dis-
play— too many vases, temples, and seats — and too little
purity and simplicity of general effect.
The enquiring reader will perhaps be glad to have a
glance at the history and progress of the art of tasteful gar-
dening ; a recurrence to which, as well as to the history of
the fine arts, will afford abundant proof that, in the first
stage or infancy of all these arts, while the perception of their
ultimate capabilities is yet crude and imperfect, mankind
has in every instance been completely satisfied with the
mere exhibition of design or art. Thus in Sculpture, the first
statues were only attempts to imitate rudely the /orm of a
human figure, or in painting, to represent that of a tree :
the skill of the artist, in effecting an imitation successfully,
being sufficient to excite the astonishment and admiration of
those who had not yet made such advances as to enable
them to appreciate the superior beauty of expression.
Landscape Gardening is, indeed, only a modern word,
first coined, we believe, by Shenstone, since the art has
been based upon natural beauty ; but as an extensively
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 13
embellished scene, filled with rare trees, fountains and
statues, may, however artificial, be termed a landscape gar-
den, the classical gardens are fairly included in a retrospec-
tive view.
All late authors agree in these two distinct and widely
diiFering modes of the art ; 1st, the Ancient, Formal or
Geometric Style ; 2d, the Modern, Natural or Irregular Style.
The Ancient Style. A predominance of regular forms
and right lines is the charateristic feature of the ancient
style of gardening. The value of art, of power, and of
wealth, were at once easily and strongly shown by an artifi-
cial arrangement of all the materials ; an arrangement the
more striking, as it differed most widely from nature. And
in an age when costly and stately architecture was most
abundant, as in the times of the Roman empire, it is natural
to suppose, that the symmetry and studied elegance of the
palace, or the villa, would be transferred and continued in
the surrounding gardens.
Nothing fills so grand a place in the history of the gar-
dening of antiquity, as the great hanging gardens of Baby-
lon. A series of terraces supported by stone pillars, rising
one above the other three hundred feet in height, and
planted with rows of all manner of stately trees, shrubs and
flowers, interspersed with seats, and watered and supplied
with fountains from the Euphrates ; all this was indeed a
princely effort of the great king to recall to his Medean
queen the beauties of her native country. The " Paradises"
of the Persians, seem not only to have had straight walks
bordered with blossoming trees, and overhung with exquisite
lines of roses and other odoriferous shrubs, but to have been
interspersed with occasional thickets, and varied with foun-
tains, prospect towers, and aviaries for singing birds.
14 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The Athenians borrowed their taste in gardens from
Persia. The hme tree and the box lined their walks, and
bore patiently the shears of symmetry ; and a passion
for fragrant flowers seems to have been greatly indulged
by them. Their most celebrated philosophers made the
sylvan, or landscape gardens of their time, their favourite
schools. And the gardens of Epicurus and Plato appear
to have been symmetrical groves of the olive, plane, and
elm, enriched by elegant statues, moniunents and temples,
the beauty of which, for their peculiar purpose, has never
been surpassed by any example of more modern times.
Among the Romans, ornamental gardening seems to have
been not a little studied. The villas of the Emperors Nero
and Adrian were enriched with every thing magnificent
and pleasing in their gromids ; and the classically famous
villas of Cicero at Arpium, and of Pliny at Thuseum, with
Caesar's
" Private arbors, and new planted orchards.
On tliis side Tiber,"
are among the most celebrated specimens of the taste
among the ancients. Pliny's garden, of which a pretty
minute account remains, — filled with cypresses and bay
trees, planted to form a coursing place or hippodrome,
adorned with vis-a-vis figures of animals cut in box trees, and
decorated with fountains and marble alcoves, shaded by
vines — seems, indeed, to have been the true classical type of
all the later efforts of modern continental nations in their
geometric gardens.
Of the latter, the Italians have been most successful in
their ornamental gromids. Their beautiful marbles seem
to have been supplied by Art in too great profusion to be
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 15
confined even to the colonnades of their villas, and broad
enriched terraces, vases, and statues, every where enliven,
and contrast with, the verdure of the foliage ; trees and plants
being often less abundant, than the sculptural ornaments
which they serve to set off to advantage. An island — Isola
Bella — in one of their little lakes, has often been quoted
as the most highly wrought type of the Italian taste ; "a
barren rock," says a spirited writer, " rising in the midst of
a lake, and producing but a few poor lichens, which has
been converted into a pyramid of terraces supported on
arches, and ornamented with bays and orange trees of
amazing size and beauty." The Villa Borghese, at Rome,
is one of the most celebrated later examples, with its
pleasure grounds three miles in circumference, filled with
symmetrical walks and abounding with an endless pro-
fusion of sculpture.
The old French gardens differ little from those of Italy,
if we except that, with the same formality, they have more
of theatrical display— frequently substituting gilt trellises
and wooden statues for the exquisite marble balustrades
and sculptured ornaments of the Italians. But we must
not forget the crowning glory of the Geometric style, the
gardens of Louis XIV. at Versailles. A prince whose grand
idea of a royal garden was not compassed under two hun-
dred acres devoted to that purpose, and who, when shown
the bills of cost in their formation, amounting to two hun-
dred millions of francs, quietly threw them into the fire,
could scarcely fail, whatever the style of art adopted, in
producing a scene of great splendor. He was fortunate, too,
in his gardener, Le Notre, whose ideas, scarcely less superb
than those of his master, kept pace so closely with his
fancies, that he received the honor of knighthood, and was
16 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
made general director of all the buildings and gardens of
the time.
" The gardens of Versailles," says a tasteful English
reviewer, " may indeed be taken as the great exemplar of
this style ; and magnificent indeed they are, if expense
and extent and variety suffice to make up magnificence.
To draw petty figures in dwarf-box and elaborate pat-
terns in parti-colored sand, might well be dispensed with
where the formal style was carried out on so grand a scale
as this, but otherwise the designs of Le Notre differ little
from that of his predecessors in the geometric style, save in
their monstrous extent. The great wonder of Versailles
was the well known labyrinth, not such a maze as is really
the source of so much idle amusement at Hampton Court,
but a mere ravel of interminable walks, closely fenced in
with high hedges, in which thirty-nine of ^sop's fables
were represented by painted copper figiues of birds and
beasts, each group connected with a separate fountain, and
all spouting water out of their mouths ! Every tree was
planted with geometrical exactness, and parterre answered
to parterre across half a mile of gravel. " Such symmetry,"
says Lord Byron, " is not for solitude ;" and certainly, the
gardens of Versailles were not planted with any such in-
tent. The Parisians do not throng there for the contempla-
tion to be found in the " trim gardens" of Milton. There
is indeed a melancholy, but not a pleasing one, in wander-
ing alone, through, those many acres of formal hornbeam,
when we feel that it requires the " galliard and clinquant"
air of a scene of Watteau ; its crowds and love-making — its
hoops and minuets — a ringing laugh and merry tambourine
— to make us recognise the real genius of the place.
Taking Versailles on the gigantic type of the French
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 17
school, it need scarcely be said that it embraces broad
gravelled terraces, long alleys of yew and hornbeam, vast
orangeries, groves planted in the quincunx style, and
water-works embellished with, and conducted through
every variety of sculptured ornament. It takes the middle
line between the other two geometric schools — admitting
more sculpture and other works of art than the Italian, but
not overpowered with the same number of " huge masses
of littleness" as the Dutch. There is more of promenade,
' less of parterre ; more gravel than turf ; more of the de-
ciduous than the evergreen tree- The practical water-wit
of drenching the spectators was in high vogue in the
ancient French gardens ; and Evelyn, in his accoimt of
the Duke of Richelieu's villa, describes with some relish
how ' on going, two extravagant musketeers shot at us
with a stream of water from their musket barrels.' Contri-
vances for dousing the visitors — ' especially the ladies' —
which once filled so large a space in the catalogue of every
show place, seem to militate a little against the national
character for gallantry ; but the very fact that every thing
was done to surprise the spectator and stranger, evinces
how different was their idea of a garden from the home and
familiar pleasures which an Englishman looks to in his."
It is scarcely necessary for us to say, that this new splen-
dor of the French in their gardens was more or less copied,
at the time, all over Europe. " Ainsi font les Frangais —
voild ce qiiefai vuen France,^^ was the law of fashion in the
gardening taste from which there was no higher court of
appeal. But, in copying, every nation seems to have min-
gled with the " grand style" some elementary notions of
its own, expressive of national character or locality.
The most marked of these imitators were the Dutch, whose
3
18 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Style of ornamental gardening seems sufficiently unique to
be worthy of being considered a separate school.
And how shall we characterize the Dutch school, which
even to this day^ in the Low Countries, has scarcely given
way to the continental admiration for the ^^jardin Anglais ;"
this double distilled compound of laboured symmetry, regu-
larity, and stiifness which seems to convey to the quiet own-
ers so much pleasure, and the tasteful traveller and critic so
much despair ! A stagnant and muddy canal, with a bridge
thrown over it, and often connected with a circular fish-
pond ; a grass slope and a mound of green turf ; on which
is a pleasure or banqueting house with gilt ornaments ; num-
berless clipped trees, and every variety of trellis work lively
with green paint ; in the foreground beds of gay bulbs and
florist's flowers, interspersed with huge orange trees in tubs,
and in the distance smooth green meadows — such are the
unvarying features of the Hollander's garden or grounds.*
The true Dutchman looks upon his garden as a quiet jilace
to smoke and be " content" in ; if he lazily saunters through,
it is rather to enjoy the gay pencillings of some new bed of
tulips than to enjoy the elegance and harmony of its design,
the variety of scenery, or the freshness and beauty of the
foliage. At the same time, he is neither exclusive nor secret
with the stores of enjoyment which he has within its bounds ;
and very many of the private villas near Rotterdam, and in
other parts of Holland, have mottoes like these inscribed
over the gateways—" Tranquil and Content," '• My desire
is satisfied" — {genegentheiel is volde?i,) — " Friendship and
sociability," and numerous others of a similar import.
* In the neighborhood of Antwerp, not a long time since, was the villa of M.
Smetz, where, among many things that were pretty, was the odd conceitof a lawn
on which were a shepherd, his flock of sheep, and his dog cut in stone, and always
looking " pastoral and country like."
HISTORICAL NOTICES, 19
The ornamental gardening of England in the early ages,
and during the reigns of Elizabeth, James, and Charles,
was in the same courtly and formal taste. Always fonder
than any other people of great landed estates, their parks,
even in the days of the Henrys, were grand wooded sur-
faces, full of wild sylvan beauty ; but that part considered
the ornamental groimds, near the house, was always laid
out in right lined avenues, labyrinths, parterres, and knot-
ted gardens. " Nonsuch," a royal residence, was the gar-
dening wonder of the reign of Henry the VHI. ; and the
chroniclers have left enthusiastic notes of its various charms.
Keutzner, in his account of these gardens, says, " in the
grove of Diana is a very agreeable fountain, with Acteon
turned into a stag, as he was sprinkled by the goddess and
her nymphs, with inscriptions ; besides another pyramid of
marble, full of concealed pipes, which spirt on all who come
within their reach."
Charles II. startled, like the rest of Europe, with the
fame of Versailles, sent for Le Notre, who, it is said, plant-
ed St. James and Greenwich parks, and inspired the nobility
with a taste for some of the more splendid formalities of
the French school of design.
Vegetable sculpture, and all the accompaniments of Dutch
taste were introduced with King William, and had their hey-
day of fashion ; and we may get a good notion of the subjects
most in vogue, by an extract from Pope's keen satire on
the popular taste, written as late as 1713, when it was be-
gimiing to get into disrepute.
Inventory of a Virtuoso Gardener. Adam and
Eve in yew ; Adam, a little shattered by the fall of the
tree of knowledge in the great storm ; Eve and the
serpent, very flourishing. Noah's ark in Holly ; the
ribs a little damaged for want of water,
20 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The tower of Babel, not yet finished.
St. George, in box ; his arm scarce long enough, but will
be in a condition to stick the dragon by next April.
Edward the Black Prince, in cypress.
A pair of giants stunted, to be sold cheap.
An old maid of honor, in wormwood.
A topping Ben Jonson, in laurel.
Divers eminent modern poets, in bays ; somewhat
blighted.
A quick set hog, shot up into a porcupine, by being for-
got a week in rainy weather.
A lavender pig, with sage growing in his belly.
Whatever may have been the absurdities of the ancient
style, it is not to be denied that in connection with highly
decorated architecture, its effect, when in the best taste — as
the Italian — is not only splendid and striking, but highly
suitable and appropriate. Sir Walter Scott, in an essay
on landscape embellisment, says, " if we approve of Palla-
dian architecture, the vases and balustrades of Vitruvius,
the enriched entablatures and superb stairs of the Italian
school of gardening, we must not, on this accoimt, be con-
strued as vindicating the paltry imitations of the Dutch,
who clipped yews into monsters of every species, and re-
lieved them with painted wooden figures. The distinction
betwixt the Italian and Dutch is obvious. A stone hewn
into a gracefully ornamented vase or urn, has a value
which it did not before possess ; a yew hedge clipped into
a fortification, is only defaced. The one is a production of
art, the other a distortion of nature."
The Modern Style. Dawn to the time of Addison,
in the begiiming of the eighteenth century, the formal style
reigned triumphant. The gardener, the architect, and the
sculptor — all lovers of regularity and symmetry, had re-
tained complete mastery of its arrangements. And it is
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 21
worthy of more than a passing remark, that when the
change in taste did take place, it emanated from the poet,
the painter, and the tasteful scholar, rather than from the
practical man. In the poetical imagination, indeed, the
ideal type of a modern landscape garden seems always to
have been more or less shadowed forth. The Vaucluse of
Petrarch, Tasso's garden of Armida, the vale of Tempe of
iElian, were all exquisite conceptions of the modern style.
And Milton, surrounded as he was by the splendid formali-
ties of the gardens of his time, copied from no existing
models, but feeling that Eden must have been free and ma-
jestic in its outlines, he drew from his inner sense of the
beautiful, and from nature as he saw her developed in the
works of the Creator. There, the crisped brooks, —
" With mazy error under pendant shades
Ran nectar, visiting each plant, and fed
Flowers worthy of Paradise, which not nice Art
In beds and curious knots, but Nature boon
Pour'd forth profuse, on hill and dale and plain,
Both where the morning sun first warmly smote
The open field, and where the unpierced shade
Imbrown'd the noontide bowers ; thus was this place
Ahappy rural seat of various view."
But it required more than poetical types to change the
long rooted fashion. The lever of satire needed to be ap-
plied, and the golden links that bind Nature and Art more
clearly revealed, before the old system could be made to
waver. Lord Bacon, who looked deeper into the essence of
all things than most men of his age, was one of the first to
feel uneasy under the dominion of the formal taste ; and, in
his essay on gardens, full of a stately and noble plan, he
ventured, in the reign of James I. a tilt at the popular taste.
22 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
" As for the making of knots or figures with divers colored
earths, that they may lie mider the windows of the house,
they be but toys ; you may see as good sights many times
in tarts. I, for my part, do not like images cut out in
juniper or other garden stuff ; they are for children."
Without a doubt, however, the glory and merit of the
gardening revolution belong mainly to Addison and Pope.
In 1712 appeared Addison's papers on Imagination, con-
sidered with reference to the works of Nature and Art.
With a delicate and masterly hand, at a time when he pos-
sessed, through the " Spectator," the ear of all refined and
tasteful England, he lifted the veil between the garden and
natural charms, and showed how beautiful were their rela-
tions— how soon the imagination wearies with the stifihess
of the former, and how much grace may be caught from a
free-er imitation of the swelling wood and hill.
The next year Pope, who was both a poet and painter,
opened his quiver of satire in the celebrated article on ver-
dant sculpture m the Guardian, where he ridiculed with no
sparing hand the sheared alleys, formal groves, and
" Statues growing that noble place in,
All heathen goddesses most rare,
JHomer, Plutarch, and Nebuchadnezzar,
Standing naked in the open air !"
Pope was a refined and skilful amateur, and his garden
at Twickenham became a celebrated miniature type of the
natural school. In his Epistle to Lord Burlington, he de-
veloped somid principles for the new art ; — the study of
nature ; the genius of the place ; and never to lose sight of
good sense ; the latter a rule which the whimsical follies
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 23
of that day in gardening, seemed, doubtless, to render espe-
cially necessary, but which the discordant abortions of am-
bitious, would-be men of taste, prove is one soonest violated
in every succeeding age.
The change in the popular feeling thus created, soon
gave rise to innovations in the practical art. Bridgeman,
the fashionable garden artist of the time, struck, as Horace
Walpole thinks, by Pope's criticisms, banished verdant
sculptiue from his plans, and introduced bits of forest scene-
ry in the gardens at Richmond. And Loudon and Wise,
the two noted nurserymen of the day, laid out Kensington
gardens anew in a manner so much more natural as to
elicit the warm commendations of Addison in the Specta-
tor. It is not too much to say that Kent was the leader of
this class. Originally a painter, and the friend of Lord
Burlington, he next devoted himself to the subject, and
was, undoubtedly, the first professional landscape gardener
in the modern style. Previous artists had confined their
efforts within the rigid walls of the garden, but Kent, who
saw in all nature a garden-landscape, demolished the walls,
introduced the ha-ha^ and by blending the park and the
garden, substituted for the primness of the old enclosure,
the freedom of the pleasiire-groimd. His taste seems to
have been partly formed by Pope, and the Twickenham
garden was the prototype of those of Carlton House, Kent's
chefd'oeuvre. And, notwithstanding his faults, "his tem-
ples, obelisks, and gazabos of every description in the park,
all stuck about in their respective high places," notwith-
standing that his passion for natural effects led him into the
absurdity of sometimes planting an old dead tree to make
the allusion more perfect, we have no hesitation in ac-
cording to Kent the merit of first fully establishing, in
24 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
practice, the reform in taste which Addison and Pope had
so completely developed in theory.
Among the landmarks of the progress of the taste, we must
not refuse a passing notice of what seems to have been an
unique and beautiful specimen of the new feeling for em-
bellished nature — Leasowes, the "sentimental farm" of Shen-
stone. From contemporary accounts, it appears to have
been originally a grazing farm, from which, by tasteful
arrangement and planting, and pretty walks, seats, root-
house, urns, and appropriate inscriptions, the poet created a
scene of much pastoral and poetical beauty.
The modern style, was now running high in popular
favour in England, but the next professor of the art. Brown,
seems to have been a mannerist with so little true sym-
pathy with nature, as to be made the jest of every succeed-
ing generation- — great and fashionable, as the fortune he
amassed, and the long list of royal and noble places
which he remodelled, sufficiently prove him to have been in
his day. " Capability" Brown, as he was nicknamed, saw
in every new place great capabilities, but unfortunately his
own mind seems to have furnished but one model — a round
lake, a smooth bare lawn, a clump of trees and a boundary
belt — which he expanded, with few variations, to suit the
compass of an estate of a thousand acres, or a cottage with
a few roods. His works were often on a grand scale, and
he boasted that the Thames would never forgive him for
the rival he had created in the artificial lake at Blenheim.
" The places he altered," says Loudon, " are beyond all
reckoning. Improvement was the fashion of the time ; and
there was scarcely a country gentleman who did not, on some
occasion or other, consult the gardening idol of the day."
Mason, the poet, praises this artist, and Horace Walpole apolo-
Library
N, C. State CoUeoe
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 25
gizes for not praising him." Daines Barrington says, "Kent
hath been succeeded by Brown, who hath undoubtedly,
great merit in laying out pleasure grounds ; but I conceive,
that, in some of his plans, I see traces rather of the kitchen
gardener of old Stowe, than of Poussin, or Claude Lorraine."
This mannerism gave rise finally, to the celebrated work
On the Picturesque by Sir Uvedale Price, who, in a series of
elegant and masterly essays, pointed out the faults and follies
of this Brown and his imitators, analyzed the beautiful and
picturesque in nature and art, and founded a new school,
more spirited and free in its aim, deriving its principles
directly from nature and painting. These, with Knight's
elegant Poem, the Landscape, the English Garden by
Mason, and Whately's Observations on Modern Garden-
ing, all published between 1750 and the beginning of the
year 1800, established the new style firmly in the public mind.
On the Continent, especially in France, though the old
fashioned gardens were not demolishedj as in England,
new ones were laid out in accordance with the dawning taste,
and none of the antique establishments were thought perfect
without a spot set apart as a jardin Anglais.
It is not a little remarkable that the Chinese taste in gar-
dening, which was first made known to the English public
about this time, is by far the nearest previous approach to
the modern style. Some critics, indeed, have asserted that
the English are indebted to it for their ideas of the modern
style. However this may be, and we confess it has very
little weight with us, the harmonious system which the taste
of the English has evolved in the modern style, is at the
present day, too far beyond the Chinese manner to admit of
any comparison. The first is imbued with beauty of the
most graceful and agreeable character, based upon nature,
4
26 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
and refined by art ; while the latter abounds in puerilities
and whimsical conceits — rocky hills, five feet high— minia-
ture bridges — dwarf oaks, a hundred years old and twenty
inches in altitude — which, whatever may be our admiration
for the curious ingenuity and skill tasked in their produc-
tion, leave on our mind, no very favourable impression of
the taste which designed them.
The most distinguished English Landscape Gardeners of
more recent date, are the late Humphrey Repton, who died
in 1818 ; and since him John Claudius Loudon, better known
in this country, as the celebrated gardening author. Repton's
taste in Landscape gardening was cultivated and elegant, and
many of the finest parks and pleasure grounds of England,
at the present day, bear witness to the skill and harmony of
his designs. His published works are full of instructive
hints, and at Cobham Hall, one of the finest seats in
Britain, is an inscription to his memory, by Lord Darnley.
Mr. Loudon's* writings and labours in tasteful gardening,
are too well known, to render it necessary that we should
do more than allude to them here. Much of what is known
of the art in this country undoubtedly is, more or less directly
to be referred to the influence of his published works. Al-
though he is, as it seems to us, somewhat deficient as an
artist, in imagination, no previous author ever deduced, so
clearly, sound artistical principles in Landscape Gardening,
and Rural Architecture ; and fitness, good sense, and beauty,
are combined with a remarkable unity of feeling in all his
works.
* While we are revising this edition, we regret deeply to learn the death of Mr.
Loudon. His herculean labours as an author, have at last destroyed him ; and
in his death we lose one who has done more than any other person that ever
lived to popularise, and render universal, a taste for Gardening and Domestic
Architecture.
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 27
As the modern style owes its origin mainly to the English,
so it has also been developed and carried to its greatest per-
fection in the British Islands. The law of primogeniture,
which has there so long existed, in itself, contributes greatly
to the continual improvement and embellishment of those
vast landed estates, that remain perpetually in the hands
of the same family. Magnificent buildings, added to by each
succeeding generation, who often preserve also the older
portions with the most scrupulous care ; wide spread parks,
clothed with a thick velvet turf, which amid their moist
atmosphere, preserves during great part of the year an eme-
rald greenness — studded with noble oaks and other forest
trees which number centuries of growth and maturity ; these
advantages, in the hands of the most intelligent and the
wealthiest aristocracy in the world, have indeed made,
almost, an entire landscape garden of " merry England."
Among a multitude of splendid examples of these noble resi-
dences, we will only refer the reader to the celebrated
Blenheim, the seat of the Duke of Marlborough, where the
lake alone (probably the largest piece of artificial water in
the world) covers a surface of two hundred acres : Warwick
Castle, a venerable pile, portions of which have been built
a thousand years, standing on a hill from whence the eye,
though rangmg over a wide-spread landscape, only beholds
the park and wooded demesne of one proprietor : and Woburn
Abbey, the grounds of which are full of the choicest speci-
mens of trees and plants, and where the park, like that of
Ashbridge, Chatsworth, and several other private residences
in England, is only embraced within a circumference of
from ten, to twenty miles.
On the continent of Europe, though there are a multitude
of examples of the modern style of landscape gardening,
28 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
which is there called the English or naUiral style, yet in
the neighborhood of many of the capitals, especially those
of the south of Europe, the taste for the geometric or ancient
style of gardening still prevails to a considerable extent ;
partially no doubt because that style admits, with more
facility, of those classical and architectural acompaniments
of vases, statues, busts, etc., the passion for which per-
vades a people rich in ancient and modern sculptural works
of art. Indeed many of the gardens on the continent are
more striking from their numerous sculpturesque orna-
ments, interspersed with fountains and jets-d'eau, than from
the beauty or rarity of their vegetation, or from their ar-
rangement.
In the United States, it is highly improbable that we shall
ever witness such splendid examples of landscape gardens
as those abroad, to which we have alluded. Here the rights
of man are held to be equal ; and if there are no enormous
parks, and no class of men whose wealth is hereditary, there
is, at least, what is more gratifying to the feelings of the
philanthropist, the almost entire absence of a very poor class
in the country ; while Ave have, on the other hand, a large
class of independent landholders, who are able to assemble
around them, not only the useful and convenient, but the
agreeable and beautiful, in country life.
The number of individuals among us who possess wealth
and refinement SLifficient to enable them to enjoy the plea-
sures of a country life, and who desire in their private resi-
dences so much of the beauties of landscape gardening and
rural embellishment as may be had without any enor-
mous expenditure of means, is every day increasing. And
although, until lately, a very meagre plan of laying out the
grounds of a residence, was all that we could lay claim
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 29
to, yet the taste for elegant rural improvements is advancing
now so rapidly, that we have no hesitation in predicting that
in half a century more, there will exist a greater number of
beautiful villas and country seats of moderate extent, in the
Atlantic States, than in any country in Europe, England
alone excepted. With us, a feeling, a taste, or an improve-
ment, is contagious ; and once fairly appreciated and esta-
blished in one portion of the country, it is disseminated with
a celerity that is indeed wonderful, to every other portion.
And though, it is necessarily the case where amateurs of any
art are more numerous than its professors, that there will
be, in devising and carrying plans into execution, many
specimens of bad taste, and perhaps a sufficient number of
efforts to improve without any real taste whatever, still we
are convinced the effect of our rural embellishments will in
the end be highly agreeable, as a false taste is not likely to
be a permanent one in a community where every thing is so
much the subject of criticism.
With regard to the literature and practice of Landscape
Gardening as an art, in North America, almost every thing
is yet before us, comparatively little having yet been
done. Almost all the improvements in the gromids of our
finest country residences, have been carried on under the
direction of the proprietors themselves, suggested by their
own good taste, in many instances improved by the study
of European authors, or by a personal inspection of the finest
places abroad. The only American work previously published
which treats directly of Landscape Gardening, is the A7ne7-i-
can Garderiefs Calendar, by Bernard McMahon of Phila-
delphia. The only practitioner of the art, of any note, was
the late M. Parmentier of Brooklyn, Long Island.
M. Andre Parmentier was the brother of that celebrated
30 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
horticulturist, the ChevaUer Parmentier, Mayor of Enghien,
Holland. He emigrated to this country about the year
1824, and in the Horticultural Nurseries which he esta-
blished at Brooklyn, he gave a specimen of the natural style
of laying out grounds, combined with a scientific arrange-
ment of plants, which excited public curiosity, and contri-
buted not a little, to the dissemination of a taste for the na-
tural mode of landscape gardening.
During M. Parmentier's residence on Long Island, he was
almost constantly applied to for plans for laying out the
grounds of country seats, by persons in various parts of the
Union, as well as in the immediate proximity of New- York.
In many cases he not only surveyed the demesne to be im-
proved, but furnished the plants and trees necessary to carry
out his designs. Several plans were prepared by him for re-
sidences of note in the Southern States ; and two or three
places in Upper Canada, especially near Montreal, were, we
believe, laid out by his own hands and stocked from his
nursery grounds. In his periodical catalogue, he arranged
the hardy trees and shrubs that fiomish in this latitude in
classes, according to their height, etc., and published a short
treatise on the superior claims of the natural, over the formal
or geometric style of laying out gromids. In short Ave con-
sider M. Parmentier's labours and example as having efiected,
directly, far more for landscape gardening in America, than
those of any other individual whatever.
The introduction of tasteful gardening in this country is,
of course, of a very recent date. But so long ago as from
25 to 50 years, there were several country residences highly
remarkable for extent, elegance of arrangement, and the
highest order and keeping. Among these, we desire espe-
cially, to record here the celebrated seats of Chancellor Liv-
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 31
mgston,,Wm. Hamilton Esq., Theodore Lyman Esq., and
Judge Peters.
Woodlands, the seat of the Hamilton family, near Phila-
delphia, was, so long ago as 1805, highly celebrated for its
gardening beauties. The refined taste and the wealth of its
accomplished owner, were freely lavished in its improvement
and embellishment ; and at a time when the introduction of
rare exotics was attended with a vast deal of risk and trouble,
the extensive green-houses and orangeries of this seat, con-
tained all the richest treasures of the exotic flora, and
among other excellent gardeners employed, was the distin-
guished botanist Pursh, whose enthusiastic taste in his favorite
science was promoted and aided by Mr. Hamilton. The
extensive pleasure grounds were judiciously planted singly
and in groups, with a great variety of the finest species of
trees. The attention of the visitor to this place is now arrest-
ed by two very large specimens of that curious tree, the
Japanese Ginko, {Salishiii^ia) 60 or 70 feet high, perhaps
the finest in Europe or America, by the noble magnolias,
and the rich park-like appearance of some of the plantations
of the finest native and foreign oaks. From the recent
unhealthiness of this portion of the Schuylkill, Woodlands
has fallen into decay, but there can be no question that it
was, for a long time, the most tasteful and beautiful residence
in America.
The seat of the late Judge Peters, about five miles from
Philadelphia, was, 30 years ago, a noted specimen of the
ancient school of landscape gardening. Its proprietor
had a most extended reputation as a scientific agricul-
turist, and his place was also no less remarkable for the
design and culture of its pleasure-grounds, than for the
excellence of its farm. Long and stately avenues, with
32 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
vistas terminated by obelisks, a garden adorned with marble
vases, busts and statues, and pleasure grounds filled with
the rarest trees and shrubs, were conspicuous features here.
Some of the latter are now so remarkable as to attract
strongly the attention of the visitor. Among them, is the
chestnut planted by Washington, which produces the
largest and finest fruit ; very large hollies ; and a curious
old box tree much higher than the mansion near which
it stands. But the most striking feature now, is the still
remaining' grand old avenue of hemlocks, {Abies canaden-
sis.) Many of these trees, which were planted 100 years
ago, are now venerable specimens, ninety feet high, whose
huge trunks and wide spread branches, are in many cases
densely wreathed and draped with masses of English Ivy,
forming the most picturesque, sylvan objects we ever be-
held.
Lemon Hill, half a mile above the Fairmount water-
works of Philadelphia, was, 20 years ago, the most perfect
specimen of the geometric mode in America, and since its
destruction by the extension of the city, a few years since?
there is nothing comparable with it, in that style, among us.
All the symmetry, uniformity, and high art of the old
school, were displayed here in artificial plantations, formal
gardens with trellises, grottoes, spring-houses, temples,-
statues and vases, with numerous ponds of water, jets-d'eau
and other waterworks, parterres and an extensive range of
hothouses. The eifect of this garden was brilliant and
striking, its position, on the lovely banks of the Schuylkill,
admirable, and its liberal proprietor Mr. Pratt, by opening
it freely to the public, greatly increased the popular taste in
the neighbourhood of that city.
On the Hudson, the show place of the last age was the
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 33
Still interesting Clermont, then the residence of Chancellor
Livingston. Its level or gently undulating lawn, four or
five miles in length, the rich native woods, and the long
vistas of planted avenues, added to its fine water view, ren-
dered this a noble place. The mansion, the green-houses,
and the gardens, show something of the French taste in
design, which Mr. Livingston's residence abroad, at the time
when that mode was popular, no doubt, led him to adopt.
The finest yellow locusts in America are now standing in
the pleasure-grounds here, and the gardens contain many
specimens of fruit trees, the first of their sorts introduced
into the Union,
Waltham House, about nine miles from Boston, was, 25
years ago, one of the oldest and finest places, as regards
Landscape Gardening. Its owner, the late Hon. T. Lyman,
was a highly accomplished man, and thp grounds at Wal-
tham House bear witness to a refined and elegant taste in
rural improvement. A fine level park, a mile in length, en-
riched with groups of English limes, elms and oaks, and
rich masses of native wood, watered by a fine stream and
stocked with deer, were the leading features of the place at
that time; and this, and Woodlands, were the two best
specimens of the modern style, as Judge Peters' seat. Lemon
Hill, and Clermont, were of the ancient style, in the earliest
period of the history of Landscape Gardening among us.
There is no part of the Union where the taste in Land-
scape Gardening is so far advanced, as on the middle portion
of the Hudson. The natural scenery is of the finest cha-
racter, and places but a mile or two apart often possess, from
the constantly varying forms of the water, shores, and dis-
tant hills, widely diiferent kinds of home landscape and
distant view. Standing in the grounds of some of the
5
34 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
finest of these seats, the eye beholds only the soft foreground
of smooth lawn, the rich groups of trees shutting out all
neighbouring tracts, the lake-like expanse of water, and,
closing the distance., a fine range of wooded mountain.
A residence here of but a hundred acres, so fortunately are
these disposed by nature, seems to appropriate the whole
scenery around, and to be a thousand in extent.
At the present time, our handsome villa residences are
becoming every day more numerous, and it would require
much more space than our present limits, to eraunerate all
the tasteful rural country places within our knowledge,
many of which have been newly laid out, or greatly im-
proved within a few years. But we consider it so im-
portant and instructive to the novice in the art of Landscape
Gardening to examine, personally, country seats of a highly
tasteful character, that we shall venture to refer the reader
to a few of those which have now a reputation among us as
elegant country residences.
Hyde Park, on the Hudson, formerly the seat of the late
Dr. Hosack, now of W. Langdon, Esq., has been justly
celebrated as one of the finest specimens of the modern
style of Landscape Gardening in America. Nature has,
indeed, done much for this place, as the grounds are finely
varied, beautifully watered by a lively stream, and the views
are inexpressibly striking from the neighbourhood of the
house itself, including, as they do, the noble Hudson for
sixty miles in its course, through rich valleys and bold
mountains. (See Fig. 1.) But the efforts of art are not
unworthy so rare a locality ; and while the native woods,
and beautifully undulating surface, are preserved in their
original state, the pleasure-grounds, roads, walks, drives, and
new plantations, have been laid out in such a judicious
I' ig. 1. View in the Grounds at Hyde Park
Fig. 2. TLie I.IaL.or of Livingston.
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 35
manner as to heighten the charms of nature. Large and
costly hot-houses were erected by Dr. Hosack, with also
entrance lodges at two points on the estate, a fine bridge over
the stream, and niunerous pavilions and seats commanding
extensive prospects ; in short, nothing was spared to render
this a complete residence. The park, which at one time
contained some fine deer, afforded a delightful drive within
itself, as the whole estate numbered about seven hmidred
acres. The plans for laying out the grounds were fur-
nished by Parmentier, and architects from New- York were
employed in designing and erecting the buildings. For a
long time, this was the finest seat in America, but there are
now many rivals to this claim.
The Manor of Livingston, the seat of Mrs. Mary Liv-
ingston, is seven miles east of the city of Hudson. The
mansion stands in the midst of a fine park, rising gradually
from the level of a rich inland country, and commanding
prospects for sixty miles around. This park is, perhaps,
the most remarkable in America, for the noble simplicity of
its character, and the perfect order in which it is kept.
The turf is, every-where, short and velvet-like, the gravel-
roads scrupuloushr firm and smooth, and near the house
are the largest and most superb evergreens. The mansion
is one of the chastest specimens of the Grecian style, and
there is an air of great dignity and grace about the whole
demesne. (Fig. 2.)
Blithewood, the seat of R. Donaldson, Esq., near Barry-
town on the Hudson, is one of the most charming villa resi-
dences in the Union. The natiual scenery here, is nowhere
surpassed in its enchanting union of softness and dignity —
the river being four miles wide, its placid bosom broken only
by islands and gleaming sails, and the horizon grandly
closing in with the tall blue summits of the distant Kaats-
36 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
kills. The smiling, gently varied lawn is studded with
groups and masses of fine forest and ornamental trees, be-
neath which are walks leading in easy curves to rustic
seats, and summer houses placed in secluded spots, or to
openings affording most lovely prospects. (See Frontis-
piece). In various situations near the house and upon the
lawn, sculptured vases of Maltese stone are also disposed in
such a manner as to give a refined and classic air to the
grounds.
As a pendant to this graceful landscape, there is within
the gromids scenery of an opposite character, equally wild
and picturesque — a fine, bold stream, fringed with woody
banks, and dashing over several rocky cascades, thirty or forty
feet in height, and falling, altogether, a hundred feet in half
a mile. (See view. Sect, viii.) There are also, within the
groimds, a pretty gardener's lodge, in the rural cottage style,
and a new entrance lodge by the gate, in the bracketted
mode ; in short, we can recall no place of moderate extent,
where nature, and tasteful art, are both so prodigal of beauty,
and so harmonious in effect.
Montgomery Place is directly south of Blithewood. It
is remarkable for its rich masses of wo(^, with dark and
shadowy walks of great length and variety, the interest of
which is heightened by numerous, tasteful rustic seats,
arbours, and root-houses. Near the house are a stately
Conservatory and flower-garden, and the views from the
lawn are rich and extensive. This place is the seat of Mrs.
Edward Livingston, and like the neighbouring one of J. R.
Livingston, Esq., abomids in magnificent single trees,
groups, masses, and rolling woods, disposed in the modern
style over an extensive rolling surface, having much the
air of an old European residence.
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 37
These places owe almost their entire beauty to nature, as
this wood is the native growth of the soil — ^just so much of
the natural foliage having been retained, as clothes the es-
tate with an ample garniture ; and much of the effect of the
finest park, carefully laid out and planted in the modern
style, is obtained, by judiciously managing the materials, of
which nature has here been so extremely prodigal.
The seat of Mr. Wadsworth, at Geneseo, is the first in
the interior of this state. The park is large, on a fine
sweeping outline of surface, and contains many oaks of
extraordinary size and beauty. The Genesee valley is,
itself, when seen at a distance, quite park-like, and for
natural, sylvan beauty, there is little in the country, sur-
passing portions of the grounds of this extensive estate.
Beaverwyck, a little north of Albany, on the opposite bank
of the river, is the seat of Wm. P. Van Rensselaer, Esq.
(Fig. 3.) The whole estate is ten or twelve miles square, in-
cluding the village of Bath on the river shore, and a large
farming district. The home residence embraces several hun-
dred acres, with a large level lawn, bordered by highly varied
surface of hill and dale. The mansion, one of the first
class, is newly erected from the plans of Mr. Diaper, and in
its interior — its hall with mosaic floor of polished woods,
its marble staircase, frescoed apartments, and spacious adjoin-
ing conservatory — is perhaps the most splendid in the Union.
The grounds are yet newly laid out, but with much judg-
ment ; and six or seven miles of winding, gravelled roads
and walks have been formed — their boundaries now leading
over level meadows, and now winding through woody dells.
The drives thus afforded, are almost unrivalled in extent and
variety, and give the stranger or guest, an opportunity of see-
ing the near, and distant views, to the best advantage.
38 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Dutchess county, bordering the Hudson, abounds with
many beautiful seats. Near Rhinebeck are Mr. James's and
Mr. Emmet's, charmingly located, with much simple beauty
of lawn and trees ; and Mr. Kelly's, remarkable for the rich
park-like view from the terrace, in front of the house. Near
NeAV-Hambm-gh, the seats of Mr. Sheafe and Mr. Lenox,
evince high keeping, and tasteful culture.
At Tarrytown, is the cottage residence of Washington
Irving, which is, in location and accessories, almost the beau
ideal of a cottage-ornee. The charming manner in which
the wild foot-paths, in the neighborhood of this cottage, are
conducted among the picturesque dells and banks, is pre-
cisely what one would look for here. A little below, Mr.
Sheldon's cottage, with its pretty lawn and its charming
brook, — is one of the best specimens of this kind of resi-
dence on the river. At Hastings, four or five miles south,
is the agreeable seat of Judge Constant.
About twelve miles from New- York, on the Somid, is
Huntefs Island, the seat of John Hunter, Esq., a place of
much simplicity and dignity of character. The whole island,
may be considered an extensive park, carpeted with soft
lawn, and studded with noble trees. The mansion is sim-
ple in its exterior, but, internally, is filled with rich treasures
of art. The seat of James Munroe, Esq., on the East river
in this neighbourhood, abounds with beautiful trees, and
many other features of interest.
The Cottage residence of William H. Aspinwall, Esq.,*
on Staten Island, is a highly picturesque specimen of
Landscape Gardening. The house is in the English cot-
tage style, and from its open lawn in front, the eye takes
in a wide view of the ocean, the Narrows, and the blue
hills of Neversink. In the rear of the cottage, the sur-
-liTIiii ' iin iil ni
Fig. 3 Beavex-n^yck. the Seat of Wm P. Van Rensselaer, Esq.
Fig. 4 Cottage Residence of Wm. H, Asxjinvrall, Esq.
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 39
face is much broken and varied, and finely wooded and
planted. In improving this picturesque site, a nice sense
of the charm of natural expression has been evinced ;
and the sudden variations from smooth open surface, to
wild, w^ooded banks, with rocky, moss-covered flights of
steps, strike the stranger, equally with surprise and delight.
A charming greenhouse, a knotted flower garden, and a
pretty, rustic moss-house, are among the interesting points
of this spirited place. (See Fig. 4).
In Connecticut, Monte Video, the seat of Daniel Wads-
worth, Esq., near Hartford, is worthy of commendation, as
it evinces a good deal of beauty in its grounds, and is one
of the most tasteful in the state. The residence of James
HilDiouse, Esq., near New-Haven, is a pleasing specimen
of the simplest kind of Landscape Gardening, where grace-
ful forms of trees, and a gently sloping surface of grass,
are the principal features. The villa of Mr. Whitney, near
New-Haven, is one of the most tastefully managed in the
state. In Maine, the most remarkable seat, as respects
landscape gardening and architecture, is that of Mr. Gar-
diner, of Gardiner.
The environs of Boston, are more highly cultivated than
those of any other city in North America. There are here,
whole rural neighborhoods of pretty cottages and villas,
admirably cultivated, and, in many cases, tastefully laid out
and planted. The character of even the finest of these
places, is, perhaps, somewhat suburban, as compared with
those of the Hudson river, but we regard them as furnish-
ing admirable hints for a class of residence likely to become
more numerous than any other in this country — the taste-
ful, suburban cottage. The owner of a small cottage resi-
dence, may have almost every kind of beauty and enjoyment
40 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
in his groimds, that the largest estate will aftbrd, so far
as regards the interest of trees and plants, tasteful arrange-
ment, recreation, and occupation. Indeed, we have little
doubt that he, who directs, personally, the curve of every
walk, selects and plants every shrub and tree, and watches
with solicitude every evidence of beauty and progress,
succeeds in extracting from his tasteful grounds of half a
dozen acres, a more intense degree of pleasure, than one
who is only able to direct and enjoy, in a general sense, the
arrangement of a vast estate.
Belmont, the seat of J. P. Gushing, Esq., is a residence
of more note than any other near Boston; but this is,
chiefly, on account of the extensive ranges of glass, the
forced fruits, and the high culture of the gardens. A new
and spacious mansion has recently been erected here, and
the pleasure-grounds are agreeably varied with fine groups
and masses of trees and shrubs on a pleasing lawn. (Fig. 5.)
The seat of Col. Perkins, at Brookline, is one of the
most interesting in this neighbourhood. The very beautiful
lawn here, abounds with exquisite trees, finely disposed ;
among them, some larches and Norvvay firs, with many other
rare trees of uncommon beauty of form. At a short dis-
tance is the villa residence of Theodore Lyman, Esq., re-
markable for the unusually fine avenue of Elms leading to
the house, and for the beautiful architectural taste displayed
in the dwelling itself. The seat of the Hon. John Lowell,
at Roxbury, possesses also, many interesting gardening
features.*
* We Americans are, proverbially impatient of delay, and a few years in
prospect, appears an endless futurity. So much is this the feeling with many,
that we verily believe there are hundreds of our country places, wliich owe
their bareness and destitution of foliage to the idea, so common, that it requires
"an age" for forest trees to " grow up."
The middle aged man, hesitates about the good of planting what he imagines,
Fig. 5. Belmont Place, near Boston, the Seat of J. P^Cusbing, Esq.
FiH, ij. 'vicwin the Grounds at Pits Bank.
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 41
Pine Bank, the Perkins estate, on the border of Jamaica
lake, is one of the most beautiful residences near Boston.
The natural surface of the ground is exceedingly flowing
and graceful, and it is varied by two or three singular little
dimples, or hollows, which add to its eflect. Luxuri-
ant specimens of the white pine abound, so as to give a
name to the place, Avhich is otherwise charmingly planted
and grown. The perfect order of the gromids ; the beauty
of the walks, sometimes skirting the smooth open lawn, en-
riched with rare plants and shrubs, and then winding by
the shadowy banks of the water ; the soft and quiet cha-
racter of the lake itself, — its margin richly fringed with
trees, which conceal here and there a pretty cottage, its firm
clean beach of gravel, and its water of crystal purity ; all
these features make this place a little gem of natural and
artistical harmony, and beauty. (Fig. 6.)
On the other side of the lake is the cottage of Thomas
Lee, Esq. Enthusiastically fond of botany, and gardening
in all its departments, Mr. Lee has here formed a residence of
he shall never see arriving at maturity, and even many who are younger,
conceive that it requires more than an ordinary lifetime, to rear a fine wood of
planted trees. About two years since, we had the pleasure of visiting the seat
of the late Mr. Lowell, whom we found in a green old age, still enjoying, with
the enthusiasm of youth, the pleasures of Horticulture and a country life. For
the encouragement of those, who are ever complaining of the tardy pace with which
the growth of trees advances, we will here record that we accompanied Mr. L.
through a belt of fine woods (skirting part of his residence,) nearly half a mile in
length, consisting of almost all our finer hardy tree.s, many of them apparently
full grown, the whole of wliich had been planted by him when he was thirty-two
years old. At that time, a solitary elm, or two were almost the only trees upon
his estate. We can hardly conceive a more rational source of pride or enjoyment,
than to be able thus to walk, in the decline of years, beneath the shadow of um-
brageous woods and groves, planted by our own hands, and whose growth has
become almost identified with our own progress and existence.
6
42 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
as much variety and interest as we ever saw in so moderate
a compass — about 20 acres. It is, indeed, not only a most
instructive place to the amateur of landscape gardening, but
to the naturalist and lover of plants. Every shrub seems
placed precisely in the soil and aspect it likes best, and
native and foreign Rhododendrons, Kalmias, and other rare
shrubs, are seen here in the finest condition. There is a
great deal of variety in the surface here, and while the lawn-
front of the house has a polished and graceful air, one or
two other portions are quite picturesque. Near the entrance
gate is an English oak, only fourteen years planted, now
forty feet high.
The whole of this neighbourhood of Brookline is a kind
of landscape garden, and there is nothing in America, of the
sort, so inexpressibly charming as the lanes which lead
from one cottage, or villa, to another. No animals are
allowed to run at large, and the open gates, with tempting
vistas and glimpses under the pendant boughs, give it quite
an Arcadian air of rural freedom and enjoyment. These
lanes are clothed with a profusion of trees and wild shrub-
bery, often almost to the carriage tracks, and curve and wind
about, in a mamier quite bewildermg to the stranger who
attempts to thread them alone ; and there are more hints
here for the lover of the picturesque in lanes, than we ever
saw assembled together in so small a compass.
In the environs of New-Bedford are many beautiful
residences. Among these, we desire particularly to notice
the residence of James Arnold, Esq. There is scarcely a
place in New-England, where the -pleasure-grounds are so
artistically laid out, so full of variety, and in such perfect
order and keeping, as at this charming spot ; and its winding
walks, open bits of lawn, shrubs and plants grouped on turf,
~^ i5*?^l:^^fc=^
Fig. 7. View in the Grounds of James Arnold, Esq New-Bedford.
Fig 8 M'r Dunns Cottaqe, Mount Hollv, N J
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 43
shady bowers, and rustic seats, all most agreeably combined,
render this a very interesting and instructive suburban seat.
In New- Jersey, the grounds of the Count de Survilliers,
at Bordentown, are very extensive ; and although the surface
is mostly flat, it has been well varied by extensive plan-
tations. At Momit Holly, about twenty miles from Camden,
is Mr. Dunn's unique, semi-oriental cottage, with a con-
siderable extent of pleasure ground, newly planted, after the
designs of Mr. Notman. (Fig. 8.)
About Philadelphia there are several very interesting seats
on the banks of the Delaware, and Schuylkill, and the
district between these two rivers.
The country seat of Geo. iSheaff, Esq., one of the most
remarkable in Pennsylvania, in many respects, is twelve
miles north of Philadelphia. The house is a large and
respectable mansion of stone, surromided by pleasure-grounds
and plantations of fine evergreen and deciduous trees. The
conspicuous ornament of the grounds, however, is a mag-
nificent white oak, of enormous size, whose wide stretching
branches, and grand head, give an air of dignity to the whole
place. (Fig. 9.) Among the sylvan features here, most in-
teresting, are also the handsome evergreens, chiefly Balsam
or Balm of Gilead firs, some of which are now much
higher than the mansion. These trees were planted by Mr.
Sheaff twenty-two years ago, and were then so small, that they
were brought by him from Philadelphia, at various times, in
his carriage — a circumstance highly encouraging to despair-
ing planters, when we reflect how comparatively slow grow-
ing is this tree. This whole estate is a striking example of
science, skill and taste, applied to a country seat, and there are
few in the Union, taken as a whole, superiour to it.*
* The farm is 300 acres in extent, and, in the time of De Witt Clinton, was pro-
nounced by him the model farm of the United States. At the present time we
44 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,
Cottage residence of Mrs. Camac. This is one of the
most agreeable places, within a few miles of Philadelphia.
The house is a picturesque cottage, in the rural gothic style,
with very charming and appropriate pleasure grounds, com-
prising many groups and masses of large and finely grown
trees, interspersed with a handsome collection of shrubs and
plants ; the whole very tastefully arranged. (Fig. 10.) The
lawn is prettily varied in surface, and there is a conservatory
attached to the house, in which the plants in pots are
hidden in beds of soft green moss, and which, in its whole
effect and management, is more tasteful and elegant than
any plant house, comiected with a dwelling, that we re-
member to have seen.
Stenton, near Germantown, four miles from Philadelphia
is a fine old place, with many picturesque features. The
farm consists of 700 acres, almost without division fences —
admirably managed — and remarkable for its grand old
avenue of the hemlock spruce, 110 years old, leading to a
family cemetery, of much sylvan beauty. There is a large,
and excellent old mansion, with paved hall, built in 1731,
which is preserved in its original condition. This place was
the seat of the celebrated Logan, the friend of William Penn,
and is now owned by his descendant, Albanus Logan.
know nothing superior to it, and Capt. Barclay, in his agricultural tour, says it was
the only instance of regular, scientific system of husbandry in the English man-
ner, he saw in America. Indeed, the large, and regular fields, filled with luxuriant
crops, every where of an exact evenness of growth, and every where free from
■weeds of any sort ; the perfect system of manuring and culture ; the simple and
complete fences ; the fine stock ; the very spacious bams, every season newly
whitewashed internally and externally, paved with wood, and as clean as a
gentleman's stable, (with stalls to fatten 90 head of cattle;) these, and the
masterly way in which the whole is managed, both as regards culture and profit,
render this estate one of no common interest in an agricultural, as well as ornamental
point of view.
Y\" 9. The Seat of Geo. SheafF, lisq.
Fig. 10 Mrs. Camac's Residence.
HISTORICAL NOTICES. 45
The villa residence of Alexander Brown, Esq., is situated
on the Delaware, a few miles above Philadelphia. There
is here, a good deal of beauty in the natural style, made up
chiefly by lawn and forest trees. A pleasing drive through
plantations of 25 years growth, is one of the most interest-
ing features— and there is much elegance and high keeping
in the grounds.
Below Philadelphia, the lover of beautiful places will
find a good deal to admire in the country seat of John R.
Latimer, Esq., near Wilmington, which enjoys the reputa-
tion of being the finest in Delaware. This place has all
the advantages of high keeping, richly stocked gardens and
conservatories, and much natural beauty, heightened by
judicious planting, arrangement and culture.
At the south are many extensive country residences re-
markable for trees of unusual grandeur and beauty, among
which the live oak is very conspicuous ; but they are, in gene-
Tal, wanting in that high keeping and care, which is so
essential to the charm of a landscape garden.
Of smaller villa residences, suburban chiefly, there are
great numbers, springing up almost by magic, in the borders
of our towns and cities. Though the possessors of these can
scarcely hope to introduce any thing approaching to a land-
scape garden style, in laying out their limited gromids, still
they may be greatly benefited by an acquaintance with the
beauties, and the pleasures, of this species of rural embellish-
ment. When we are once master of the principles, and aware
of the capabilities of an art, we are able to infuse an expression
of tasteful design, or an air of more correct elegance, even
into the most humble works, and with very limited means.
While we shall endeavour, in the following pages, to give
such a view of modern Landscape Gardening, as will enable
46 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
the improver to proceed with his fascinating operations, in
embellishing the comitry residence, in a practical mode, based
upon what are now generally received as the correct princi-
ples of the art, we would desire the novice, after making him-
self acquainted with all that can be acquired from written
works within his reach, to strengthen his taste and add to his
knowledge, by a practical inspection of the best country seats
among us. In an infant state of society, in regard to the fine
arts, much will be done in violation of good taste ; but here
where nature has done so much for us, there is scarcely a
large country residence in the Union, from which useful hints
in Landscape Gardening may not be taken. And in nature,
a group of trees, an accidental pond of water, or some equally
simple object, may form a study more convincing to the mind
of a true admirer of natural beauty, than the most carefully
drawn plan, or the most elaborately written description.
HISTORICAL NOTICES.
47
SECTION II.
BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART.
Capacities of tlie art. The beauties of the ancient stj'lc. The modern style. General
beauty, and Picturesque beauty : their distinctive characteristics. Illustrations drawn from
Nature and Painting. Nature and principles of Landscape Gardening as an Imitative art.
The Graceful school. The Picturesque school. Simple beauty of the art. The principles
of Unity, Harmony, and Variety.
" Here Nature in her unaffected dresse,
Plaited with vallies and imbost with hills,
Enchast with silver streams, and fringed with woods,
Sits lovely."
Chamberlayne.
" II est des soins plus doux, un art plus enchanteur.
C'est peu de charmer I'ceil, il faut parler au coeur.
Avez-vous done connu ces rapports invisibles,
Des eorps inanimes et des etres sensibles ?
Avez-vous entendu des eaux, des pres, des bois.
La muette eloquence et la secrete voix ?
Rendez-nous ces effets." Les Jardiiis, Book I.
E F O R E we proceed to a detailed, and more
practical consideration of the subject, let us oc-
cupy ourselves for a moment with the con-
sideration of the different results which are
to be sought after, or, in other words, what
ss^ kinds of beauty we may hope to produce by
Landscape Gardening. To attempt the smallest Avork in any
art, without knowing either the capacities of that art, or the
48
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
schools, or modes, by which it has previously been character-
ized, is but to be groping about in a dim twilight, without
the power of knowing, even should we be successful in our
efforts, the real excellence of our production ; or of judging its
merit, comparatively, as a work of taste and imagination.
[Fig. 11.] The Geometric style, from an old print.
The beauties elicited by the ancient style of gar-
dening were those of regularity, symmetry, and the display
of laboured art. These were attained in a merely me-
chanical manner, and usually involved little or no theory.
The geometrical form and lines of the buildings, were only
extended and carried out, in the garden. In the best
classical models, the art of the sculptor conferred dignity
and elegance on the garden, by the fine forms of marble
vases, and statues ; in the more intricate and laboured
specimens of the Dutch school, prevalent in England in the
time of William IV., (Fig. U,) the results evince a fertility of
BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 49
odd conceits, rather than the exercise of taste or imagination ;
and to level ground naturally uneven, or to make an
avenue, by planting rows of trees on each side of a broad
walk, requires only the simplest perception of the beauty of
mathematical forms. In short, to lay out a garden in the
geometric style, was little more than a formal routine, and it
was only after the superiour interest of a more natural man-
ner was enforced by men of genius, that beauty of expres-
sion was recognized, and Landscape Gardening was raised
to the rank of a fine art.
The ancient style of gardening may, however, be intro-
duced with good eifect in certain cases. In public squares
and gardens, where display, grandeur of effect, and a highly
artificial character are desirable, it appears to us the most
suitable ; and no less so in very small gardens, in which
variety and irregularity is out of the question. Where a taste
for imitating an old and quaint style of residence exists, the
symmetrical, and knotted garden, would be a proper
accompaniment ; and pleached alleys, and sheared trees,
would be admired, like old armour, as curious specimens of
antique taste and custom.
The earliest professors of modern Landscape Gardening,
have generally agreed upon two species of beauty, of which
the art is capable — variations no less certainly distinct, on
the one hand, than they are capable of intermingling and
combining, on the other. These are general^ and picturesque
beauty : or, to speak more definitely, the beauty characterized
by simple and flowing forms, and the expressed by striking,
irregular, spirited forms.
The admirer of nature, as well as the lover of pictures and
engravings, will at once call to mind examples of scenery
distinctly expressive of each of these kinds of beauty. In
7
50 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
nature, perhaps some gently undulating plain covered with
emerald turf, partially or entirely encompassed by rich, roll-
ing outlines of forest canopy, — its widest expanse here broken
occasionally by noble groups of round-headed trees, or there
interspersed with single specimens whose trunks support
heads of foliage flowing in outline, or drooping in masses to
the very turf beneath them. In such a scene we often be-
hold the azure of heaven, and its silvery clouds, as well as
the deep verdure of the luxuriant and shadowy branches, re-
fl.ected in the placid bosom of a sylvan lake ; the shores of
the latter swelling out, and receding, in gently curved
lines ; the banlfs, sometimes covered with soft turf sprinkled
with flowers, and in other portions clothed with luxmiant
masses of verdant shrubs. Here are all the elements of what
is termed natural beauty, — or a landscape characterized by
simple, easy, and flowing lines.
For an example of the opposite character, let us take a stroll
to the nearest woody glen in your neighbourhood — perhaps
a romantic valley, half shut m on two or more sides by steep
rocky banks, partially concealed and overhung by clustering
vines, and tangled thickets of deep foliage. Against the sky
outline breaks the wild and irregular form of some old, half
decayed tree near by, or the horizontal and unique branches
of the larch or the pine, with their strongly marked forms.
Rough and irregular stems and trunks, rocks half covered
with mosses and flowering plants, open glades of bright ver-
dure opposed to dark masses of bold shadowy foliage, form
prominent objects in the foreground. If water enlivens the
scene, we shall hear the murmur of the noisy brook, or the
cool dashing of the cascade, as it leaps over the rocky barrier.
Let the stream turn the ancient and Avell worn wheel of the
old mill in the middle ground, and we shall have an illus-
BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OP THE ART. 51.
tration of picturesque beauty, not the less striking from its
familiarity to every one.
To the lover of the fine arts, the name of Claude Lor-
raine cannot fail to suggest examples of beauty in its purest
and most elegant forms. In the inimitable pictures of this
great master, we see portrayed all those graceful and flowing
forms, and all that finely accordant colouring, which delight
so much the mind of refilled taste and sensibility — composi-
tions emanating from a beautifully harmonious soul, and
inspired by a climate, and a richness of nature and art,
nowhere surpassed.
On the other hand, where shall we find all the elements of
the picturesque, more graphically combined, than in the vigo-
rous landscapes of Salvator Rosa ! In those rugged scenes,
even the lawless aspects of his favourite robbers and ban-
ditti, are not more spirited than the bold rocks and wild
passes by which they are surrounded. And in the produc-
tions of his pencil, we see the influence of a romantic and
vigorous imagination, nursed amid scenes teeming with the
grand as well as the picturesque — both of which he em-
bodied in the most striking manner.
In giving these illustrations of general, and of pictu-
resque beauty, we have not intended them to be understood
in the light of exact models for imitation in Landscape Gar-
dening— only as striking examples of expression in natural
scenery. Although in nature many landscapes partake in
a certain degree of both these kinds of beauty, yet it is no
doubt true that the effect is more satisfactory, where either
the one or the other character predominates. The accom-
plished amateur, should be able to seize at once upon the
characteristics of these two species of beauty in all scenery.
To assist the reader in this kind of discrimination, we shall
52 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
keep these expressions constantly in view, and we hope we
shall be able fully to illustrate the difference in the expression
of even single trees, in this respect. A few strongly marked
objects, either picturesque, or simply beautiful, will often
confer their character upon a whole landscape ; as the de-
struction of a single group of bold rocks, covered with wood,
may render a scene, once picturesque, completely insipid.
The early writers on the modern style were content with
trees allowed to grow in their natural forms, and with an
easy assemblage of sylvan scenery in the pleasure-grounds,
which resembled the usual woodland features of nature.
The effect of this method will always be interesting, and an
agreeable effect will ever be the result of following the
simplest hints derived from the free and luxuriant forms of
nature. No residence in the country can fail to be pleasing,
whose features are natural groups of forest trees, smooth
lawn, and hard gravel walks.
But this is scarcely Landscape Gardening in the true sense
of the word, although apparently so understood by many
writers. By Landscape Gardening, we miderstand not only
an imitation, in the grounds of a country residence, of the
general forms of nature, but an expressive^ harmonious^ and
refined imitation* In Landscape Gardening, we should aim
* "Thus, there is a beauty of nature and a beauty of art. To copy the
beauty of nature cannot be called being an artist in the highest sense of the word,
as a mechanical talent only is requisite for this. The beautiful in art depends
on ideas, and the true artist, therefore, must possess, together with the talent
for technical execution, that genial power which revels freely in rich forms, and
is capable of producing and animating them. It is by this, that the merit of the
artist and his production is to be judged; and these cannot be properly esti-
mated among those barren copyists which we find so many of our flower, land-
scape, and portrait painters to be. But the artist stands much higher in the
scale, who, though a copyist of visible nature, is capable of seizing it with poetic
feeling, and representing it in its more dignified sense ; such for example as
Raphael, Poussin, Claude, &c." — Weinbreuner.
BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 53
to separate the accidental, and extraneous in nature, and to
preserve only the spirit, or essence. This subtle essence lies,
we believe, in the expression, more or less pervading every
attractive portion of nature. And it is by eliciting, preser-
ving, or heightening this expression, that we may give our
landscape gardens a higher charm, than even all the polish
of art can bestow.
Now the two expressions in nature most suitable for
imitation, lie in Beauty's flowing, graceful outlines ; and in
the irregular, spirited forms of the Picturesque. The
Sublime, and the Grand, characters that abound in nature,
scarcely come within the limits of artificial imitation —
certainly not in the extent of most places in America.
On the other hand, the graceful, and the picTUREsauE,
are characters abounding even in small portions of nature.
In the grounds of a country residence, the force of these
expressions may often be greatly increased. Frequently a
group of trees, a rounded, or an abrupt knoll, situated
prominently, will give a hint for all future improvement.
If we choose a bit of scenery naturally flowing and
beautiful in its outlines, we heighten that expression by the
refinements of care and culture ; by our smoothly mown
lawns, curved walks, rich groups of flowermg shrubs and
trees. If we fall upon a picturesque locality, we may add
to its charm, both by the removal of every thing inharmo-
nious or out of keeping, and by winding the walks, select-
ing and planting the shrubs and trees, adapting the style
of the buildings, and, in short, conducting all our improve-
ments, with an eye to picturesque expression.
There is no surface of ground, however bare, which has
not, naturally, more or less tendency to one or the other of
these expressions. And the improver who detects the true
64 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,
character, and plants, builds, and embellishes, as he should —
constantly aiming to elicit and strengthen it — will soon
arrive at a far higher and more satisfactory result, than one,
who, in the common manner, works at random. The latter
may succeed in producing pleasing grounds— he will un-
doubtedly add to the general beauty and tasteful appearance
of the country, and we gladly accord him our thanks. But
the improver who unites with pleasing forms, an expression
of sentiment, will affect not only the common eye, but, much
more powerfully, the imagination, and the refined and deli-
cate taste.
Expression being the master key to the heart, in all land-
scapes, it follows that the highest imitative sphere of the art
of Landscape Gardening, consists in arranging the materials
so as to awaken emotions of grace, elegance, or picturesque-
ness, joined with unity, harmony, and variety, more distinct
and forcible, than are suggested by natural scenery. This
may, at first sight, seem difficult, to the mere lover of nature ;
but a moment's thought will convince him, that the very
fact of art and man's habitation being contrasted, as it is
in a Landscape Garden, with a natural expression, will at
once heighten the force of the latter. The sunny, peaceful
lake is less smiling, and the impetuous mountain cascade less
stirring, when we cross them in a wild journey, than Avhen
they open upon us, unlooked for, in the luxuriant grounds
of a well kept, rural home.
With these views regarding expression in natural scene-
ry, we shall divide the modern style of Landscape Garden-
ing into two kinds, fomided on the two leading expressions
to be imitated, viz : the graceful and the picturesque ;
and, these two divisions having each their especial admirers,
we shall distinguish them as the Graceful, and the Pictu-
I'ig. 12 Landscape Gardening, in the Graceful Schocl.
F'ig 13. Landscape G^dening, in the Picturesque School.
BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 55
lesqiie schools of the art.* We have already suggested that
almost all our comitiy places have, naturally, one or the
other of these characters ; and the unity and harmony — in
short, the whole beauty and success of improvements, will
depend on our feeling and understanding those character-
istics before we commence exercising our taste. The fore-
going hints on expression in wild landscape, will perhaps
assist our readers in reading nature's physiognomy. Let
lis now examine, a little, the character of the two schools
founded on these expressions.
The graceful school of Landscape Gardening, (Fig.
12,) aims at the production of outlines whose curves are
expressive of grace, surfaces of softness, and growth of
richness £md luxuriance. In the shape of the ground, it
is evinced by easy undulations, melting gradually into each
other. In the form of trees, by smooth stems, full, round
or symmetrical heads of foliage, and luxuriant branches,
* Taking Landscape Gardening, as we do in this country, on new starting ground,
we consider ourselves fairly at liberty to define, and clear up, the confused and
cloudy views of the end or aim of imitation, pervading most European authors
on this subject. Price, whose work on the Picturesque (see late edition of
Sir T. Lauder,) is most full and complete, we consider the master, and able
exponent of the Picturesque school. Repton, who advocates in his works a
more polished and cultivated style, (see Loudon's edition of Repton,) we hold to
be the first authority in the Graceful School. Mr. Loudon's Gardenesque style,
is but another word for what we term the Graceful school ; except that we con-
sider the latter exemplified in all flowing, luxuriantly developed forms ; while
Mr. Loudon, who prefers mere artistical beauty to that of expression, properly limits
the gardenesque to artificial planting only. The distinction between the picturesque,
and the beautiful, is perhaps open to some difference of opinion, and all Land-
scape Gardening aims at the production of the beautiful. But in the graceful out-
lines of highly cultivated forms of trees, and beautiful cur^-es of surface and walks,
in highly polished scenes, lies so different a kind of beauty from that of the irregu-
lar ground, trees, etc., of picturesque landscape, that we conceive the two terms
will be found, at least for the moderate scale of the art with us, at once precise
and significant
56 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
often drooping to the ground, — which is chiefly attained by
planting and grouping, to allow free development of form ;
and by selecting trees of suitable character, as the elm, the
ash, and the like. In walks and roads, by easy flowing
curves, following natural shapes of the surface, with no
sharp angles or abrupt turns. In water, by the smooth lake
with curved margin, embellished with flowing groups of
trees, and full masses of flowering shrubs — or in the easy
winding curves of a brook. The keeping of such a scene
should be of the most polished kind, — grass mown into a
softness like velvet, gravel walks scrupulously firm, dry,
and clean, and the most perfect order and neatness, should
reign throughout. Among the trees and shrubs, should be
conspicuous the finest foreign sorts, distinguished by beauty
of form, foliage, and blossom ; and rich groups of shrubs,
and flowering plants, should be arranged in the more dressed
portions near the house. And finally, considering the
house itself as a feature in the scene, it should, properly,
belong to one of the classical modes — the Italian, Tuscan,
or Yenetian forms are preferable, because these have a
domestic air, and readily admit of the graceful accompani-
ments of vases, urns, and other harmonious accessories.
Or, if we are to have a plainer dwelling, it should be sim-
ple in its character, and its veranda may be festooned
with masses of the finest climbers.
The PicTUREsauE School of Landscape Gardening, Fig.
13, aims at the production of outlines of a certain spirited
irregularity ; surfaces, comparatively abrupt and broken ;
and growth, of a somewhat wild and bold character. The
shape of the ground sought after, has its occasional smooth-
ness varied by sudden variations, and, in parts, runs into
dingles, rocky groups, and broken banks. The trees, should.
BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 57
in many places, be old and irregular, with rough stems,
and bark ; and pines, larches, and other trees of striking,
irregular growth, must appear, in numbers sufficient to give
character to the woody outlines. As, in the Graceful school
the trees are planted singly, in open groups, to allow full
expansion, so in the Picturesque school, the grouping takes
every variety of form ; every object should group with
another ; trees and shrubs are often planted closely together ;
and intricacy, and variety — thickets — glades — and under-
wood— as in wild nature, are all indispensable. Walks and
roads are more abrupt in their windings, turning off fre-
quently at sudden angles, where the form of the ground, or
some inviting object, directs. In water, all the wildness of
romantic spots in nature, is to be imitated or preserved ; and
the lake or stream with bold shore, and rocky, wood-fringed
margin, or the cascade in the secluded dell, are the character-
istic forms. The keeping of such a landscape will, of course,
be less careful than in the graceful school. Firm gravel
walks near the house, and a general air of neatness in that
quarter, are indispensable to the fitness of the scene in all
modes, and, indeed properly evince the recognition of art
in all Landscape Gardening. But the lawn may be less fre-
quently mown, the edges of the walks less carefully trimmed,
in the picturesque mode. While in portions more removed
from the house, the walks may sometimes sink into a mere
footpath without gravel, and the lawn change into the forest
glade or meadow. The architecture of the Picturesque
school, is the Gothic mansion and old English cottage, or the
Swiss, or some other bracketted form, with bold projection,
deep shadows, and irregular outlines. Rustic baskets, and
similar ornaments, may abound near the house, and in the
more frequented parts of the place.
58 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The recognition of art, as Loudon justly observes, is a
first principle in Landscape Gardening, as in all other arts ;
and those of its professors have erred, who supposed that
the object of this art is, merely, to produce a fac-simile of
nature, that could not be distinguished from a wild scene.
But we contend that this principle may be equally attained
in either school — the picturesque cottage being as much a
work of art, as the classic villa ; its baskets, and seats of
rustic work, indicating the hand of man, as well as the
marble vase, and balustrade ; and a walk, sometimes narrow
and crooked, is as quickly recognized as man's work, as one
always regular and flowing. Foreign trees, of picturesque
growth, are as readily obtained, as those of graceful forms.
The recognition of art is, therefore, always apparent in both
modes. The evidences are indeed stronger, and more multi-
plied, in the careful polish of the Graceful school ; and
looking at the effects, with this principle mainly in view, as
many persons will, whose only standard is cost and expense,
this school must be acknowledged the most beautiful and
perfect.* But, assuming the principle of beauty of expres-
sion to be the higher, many imaginative persons will prefer
the picturesque school, as affecting the mind with much of
the peculiar beauty of wild nature, combined with the ad-
* The heau ideal in Landscape Gardening, as a fine art, appears to us, to be em-
braced in the creation of scenery expressive of a peculiar kind of beauty, as
the graceful, or picturesque, the materials of which are, to a certain extent,
different from those in wild nature, being composed of the floral and arboricul-
tural riches of all climates, as far as possible ; uniting, in the same scene, a
richness and a variety never to be found in any one portion of nature ; — a scene
characterized as a work of art, by the variety of the materials, as foreign trees,
plants, &c., and by the polish and keeping of the grounds in the natural style,
as distinctly as by the uniform and symmetrical arrangement, in the ancient
style.
BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 59
vantages of a suitable convenience for habitation. A certain
artist-like feeling is necessary, to enable one to relish the
picturesque. For this reason, the many, see and feel the
power of beauty in her graceful, flowing forms ; but it is
only the imaginative few, who appreciate her more free
and spirited charms. There are perhaps a thousand, who
admire the smoothness, softness, and flowing outlines, that
predominate in the lawn and pleasure grounds, as we usually
see them, where there is one who would prefer a cottage in
a highly irregular and picturesque valley, or a castle on a
rocky crag ; though the latter, may, to certain minds, be
incomparably more enchanting.
We shall, therefore, keep distinctly in view the two
schools, in treating of the practice of the art. There are
always, circumstances which must exert a controlling influ-
ence over amateurs, in this country, in choosing between the
two. These are, fixed locality, expense, individual prefer-
ence in style of building, and many others which readily
occur to all. The great variety of attractive sites, in the
older parts of the country, afford an abundance of indica-
tions for either taste. Within the last five years, we think
the picturesque is beginning to be preferred. It has, when
a suitable locality offers, great advantages for us. The raw
materials of wood, water, and surface, by the margin of
many of our rivers and brooks, are at once appropriated
with so much effect, and so little art, in the picturesque
mode ; the annual tax on the purse too, is so comparatively
little, and the charm so great !
On the other hand, the residences of a country of level
plains, usually allow only, the beauty of simple, and graceful
forms ; and the larger demesne, with its swelling hills and
noble masses of wood, (may we not, prospectively, say the
60 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
prairie too,) should always, in the hands of the man of
wealth, be made to display all the freeness and beauty of the
Graceful school.
But there are many persons with small, cottage places,
of little decided character, who have neither room, time,
nor income, to attempt the improvement of their grounds
fully, after either of those two schools. How shall they
render their places tasteful and agreeable, in the easiest
manner ? We answer, hy attempting 07ily the simple and
the natural ; and the unfailing way to secure this, is by
employing only trees and grass. A soft verdant lawn, and
a few forest or ornamental trees, well grouped, give miiversal
pleasm-e — they contain in themselves, in fact, the basis of
all our agreeable sensations in a landscape garden — (natural
beauty, and the recognition of art,) and they are the most
enduring sources of enjoyment in any place. There are
no comitry seats, in the United States, so unsatisfactory and
tasteless as those in which, without any definite aim, every
thing is attempted ; and a mixed jumble of discordant forms,
materials, ornaments, and decorations, is assembled — a part
in one style and a bit from another, without the least feelmg
of unity, or congruity. These rural bedlams, full of all
kinds of absurdities, without a leading character or expres-
sion of any sort, cost their owners a vast deal of trouble,
and money, without giving a tasteful mind, a shadow of
the beauty which it feels, at the first glimpse of a neat cot-
tage residence, with its simple, sylvan character of well kept
lawn and trees. If the latter does not rank high in the
scale of Landscape Gardening, as an art, it embodies much of
its essence, as a source of enjoyment — the production of the
beautiful in country residences.
Besides the beauties of form and expression in the diffe-
BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART, 61
rent modes of laying out groimds, there are certain universal
and inherent beauties, common to all styles, and, indeed,
to every composition in the fine arts. Of these, we shall es-
pecially point out those growing out of the principles of
UNITY, HARMONY, and VARIETY.
Unity, or ihe production of a whole, is a leading principle
of the highest importance, in every art of taste or design,
without which, no satisfactory result can be realized. This
arises from the fact, that the mind can only attend, with plea-
sure and satisfaction, to one object, or one composite sensation,
at the same time. If two distinct objects, or class of objects
present themselves at once to us, we can only attend satisfac-
torily to one, by withdrawing our attention, for the time, from
the other. Hence the necessity of a reference to this leading
principle of unity.
To illustrate the subject, let us suppose a building, partially
built of wood, with square windows, and the remainder of
brick or stone, with long and narrow windows. However
well such a building may be constructed, or however nicely
the different proportions of the edifice may be adjusted, it is
evident, it can never form a satisfactory whole. The mind
can only account for such an absurdity, by supposing it to
have been built by two individuals, or at two different times,
as there is nothing indicating an unity of mind in its com-
position.
In Landscape Gardening, violations of the principle of unity
are often to be met with, and they are always indicative of
the absence of correct taste in art. Looking upon a landscape
from the windows of a villa residence, we sometimes see a
considerable portion of the view embraced by the eye, laid
out in natural groups of trees and shrubs, and upon one side,
or, perhaps, in the middle of the same scene, a formal avenue
62 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
leading directly up to the house. Such a view can never
appear a satisfactory whole, because we experience a con-
fusion of sensations in contemplating it. There is an
evident incongruity in bringing two modes of arranging
plantations, so totally different, under the eye at one moment,
which distracts, rather than pleases the mind. In this exam-
ple, the avenue, taken by itself, may be a beautiful object, and
the groups and connected masses may, in themselves, be ele-
gant, yet if the two portions are seen together, they will not
form a whole, because they cannot make a composite idea.
For the same reason, there is something unpleasing in the
introduction of fruit trees among elegant ornamental trees
on a lawn, or even in assembling together, in the same beds,
flowering plants, and culinary vegetables — one class of
vegetation suggesting the useful, and homely, alone to the
mind, and the other, avowedly, only the ornamental.
In the arrangement of a large extent of surface, where a
great many objects are necessarily presented to the eye at
once, the principle of unity will suggest that there should be
some grand or leading features to which the others should be
merely subordinate. Thus, in grouping trees, there should
be some large and striking masses to which the others appear
to belong, however distant, instead of scattered groups, all
of the same size. Even in arranging walks, a whole will
more readily be recognized, if there are one or two, of large
size, with which the others appear connected as branches,
than if all are equal in breadth, and present the same
appearance to the eye in passing.
In all works of art which command universal admiration,
we discover an unity of conception and composition, an unity
of taste and execution. To assemble in a single composition,
forms which are discordant, and portions dissimilar in plan,
BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 63
can only aiFord pleasure for a short time, to tasteless minds, or
those fond of trifling and puerile conceits. The production
of an accordant whole, is, on the contrary, capable of affording
the most permanent enjoyment to educated minds, every
where, and at all periods of time.
After imity, the principle of Variety is worthy of con-
sideration, as a fertile source of beauty in Landscape Garden-
ing. Variety must be considered as belonging more to the
details, than to* the production of a whole; and it may be
attained by disposing trees and shrubs in numerous different
ways ; and by the introduction of a great number of
different species of vegetation, or kinds of walks, ornamental
objects, buildings and seats. By producing intricacy, it
creates in scenery a thousand points of interest, and elicits new
beauties, through different arrangements and combinations
of forms and colours, light and shades. In pleasure-grounds,
while the whole should exhibit a general plan, the different
scenes presented to the eye, one after the other, should pos-
sess sufficient variety in the detail, to keep alive the interest
of the spectator, and awaken further curiosity.
Harmony may be considered the principle presiding over
variety, and preventing it from becoming discordant. It,
indeed, always supposes contrasts^ but neither so strong, nor
so frequent, as to produce discord ; and variety^ but not so
great, as to destroy a leading expression. In plantations, we
seek it in a combination of qualities, opposite in some re-
spects, as in the colour of the foliage, and similar in others,
as the form. In embellishments, by a great variety of
objects of interest, as sculptured vases, sun dials, or rustic
seats, baskets, and arbors, of different forms, but all in
accordance, or keeping, with the spirit of the scene.
To illustrate the three principles, with reference to Land-
64 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
scape Gardening, we may remark, that, if imity, only, were
consulted, :a scene might be planted with but one kind of
tree, the effect of which would be sameness ; on the other
hand, variety might be carried so far as to have every tree
of a different kind, which would produce a confused effect.
Harmony, however, introduces contrast, and variety, but
keeps them subordinate to unity, and to the leading expres-
sion, and is, thus, the highest principle of the three.
In this brief abstract of the nature of imitation in Land-
scape Gardening, and the kinds of beauty which it is possible
to produce by means of the art, we have endeavoured to elu-
cidate its leading principles, clearly, to the reader. These
grand principles we shall here succinctly recapitulate,
premising, that a familiarity with them is of the very first
importance in the successful practice of this elegant art, viz.
The Imitation of the Beauty op Expression,
derived from a refined perception of the sentiment of na-
ture : The Recognition of Art, founded on the immu-
tability of the true, as well as the beautiful : And the
Production of Unity, Harmony, and Variety, m
order to render complete, and continuous, our enjoyment
of any artistical work.
Neither the professional Landscape Gardener, nor the ama-
teur, can hope for much success in realizing the nobler effects
of the art, miless he first make himself master of the natural
character, or prevailing expression, of the place to be im-
proved. In this nice perception, at a glance, of the natural
expression, as well as the capabilities of a residence, lies the
secret of the superior results produced even by the improver,
who, to use the words of Horace Walpole, " is proud of no
other art than that of softening nature's harshness, and copy-
ing her graceful touch." When we discover the picturesque,
BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 65
indicated in the grounds of the residence to be treated, let us
take advantage of it ; and while all harshness incompatible
with scenery near the house is removed, the original expres-
sion may in most cases be heightened, in all, rendered more
elegant and appropriate, without lowering it in force or spirit.
In like manner good taste will direct us to embellish scenery
expressive of graceful beauty, by the addition of forms,
whether in trees, buildings, or other objects, harmonious in
character, as well as in colour and outline.
66 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
SECTION III.
ON WOOD.
The beauty of Trees in Rural Embellishments. Pleasure resulting from their cultivation.
Plantations in the Ancient Style ; their formality. In the Modern Style j grouping trees.
Arrangement and grouping in the Graceful school ; in the Picturesque school. Illustra-
tions in planting villa, ferme ornee, and cottage grounds. General classification of trees
as to forms, with leading characteristics of each class.
" He gains all points, who pleasingly confounds,
Surprises, varies, and conceals the bounds.
Calls in the country, catches opening glades,
Joins willing woods, and varies shades from shades;
Now breaks, or now directs the intending lines;
Paints as you plant, and, as you work, designs."
Pope.
M O N G all the materials at our disposal
for the embellishment of coimtry residences,
•none are at once so highly ornamental, so
indispensable, and so easily managed, as trees, or icood. We
introduce them in every part of the landscape, — in the fore-
ground as well as in the distance, on the tops of the hills and
in the depths of the valleys. They are, indeed, like the
drapery which covers a somewhat ungainly figure, and while
it conceals its defects, communicates to it new interest and
expression.
A tree, undoubtedly, is one of the most beautiful objects in
nature. Airy and delicate in its youth, luxuriant and majestic
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 67
in its prime, venerable and picturesque in its old age, it con •
stitutes in its various forms, sizes, and developments, the
greatest charm and beauty of the earth in all countries. The
most varied outline of surface, the finest combination of pic-
tm-esque materials, the stateliest country house would be com-
paratively tame and spiritless, without the inimitable ac-
companiment of foliage. Let those who have passed their
whole lives in a richly wooded country, — whose daily
visions are deep leafy glens, forest clad hills, and plains
luxuriantly shaded, — transport themselves for a moment to
the desert, where but a few stunted bushes raise their
heads above the earth, or those wild steppes where the eye
wanders in vain for some " leafy garniture," — ^where the sun
strikes down with parching heat, or the wind sweeps over
with unbroken fury, and they may perhaps estimate, by
contrast, their beauty and value.
We are not now to enumerate the great usefulness of
trees, — their value in the construction of our habitations, our
navies, the various implements of labour, — in short, the
thousand associations which they suggest as ministering to
our daily wants ; but let us imagine the loveliest scene, the
wildest landscape, or the most enchanting valley, despoiled of
trees, and we shall find nature shorn of her fair proportions,
and the character and expression of these favourite spots
almost entirely destroyed.
Wood, in its many shapes, is then one of the great sources
of interest and character in Landscapes. Variety, which we
need scarcely allude to as a fertile source of beauty, is created
in a wonderful degree by a natural arrangement of trees.
To a pile of buildings, or even of ruins, to a group of
rocks, or animals, they communicate new life and spirit
by their irregular outlines, which, by partially concealing
68 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
some portions, and throwing others into stronger Ught, con-
tribute greatly to produce intricacy and variety, and con-
fer an expression, which, without these latter qualities, might
in a great measure be wanting. By shutting out some parts,
and enclosing others, they divide the extent embraced by the
eye, into a hundred different landscapes, instead of one tame
scene bounded by the horizon.
The different seasons of the year, too, are inseparably con-
nected in our muids with the effects produced by them on
woodland scenery. Spring is joyous and enlivening to us,
as nature then puts on her fresh lively of green and the trees
bud and blossom with a renewed beauty, that speaks with a
mute and gentle eloquence to the heart. In summer they
fFer us a grateful shelter under their umbrageous arms and
leafy branches, and whisper unwritten music to the passing
breeze : in autumn we feel a melancholy thoughtfulness as
" We stand among the fallen leaves,"
and gaze upon their dying glories. And in winter we see
in them the silent rest of natiu-e, and behold in their leaf-
less spray, and seemingly dead limbs, an annual type of that
deeper mystery — the deathless sleep of all being.
By the judicious employment of trees in the embellishment
of a country residence, we may effect the greatest alterations
and improvements within the scope of Landscape Gardening.
Buildings which are tame, insipid, or even mean in appear-
ance, may be made interestmg, and often picturesque, by a
proper disposition of trees. Edifices, or parts of them that are
unsightly, or which it is desirable partly or wholly to con-
ceal, can readily be hidden or improved by wood ; and walks
and roads, which otherwise would be but simple ways of ap-
proach from one point to another, are, by an elegant arrange-
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 69
merit of trees on their margins, or adjacent to them, made the
most interesting and pleasing portions of the residence.
In Geometric gardening, trees disposed in formal lines, ex-
hibit as strongly art, or design, in the contriver, as regular
architectural edifices ; while, in a more elevated and enlight-
ened taste, we are able to dispose them in our pleasure-grounds
and parks, around our houses, in all the variety of groups,
masses, thicket, and single trees, in such a manner as to rival
the most beautiful scenery of general nature ; producing
a portion of landscape, which unites with all the comforts
and conveniences of rural habitation, the superiour charm of
refined arrangement, and natural beauty of expression.
If it were necessary to present any other inducement to the
country gentleman to form plantations of trees, than the great
beauty and value which they add to his estate, we might find
it in the pleasure which all derive from their cultivation.
Unlike the pleasure arising from the gratification of our taste
in architecture, or any other of the arts whose productions are
otfered to us perfect and complete, the satisfaction arising
from planting and rearing trees is never weakened. " We
look," says a writer, " upon our trees as our offspring ; and
nothing of inanimate nature can be more gratifying than to
see them grow and prosper under our care and attention, —
nothing more interesting than to examine their progress, and
mark their several peculiarities. In their progress from plants
to trees, they every year unfold new and characteristic marks
of their ultimate beauty, which not only compensate for past
cares and troubles, but like the returns of gratitude, raise a
most delightful tram of sensations in the mind ; so innocent
and rational, that they may justly rank with the most exqui-
site of human enjoyments."
70 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
" Happy is he, who in a country life
Shuns more perplexing toil and jarring strife ;
Who lives upon the natal soil he loves,
And sits beneath his old ancestral groves."
To this, let us add the complacent feelings, with which a man
in old age, may look around him and behold these leafy mon-
archs, planted by his boyish hands, and nursed by him in his
youthful years, which have grown aged and venerable along
with him ;
" A wood coeval vdth himself he sees,
And loves his own contemporary trees."
Plantations in the Ancient Style. In the ar-
rangement and culture of trees and plants in the ancient
style of Landscape Gardening, we discover the evidences
of the formal taste, — abounding with eveiy possible variety
of quaint conceits, and rife with whimsical expedients,
so much in fashion during the days of Henry and Eliza-
beth, and mitil the eighteenth century in England, and
which is still the reigning mode in Holland, and parts of
France. In these gardens, natm-e was tamed and subdued, or
as some critics will have it, tortured into every shape which
the ingenuity of the gardener could suggest ; and such kinds
of vegetation as bore the shears most patiently, and when
carefully trimmed, assumed gradually the appearance of
verdant statues, pyramids, crowing cocks, and rampant lions,
were the especial favourites of the gardeners of the old
school.* The stately etiquette, and courtly precision of the
manners of our English ancestors, extended into their gardens,
*The unique ideal of the " Garden of Eden," by one of the old Dutch painters,
with sheared hedges, formal alleys, and geometric plots of flowers, for the
entertainment of our first parents, is, doubtless, familiar to our readers.
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 71
and was reflected back by the very trees which lined their
avenues, and the shrubs which surrounded their houses.
" Nonsuch, Theobalds, Greenwich, Hampton Court, Hatfield,
Moor-Park, Chatsworth, Beaconsfield, Cashiobury, Ham, and
many another," says William Howitt, " stood in all that
stately formality which Henry and Elizabeth admired ; and in
which our Surrys, Leicesters, Essexes, the splendid nobles
of the Tudor dynasty, the gay ladies and gallants of Charles
H.'s court, had walked and talked, — fluttering in glittering
processions, or flirting in green alleys and bowers of topiary
work, and amid figures, in lead or stone, fountains, cascades, -^
copper-trees dropping sudden showers on the astonished pas-
sers under, stately terraces with gilded balustrades, and cu-
rious quincunx, obelisks, and pyramids ; — fitting objects of
admiration of those who Avalked in high heeled shoes, rufls
and fardingales, with fan in hand, or in trunk hose and laced
doublet."
Symmetrical uniformity governed, with despotic power,
even the trees and foliage, in the ancient style. In the
more simple country residences, the plantations were al-
ways arranged in some regular lines or geometrical figures.
Long parallel rows of trees were planted, for groves and
avenues, along the principal roads and walks. The greatest
care was taken to avoid any appearance of irregularity. A
tree upon one side of the house, was opposed by another
vis a vis, and a row of trees at the right of the mansion had
its always accompanying row on the left : or, as Pope in
his Satire has more rythmically expressed it —
«
Grove nods at grove, each alley has its brother,
And half the platform just reflects the other.
In the interior of the park, the plantations were generally
72
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
disposed, either in straight avenues crossing each other, or
clumped in the form of circles, stars, squares, etc. ; and long
vistas were obtained through the avenues divaricating from
the house in various directions, over level surfaces. One of
the favourite fancies of the geometric gardener, was the La-
byrinth, (fig. 14,) of which a few celebrated examples are still
in existence in England, and which consisted of a multitude
of trees thickly planted in impervious hedges, covering some-
times several acres of ground. These labyrinths were the
source of much amusement to the family and guests, the trial
of skill being to find the centre, and from that point to re-
turn again without assistance ; and we are told by a historian
of the garden of that period, that " the stranger having once
entered, was sorely puzzled to get out."
[Pig. 14. A Labyrinth.]
Since the days when these gardens were in their glory the
taste in Landscape Gardening has undergone a great change.
The graceful, and the pictulresque, are the new elements
of beauty, which, entering into the composition of our
gardens and home landscapes, have, to refined minds, in-
creased a hundred fold the enjoyment derived from this spe-
cies of rural scenery. Still, there is much to admire in the
ancient style. Its long and majestic avenues, the wide-
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 73
Spreading branches interlacing over our heads, and forming
long, shadowy aisles, are, themselves alone, among the noblest
and most imposing sylvan objects. Even the formal and cu-
riously knotted gardens, are interesting, from the pleasing as-
sociations which they suggest to the mind, as having been
the favourite haunts of Shakspeare, Bacon, Spenser, and
Milton. They are so inseparably comiected, too, in our
imaginations, with the quaint architecture of that era, that
wherever that style of building is adopted, (and we observe
several examples already among us,) this style of gardening
may be considered as highly appropriate, and in excellent
keeping with such a country house.
It has been remarked, that the geometric style would al-
ways be preferred in a new country, or in any country where
the amount of land under cultivation is much less than that
covered with natural woods and forests ; as the inhabitants
being surrounded by scenery abounding with natural beauty,
would always incline to lay out their gardens and pleasure-
grounds in regular forms, because the distinct exhibition of
art would give more pleasure by contrast, than the ele-
gant imitation of beautiful nature. That this is true as
regards the mass of micultivated minds, we do not deny.
But at the same time we affirm that it evinces a meagre taste,
and a lower state of the art, or a lower perception of beauty
in the individual who employs the geometrical style in such
cases. A person, whose place is surrounded by inimitably
grand, or sublime scenery, would undoubtedly fail to excite
our admiration, by attempting a fac-simile imitation of such
scenery, on the small scale of a park or garden ; but he is not,
therefore, obliged to resort to right-lined plantations, and regu-
lar grass plots, to produce something Vvrhich shall be, at once
sufficiently different to attract notice, and so beautiful as to
10
74 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
command admiration. All that it would be requisite for him
to do in such a case, would be to employ rare and foreign orna-
mental trees ; as for example, 'the horse-chestnut and the
linden, in situations where the maple and the sycamore are
the principal trees, — elegant flowering shrubs and beautiful
creepers, instead of sumacs and hazels,^ — and to have his
place kept in high and polished order, instead of the tangled
wildness of general nature.
On the contrary, were a person to desire a residence newly
laid out and planted, in a district where all around is in a high
state of polished cultivation, as in the suburbs of a city, a spe-
cies of pleasure would result from the imitation of scenery of a
more spirited natural character, — as the picturesque, — in his
grounds. His plantations are made in irregular groups,
composed chiefly of picturesque trees, as the larch, the
oak, etc. — his walks would lead through varied scenes,
sometimes bordered with groups of rocks overrun with
flowering creepers and vines ; sometimes with thickets or
little copses of shrubs and flowering plants ; sometimes
through wild and, comparatively, neglected portions ; the
whole interspersed with open glades of turf.
In the majority of instances in the United States, the mo-
dern style of Landscape Gardening, wherever it is appreci-
ated, will, in practice, consist in arranging a demesne of from
five to some hundred acres, — or rather that portion of it,
say one half, one third, etc., devoted to lawn and pleasure-
ground, pasture, etc., — so as to exhibit groups of forest and
ornamental trees and shrubs, surrounding the dwelling of the
proprietor, and extending for a greater or less distance,
especially towards the place of entrance from the public
highway. Near the house, good taste will dictate the
assemblage of groups and masses of the rarer or more beau-
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 76
tifiil trees and shrubs ; commoner native forest trees occupy-
ing the more distant portions of the grounds,*
Plantations in the Modern Style. In the Modern
Style of Landscape Gardening, it is our aim, in plantations,
to produce not only what is called natural beauty, but even
higher and more striking beauty of expression, and of
individual forms, than we see in nature ; to create variety,
and intricacy, in the groimds of a residence, by various modes
of arrangement ; to give a highly elegant, or polished air to
places by introducing rare and foreign species ; and to conceal
all defects of surface, disagreeable views, unsightly buildings,
or other offensive objects.
As uniformity, and grandeur of single effects, were the aim
of the old style of arrangement, so variety, and harmony of
the whole, are the results for which we labour in the mo-
dern landscape. And, as the Avenue, or Ihe straight line, is
the leading form in the geometric arrangement of plantations,
so let us enforce it upon our readers, the Group, is equally the
key-note of the Modern style. The smallest place, having
* Although we love planting, and avow that there are few greater pleasures
than] to see a darling tree, of one's own placing, every year stretching wider its
feathery head of foliage, and covering with a darker shadow the soft turf beneath
it, still, we will not let the ardent and inexperienced hunter after a location for a
country residence, pass without a word of advice. This is, always to make consider-
able sacrifice to get a place with some existing wood, or a few ready grown trees upon
it ; especially near the site for the house. It is better to yield a little in the ex-
tent of prospect, or in the direct proximity to a certain locality, than to pitch your
tent in a plain, — desert-like in its bareness — on which your leafy sensibilities must
suffer, for half a dozen years at least, before you can hope for any solace. It is
doubtful whether there is not almost as much interest in studying from one's
window the curious ramifications, the variety of form, and the entire harmony,
to be found in a fine old tree, as in gazing from a site where we have no
interruption to a panorama of the whole horizon ; and we have generally found
that no planters have so little courage and faith, as those who have commenced
without the smallest group of large trees, as a nucleus for their plantations.
76 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
only three trees, may have these pleasingly connected in a
group ; and the largest and finest park — the Blenheim or
Chatsworth, of seven miles square, is only composed of a
succession of groups, becoming masses — thickets — woods.
If a demesne with the most beautiful surface and views, has
been for some time stiffly and awkardly planted, it is ex-
ceedingly difficult to give it a natural and agreeable air ;
while many a tame level, with scarcely a glimpse of distance,
has been rendered lovely by its charming groups of trees.
How necessary therefore, is it, in Ihe veiy outset, that the
novice, before he begins to plant^ should know how to
arrange a tasteful group.
Nothing, at first thought, would appear easier, than to ar-
range a few trees in the form of a natural and beautiful group, —
and nothing really is easier to the practised hand. Yet ex-
perience has taught us that the generality of persons, m
commencing their first essays in ornamental planting, almost
invariably crowd their trees into a close, regular cluTnp,
which has a most formal and unsightly appearance, as
different as possible from the easy flowing outline of the
group.*
* A friend of ours, at Northampton, who is a most zealous planter, related to
us a diverting expedient to which he was obliged to resort, in order to ensure
irregular groups. Busily engaged in arranging plantations of young trees on his
lawn, he was hastily obliged to leave home, and entrust the planting of the groups
to some common garden labourers, whose ideas he could not raise to a point suffi-
ciently high to appreciate any beauty in plantations, unless made in regular forms,
and straight lines. " Being well aware," says our friend, " that if left to them-
selves I should find all my trees, on my return, in hollow squares or circular
clumps, I hastily threw up a peck of potatoes into the air, one by one, and directed
my workmen to plant a tree where every potatoe fell ! Thus, if I did not attain
the maximum of beauty in grouping, I at least had something not so offensive
as geometrical figures."
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 77
" Were it made the object of study," says Price, " how
to invent something, which, under the name of ornament,
should disfigure a whole park, nothing could
be contrived to answer that purpose like a
Sr clump. Natural groups, being formed by trees
of different ages and sizes, and at different distances from
each other, often too by a mixture of those of the largest size
with others of inferior growth, are full of variety in their out-
lines ; and from the same causes, no two groups are exactly
alike. But clumps, from the trees being generally of the same
age and growth, from their being planted nearly at the same
distance, in a circular form, and from each tree being equally
pressed by his neighbour, are as like each other, as so many
puddings turned out of one common mould. Natural groups
are full of openings and hollows, of trees advancing before, or
retiring behind each other ; all productive of intricacy, of va-
riety, of deep shadows and brilliant lights : in walking about
them the form changes at every step ; new combinations, new
lights and shades, new inlets present themselves in succession.
But clumps^ like compact bodies of soldiers, resist attacks from
all quarters ; examine them in every point of view ; walk
round and round them ; no opening, no vacancy, no strag-
glers ; but in the true military character, Us sont face par-
tout r*
The chief care, then, which is necessary in the formation
* Those who peruse Price's " Essay on the Picturesque," cannot fail to
be entertained with the vigour with wiiich he advocates the picturesque, and
attacks the clumping method of laying out grounds, so much practised in Eng-
land, on the first introduction of the modem style. Brown, was the great prac-
titioner at that time, and his favourite mode seems to have been to cover the
whole surface of the grounds with an unmeaning assemblage of round, bunchy
clumps.
78 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
of groups, is, 7iot to place them in any regular or artificial
manner,— as one at each corner of at riangle, square, octagon,
or other many-sided figure ; but so to dispose them, as that
the whole may exhibit the variety, connection, and intricacy
seen in nature. " The greatest beauty of a group of trees,"
says Loudon, " as far as respects their stems, is in the varied
direction these take as they grow into trees ; but as that is,
for all practical purposes, beyond the influence of art, all we
can do, is to vary as much as possible the ground plan of
groups, or the relative positions which the stems have to each
other where they spring frotn the earth. This is consider-
able, even where a very few trees are used, of which any
person may convince himself by placing a few dots on paper.
Thus two trees, (fig. 15,) or a tree and shrub, which is the
smallest group, (a), may be placed in three difierent positions
[Fig. 15. Grouping of Trees.]
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 79
with reference to a spectator in a fixed point ; if he moves
round them, they will first vary in form separately, and next
unite in one or two groups, according to the position of
the spectator. In like manner, three trees may be placed in
four different positions ; four trees may be placed in eight
different positiont [b] ; five trees may be grouped in ten
different ways, as to ground plan ; six may be placed in
twelve different ways (c), and so on." {Encyclopo&dia of
Gard.)
In the composition of larger masses, similar rules must be
observed as in the smaller groups, in order to prevent them
from growing up in heavy clumpish forms. The outline
must be flowing, here projecting out into the grass, there rece-
ding back into the plantation, in order to take off all appear-
ance of stiffness and regularity. Trees of medium and
smaller size should be so interspersed with those of larger
growth, as to break up all formal sweeps in the line produced
by the tops of their summits, and, occasionally, low trees
should be planted on the outer edge of the mass, to connect
it with the humble verdure of the surrounding sward.
In many parts of the union, where new residences are being
formed, or where old ones are to be improved, the grounds
will often be found, partially, or to a considerable extent,
clothed with belts or masses of wood, either previously plant-
ed, or preserved from the woodman's axe. How easily we
may turn these to advantage in the natural style of Landscape
Gardening ; and by judicious trimming when too thick, or
additions when too much scattered, elicit often the happiest
effects, in a magical manner ! In the accompanying sketch,
(fig. 16,) the reader will recognize a portrait of a hundred
familiar examples, existing with us, of the places of persons
of considerable means and intelligence, where the house is
80
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
7 ill
[Fig. 16. View of a Country Residence, as frequently seen.]
not less meagre than the stiff approach leading to it, border-
ed with a formal belt of trees. The succeeding sketch,
(fig. 17), exhibits this place as improved agreeably to the
principles of modern Landscape Gardening, not only in the
plantations, but in the house, — ^which appears tastefully alter-
ed from a plain unmeaning parallelogram, to a simple, old
Englishcottage, — and in the more graceful approach. Effects
like these, are within the reach of very moderate means, and
are peculiarly worth attention in this country, where so much
has already been partially, and often badly executed.
[Fig. 17. View of the same Residence, improved.]
Where there are large masses of wood to regulate and ar-
range, much skill, taste and judgment, are requisite, to enable
the proprietors tojpreserve only what is really beautiful and
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 81
picturesque, and to remove all that is superfluous. Most of
our native woods, too, have grown so closely, and the trees
are consequently so much drawn up, that should the improver
thin out any portion, at once, to single trees, he will be
greatly disappointed if he expects them to stand long ; for
the first severe autumnal gale will almost certainly prostrate
them. The only method, therefore, is to allow them to re-
main in groups of considerable size at first, and to thin
them out as is finally desired, when they have made
stronger roots and become more inured to the influence of
the sun and air.*
But to return to grouping ; what we have already en-
deavoured to render familiar to the reader, may be called
grouping in its simple meaning — for general effect, and
with an eye only to the natural beauty of pleasing forms.
Let us now explain, as concisely as we may, the mode of
grouping in the two schools in Landscape Gardening here-
tofore defined ; that is to say, grouping and planting for
Graceful effect, and for Picturesque effect, — as we wish it un-
derstood that these two different expressions, in artificial
landscape, are always, to a certain extent, under our control.
Planting and Grouping in the Graceful School.
The elementary principles in this school, our readers will
remember to be fulness and softness of outline, and perfectly
luxuriant development. To insure these in plantations, we
must commence by choosing, mainly, trees of graceful habit,
and flowing outlines ; and of this class of trees, hereafter
more fully illustrated, the American elm, and the maple
* When, in thinning woods in this manner, those left standing have a meagre
appearance, a luxuriant growth may be promoted by the application of manure
plentifully dug in about the roots. This will also, by causing an abundant
growth of new roots, strengthen the trees in their position.
11
82
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
may be taken as the type. Next, in disposing them, they
must usually be planted rather distant in the groups, and
often singly. We do not mean by this, that close groups
may not occasionally be formed, but there should be a
predominance of trees grouped at such a distance from each
other, as to allow a full development of the branches on
every side. Or, when a close group is planted, the trees
composing it, should be usually of the same or a similar
kind, in order that they may grow up together and form
one finely rounded head. Rich creepers, and blossoming
vines, that grow in fine luxuriant wreaths and masses, are
fit accompaniments to occasional groups in this manner.
Fig. 18, represents a plan of trees grouped along a road
or walk, in the Graceful mode.
[Fig. 18. Grouping in the Graceful mode.]
It is proper that we should here remark, that a distinct
species of after treatment is required for the two modes.
Trees, or groups, in the Graceful school, should be pruned
with great care, and indeed, scarcely at all, except to
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS.
83
remedy disease, or to correct a bad form. Above all, the
fiill luxuriance and development of the tree should be en-
couraged by good soil, and repeated manurings when
necessary ; and that most expressively elegant fall and
droop of the branches, which so entirely belongs to the
Graceful school, should never be warred against by any
trimming of the lower branches, which must also be care-
fully preserved against cattle, whose browsing line^ would
soon efface this most beautiful disposition in some of our
fine lawn trees. Clean smooth stems, fresh and tender bark,
and a softly rounded, pyramidal or drooping head, are the
characteristics of a graceful tree. We need not add that
gently slopmg ground, or surfaces rolling in easy undula-
tions, should accompany such plantations.
Planting and grouping in the Picturesque school.
All trees are admissible in a picturesque place, but a
predominance must be used by the planter, of what are
truly called picturesque trees, of which the larch and fir
tribe, and the oak, may be taken as examples. In the
[Fig. 19. Grouplug in the Picturesque mode.]
Picturesque school, every thing depends on intricacy, and
84 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
irregularity, and grouping, therefore, must often be done*
in the most irregular manner — rarely, if ever, with single
specimens, as every object should seem to connect itself
with something else — but most frequently there should be
irregular groups, occasionally running into thickets, and
always, more or less, touching each other ; trusting to after
time for any thinning, should it be necessary. Fig. 19,
may, as compared with fig. 18, give an idea of picturesque
grouping.
There should be more of the wildness of the finest and
most forcible portions of natural woods or forests, in the
disposition of the trees ; sometimes, planting them closely,
even two or three in the same hole, at others, more loose
and scattered. These will grow up into wilder and more
striking forms, the barks will be deeply furrowed and rough,
the limbs twisted and irregular, and the forms and outlines
distinctly varied. They should often be intermixed with
smaller undergrowth of similar character, as the hazel,
hawthorn, etc., and formed into such picturesque and strik-
ing groups, as painters love to study and introduce into
their pictures. Sturdy and bright vines, or such as are
themselves picturesque in their festoons and hangings,
should be allowed to clamber over occasional trees in a neg-
ligent manner ; and the surface and grass, in parts of the
scene not immediately in the neighbourhood of the mansion,
may be kept short by the cropping of animals, or allowed to
grow in a more careless and loose state, like that of tangled
dells, and natural woods.
There will be the same open glades in picturesque, as
in graceful plantations ; but these openings, in the former,
will be bounded by groups and thickets of every form, and
of different degrees of intricacy, while in the latter, the
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 85
eye will repose on softly rounded masses of foliage, or
single open groups of trees, with finely balanced, and graceful
heads and branches.
In order to know how a plantation in the picturesque
mode should be treated, after it is established, we should
reflect a moment on what constitutes picturesqueness in
any tree. This will be found to consist, either in a certain
natural roughness of bark, or wildness of form and outline,
or, in some accidental curve of a branch, of striking
manner of growth, or perhaps, of both these conjoined. A
broken or crooked limb, a leaning trunk, or several stems
springing from the same base, are, frequently, peculiarities
that at once stamp a tree as picturesque. Hence, it is easy
to see, that the excessive care of the cultivator of trees in
the graceful school, to obtain the smoothest trunks, and the
most sweeping, perfect, and luxuriant heads of foliage,
is quite the opposite of what is the picturesque arboricul-
turist's ambition. He desires to encourage a certain wild-
ness of growth, and allows his trees to spring up occasion-
ally in thickets, to assist this effect ; he delights in occasional
irregularity of stem and outline, and he therefore suffers
his trees, here and there, to crowd each other ; he admires
a twisted limb, or a moss covered branch, and in pruning,
he, therefore, is careful to leave, precisely what it would be
the aim of the other to remove ; and his pruning, where it is
at all necessaiy, is directed rather towards increasing the na-
rually striking and peculiar habit of the picturesque tree,
than assisting it in developing a form of unusual refine-
ment and symmetry. From these remarks, we think the
amateur will easily divine, that planting, grouping, and
culture in the Graceful, requires a much less educated
feeling, than performing the same operations in the Pictu-
86 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
resque school. The charm of a refined and poUshed land-
scape garden, as we usually see it in the graceful mode,
with all the richness and beauty, developed by high cul-
ture— lovely and enchanting as it is, and always must be —
this charm, we say, is, notwithstanding, always immediately
referred, very properly, to a certain perfection of groAvth,
arising, mainly, from the superior care and cultivation which
is bestowed on every object within our sight.
But in the Picturesque landscape garden, there is visible,
a piquancy of effect — certain bold and striking growths and
combinations, which we feel, at once, if we know them to
be the result of art, to be the production of a peculiar
species of attention — not merely good, or even refined,
ornamental gardening. In short, no one can be a pictu-
resque improver who is not, himself, something of an artist —
who has not studied nature with an artistical eye — and
who is not capable of imitating, eliciting, or heightening, in
his plantations, or other portions of his residence, the pictu-
resque in its many variations. And we may add here, that efii-
cient and charming as is the assistance, which all ornamental
planters will derive from the study of the best landscape en-
gravings and pictures of distinguished artists, they are
indispensably necessary to the picturesque improver. In
these he will often find embodied the choicest and most
captivating studies from picturesque nature, and will see, at
a glance, the effect of certain combinations of trees, which
he might otherwise puzzle himself a dozen years to know
how to produce.
After all, as the picturesque improver, here, will most
generally be found to be him who chooses a comparatively
wild and wooded place, we may safely say that, if he has
the true feeling for his work, he will always find it vastly
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 87
easier than the graceful improver ; as the majority of the
latter may be said to begin nearly anew — choosing places
not for wildness, and intricacy of wood, but for open-
ness, and the smiling, sunny, undulating plain, where they
must, of course, to a good extent, plant anew.
After becoming well acquainted with grouping, we
should bring ourselves to regard those principles which
govern our improvement as a whole. We therefore must
call the attention of the improver to the two following
principles, which are to be constantly in view : the produc-
tion of a whole ; and the proper connection of the jjarts.
Any person who will take the trouble to reflect for a mo-
ment, on the great diversity of surface, change of position,
aspects, views, etc., in different country residences, will at
once perceive how difficult, or, indeed, how impossible it is,
to lay down any fixed or exact rules for arranging planta-
tions, in the modern style. What would be precisely adapted
to a hilly rolling park, would often be found entirely unfit
for adoption in a smooth, level surface, and the contrary.
Indeed, the chief beauty of the modern style is the variety
produced by following a few leading principles, and
applying them to different and varied localities ; imlike the
geometric style, which proceeded to level, and arrange, and
erect its avenues and squares, alike in every situation, with
all the precision and certainty of mathematical demonstra-
tion.
In all grounds to be laid out, however, which are of a lawn
or park-like extent, and call for the exercise of judgment and
taste, the mansion or dwelling-house, being itself the chief, or
leading object in the scene, should form, as it were, the cen-
tral point, to which it should be the object of the planter to
give importance. In order to do this effectually, the large
88 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
masses, or groups of wood, should cluster round, or form the
back-ground to the main edifice ; and where the offices or out-
buildings approach the same neighbourhood, they also should
be embraced. We do not mean, by this, to convey the idea,
that a thick wood should be planted around and in the close
neighbourhood of the mansion or villa, so as to impede the
free circulation of air ; but its appearance and advantages
may be easily produced by a comparatively loose plantation
of groups well connectd by intermediate trees, so as to give
all the effect of a large mass. The front, and at least that
side nearest the approach road, will be left open or nearly
so ; while the plantations on the hack-ground will give
dignity and importance to the house, and at the same time
effectually screen the approach to the farm buildings, and
other objects which require to be kept out of view ; and
here, both for the purposes of shelter, and richness of effect,
a good proportion of evergreens should be introduced.
From this principal mass, the plantations must break off" in
groups of greater or less size, corresponding to the extent
covered by it ; — if large, they will diverge into masses of con-
siderable magnitude ; if of moderate size, in groups made up
of a number of trees. In the lawn front of the house, appro-
priate places will be found for a number of the most elegant
single trees, or small groups of trees, remarkable for the beau-
ty of their forms, foliage, or blossoms. Care must be taken,
however, in disposing these, as well as many of the groups,
that they are not placed so as, at some future time, to inter-
rupt or disturb the finest points of prospect.
In more distant parts of the plantations will also appear
masses of considerable extent, perhaps upon the boundary
line, perhaps in particular situations on the sides, or in the
interior of the whole ; and the various groups which are dis-
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 89
tribiited between, should be so managed as, though in most
cases distinct, yet to appear to be the connecting Hnks which
unite these distant shadows in the composition, with the
larger masses near the house. Sometimes several small
groups will be almost joined together ; at others the effect
may be kept up by a small group, aided by a few neighbour-
ing single trees. This, for a park-like place. Where the
place is small, a pleasm-e-ground character is all that can be
attained. But by employing chiefly shrubs, and only a
few trees, very similar and highly beautiful effects may be
attained.
The grand object in all this, should be to open to the eye,
from the windows or front of the house, a wide surface, par-
tially broken up and divided, by groups and masses of trees,
into a number of pleasing lawns or openings, differing in size
and appearance, and producing a charming variety in the
scene, either when seen from a given point, or when exam-
ined in detail. It must not be forgotten that, as a general
rule, the grass or surface of the lawn answers as the princi-
pal light, and the woods or plantations as the shadows, in
the same manner in nature as in painting, and that these
should be so managed as to lead the eye to the mansion as
the most important object when seen from without, or corres"
pond to it in grandeur and magnitude, when looked upon
from within the house. If the surface is too much crowded
with groups of foliage, breadth of light will be found want-
ing ; if left too bare, there will be felt, on the other hand
an absence of the noble effect of deep and broad shadows.
One of the loveliest charms of a fine park is, undoubtedly,
variation or undulation of surface. Every thing, accordingly,
which tends to preserve and strengthen this pleasing charac-
ter, should be kept constantly in view. Where, therefore^
12
90 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,
there are no obvious objections to such a course, the em-
inences, gentle swells, or hills, should be planted, in preference
to the hollows or depressions. By planting the elevated
portions of the grounds, their apparent height is increased ;
but by planting the hollows, all distinction is lessened and
broken up. Indeed, where there is but a trifling and scarcely
perceptible undulation, the importance of the swells of
surface already existing is surprisingly increased, when this
course of planting is adopted ; and the whole, to the eye,
appears finely varied.
Where the grounds of the residence to be planted are level,
or nearly so, and it is desirable to confine the view, on any
or all sides, to the lawn or park itself, the boundary groups
and masses must be so connected together as, from the most
striking part or parts of the prospect, (near the house for ex-
ample,) to answer this end. This should be done, not by
planting a continuous, uniformly thick belt of trees round the
outside of the whole ; but by so arranging the various outer
groups and thickets, that when seen from the given points,
they shall appear connected in one whole. In this way,
there will be an agreeable variation in the margin, made
by the various bays, recesses, and detached projections, which
could not be so well effected, if the whole were one uniformly
unbroken strip of wood.
But where the house is so elevated as to command a more
extensive view than is comprised in the demesne itself, another
course should be adopted. The grounds planted must be
made to connect themselves with the surrounding scenery,
so as not to produce any violent contrast to the eye, when
compared with the adjoining country. If then, as is most
frequently the case, the lawn or pleasure-ground join, on
either side or sides, cultivated farm lands, the proper connec-
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 01
tion may be kept up by advancing a few groups, or even
scattered trees, into the neighbouring fields. In the middle
states, there are but few cultivated fields, even in ordinary
farms, where there is not to be seen, here and there, a hand-
some cluster of saplings, or a few full grown trees ; or if not
these, at least some tall growing bushes along the fences, all
of which, by a little exercise of this leading principle of con-
nection, can, by the planter of taste, be made to appear, with
few or trifling additions, to divaricate from, and ramble out of
the park itself. Where the park joins natural woods, con-
nection is still easier, and where it bounds upon one of our
noble rivers, lakes, or other large sheets of water, of course
comiection is not expected ; for sudden contrast and transition
is there both natural and beautiful.
In all cases, good taste will suggest that the more polished
parts of the lawns and grounds should, in either school of
improvement, be those nearest the house. There, the most
rare and beautiful sorts of trees are displayed, and the entire
plantations agree, in elegance, with the style of art evinced
in the mansion itself. When there is much extent, however,
as the eye wanders from the neighbourhood of the re-
sidence, the whole evinces less polish ; and gradually,
towards the farthest extremities, grows ruder, mitil it assimi-
lates itself to the wildness of general nature around. This,
of course, applies to grounds of large extent, and must not
be so much enforced where the lawn embraced is but mo-
derate, and therefore comes more directly under the eye.
It will be remembered that in the foregoing section, we
stated it as one of the leading principles of the art of Land-
scape Gardening, that in every instance where the grounds
of a country residence have a marked natural character,
whether of graceful or picturesque beauty, the eiforts of
92 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
he improver will be most successful, if he contributes, by
his art, to aid and strengthen that expression. This should
ever be borne in mind, when we are commencing any im-
provements in planting that will affect the general expression
of the scene ; as there are but few country residences in the
United States, of any importance, which have not naturally
some distinct landscape character, and the labours of the im-
prover will be productive of much greater satisfaction, and
more lasting pleasure, when they aim at effects in keeping
with the whole scene, than if no regard be paid to this im-
portant point. This will be felt, almost intuitively, by per-
sons who, perhaps, would themselves be incapable of
describing the cause of their gratification, but would per-
ceive the contrary at once ; as many are unable to analyze
the pleasure derived from harmony in music, while they at
once perceive the introduction of discordant notes.
We do not intend that this principle should apply so close-
ly, that grounds naturally picturesque, shall have nothing of
the softening touches of general beauty ; or that a demesne
characterized by the latter expression should not be occasion-
ally enlivened with a few " smart touches'^ of the former.
This is often necessary, indeed, to prevent tame scenery from
degenerating into insipidity, — or picturesque, into wildness,
too great to be appropriated in a country residence. Pictu-
resque trees give new spirit to groups of merely beautiful
ones, and the latter sometimes heighten by contrast the value
of the former. All of which, however, does not prevent the
'predominance of the leading features of either style, suffi-
ciently strong to mark it as such ; while, occasionally, some-
thing of zest, or elegance, may be borrowed from the opposite
character, to suit the wishes, or gratify the taste of the pro-
prietor.
on wood and plantations. 93
Ground plans of ornamental plantations. To
illustrate, partially, our ideas on the arrangement of planta-
tions, we place before the reader two or three examples,
premising, that the small scale to which they are reduced,
prevents our giving to them any character beyond that of
the general one of the design. The first, (fig. 20,) represents
a portion, say one-third or one-half, of a piece of property
selected for a country seat, and which has hitherto been
kept in tillage, as ordinary farm land. The public road, a,
is the boundary on one side : dd are prettily wooded dells or
hollows, which, together with a few groups near the pro-
posed site of the house, c, and a few scattered single trees,
make up the aggregate of the original woody embellish-
ments of the locality.
In the next figure, (fig. 21,) a ground plan of the place is
given, as it would appear, after having been judiciously laid
out and planted, with several years growth. At a, the ap
proach road leaves the public highway, and leads to the
house at c ; from whence, paths of smaller size, b, make the
circuit of the ornamental portion of the residence, taking ad-
vantage of the wooded dells, d, originally existing, which
offer some scope for varied walks, concealed from each other
by the intervening masses of thicket. It will be seen here,
that one of the largest masses of wood forms a back ground
to the house, concealing, also, the out-buildings ; while, from
the windows of the mansion itself, the trees are so arranged
as to group in the most pleasing and effective manner ; at
the same time, broad masses of turf meet the eye, and fine dis-
tant views are had through the vistas in the lines, e e. In
this manner, the lawn appears divided into four distinct
lawns or areas, bomided by groups of trees, instead of
being dotted over with an unmeaning confusion of irregular
94
LANDSCAPE GARDKNING.
[Fig. 20. Plan of a commoD Farm, before any improvements.]
masses of foliage. The form of these areas varies, also, with
every change of position in the spectator, as seen from differ-
ent portions of the gromids, or different points in the walks ;
and they, can be still further varied, at pleasm-e, by adding
more single trees, or small groups, which should always, to
produce variety of outline, be placed opposite the salient parts
of the wood, and not in the recesses, which latter they would
appear to diminish or clog up. The stables are shown at/;
the barn g ; and the kitchen garden adjacent at h ; the or-
chard at i ; and a small portion of the farm lands at k ; a
back entrance to the out-buildings is shown in the rear of
the orchard. The plan has been given for a place of seventy
acres, thirty of which include the pleasure-grounds, and forty
the adjoining farm lands.
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS.
95
'■liii ii iiijli
I Ml 1 I I I III'.
[Fig. 21. Plan of the foregoing grounds as a Country Seat, after ten years' improvement.!
Figure 22, is the plan of an American mansion residence
of considerable extent, only part of the farm lands, I, being
here delineated. In this residence, as there is no extensive
view, worth preserving, beyond the bounds of the estate, the
pleasure grounds are surrounded by an irregular and
picturesque belt of wood. A fine natural stream or rivu-
let, which ran through the estate, has been formed into a hand-
some pond, or small lake, /, which adds much to the interest
of the grounds. The approach road breaks off from the high-
way at the entrance lodge, a, and proceeds in easy curves to
the mansion, b ; and the groups of trees on the side of this
approach nearest the house, are so arranged that the visiter
scarcely obtains more than a glimpse of the latter, until he
96
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
[Fig. 22- Plan of a Mansiou Residence, laid out in tlje natural style.]
arrives at the most favourable position for a first impression.
From the windows of the mansion, at either end, the eye
ranges over groups of flowers and shrubs ; while, on the en-
trance front, the trees are arranged so as to heighten the
natural expression originally existing there. On the other
front, the broad mass of light reflected from the green turf
at A, is balanced by the dark shadows of the picturesque
plantations which surround the lake, and skirt the whole
boundary. M i, a- light, inconspicuous wire fence separates
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 97
that portion of the ground, g, ornamented with flowering
shrubs, and kept mown by the scythe, from the remainder, of
a park-hke character, which is kept short by the cropping of
animals. At c, are shown the stables, carriage house, etc.,
which, though near the approach road, are concealed by fo-
liage, though easily accessible by a short curved road, re-
turning from the house, so as not to present any road lead-
ing in the same direction, to detract from the dignity of the
approach in going to it. A prospect tower, or rustic pavilion,
on a little eminence overlooking the whole estate, is shown
at 7*. The small arabesque beds near the house, are filled with
masses of choice flowering shrubs and plants ; the kitchen
garden is shown at d, and the orchard at e.
Suburban villa residences are, every day, becoming more
numerous ; and in laying out the grounds around them, and
disposing the sylvan features, there is often more ingenuity,
and as much taste required, as in treating a country residence
of several hundi-ed acres. In the small area of from one half
an acre to ten or twelve acres, surrounding often a villa of
the first class, it is desirable to assemble many of the same
features, and as much as possible of the enjoyment, which
are to be found in a large and elegant estate. To do this,
the space allotted to various purposes, as the kitchen garden,
lawn, etc., must be judiciously portioned out, and so charac-
terized and divided by plantations, that the whole shall ap-
pear to be much larger than it really is, from the fact that the
spectator is never allowed to see the whole at a single glance ;
but while each portion is complete in itself, the plan shall
present nothing incongruous or ill assorted.
An excellent illustration of this species of residence, is af-
forded the reader, in the accompanying plan, (fig. 23,) of the
grounds of Riverside Villa. This pretty villa at Bur-
13
98
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
[Fig. 23. Plan of a Suburban Villa Residence.]
lington, New- Jersey, (to which we shall again refer,) was
lately built, and the grounds, about six or eight acres in
extent, laid out, from the designs of John Notman, Esq.,
architect, of Philadelphia ; and while the latter promise a
large amount of beauty and enjoyment, scarcely any thing
which can be supposed necessary for the convenience or
wants of the family, is lost sight of.
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 99
The house, a, stands quite near the bank of the river,
while one front commands fine water views, and the other
looks into the lawn or pleasure grounds, b. On one side of
the area is the kitchen garden, c, separated and concealed from
the lawn, by thick groups of evergreen and deciduous trees.
At e, is a picturesque orchard, in which the fruit trees are
planted in groups, instead of straight lines, for the sake of
effect. Directly under the windows of the drawing-room is
the flower garden, / ; and at g^ is a seat. The walk aromid
the lawn is also a carriage road, affording entrance and egress
from the rear of the grounds, for garden purposes, as well as
from the front of the house. At h, is situated the ice-house ;
c?, hot-beds ; j, bleaching green ; z*, gardener's house, etc. In
the rear of the latter are the stables, which are not shown on
the plan.
The embellished farm, {fenne ornee\ is a pretty mode of
combining something of the beauty of the landscape garden,
with the utility of the farm, and we hope to see small
country seats of this land, become more general. As re-
gards profit in farming, of course, all modes of arranging
or distributing land are inferior to simple square fields ;
on account of the greater facility of working the land, in
rectangular plots. But we suppose the owner of the small
ornamental farm, to be one with whom profit is not the
first and only consideration, — but who desires to unite with
it something to gratify his taste, and to give a higher
charm to his rural occupations. In fig. 24, is shown
part of an embellished farm, treated in the picturesque style
throughout. The various fields, under grass or tillage, are
divided and bounded by winding roads, a, bordered by
hedges of buckthorn, cedar, and hawthorn, instead of
wooden fences ; the roads being wide enough to afford
100
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
[Fig. 24
a Picturesque farm, (fermeornee).']
a pleasant drive or walk, so as to allow the owner or visitor
to enjoy at the same time an agreeable circuit, and a glance at
all the various crops, and modes of culture. In the plan before
uSj the approach from the public road, is at b ; the dwell-
ing at c ; the barns and farm-buildings at d ; the kitchen
garden at e ; and the orchard at /. About the house are
distributed some groups of trees, and here the fields, g, are
kept in grass, and are either mown or pastured. The fields in
crops are designated A, on the plan ; and a few picturesque
groups of trees are planted, or allowed to remain, in these,
to keep up the general character of the place. A low dell,
or rocky thicket, is situated at i. Exceedingly interesting
and agreeable effects may be produced, at little cost, in a
picturesque farm of this kind. The hedges may be of a
great variety of suitable shrubs, and, in addition to those
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 101
that we have named, we would introduce others of the
sweet brier, the Michigan or prairie rose, (admirably adapted
for the purpose,) the flowering crab, and the hke — beautiful
and fragrant in their growth and blossoms. These hedges we
would cause to grow thick, rather by interlacing the branches,
than by constant shearing or trimming, which would give
them a less formal, and a more free and natural air. The
winding lanes traversing the farm, need only be gravelled
near the house, — m other portions being left in grass,
which will need little care, as it will generally be kept short
enough by the passing of men and vehicles over it.
A picturesque or ornamental farm like this, would be an
agreeable residence for a gentleman, retiring into the country
on a small farm, desirous of experimenting for himself, with
all the new modes of culture. The small and irregular
fields, would, to him, be rather an advantage, and there
would be an air of novelty and interest about the whole
residence. Such an arrangement as this, would also be
suitable for a fruit farm, near one of our large towns, the
fields being occupied by orchards, vines, grass and grain.
The house, and all the buildings, should be of a simple,
though picturesque and accordant character.
The cottage ornee may have more or less ground attached
to it. It is the ambition of some to have a great house and
little land, and of others, (among whom we remember
the poet Cowley,) to have a little house and a large garden.
The latter would seem to be the more natural taste. When
the grounds of a cottage are large, they will be treated by
the landscape gardener nearly like those of a villa residence ;
when they are smaller, a more quiet and simple character
must be aimed at. But, even where they consist of only
a rood or two, something tasteful and pretty may be ar-
102
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
ranged.* In fig. 25, is shown a small piece of ground, on
one side of a cottage, in which a picturesque character is
attempted to be maintained. The plantations here, are
made mostly with shrubs instead of trees, the latter being
only sparingly introduced, for the want of room. In the
disposition of these shrubs, however, the same attention to
picturesque effect is paid as we have already pointed out
in our remarks on grouping ; and by connecting the thickets
and groups here and there, so as to conceal one walk from
the other, a surprising variety and effect will frequently be
produced, in an exceedingly limited spot.
The same limited grounds might
be planted in the graceful manner
■*" with good effect ; choosing, in
this case, shrubs of symmetrical
growth and fine forms, planting
$ and grouping them somewhat
t^ singly, and allowing every speci-
men to attain its fullest luxuri-
0b ance of development.
In making these arrangements,
[Fig. 25. Ground, of a Cottage om.e.:i Gvcu lu thc Small arca of a fourth
of an acre, we should study the same principles, and
endeavour to produce the same harmony of effects, as if
we were improving a mansion residence of the first class.
The extent of the operations, and the sums lavished, are
not by any means necessarily connected with successful
and pleasing results. The man of correct taste will, by the
aid of very limited means, and upon a small surface, be able
* For a variety of modes of treating the grounds of small places, see our Designs
for Cottage Residences.
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 103
to afford the mind more true pleasure, than the improver who
lavishes thousands without it, creating no other emotion than
surprise or pity at the useless expenditure incurred ; and the
Abbe Delille says nothing more true than that,
" Ce noble emploi demand un artiste qui pense,
Prodigue de genie, et non pas de depense."
From the inspection of plans like these, the tyro may learn
something of the manner of arranging plantations, and
of the general effect of the natural style, in particular cases
and situations. But the knowledge they afford, is so far be-
low that obtained by an inspection of the effects in reality,
that the latter should, in all cases, be preferred, where it is
practicable. In this style, unlike the ancient, it is almost
impossible that the same plan should exactly suit any other
situation than that for which it was intended, for its great
excellence lies in the endless variety produced by its appli-
cation to different sites, situations, and surfaces ; developing
the latent capacities of one place and heightening the charms
of another.
But the leading principles, as regards the formation of
plantations, which we have here endeavoured briefly to elu-
cidate, are the same in all cases. After becoming familiar
with these, should the amateur landscape gardener be at a loss
how to proceed, he can hardly do better, as we have before
suggested, than to study and recur often to the beautiful
compositions and combinations of nature, displayed in her
majestic groups, masses, and single trees, as well as open
glades and deep thickets ; of which, fortunately, in most parts
of our country, checkered here and there, as it is, with
beautiful and picturesque scenery, tliere is no dearth or
10 4 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
scarcity. Keeping these few principles in his mind, he
will be able to detect new beauties, and transfer them to his
own estate ; for nature is truly inexhaustible in her re-
sources of the beautiful.
Classification of trees, as to expression. The
amateur, who wishes to dispose his plantations in the
natural style of Landscape Gardening, so as to produce grace-
ful or picturesque landscape, will be greatly aided by a study
of the peculiar expression of trees individually, and in com-
position. The effect of a certain tree, singly, is often exceed-
ingly different from that of a group of the same trees. To
be fully aware of the effect of groups and masses, requires
considerable study, and the progress in this study may be
greatly facilitated by a recurrence from groups in nature, to
groups in pictures.
As a farther aid to this most desirable species of informa-
tion, we shall offer a few remarks on the principal varieties
of character afforded by trees in composition.
Almost all trees, with relation to forms, may be divi-
ded into three kinds viz : round-headed trees, oblong or pi/-
rarnidal trees, and spiry-topped trees ; and so far as the
expressions of the different species comprised in these distinct
classes are concerned, they are, especially when viewed at
a distance, (as much of the wood seen in a prospect of any
extent, necesssarily, must be,) productive of nearly the same
general effects.
Round-headed trees compose by far the largest of these
divisions. The term includes all those trees which have an
irregular surface in their boughs, more or less
varied in outline, but exhibiting in the whole
[Fig. 26. Rouud-heaii- a top Or hcad, coinparatively round; as the
ed Trees.]
oak, ash, beech, and walnut. They are generally beau-
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 105
tiful when young, from their smoothness, and the elegance
of their forms ; but often grow picturesque, when age and
time have had an opportunity to produce their wonted effects
upon them. In general, however, the different round-headed
trees may be considered as the most appropriate for introduc-
tion in highly cultivated scenery, or landscapes where
the character is that of graceful or polished beauty ; as they
harmonize with almost all scenes, buildings, and natuTal or
artificial objects, uniting well with other forms, and doing
violence to no expression of scenery. From the numerous
breaks in the surface of their foliage, which reflect differently
the lights, and produce deep shadows, there is great intricacy
and variety in the heads of many round-topped trees ; and
therefore, as an outer surface, to meet the eye in a plantation,
they are much softer and more pleasing, than the un-
broken line exhibited by the sides of oblong or spiry-topped
trees. The sky-outline, also, or the upper part of the head,
varies greatly in romid topped trees, from the irregularity in
the disposition of the upper branches in different species, as
the oak and ash, or even between individual specimens of
the same kind of tree, as the oak, of which we rarely see
two trees alike in form and outline, although they have the
same characteristic expression ; while, on the other hand,
no two verdant objects can bear a greater general resem-
blance to each other, and show more sameness of figure,
than two Lombardy poplars.'
" In a tree," says Uvedale Price, " of which the foliage is
everywhere full and unbroken, there can be but little variety
of form ; then, as the sun strikes only on the surface, neither'
can there be much variety of light and shade ; and as
the apparent colour of objects changes according to the different
degrees of light or shade in which they are placed, there can
14
106 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
be as little variety of tint : and lastly, as there are none of
these openings that excite and nourish curiosity, but the eye
is everywhere opposed by one uniform leafy screen, there
can be as little intricacy as variety." From these remarks,
it win be perceived, that even among round-headed trees, there
may be great difference in the comparative beauty of different
sorts ; and judging from the excellent standard here laid
down, it will also be seen how much, in the eye of a painter,
a tree with a beautifully diversified surface, as the oak, sur-
passes, in the composition of a scene, one with a very regular
and compact surface and outline, as the horse-chestnut. In
planting large masses of wood, therefore, or even in forming
large groups in park scenery, round-headed trees, of the ordi-
nary loose and varied manner of growth conmion in the ma-
jority of forest trees, are greatly to be preferred to all others.
When they cover large tracts, as several acres, they convey
an emotion of grandeur to the mind ; when they form vast
forests of thousands of acres, they produce a feeling of suh-
limity ; in the landscape garden when they stand alone, or
in fine groups, they are graceful, or beautiful. While
young, they have an elegant appearance ; when old, they
generally become majestic or picturesque. Other trees may
suit scenery, or scenes, of particular and decided characters ;
hutround-headed trees are, decidedly, the chief adornment of
general landscape.
Spiry-topped trees, (fig. 27,) are distinguished by straight
leading stems and horizontal branches, which are compara-
tively small, and taper gradually to a point.
The foliage is generally evergreen, and in
most trees of this class, hangs in parallel or
[Fij. 27.^spiry-top,,ed (Jroopiug tufts from the branches. The
various evergreen trees, composing the spruce and iir families,
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 107
most of the pines, the cedar, and, among deciduous trees, the
larch, belong to this division. Their hue is generally much
darker than that of deciduous trees, and there is a strong
similarity, or almost sameness, in the different kinds of trees
which may properly be called spiry-topped.
From their sameness of form and surface, this class of trees,
when planted in large tracts or masses, gives much'lessjplea-
sure than round-headed trees ; and the eye is soon wearied
with the monotony of appearance presented by long rows,
groups, or masses, of the same form, outline, and appear-
ance ; to say nothing of the effect of the uniform dark colour,
unrelieved by the warmer tints of deciduous trees. Any
one can bear testimony to this, who has travelled through a
pine, hemlock, or fir forest, where he could not fail to be
struck with its gloom, tediousness, and monotony, especially
when contrasted with the variety and beauty in a natural
wood of deciduous, round-headed trees.
Although spiry-topped trees, in large masses, cannot be
generally admired for ornamental plantations, yet they have
a character of their own, which is very striking and peculiar,
and, we may add, in a high degree valuable to the Land-
scape Gardener. Their general expression, when single or
scattered, is extremely spirited, wild and picturesque ; and
when judiciously introduced into artificial scenery, they pro-
duce the most charming and unique effects, " The situa-
tions where they have most effect, is among rocks, and in
very irregular surfaces ; and especially on the steep sides
of high mountains, where their forms and the direction of
their growth, seem to harmonize with the pointed rocky sum-
mits." Fir and pine forests are extremely dull and monoto-
nous in sandy plains, and smooth surfaces, (as in the pine
barrens of the southern states) ; but among the broken rocks,
108 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
craggy precipices, and otherwise endlessly varied surfaces,
(as in the Alps, abroad, and the various rocky heights in the
Highlands of the Hudson and the Alleghanies, at home.) they
are full of variety. It will readily be seen, therefore, that spiry-
topped trees should always be planted in considerable quan-
tities in wild, broken, and picturesque scenes, where they will
appear perfectly in keepmg, and add wonderfully to the pecu-
liar beauty of the situation. In all grounds, where there are
abruptly varied surfaces, steep banks, or rocky precipices, this
class of trees lends its efficient aid to strengthen the prevail-
ing beauty, and to complete the finish of the picture. In
smooth level surfaces, though spiry-topped trees carmot be
thus extensively employed, they are by no means to be neg-
lected or thought valueless, but may be so combined and
iningled with other round-headed and oblong-headed trees,
as to produce very rich and pleasing effects. A tall larch or
two, or a few spruces, rising out of the centre of a group,
give it life and spirit, and add greatly, both by contrast
of form and colour, to the force of round-headed trees. A
stately and regular white pine, or hemlock, or a few thin
groups of the same trees, peeping out from amidst, or border-
ing, a large mass of deciduous trees, have great power in ad-
ding to the interest which the same awakens in the mind
of the spectator. Care must be taken, however, that the very
spirited effect which is here aimed at, is not itself defeated by
the over anxiety of the planter, who, in scattering too profuse-
ly these very strongly marked trees, makes them, at last, so
plentiful, as to give the whole a mingled and confused look ;
in which neither the graceful and sweeping outlines of the
round-headed, nor the picturesque summits of the spiry-topped
trees predominate ; as the former decidedly should, in all
scenes where the expression is not stronger than that of mere
graceful beauty.
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 109
The larch, to which we shall hereafter recur at some
length, may be considered one of the most picturesque trees
of this division ; and being more rapid in its growth than
most evergreens, it may be used as a substitute for, or in con-
junction with them, where effect is speedily desired.
Oblong-headed trees, show heads of foliage more length-
ened out, more formal, and generally more tapering, than
round-headed ones. They differ from spiry-top-
ped trees, in having upright branches, instead of
horizontal ones, and in forming a conical or pyra-
^^hf,dcd Tre'es"! ' uiidal mass of foliage, instead of a spiry, tufted
one. They are mostly deciduous ; and approaching more
nearly to round-headed trees, than spiry-topped ones do, they
may perhaps be more frequently introduced. The Lombardy
poplar may be considered the representative of this division ;
as the oak is of the first, and the larch and fir of the second.
Abroad, the oriental cypress, an evergreen, is used, to pro-
duce similar effects in scenery.
The great use of the Lombardy poplar, and other similar
trees, in composition, is to relieve, or break into groups, large
masses of wood. This it does very efiectually, when its tall
summit rises at intervals from among round-headed trees,
forming pyramidal centres to groups, where there was only
a swelling and flowing outline. Formal rows, or groups of
oblong-headed trees, however, are tiresome and monotonous
to the last degree ; a straight line of them being scarcely bet-
ter in appearance, than a tall, stiff, gigantic hedge. Examples
of this can be easily found in many parts of the Union, where
the crude and formal taste of proprietors, by leading them to
plant long lines of Lombardy poplars, has had the effect of
destroying the beauty of many a fine prospect and building.
Conical, or oblong-headed trees, when carefully employed,
110 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
are very effective for purposes of contrast^ in conjunction
with horizontal lines of buildings, such as we see in Grecian
or Italian architecture. Near such edifices, sparingly irir
traduced, and mingled, in small jiroportion, with round-
headed trees, they contrast advantageously with the long
cornices, flat roofs, and horizontal lines, that predominate in
their exteriors. Lombardy poplars are, often, thus introduced
in pictures of Italian scenery, where they sometimes break
the formality of a long line of wall, in the happiest manner.
Nevertheless, if they should be indiscriminately employed,
or even used in any considerable proportion, in the decora-
tion of the ground immediately adjoining a building of any
pretensions, they would inevitably defeat this purpose, and
by their tall and formal growth, diminish the apparent
magnitude, as well as the elegance of the house.
Drooping trees, though often classed with oblong-headed
trees, differ from them in so many particulars, that they
deserve to be ranked under a separate head. To this class
belong the weeping willow, the weeping birch, the drooping
elm, etc. Their prominent characteristics are gracefulness,
and elegance ; and we consider them as imfit, therefore, to
be employed, to any extent^ in scenes where it is desirable
to keep up the expression of a wild or highly picturesque
character. As single objects, or tastefully grouped in
graceful landscape, they are in excellent keeping, and
contribute much to give value to the leading expres-
sion.
When drooping trees are mixed indiscriminately with other
round-headed trees, in the composition of groups or masses,
much of their individual character is lost, as it depends, not
so much on the top, (as in oblong and spiry trees,) as upon the
side branches, which are, of course, concealed by those of the
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. Ill
adjoining trees. Drooping trees, therefore, as elms, birches,
etc., are shown to the best advantage on the borders of groups,
or the boundaries of plantations. It must not be forgotten, but
constantly kept in mind, that all strongly marked trees, like
bright colors m pictures, only admit of occasional employ-
ment ; and that the very object aimed at in introducing them,
will be defeated, if they are brought into the lawn and park
in masses, and distributed heedlessly on every side. An
English author very justly remarks, therefore, that the pop-
lar, the willow, and the drooping birch, are " most dangerous
trees in the hands of a planter who has not considerable
knowledge and good taste in the composition of a landscape."
Some of them, as the native elm, from their abounding in
our own woods, may appear oftener ; while others, which
have a peculiar and exotic look, as the weeping willow,
should only be seen in situations where they either do not
disturb the prevailing expression, or, (which is better,) where
they are evidently in good keeping. " The weeping willow,"
says Gilpin, with his usual good taste, " is not adapted to
sublime objects. We wish it not to screen the broken but-
tress and Gothic windows of an abbey, or to overshadow the
battlements of a ruined castle. These offices it resigns to the
oak, whose dignity can support them. The weeping willow
seeks an humble scene, — some romantic footpath bridge,
which it half conceals, or some glassy pool over which it
hangs its streaming foliage,
' And dips
Its pendant boughs, as if to drink.' "*
The manner in which a picturesque bit of landscape can
* Forest Scenery, p. 133.
112 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
be supported by picturesque spiry-topped trees, and its ex-
pression degraded by the injudicious employment of grace-
ful drooping trees, will be apparent to the reader in the two
accompanying little sketches. In the first, (fig. 29,) the ab-
rupt hill, the rapid mountain torrent,
and the distant Alpine summits, are
in fine keeping with the tall spiry
larches and firs, which, shooting up
[Fig. 29? TvirTkeeiiing.] 0^ cithcr sldc of tho old bridge, oc-
cupy the foreground. In the second, (fig. 30,) there is evi-
dently something discordant in the scene, which strikes the
spectator, at first sight, this is the misplaced introduction of
the large willows, which belong to a scene very different in
character. Imagine a removal of the
surrounding hills, and let the rapid
stream spread out into a smooth
peaceful lake, with gradually retiring
[Fig. 30. Trees outof keeping.] shorcs, aud thc bluc summlts in the
distance, and then the willows will harmonize admirably.
Having now described the peculiar characteristics of these
different classes of round-headed, spiry-topped, oblong, and
drooping trees, we should consider the proper method by
which a harmonious combination of the different forms com-
posing them, may be made, so as not to violate correct princi-
ples of taste. An indiscriminate mixture of their different
forms would, it is evident, produce any thing but an agree-
able effect. For example, let a person plant together in a
group, three trees of totally opposite forms and expressions,
viz : a weeping willow, an oak, and a poplar ; and the expres-
sion of the whole would be destroyed by the confusion re-
sulting from their discordant forms. On the other hand, the
mixture of trees that exactly correspond in their forms, if
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 113
these forms, as in oblong or drooping trees, are similar, will
infallibly create sameness. In order then to produce beauti-
ful variety, which shall neither, on the one side, run into con-
fusion, nor on the other, verge into monotony, it is re-
quisite to give some little attention to the harmony of form
and colour in the composition of trees in artificial planta-
tions.
The only rules which we can suggest to govern the planter
are these : First, if a certain leading expression is desired in
a group of trees, together with as great a variety as possible,
such species must be chosen as harmonize with each other
in certain leading points. And, secondly, in occasionally
intermingling trees of opposite characters, discordance may
be prevented, and harmonious expression promoted, by in-
terposing other trees of an intermediate character.
In the first case, suppose it is desired to form a group
of trees, in which gracefulness must be the leading expres-
sion. The willow alone would have the effect ; but in
groups, willows alone produce sameness : in order, therefore,
to give variety, we must choose other trees which, while they
diifer from the willow in some particulars, agree in others.
The elm has much larger and darker foliage, while it has
also a drooping spray ; the weeping birch differs in its leaves,
but agrees in the pensile flow of its branches ; the common
birch has few pendant boughs, but resembles in the airy
lightness of its leaves ; and the three-thorned acacia, though
its branches are horizontal, as delicate foliage of nearly the
same hue and floating lightness as the willow. Here we
have a group of five trees, which is, in the whole, full of
gracefulness and variety, while there is nothing in the com-
position inharmonious to the practised eye.
To illustrate the second case, let us suppose a long sweep-
15
114 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
ing outline of maples, birches, and other light, mellow-colour-
ed trees, which the improver wishes to vary, and break into
groups, by spiry topped, evergreen trees. It is evident, that
if these trees were planted in such a mamier as to peer ab-
ruptly out of the light-colored foliage of the former trees,
in dark, or almost black masses of tapering verdure, the effect
would be by no means so satisfactory and pleasing, as if there
were a partial transition from the mellow, pale-green of the
maples, etc., to the darker hues of the oak, ash, or beech, and
finally the sombre tint of the evergreens. Thus much for
the colouring ; and if, in addition to this, oblong-headed
trees, or pyramidal trees, were also placed near j^and partly
intermingled with the spiiy-topped ones, the unity of the
whole composition would be still more complete.*
Contrasts, again, are often admissible in woody scenery,
and we would not wish to lose many of our most superb
trees, because they could not be introduced in particular
portions of landscape. Contrasts in trees may be so violent
as to be displeasing ; as in the example of the groups of the
three trees, the willow, poplar, and oak : or they may be
such as to produce spirited and pleasing effects. This must
be effected by planting the different divisions of trees, first,
* We are persuaded that very few persons are aware of the beauty, varied and
endless, that may be produced by arranging trees with regard to their colouring. It
requires the eye and genius of a Claude, or a Poussin, to develope all these hidden
beauties of harmonious combination. Gilpin rightly says, in speaking of the dark
Scotch fir, " with regard to colour in general, I think I speak the language of paint-
ing, when I assert that the picturesque eye makes little distinction in this matter.
It has no attachment to one colour in preference to another, but considers the beauty
of all colouring as resulting, not from the colours themselves, but almost entirely
from their harmony with other colours in their neighbourhood. So that as the
Scotdh fir tree is combined or stationed, it forms a beautiful umbrage or a murky
spot."
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS.
115
in small leading groups, and then by effecting a union be-
tween the groups of different character, by intermingling
those of the nearest similarity into and near the groups : in
this way, by easy transitions from the drooping to the round-
headed, and from these to the tapering trees, the whole of
the foliage and forms, harmonize well.
[Pig. 31. Example in grouping. 3
" Trees," observes Mr. Whately, in his elegant treatise on
this subject, " which differ in but one of these circumstances,
of shape, green, or growth, though they agree in every other,
are sufficiently distinguished for the purpose of variety : if
they differ in two or three, they become contrasts : if in all,
they are opposite, and seldom group well together. Those,
on the contrary, which are of one character, and are distin-
guished only as the characteristic mark is strongly or faintly
impressed upon them, form a beautiful mass, and unity is
preserved without sameness."*
There is another circumstance connected with the colour
of trees, that will doubtless suggest itself to the improver of
taste, the knowledge of which may sometimes be turned to
valuable account. We mean the effects produced in the ap-
parent colouring of a landscape by distance, which painters
term aerial perspective. Standing at a certain position in a
* Observations on Modern Gardening.
116 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
scene, the colouring is deep, rich, and full in the foreground,
more tender and mellow in the middle-ground, and softening
to a pale tint in the distance.
"Where to the eye three well marked distances
Spread their peculiar colouring, vivid green,
Warm brown, and black opake the foreground bears
Conspicuous : sober olive coldly marks
The second distance : thence the third declines
In softer blue, or lessening still, is lost
In fainted purple. When thy taste is call'd
To deck a scene where nature's self presents
All these distinct gradations, then rejoice
As does the Painter, and like him apply
Thy colours : plant thou on each separate part
Its proper foliage."
Advantage may occasionally be taken of this peculiarity in
the gradation of colour, in Landscspe Gardening, by the crea-
tion, as it were, of an artificial distance. In grounds and
scenes of limited extent, the apparent size and breadth may
be increased, by planting a majority of the trees in the fore-
ground, of dark tints, and the boundary with foliage of a much
lighter hue. In the same way, the apparent breadth of a piece
of water will be greatly added to, by placing the paler color-
ed trees on the shore opposite to the spectator. These hints
will suggest other ideas and examples of a similar nature,
to the minds of those who are alive to the more minute and
exquisite beauties of the landscape.
An acquaintance, individually, with the diiFerent species of
trees of indigenous and foreign growth, which may be culti-
vated with success in this climate, is absolutely essential to
the amateur, or the professor of Landscape Gardening. The
tardiness or rapidity of their growth, the periods at which
ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 117
their leaves and flowers expand, the soils they love best, and
their various habits and characters, are all subjects of the high-
est interest to him. In short, as a love of the country almost
commences with a knowledge of its peculiar characteristics,
the pure air, the fresh enamelled turf, and the luxuriance and
beauty of the whole landscape ; so the taste for the embel-
lishment of Rural Residences, must grow out of an admiration
for beautiful trees, and the delightful effects they are capable
of producing in the hands of persons of taste, and lovers of
nature.
Admitting this, we think, in the comparatively meagre state
of general information on this subject among us, we shall
render an acceptable service to the novice, by giving a some-
what detailed description of the character and habits of most
of the finest hardy forest and ornamental trees. Among those
living in the country, there are many who care little for the
beauties of Landscape Gardening, who are yet interested in
those trees which are remarkable for the beauty of their
forms, their foliage, their blossoms, or their useful purposes-
This, we hope, will be a sufficient explanation for the ap-
parently disproportionate number of pages which we shall
devote to this part of our subject.
118 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
SECTION IV.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. ^
The History and Description of all the finest hardy Deciduous Trees. Remarks on theie
EFFECTS IN LANDSCAPK GARDENING, INDIYIDUALLT AND IN COMPOSITION. Their Cultiva-
tion, etc. The Oak. The Elm. The Ash. The Linden. The Beech. The Poplar. The
Horse-chestnut The Birch. The Alder. The Maple. The Locust The Three-thorned
Acacia. The Judas-tiee. The Chestnut The Osage Orange. The Mulberry. The Paper
Mulberry. The Sweet Gum. The Walnut The Hickory. The Mountain Ash. The
Ailantus. The Kentucky Coffee. The Willow. The Sassafras. The Catalpa. The
Persimon. The Pepperidge. The Thorn. The Magnolia. The Tulip. The Dogwood
TheSalisburia. The Paulonia. The Virgilia. The Cypress. The Larch, etc.
O gloriosi spiriti de gli boschi,
O Eco, o antri foschi, o chiare linfe,
O faretrate ninfe, o agresti Pani,
O Satiri e Silvani, o Faiini e Driadi,
Naiadi ed Amadriadi, o Semidee
Oreadi e Napee. —
Sannazzaro.
" O spirits of the woods,
Echoes and solitudes, and lakes of light ;
O quivered virgins bright, Pan's rustical
Satyrs and sylvans aU, dryads and ye
That up the mountains be ; and ye beneath
In meadow or in flowery heath.
The Oak. Quercus.
Nat. Ord. Corylaceae. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, Polyandria.
H E Arcadians believed the oak to have been
the first created of all trees ; and when we
consider its great and surpassing utility and
beauty, we are fully disposed to concede it
the first rank among the denizens of the forest. Springing
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 119
up with a noble trunk, and stretching out its broad limbs over
the soil,
"These monarchs of the wood,
Dark, gnarled, centennial oaks,"
seem proudly to bid defiance to time ; and while generations
of man appear and disappear, they withstand the storms of a
thousand winters, and seem only to grow more venerable and
majestic. They are mentioned in the oldest histories ; we
are told that Absalom was caught by his hair in "the thick
boughs of a great oak ;" and Herodotus informs us that the
first oracle was that of Dodona, set up in the celebrated oak
grove of that name. There, at first, the oracles were de-
livered by the priestesses, but, as was afterwards believed,
by the inspired oaks themselves —
" Which in Dodona did enshrine,
So faith too fondly deemed, a voice divine."
Acorns, the fruit of the oak, appear to have been held in
considerable estimation as an article of food among the an-
cients. Not only were the swine fattened upon them, as in
our own forests, but they were ground into flour, with which
bread was made by the poorer classes. Lucretius mentions,
that before grain was known, they were the common food of
man ; but we suppose the fruit of the chestnut may also
have been included under that term.
"Thatoake whose acornes were our foode before
The Cerese seede of mortal man was knowne."
Spenser.
The civic crown, given in the palmy days of Rome, to the
most celebrated men, was also composed of oak leaves.
It should not be forgotten that the oak was worshipped by
the ancient Britons. Baal or Yiaoul, (whence Yule,) was the
120 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
god of fire, whose symbol was an oak. Hence at his festival,
which was at Christmas, the ceremony of kindling the Yule
log was performed among the ancient Druids. This fire
was kept perpetual throughout the year and the hearths of all
the people were annually lighted from these sacred fires every
Christmas. We believe the curious custom is still extant in
some remote parts of England, where the " Yule log" is ush-
ered in with much glee and rejoicing once a year.
As an ornamental object, we consider the oak the most
majestic and picturesque of all deciduous trees. The enor-
mous size, and extreme old age to which it attains in a fa-
vourable situation, the great space of ground that it covers
with its branches, and the strength and hardihood of the tree,
all contribute to stamp it with the character of dignity and
grandeur beyond any other compeer of the forest. When
young, its fine foliage, (singularly varied in many of our na-
tive species,) and its thrifty form, render it a beautiful tree.
But it is not until the oak has attained considerable size, that
it displays its true character, and only when at an age that
would terminate the existence of most other trees, that it ex-
hibits all its magnificence. Then its deeply furrowed trunk
is covered with mosses, its huge branches, each a tree, spread-
ing out horizontally from the trunk with great boldness, its
trunk of huge dimension, and its " high top, bald with dry
antiquity ;" all these, its true characteristics, stamp the oak,
as Virgil has expressed it in his Georgics —
"Jove's own tree,
That holds the woods in awful sovereignty;
For length of ages lasts his happy reign,
And lives of mortal man contend in vain.
Full in the midst of his own strength he stands.
Stretching his brawny arms and leafy hands,
His shade protects the plains, his head the hills commands."
Dryden's Trans.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 121
" The oak," says Gilpin, " is confessedly the most pictu-
resque tree in itself, and the most accommodating in compo-
sition. It refuses no subject, either in natural or in artificial
landscape. It is suited to the grandest and may with pro-
priety be introduced into the most pastoral. It adds' new-
dignity to the ruined tower, and the Gothic arch ; and by
stretching its wild, moss-grown branches athwart their ivied
walls, it gives them a kind of majesty coeval with itself; at
the same time, its propriety is still preserved if it throws its
arms over the purling brook or the mantling pool, where it
beholds
" Its reverend image in the expanse below."
Milton introduces it happily even in the lowest scene —
" Hard by a cottage chimney smokes,
From between two aged oaks."
The oak is not only one of the grandest and most pictu-
resque objects as a single tree upon a lawn, but it is equally
unrivalled for groups and masses. There is a breadth about
the lights and shadows reflected and embosomed in its foliage,
a singular freedom and boldness in its outline, and a pleasing
richness and intricacy in its huge ramification of branch and
limb, that render it highly adapted to these purposes. Some
trees, as the willow, or the spiry poplar, though pleasing
singly, are monotonous to the last degree when planted in
quantities. Not so, however, with the oak, as there is no
tree, when forming a wood entirely by itself, which affords
so great a variety of form and disposition, light and shade,
symmetry and irregularity, as this king of the forests.
To arrive at its highest perfection, ample space on every
side must be allowed the oak. A free exposure to the sun
16
122
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
and air, and a deep, mellow soil, are highly necessary to its
fullest amplitude. For this reason, the oaks of our forests,
being thickly crowded, are seldom of extraordinary size ; and
there are more truly majestic oaks in the parks of England
than are to be found in the whole cultivated portion of the
United States. Here and there, however, throughout our
country, may be seen a solitary oak of great age and immense
size, which attest the fitness of the soil and climate, and dis-
play the grandeur of our native species. The Wadsworth
Oak, near Geneseo, N. Y. of extraordinary dimensions, the
product of one of our most fertile valleys, has attracted the
[Fig. 32. The Charier Oak, Hartford.]
admiration of hundreds of travellers, on the route to Niagara.
Its trunk measures thirty-six feet in circumference. The
celebrated Charter Oak at Hartford, which has figured
so conspicuously in the history of New-England, is still ex-
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 123
isting in a green old age, one of the most interesting monu-
ments of the past to be found in the country.*
Near the village of Flushing, Long Island, on the farm of
Judge Lawrence, is growing one of the noblest oaks in the
country. It is truly park-like in its dimensions, the circum-
ference of the trunk being nearly thirty feet, and its majestic
head, of corresponding dignity. In the deep alluvial soil of
the western valleys, the oak often assumes a grand aspect,
and bears witness to the wonderful fertility of the soil in
that region.!
* The house seen in the engraving represents the old "Wyllis House." This
family, its former occupants, furnished the Secretary of State for Connecticut for
more than a century. Near the Charter Oak, are some of the apple trees planted
bij the Pilgrims, evidently Pearmains. Some of these, lately felled, have been
examined, and are found to be more than 200 years old.
tThe following well authenticated description of a famous English oak, is
worth a record here. "Close by the gate of the water walk of Magdalen Col-
lege, Oxford, grew an oak which perhaps stood there a sapling when Alfred the
Great founded the University. This period only includes a space of 900 years,
which is no great age for an oak. About 500 years after the time of Alfred, Dr.
Stukely tells us, William of Waynefleet expressly ordered his college (Magda-
len College,) to be founded near the Great Oak ; and an oak could not, I think,
be less than 500 years of age to merit that title, together with the honour of fix-
ing the site of a college. When the magnificence of Cardinal Woolsey erected
that handsome tower which is so ornamental to the whole building, this tree
might probably be in the meridian of its glory. It was afterwards much injured
in the reign of Charles II., when the present walks were laid out. Its roots were
disturbed, and from that time it declined fast, and became a mere trunk. The
oldest members of the University can hardly recollect it in better plight ; but the
faithful records of history have handed down its ancient dimensions. Through
a space of 16 yards on every side it once flung its branches ; and under its mag-
nificent pavilion could have sheltered with ease 3000 men. In the summer of
1778, this magnificent ruin fell to the ground. From a part of its ruins, a chair
has been made for the President of the College, which will long continue its
memory." — Gilpin's Forest Scenery.
The King Oak, Windsor Forest, once the favourite tree of William the Con-
queror, is now more than 1000 years old, and the interior of the trunk is quite
hollow. Professor Burnet, who described it, lunched inside this tree with a party,
124 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
As beauty is often closely connected in our minds with uti-
lity, we must be allowed a word on the great value of this tree.
For its useful properties the oak has scarcely any superior.
" To enumerate," says old Evelyn in his quaint Sylva, " the
incomparable uses of this wood were needless ; but so precious
was the esteem of it of old, there was an express law among
the Twelve Tables concerning the very gathering of the
acorns, though they should be found fallen on another man's
ground. The land and the sea do sufficiently speak for the
improvement of this excellent material, for houses and ships,
cities and navies, are builded with it." In almost all the
finest buildings of Europe, particularly, the vast Gothic edi-
fices of the middle ages, oak was the chief material for the
interior. The rich old wainscot, the innumerable carvings
and decorations of those days were executed in this material.
In America the vast pine forests produce a wood easily
wrought, which has in a great measure superseded the use
of this fine timber, and the exportation of immense quantities
of the former to the eastern continent, has even in some de-
gree lessened its consumption abroad. But for certain pur-
poses, where great strength and durability are required, the
oak will always take the precedence claimed for it by Eve-
and says it is capable of accomodating ten or twelve persons comfortably at dinner,
sitting.
The Beggar^s Oak, in Bagot's Park, is twenty feet in girth, five feet from the
ground. The roots rise above the surface in a very extraordinary manner, so as
to furnish a natural seat for the beggars chancing to pass along the pathway near
it; and the circumference taken there is 68 feet. The branches extend from
the tree 48 feet in every direction.
Tke Wallace Oak, at Edenslee, near where Wallace was born, is a noble tree
21 feet in circumference. It is 67 feet high, audits branches extend 45 feet east,
36 west, 30 south, and 25 north. Wallace and 300 of his men are said to have
hid themselves from the English among the branches of this tree, which was
then in full leaf.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 125
lyn.* The English oak is probably rather superior in these
qualities to most of our American species ; but for ship-build-
ing, the Live oak of the southern states is not exceeded by
any timber in the world.
Different species of Oak. This country is peculiarly rich
in various kinds of oak ; Michaux enumerating no less than
forty species, indigenous to North America. Of these, the
most useful are the Live oak, ( Quercus virens,) of such ines-
timable value for ship-building ; the Spanish oak, ( Q. fal-
cata) ; the Red oak, ( Q. rubra), etc., the bark of which is ex-
tensively used in tanning ; the Q,uercitron or Black oak, which
is highly valuable, as affording a fine yellow or brown dye
for wool, silks, paper-hangings, etc. ; and the White oak,
which is chiefly used for timber. We shall here describe
only a few of those which are most entitled to the consider-
ation of the planter, either for their valuable properties, or
as ornamental trees, and calculated for planting in woods or
single masses.
The WTiite oak. {Quercus alba.) This is one of the most
common of the American oaks, being very generally distri-
buted over the country, from Canada to the southern states.
In good strong soils, it forms a tree 70 or 80 feet high, with
wide extending branches ; but its growth depends much upon
this circumstance. It may readily be known, even in winter,
by its whitish bark, and by the dry and withered leaves which
* The doors of the inner chapels of Westminster, it is stated, are of the same
age as the original building ; and as the original ancient edifice was founded in
611, they must consequently be more than 1200 years old. Professor Burnet
in his curious Amenitates Quercinea observes, that many of the stakes driven into,
the Thames, by the Ancient Britons, to impede the progress of Julius Csesar, are
in a good state of preservation, " having withstood the destroyer time nearly
2000 years."
126 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
often hang upon this species through the whole of that season.
The leaves are about four inches wide, and six in length,
divided uniformly into rounded lobes without points ; these
lobes are deeper in damp soils. When the leaves first unfold
in the spring, they are downy beneath, but when fully grown,
they are quite smooth, and pale green on the upper surface,
and whitish or glaucous below. The acorn is oval, and the
cup somewhat flattened at the base. This is the most valua-
ble of all our native oaks ; immense quantities of the timber
being used for various purposes in building ; and staves of
the white oak, for barrels, are in universal use throughout the
Union. The great occasional size and fine form of this tree,
in some natural situations, prove how noble an object it would
always become when allowed to expand in full vigor and
majesty, in the open air and light of the park. It more
nearly approaches the English oak in appearance than any
other American species.
Rock Chestnut oak. ( Q. Prinus Monticola.) This is one of
the most ornamental of our oaks, and is found in considerable
abundance in the middle states. It has the peculiar advan-
tage of growing well on the most barren and rocky soils, and
can therefore be advantageously employed by the landscape
gardener, when a steep, dry, rocky bank is to be covered
with trees. In deep, mellow soil, its growth is wonderfully
vigorous, and it rapidly attains a height of 50 or 60 feet,
with a corresponding diameter. The head is rather more
symmetrical in form and outline, than most trees of this ge-
nus, and the stem in free, open places shoots up into a lofty
trunk. The leaves are five or six inches long, three or four
broad, oval, and uniformly denticulated, with the teeth more
regular but less acute than the Chestnut white oak. When
beginning to open in the spring, they are covered with a thick
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, 127
down ; but when fully expanded, they are perfectly smooth,
and of a delicate texture. Michaux.
Chestnut White oak. ( Qnercus Prinus paliistris.) This
species much resembles the last, but differs in having longer
leaves, which are obovate, and deeply toothed. It is sparingly
found in the northern states, and attains its greatest altitude
in the south, where it is often seen 90 feet in height. Though
generally found in the neighbourhood of swamps and low
grounds, it grows with wonderful rapidity in a good, mode-
rately dry soil, and from the beauty of its fine spreading head,
and the quickness of its growth, is highly deserving of intro-
duction into our plantations.
The Yellow oak, ( Q. Prinus acuminata.) The Yellow
oak may be found scattered through our woods over nearly
the whole of the Union. Its leaves are lanceolate, and re-
gularly toothed, light green above, and whitish beneath;
the acorns small. It forms a stately tree, 70 feet high ; and
the branches are more upright in their growth, and more
clustering, as it were, round the central trunk, than other
species. The beauty of its long pointed leaves, and their pe-
culiar mode of growth, recommend it to mingle with other
trees, to which it will add variety.
The Pin oak. ( Q. paliistris.) The Pin oak forms a tree in
moist situations, varying in height from 60 to 80 feet. The
great number of small branches intermingled with the large
ones, have given rise to the name of this variety. It is a
hardy, free growing species, particularly upon moist soils.
Loudon considers it, from its "far-extending, drooping
branches, and light and elegant foliage," among the most
graceful of oaks. It is well adapted to small groups, and is
one of the most thrifty growing and easily obtained of all our
northern oaks.
128 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The Willow oak. ( Q. Phellos.) This remarkable species of
oak may be recognised at once by its narrow, entire leaves,
shaped almost like those of the willow, and about the same
size, though thicker in texture. It is not found wild north of
the barrens of New- Jersey, where it grows plentifully, but
thrives well in cultivation much farther north. The stem of
this tree is remarkably smooth in every stage of its growth.
It is so different in appearance and chaTacter from the other
species of this genus, that in plantations it would never be
recognised by a person not conversant with oaks, as one of the
family. It deserves to be introduced mto landscapes for its
singularity as an oak, and its lightness and elegance of foliage
individually.
The Mossy-cup oak. ( Q. olivcBformis.) This is so called
because the scales of the cups terminate in a long, moss-
like fringe, nearly covering the acorn. It is quite a rare
species, being only found on the upper banks of the Hudson,
and on the Genesee river. The foliage is fine, large, and
deeply cut, and the lower branches of the tree droop in a
beautiful manner when it has attained some considerable
size. Quercus macrocarpa, the Over-cup White oak, is
another beautiful kind found in the western states, which a
good deal resembles the Mossy-cup oak in the acorn. The
foliage, however, is uncommonly fine, being the largest in
size of any American species ; fifteen inches long, and eight
broad. It is a noble tree, with fine deep green foliage ; and
the growth of a specimen planted in our grounds has been
remarkably vigorous.
Scarlet oak. {Quercus coccinea.) A native of the mid-
dle states ; a noble tree, often eighty feet high. The leaves,
borne on long petioles, are a bright lively green on both
surfaces, with four deep cuts on each side, widest at the
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 129
bottom. The great and peculiar beauty of this tree, we con-
ceive to be its property of assuming a deep, scarlet tint in
autumn. At that period it may, at a great distance, be dis-
tinguished from all other oaks, and indeed from every other
forest tree. It is highly worthy of a place in every planta-
tion.
The Live oak. [Quercus virens.) This fine species
will not thrive north of Virginia. Its imperishable timber is
the most valuable in our forests ; and, at the south, it is a
fine park tree, when cultivated, growing about 40 feet high,
with, however, a rather wide and low head. The thick
oval leaves are evergreen, and it is much to be regretted
that this noble tree will not bear our northern winters.
The English Royal oak. ( Q. rohur.) This is the great
representative of the family in Europe, and is one of the
most magnificent of the genus, growing often in the fine old
woods and parks of England, to eighty and one hundred
feet in height. The branches spread over a great surface.
" The leaves are petiolated, smooth, and of a uniform color
on both sides, enlarged towards the summit, and very coarsely
toothed." As a single tree for park scenery, this equals
any American species in majesty of form, though it is
deficient in individual beauty of foliage to some of our oaks.
It is to be found for sale in our nurseries, and we hope will
become well known among us. The timber is closer
grained, and more durable, though less elastic than the best
American oak ; and Michaux, in his Sylva, recommends its
introduction into this country largely, on these accounts.
The Turkey oak. ( Q. Cerris.) There are two beautiful
hybrid varieties of this species, which have been raised in
England by Messrs. Lucombe and Fulham, which we hope
will yet be found in our ornamental plantations. They are
17
130 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
partially evergreen in winter, remarkably luxuriant in their
growth, attaining a height of seventy or eighty feet, and ele-
gant in foliage and outline. The Lucombe and Fulham
oaks grow from one to five feet in a season ; the trees as-
sume a beautiful pyramidal shape, and as they retain their
fine glossy leaves till May, they would form a fine contrast
to other deciduous trees.
We might here enumerate a great number of other fine
foreign oaks ; among which, the most interesting are the
Holly or Holm oak, ( Quercus Ilex /) and the Cork oak,
(Q. tSube?',) of the south of France, which produces the
cork of commerce ; (both rather too tender for the north ;)
the Kermes oak, (Q. coccifera,) from which a scarlet dye is
obtained ; and the Italian Esculent oak, ( Q. Esculus,) with
sweet nutritious acorns. Those, however, who wish to in-
vestigate them, will pursue this subject farther in European
works ; while that splendid treatise on our forest trees, the
North American Sylva of Michaux, will be found to give
full and accurate descriptions of all our numerous indige-
nous varieties, of which many are peculiar to the southern
states.
The oak flourishes best on a strong loamy soil, rather
moist than dry. Here at least the growth is most rapid,
although, for timber, the wood is generally not so sound on a
moist soil as a dry one, and the tree goes to decay more
rapidly. Among the American kinds, however, some may
be found adapted to every soil and situation, though those
species which grow on upland soils, in stony, clayey, or
loamy bottoms, attain the greatest size and longevity. When
immense trees are desired, the oak should either be trans-
planted very young, or, which is preferable, raised from the
acorn sown where it is finally to remain. This is necessary
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 131
on account of the very large tap roots of this genus of trees,
which are either entirely destroyed or greatly injured by
removal. Transplanting this genus of trees should be per-
formed, either early in autumn, as soon as the leaves fall or
become brown, or in spring before the abundant rains
commence.
The Elm. Ulmus.
Nat. Ord. Ulmace^. Lin. SysL Pentandria, Digynia.
We have ascribed to the oak the character of pre-eminent
dignity and majesty among the trees of the forest. Let us
now claim for the elm the epithets graceful and elegant.
This tree is one of the noblest in the size of its trunk, while
the branches are comparatively tapering and slender, forming
themselves, in most of the species, into long and graceful
cm'ves. The flowers are of a chocolate or purple colour, and
appear in the month of April, before the leaves. The latter
are light and airy, of a pleasing light green in the spring,
growing darker, however, as the season advances. The elm
is one of the most common trees in both continents, and has
been well known for its beauty and usefulness since a remote
period. In the south of Europe, particularly in Lombardy,
elm trees are planted in vineyards, and the vines are trained
in festoons from tree to tree, in the most picturesque manner.
Tasso alludes to this in the following stanzas :
" Come olmo, a cui la pampinosa pianta
Cupida s'avviticchi e si marite ;
Se ferro il tronca, o fulmine lo schianta
Trae seco a terra la compagna vite."
Gerusalemme Liberata, 2. 326.
It is one of the most common trees for public walks and
132 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
avenues, along the highways in France and Germany, grow-
ing with great rapidity, and soon forming a widely extended
shade. In Europe, the elm is much used for keels in ship-
building, and is remarkably durable in water ; more exten-
sive use is made of it there than of the American kinds in
this country, though the wood of the Red American elm is
more valuable than any other in the United States for the
blocks used in ship rigging.
For its graceful beauty, the elm is entitled to high regard.
Standing alone as a single tree, or in a group of at most three
or four in number, it developes itself in all its perfection.
The White American elm we consider the most beautiful of
the family, and to this we more particularly allude. In
such situations as we have just mentioned, this tree de-
velopes its fine ample form in the most picturesque manner.
Its branches first spring up, embracing the centre, then bend
off in finely diverging lines, until, in old trees, they often
sweep the ground with their loose pendant foliage. With
all this lightness and peculiar gracefulness of form, it is by
no means a meagre looking tree in the body of its foliage, as
its thick tufted masses of leaves reflect the sun, and em-
bosom the shadows as finely as almost any other tree, the
oak excepted. We consider it peculiarly adapted for plant-
ing, in scenes where the expression of elegant or classical
beauty is desired. In autmmi the foliage assumes a lively
yellow tint, contrasting well with the richer and more glow-
ing colours of our native woods. Even in winter it is a
pleasing object, from the minute division of its spray, and
the graceful droop of its branches. It is one of the most
generally esteemed of our native trees for ornamental pur-
poses, and is as great a favourite here as in Europe, for
planting in public squares, and along the highways. Beau-
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 133
tiful specimens may be seen in Cambridge, Mass., and very
fine avenues of this tree are growing with great kixnriance
in and about New Haven.* The charming villages of New-
England, among which Northampton and Springfield are pre-
eminent, borrow from the superb and wonderfully luxuriant
elms, which decorate their fine streets and avenues, the
greater portion of their peculiar loveliness. The elm should
not be chosen where large groups and masses are required,
as the similarity of its form in different individuals, might
then create a monotony ; but, as we have before observed, it
is peculiarly well calculated for small groups, or as a single
object. The roughness of the bark contrasting with the
lightness of its foliage, and the easy sweep of its branches,
adds much also to its effect as a whole.
We shall briefly describe the principal species of the elm.
The American White elm. ( Ulmtis Americana.) This is
the best known, and most generally distributed, of our native
species, growing in greater or less profusion, over the whole
of the country included between Lower Canada and the
Gulf of Mexico. It often reaches 80 feet in height in fine
soils, with a diameter of 4 or 5 feet. The leaves are alter-
nate, 3 or 4 inches long, unequal in size at the base, borne on
petioles half an inch to an inch in length, oval, accuminate,
and doubly denticulated. The seeds are contained in a flat,
oval, winged seed-vessel, fringed with small hairs on the
margin. The flowers, of a dull purple colour, are borne in
small bunches on short footstalks, at the end of the branches,
and appear very early in the spring. This tree prefers a
deep rich soil, and grows with greater luxuriance if it be
rather moist, often reaching, in such situations, an altitude
*The great elm of Boston Common is 22 feet in circumference.
134 LANDSCAPE CxARDENING.
of nearly 100 feet. It is found in the greatest perfection in
the alluvial soils of the fertile valleys of the Connecticut,
the Mississippi, and Ohio Rivers.
The Red or Slippery elm. ( U. fulva.) A tree of lower
size than the White elm, attaining generally only 40 or 50
feet. According to Michaux, it may be distinguished from
the latter even in winter, by its buds, which are larger and
rounder, and which are covered a fortnight before their de-
velopment, with a russet down. The leaves are larger,
rougher, and thicker than those of the White elm ; the seed-
vessels larger, destitute of fringe ; the stamens short, and of
a pale rose colour. This tree bears a strong likeness to the
Dutch elm, and the bark abounds in mucilage, whence the
name of Slippery elm. The branches are less drooping than
those of the White elm.
The Wahoo elm, ( U. alata,) is not found north of Vir-
ginia. It may at once be known in every stage of its growth,
by the fungous cork-like substance which lines the branches
on both sides. It is a very singular and curious tree, of
moderate stature, and grows rapidly and well when cultivated
in the northern states.
The common European elm. ( U. campestris.) This is
the most commonly cultivated forest tree in Europe, next to
the oak. It is a more upright growing tree than the White
elm, though resembling it in the easy disposition and delicacy
of its branches. The flowers, of a purple colour, are pro-
duced in round bunches, close to the stem. The leaves are
rough, doubly serrated, and much more finely cut than those
of our elms. It is a fine tree, 60 or 70 feet high, growing
with rapidity, and is easily cultivated. The timber is more
valuable than the American sort, though the tree is inferior
to the White elm in beauty. There are some dozen or
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 135
more fine varieties of this species, cultivated in the English
nurseries ; among which the most remarkable are the Twisted
elm, ( U. c. tortuosa,) the trunk of which is singularly mark-
ed with hollows and protuberances, and the grain of the wood
curiously twisted together : the Kidbrook elm, ( U. c. vireiis,)
which is a sub-evergreen : the Gold and Silver striped elms,
with variegated leaves, and the Narrow-leaved elm, ( U. c. vi-
tninalis,) which resembles the birch : the Cork-barked elm,
{U c. suherosa^) the young branches of which are covered
with cork, etc.
The Scotch or Wych elm. ( U. montana.) This is a tree
of lower stature than the common European elm, its average
height being about 40 feet. The leaves are broad, rough,
pointed, and the branches extend more horizontally, droop-
ing at the extremities. The bark on the branches is com-
paratively smooth. It is a grand tree, " the head is so finely
massed, and yet so well broken, as to render it one of the
noblest of park trees ; and when it grows wild amid the
rocky scenery of its native Scotland, there is no tree which
assumes so great or so pleasing a variety of character."* In
general appearance, the Scotch elm considerably resembles
our White elm, and it is a very rapid grower. Its most orna-
mental varieties are the Spiry-topped elm, ( U. m. fastigia-
ta,) with singularly twisted leaves, and a very upright
growth : the weeping Scotch elm, ( U. m. pendula,) a very
remarkable variety, the branches of which droop in a fan-
like manner : and the Smooth-leaved Scotch elm, ( U. m.
glabra.)
There is scarcely any soil to which some of the different
elms are not adapted. The European species prefer a deep,
* Sir Thos. Lander, in Gilpin, 1. 91.
136 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
dry soil, the Scotch or Wych elm, will thrive well even in
very rocky places ; and the White elm grows readily in
all soils, but most luxuriantly in moist places. All the
species attain their maximum size when planted in a deep
loam, rather moist than dry. They bear transplanting re-
markably well, suffering but little even from the mistaken
practice of those persons who reduce them, in transplanting,
to the condition of bare poles, as they shoot out a new crop
of branches, and soon become beautiful yomig trees, in spite
of the mal-treatment. As the elm scarcely produces a tap
root, even large trees may be removed, when the operation
is skilfully performed. In such cases, the recently-moved
tree should be carefully and plentifully supplied with water,
until it is well established in its new situation. The elm is
also easily propagated by seed, layers, or, in some species, by
suckers from the root.
The Plane or Buttonwood Tree. Platanus.
Nat. Ord. Platanacese. Lin. Syst. MoncEcia, Polyandria.
The plane, Platanus^ derives its name from it'^arvg, broad,
on account of the broad, umbrageous nature of its branches.
It is a well known tree of the very largest size, common to
both hemispheres, and greatly prized for the fine shade
afforded by its spreading head, in the warmer parts of Europe
and Asia. No tree was in greater esteem with the ancients
for this purpose ; and we are told that the Academic groves,
the neighbourhood of the public schools, and all those favour-
ite avenues where the Grecian philosophers were accustomed
to resort, were planted with these trees ; and beneath their
shade Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates, delivered the choicest
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 137
wisdom and eloquence of those classic days. The Eastern
plane, {Plata7ius orientalis,) was first brought to the Roman
provinces from Persia, and so highly was it esteemed, that?
according to Pliny, the Morini paid a tribute to Rome for the
privilege of enjoying its shade. To that author we are also
indebted for the history of the great plane tree that grew
in the province of Lycia, which was of so huge a size, that
the governor of the province, Licinius Mutianus, together
with eighteen of his retinue, feasted in the hollow of its
trunk.
In the United States, the plane is not generally found
growing in great quantities in any one place, but is more or
less scattered over the whole country. In deep, moist, allu-
vial soils, it attains a size, scarcely, if at all, inferior to that of
the huge trees of the eastern continent ; forming at least, in
the body of its trunk, a larger circumference than any other
of our native trees. The younger Michaux {Sylva,) 1, 325,)
measured a tree near Marietta, Ohio, which at four feet
from the ground was found to be forty-seven feet in cir-
cumference ; and a specimen has lately been cut on the
banks of the Grenesee river, of such enormous size, that a
section of the trunk was hollowed out, and furnished as a
small room, capable of containing fourteen persons.* On the
margins of the great western rivers, it sometimes rises up
seventy feet, and then expands into a fine, lofty head, surpas-
sing in grandeur all its neighbours of the forest. The large
branches of the plane shoot out in a horizontal direction ; the
tnmk generally ascending in a regular, stately, and uninter-
rupted manner. The blossoms are small greenish balls ap-
* A buttonwood on the Montezuma estate, JefTerson, Cayuga Co., N. Y., is forty-
seven and a half feet in circumference ; and the diameter of the hollow two
feet from the ground, is fifteen feet. {N. Y. Med. Repository, IV. 427.)
18
138 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
pearing in spring, and the fertile ones grow to an inch in
diameter, assuming a deep brownish colour, and hang upon
the tree during the whole winter. A striking and peculiar
characteristic of the plane, is its property of throwing off or
shedding continually the other coating of bark here and there
in patches. Professor Lindley {Introduction to the Natural
System, 2d ed. 187,) says this is owing to its deficiency in the
expansive power of the fibre common to the bark of other
trees, or, in other words, to the rigidity of its tissue : being
therefore incapable of stretching with the growth of the tree,
it bursts open on difierent parts of the trunk, and is cast off.
This gives the trimk quite a lively and picturesque look,
extending more or less even to the extremity of the branches,
and makes this tree quite conspicuous in winter. Bryant,
in his address to Green River says :
" Clear are the depths where its eddies play,
And dimples deepen and whirl away,
And the plane tree's speckled arms o'ershoot
The swifter current that mines its root."
The great merit of the plane or buttonwood, is its extreme
vigour and luxuriance of growth. In a good soil, it will rea-
dily reach a height of thirty-five or forty feet in ten years. It
is easily transplanted ; and in new residences, bare of trees,
where an effect is desired speedily, we know of nothing better
adapted quickly to produce abundance of foliage, shelter, and
shade. \\Tien the requisite foliage is obtained, and other
trees of slower growth have reached a proper size, the former
may be thinned out. As the plane tree grows to the largest
size, it is only proper for situations where there is consider-
able ground, and where it can, without inconvenience to its
fellows, have ample room for its full development. Then
soaring up, and extending its wide-spread branches on
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 139
every side, it is certainly a very majestic tree. The colour
of the foliage is of a paler green than is usual in forest trees ;
and although of large size, is easily wafted to and fro by
the wind, thereby producing an agreeable diversity of light,
pleasing to the eye in summer. In winter, the branches are
beautifully hmig, even to their farthest ends, with the nu-
merous round russet-balls, or seed-vessels, each suspended
by a slender cord, and swinging about in the air. The out-
line of the head is pleasingly irregular, and its foliage against
a sky outline, is bold and picturesque. It is not a tree to be
planted in thick groves by itself, but to stand alone and de-
tached, or in a group with^two or three. In avenues it is often
happily employed, and produces a grand effect. It also grows
with great vigour in close cities, as some superb^specimens
in the square of the State-house, Pennsylvania Hospital, and
other places in Philadelphia, fully attest.
There is but a trifling difference in general effect between
our plane or buttonwood, and the Oriental plane. For the
purposes of shade and shelter, the American is the finest, as
its foliage is the longest and broadest. The Oriental plane,
{Platanus orientalis,) has the leaves lobed like our native
kind, (P. occidentalis,) but the segments are much more
deeply cut ; the footstalks of its leaves are green, while those
of the American are of a reddish hue, and the fruit or ball is
much smaller and rougher on the outer surface when fully
grown. Both species are common in the nurseries, and are
worthy the attention of the planter ; the Oriental, as well for
the interesting associations connected with it, being the
favourite shade-tree of the east, etc., as for its intrinsic
merits as a lofty and majestic tree.
Two of the varieties of P. occidentalis are sometimes culti-
140 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
vated, the chief of which is the Maple-leaved plane, (P. O.
acerifolia.)
The Ash Tree. Fraxinus.
Nat. Ord. Oleaceae. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Dicecia.
The name of the ash, one of the finest and most useful
of forest trees, is probably derived from the Celtic asc, a
pike — as its wood was formerly in common use for spears
and other weapons. Homer informs us that Achilles was
slain with an ashen spear. In modern times, the wood is in
universal use for the various implements of husbandry, for
the different purposes of the wheelwright and carriage-maker,
and in short, for all purposes where great strength and elas-
ticity are required ; for in these qualities the ash is second to
no tree in the forest, the hickory alone excepted. The ash
is a large and lofty tree, growing, when surrounded by other
trees, sixty ^or seventy feet high, and three or more in diame-
ter. When exposed on all sides, it forms a fine, romid, com-
pact head of loose, pinnated, light green foliage, and is one
of the most vigorous growers among the hard-wooded trees.
The American species of ash are fomid in the greatest luxu-
riance and beauty on the banks and margins of rivers, where
the soil is partially dry, yet where the roots can easily pene-
trate down to the moisture. The European ash is remarka-
ble for its hardy nature, being often found in great vigour
on steep rocky hills, and amid crevices where most other
trees flourish badly. Southey alludes to this in the following
lines :
" Gray as the stone to which it clung, half root,
Half trunk, the young ash rises from the rock."
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 141
As the ash grows strongly, and the roots, which extend to
a great distance, ramify near the surface, it exhausts the soil
underneath and aroimd it to an astonishing degree. For this
reason, the grass is generally seen in a very meagre and starved
condition in a lawn where the ash tree abounds. Here and
there a single tree of the ash will have an excellent effect,
seen from the windows of the house ; but we would chiefly
employ it for the grand masses, and to intermingle with other
large groups of trees in an extensive plantation. When the
ash is yomig, it forms a well-rounded head ; but when older,
the lower branches bend towards the ground, and then slightly
turn up in a very graceful manner. We take pleasure in
quoting what that great lover, and accurate delineator of for-
est beauties, Mr. Gilpin, says of the ash. " The ash gene-
rally carries its principal stem higher than the oak, and rises
in an easy flowing line. But its chief beauty consists in the
lightness of its whole appearance. Its branches at first keep
close to the trunk, and form acute angles with it ; but as
they begin to lengthen, they generally take an easy sweep,
and the looseness of the leaves corresponding with the light-
ness of the spray, the whole forms an elegant, depending
foliage. Nothing can have a better effect than an old
ash hanging from the corner of a wood, and bringing off
the heaviness of the other foliage with its loose pendant
branches." — {Forest Scenery^ p. 82.)
The highest and most characteristic beauty of the Ameri-
can White ash (and we consider it the finest of all the species,)
is the colouring which its leaves put on in autumn. Gilpin
complains that the leaf of the European ash " decays in a
dark, muddy, unpleasing tint." Not so the White ash. In an
American wood, such as often lines and overhangs the banks
of the Hudson, the Connecticut, and many of our noble north-
142 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
em streams, the ash assumes peculiar beauty in autumn,
when it can often be distinguished from the surrounding
trees for four or five miles, by the peculiar and beautiful
deep brownish-purple of its fine mass of foliage. This
colour, though not lively, is so full and rich as to produce
the most pleasing harmony with the bright yellows and reds
of the other deciduous trees, and .the deep green of the
pines and cedars.
The ash, unlike the elm, starts into vegetation late in the
spring, which is an objection to planting it in the immediate
vicinity of the house. In winter, the long grayish- white, or
ash-coloured branches, are pleasing in tint, compared with
those of other deciduous trees.
The White ash. {Fraxinus Americana.) This species,
according to Michaux, is common to the colder parts of the
Union, and is most abundant north of the Hudson. It owes
its name to the light colour of the bark, which on large stocks
is deeply furrowed, and divided into squares of one to three
inches in diameter. The trunk is perfectly straight, and in
close woods is often undivided to the height of more than 40
feet. The leaves are composed of three or four pairs of leaf-
lets, terminated by an odd one ; the whole twelve or fourteen
inches long. Early in spring they are covered with a light
down, which dissappears as summer advances, when they
become quite smooth, of a light green colour above, and
whitish beneath. The foliage, as well as the timber of our
White ash, is finer than that of the common European ash,
and the tree is much prized in France and Germany.
The Black ash, {F. sambucifolia,) sometimes called the
Water ash, requires a moist soil to thrive well, and is seen in
the greatest perfection on the borders of swamps. Its buds
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 143
are of a deep blue ; the young shoots of a bright green, sprink-
led with dots of the same colour, which disappear as the sea-
son advances. It may readily be distinguished from the
White ash by its bark, which is of a duller hue, and less
deeply furrowed. The Black ash is altogether a tree of less
stature than the preceding.
The other native sorts are the Red ash, [F. tomentosa,)
with the bark of a deep brown tint, fomid in Pennsylvania :
the Green ash, [F. viridis,) which also grows in Pennsyl-
vania, and is ]-emarkable for the brilliant green of both sides
of the leaves : the Blue ash, {F. quadrangulata,) a beau-
tiful tree of Kentucky, 70 feet high, distinguished by the four
opposite membranes of a greenish colour, found on the young
shoots: and the Carolina ash, {F. plati/carpa^) a small
tree, the leaves of which are covered with a thick down in
spring.
The common European ash, [F. excelsior^) strongly resem-
bles the White ash. It may, however, easily be known by its
very black buds, and longer, more serrated leaflets, which
are sessile, instead of being furnished with petioles like the
White ash. This fine tree, as well as the White ash, grows
to 80 or 90 feet in height, with a very handsome head.
The Weeping ash, fig. 33, is a very remarkable variety of
the European ash, with pendulous or weeping branches ;
and is worthy a place in every lawn, for its curious ramifica-
tion, as well as for its general beauty. It is generally
propagated by grafting on any common stock as the White
ash, 7 or 8 feet high, when the branches immediately begin
to turn down in a very striking and peculiar manner. The
droop of the branches is hardly a graceful one, yet it is so
unique, either when leafless, or in full foliage, that it has long
been one of our greatest favourites.
144
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
[Pig. 33. Tbe Weeping Ash.]
The Flowering ash, {Fraxinus Ornus*) is a small tree, of
about 20 feet, growing plentifully in the south of Europe, and
is also found sparingly in this country. Its chief beauty lies
in the beautiful clusters of pale or greenish-white flowers,
borne on the terminal branches in May and June. The fo-
liage and general appearance of the tree, are much like those
of the common ash ; but when in blossom, it resembles a
good deal the Carolina Fringe tree. In Italy, a gummy
substance called manna, exudes from the bark, which is used
m medicine.
The Lime or Linden Tree. Tilia.
Nat. Ord. Tilaceae. Lin. Syst. Polyandria, Monogynia.
This tree, or rather the American sort, is well known
* Ornus EuropeBus of Persoon, and the European botanists. Beck remarks that
the American kind is so litle known, that it is difficult to determine whether it is
a diflTerent species, or only a mere variety of the European
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 145
among us by the name oihasswood. It is a rapidly growing,
handsome, upright, and regularly shaped tree ; and all the
species are much esteemed, both in Europe and this country,
for planting in avenues and straight lines, wherever the taste
is in favour of geometric plantations. In Germany and Hol-
land, it is a great favourite for bordering their wide and
handsome streets, and lining their long and straight canals.
"In Berlin," Granville says in his travels, "there is a
celebrated street called ^unter der Linden,^ (under the lime
trees,) a gay and splendid avenue, planted with double rows
of this tree, which presented to my view a scene far more
beautiful than I had hitherto witnessed in any town, either in
France, Flanders, or Germany." In this country, the Euro-
pean lime is also much planted in our cities ; and some ave-
nues of it may be seen in Philadelphia, particularly before
the State-house in Chestnut-street. The basswood is a very
abundant tree in some parts of the middle states, and is seen
growing in great profusion, forming thick woods by itself, in
the interior of this state. With us, the wood is consid"
ered too soft to be of much value, but in England it was for-
merly in high repute as an excellent material for the use of
carvers. Some very beautiful specimens of old carving in
lime wood, may be seen in Windsor Castle and Trinity
College.* The Russian bass mats, which find their way to
♦ " The art of carving in wood, brought to such perfection by Gibbons, is now,
we believe, much given up ; therefore, the lime has lost a most important branch
of its usefulness. Perhaps the finest specimens of the works of Gibbons are to be
seen at Chatsworth, the seat of the duke of Devonshire, in Derbyshire. The
execution of the flowers, fish, game, nets, etc., on the panelling of the walls, is
quite wonderful. It was of him that Walpole justly said, ' that he was the first
artist who gave to wood the loose and airy lightness of flowers, and chained
together the various productions of the elements, with a free disorder natural to
each species.' The lime tree is still, however, used by the carver, and we hope
that the art of wood carving may gradually be restored." — Sir T. D. Lander.
19
146
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
every commercial country, are prepared from the inner bark
of this tree. The sap affords a sugar Hke the maple, although
in less quantities ; and it is stated in the Encyclopaedia
of Plants, (p. 467,) " that the honey made from the flowers
of the lime tree is reckoned the finest in the world. Near
Knowno, in Lithuania, there are large forests chiefly of
this tree, and probably a distinct variety. The honey pro-
duced in these forests sells at more than double the price of
any other, and is used extensively in medicine and for
liqueurs."
The leaves of the lime are large and handsome, heart-
shaped in form, and pleasing in colour. The flowers, which
open in June, hang in loose, pale yellow cymes or clusters,
are quite ornamental, and very fragrant.
Sometimes
A scent of violets, and blossoming limes
Loitered around us; then of honey cells,
Made delicate from all white flower bells.
Keats.
It was a favourite tree in the ancient style of gardening,
as it bore the shears well, and was readily clipped into all
manner of curious and fantastic shapes. When planted
singly on a lawn, and allowed to develop itself fully on
every side, the linden is one of the most beautiful of trees.
Its head then forms a fine pyramid of verdure, while its
lower branches sweep the ground, and curve upward in the
most pleasing form. For this reason though the linden is
not a picturesque tree, it is very happily adapted for the
graceful landscape, as its whole contour is full, flowing, and
agreeable. The pleasant odour of its flowers, is an ad-
ditional recommendation, as well as its free growth and
handsome leaves. Were it not that of late, it is so liable to
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 147
insects, we could hardly say too much in its praise as a fine
ornament for streets and public parks. There, its regular
form corresponds well with the formality of the architecture ;
its shade affords cool and pleasant walks, and the delightful
odour of its blossoms is doubly grateful in the confined air
of the city. Our basswood has rather less of uniformity in
its outline than the European lindens, but the general form
is the same.
The American lime, or basswood, ( Tilia Americana,) is
the most robust tree of the genus, and produces much more
vigorous shoots than the European species. It prefers a deep
and fertile soil, where the trunk grows remarkably straight,
and the branches form a handsome well-rounded summit.
The flowers are borne on long stalks, and are pendulous
from the branches. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, finely
cut on the margin, and terminated by a point at the extremity.
The seeds, which ripen in autumn, are like small peas, round
and grayish.
The white lime, ( T. alba,) is rare in the eastern states, but
common in Pennsylvania and the states south of it. It is
not a tree of the largest size, but its flowers are the finest of
our native sorts. The leaves are also very large, deep green
on the upper surface, and white below ; they are more ob-
liquely heart-shaped than those of the common basswood.
The young branches are covered with a smooth silvery
bark. This species is very common on the Susquehannah
River.
The Downy lime tree. ( T. pubescens.) The under side
of the leaves, and the fruits of this species, are, as its name
denotes, covered with a short down. Its flowers are nearly
white ; the serratures of the leaves wider apart, and the base
of the leaf obliquely truncated. It is a handsome large tree,
148 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,
a native of Florida, though hardy enough, as experience
proves, to bear our northern wmters.
The European Ume, ( T. Europcea,) is distinguished from
the American sorts, by its smaller and more regularly cordate
and rounded leaves. Unlike our native species, the flowers
are not furnished with inner scale-like petals. The foliage
is rather deeper in hue than the native sorts, and the branches
of the head rather more regular in form and disposition.
There are two pretty varieties of the English lime which are
well known in this country, viz : the Red-barked, or corallina,
{var. rubra,) with red branches ; and the Golden-barked, {var.
aurea,) with handsome yellow branches. These trees are
peculiarly beautiful in winter, when a few of them mingled
with other deciduous trees make a pleasing variety of colour-
ing in the absence of foliage. The broad-leaved European
lime, is the finest for shade and ornament. The whitish
foliage of Tilia alba, which probably is also a variety, has
a beautiful appearance, somewhat like the Abele tree, in a
gentle breeze.
These trees grow well on any good friable soil, and readily
endure transplantation. They bear trimming remarkably
well ; and when but little root is obtained the head may be
shortened in proportion, and the tree will soon make vigor-
ous shoots again. All the species are easily increased by
layers.
The Beech Tree. Fagus.
Nat. Ord. CorylaceBe Lin. Syst. MoncEcia, Polyandria.
The beech is a large, compact, and lofty tree, with a gray-
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 149
ish bark and finely divided spray, and is a common inhabi-
tant of the forest in all temperate climates. In the United
States, this tree is generally found congregated in very great
quantities, wherever the soil is most favourable ; hundreds
of acres being sometimes covered with this single kind of tim-
ber. §uch tracts are familiarly laiown as " beech woods."
The leaves of the beech are remarkably thin in texture,
glazed and shining on the upper surface, and so thickly set
upon the numerous branches, that it forms the darkest and
densest shade of any of our deciduous forest trees. It ap-
pears to have been highly valued by the ancients as a shade
tree ; and Virgil says in its praise, in a well-known Eclogue :
" Tityre, tu, patulse recubans sub tegmine fagi,
Sylvestrem tenui musam meditaris avena."
It bears a small compressed nut or mast, oily and sweet,
which once was much valued as an article of food. The
most useful purpose to which we have heard of their being
applied, as in the manufacture of an oil, scarcely inferior to
olive oil. This is produced from the mast of the beech forests
in the department of Oise, France, in immense quantities ;
more than a million of sacks of the nuts having been col-
lected in that department in a single season. They are re-
duced, when perfectly ripe, to a fine paste, and the oil is ex-
tracted by gradual pressure. The product of oil, compared
with the crushed nuts, is about sixteen per cent. {Michaux,
N. American Sylva.)
In Europe, the wood of the beech is much used in the
manufacture of various utensils ; but here, where our forests
abound in woods vastly superior in strength, durability, and
firmness, that of the beech is comparatively little esteemed.
For ornamental purposes, the beech, from its compara-
150 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
tively slow growth, and its abundance in various parts of the
country, does not command the admiration here which it
does in Europe. Campbell, the poet, has produced so elo-
quent and beautiful an appeal in favour of an old denizen of
the forest, entitled the "Beech Tree's Petition," that we gladly
quote it, hoping it may perchance stay the hand of some soi-
dissant improver, who would despoil our native woods of their
proudest glories :
" Oh, leave this barren spot to me !
Spare, woodman, spare the beechen tree !
Though bud and floweret never grow
My dark, unwarming shade below ;
Nor summer bud perfume the dew
Of rosy blush or yellow hue,
Nor fruits of autumn, blossom born,
My green and glossy leaves adorn ;
Nor murmuring tribes from me derive
The ambrosial amber of the hive ;
Yet leave this barren spot to me —
Spare, woodman, spare the beechen tree !
Thrice twenty summers I have seen
The sky grow bright, the forest green ;
And many a wintry wind have stood
In bloomless, fruitless solitude.
Since childhood in ray pleasant bower
First spent its sweet and sportive hour ;
Since youthful lovers in my shade.
Their vows of youth and rapture made.
And on my trunk's surviving frame.
Carved many a long forgotten name.
Oh ! by the sighs of gentle sound
First breathed upon this sacred ground,
By all that love has whispered there.
Or beauty heard with ravished ear ;
As love's own altar, honour me —
Spare, woodman, spare the beechen tree !"
The beech is quite handsome and graceful when young,
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 151
and when large it forms one of the heaviest and grandest of
park trees. From this massy quality, however, it is ex-
cellently adapted to mingle with other trees when a thick
and impenetrable mass of foliage is desired : and, on account
of its density, it is also well suited to shut out unsightly
buildings, or other objects.
The leaves of many beech trees hang on the tree, in a dry
and withered state, during the whole winter. This is chiefly
the case with young trees ; but we consider it as greatly
diminishing its beauty at that season, as the tree is otherwise
very pleasing to the eye, with its smooth, round, gray stem,
and small twisted spray. A deciduous tree, we think, should
as certainly drop its leaves at the approach of cold weather,
as an evergreen should retain them ; more especially if its
leaves have a dead and withered appearance, as is the case
with those of the beech in this climate.
The White beech, {Fagus Sylvatica,) is the common
beech tree of the middle and western states. It is found in
the greatest perfection in a cool situation, and a moist soil.
The bark is smooth and gray, even upon the oldest stocks.
The leaves oval, smooth and shining, coarsely cut on the
edges, and margined with a soft down in the spring.
The Red beech, [F. ferruginea^ so called on account of
the colour of its wood, loves a still colder climate than the
other, and is found in the greatest perfection in British Ame-
rica. The leaves are divided into coarser teeth on the mar-
gin than the foregoing species. The nuts are much smaller,
and the whole tree forms a lower and more spreading head.
The European beech, {F. sylvatica,) is thought by many
botanists to be the same species as our white beech, or at
most only a variety. Its average height in Europe is
152 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
about fifty feet ; the buds are shorter, and the leaves not so
coarsely toothed as our native sorts. The Purple beech is a
very ornamental variety of the European beech, common in
the gardens. Both surfaces of the leaves, and even the
young shoots, are deep purple ; and although the growth is
slow, yet it is in every stage of its progress, and more partic-
ularly when it reaches a good size, one of the strangest ano-
malies among trees, in the hue of its foliage. There is also a
variety called the copper-coloured beech, with paler purple
leaves ;* and a more rare English variety, {F. s. pendula,) the
Weeping beech, with graceful pendant branches.
The Hornbeam, {Carpinus Americana,) and the Iron-
wood, ( Ostrya Virginica.) are both well known small trees,
belonging to the same natural family as the beech. They
are of little value in ornamental plantations ; but from their
thick foliage, they might perhaps be employed to advantage
in making thick verdant screens for shelter or concealment.
The Poplar Tree. Populus.
Nat. Ord. Salicacete. Lin. Syst. Dioecia, Octandria.
Arhor populi, or the people's tree, was the name given in
the ancient days of Rome to this tree, as being peculiarly
appropriated to those public places most frequented by the
* The finest Copper Beech in America is growing in the grounds of Thomas
Ash, Esq., Throgs Neck, Westchester Co., N. Y. It is more than fifty feet high,
with a broad and finely formed head.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 153
people : some ingenious authors have still further justified
the propriety of the name, by adding, that its trembling leaves
are like the populace, always in motion.
The poplars are light- wooded, rapid-growing trees ; many
of them of huge size, and all with pointed, heart-shaped
leaves. The tassel-like catkins, or male blossoms, of a red or
brownish hue, appear early in the spring. Some of the
American kinds, as the Balsam and Balm of Gilead poplars,
have their buds enveloped in a fragrant gum ; others, as the
Silver poplar, or Abele, are remarkable for the snowy white-
ness of the under side of the foliage ; and the Lombardy
poplar, which
" Shoots up its spire, and shakes its leaves in the sun,"
Proctor.
for its remarkably conical or spire-like manner of growth.
The leaves of all the species, being suspended upon long and
slender footstalks, are easily put in motion by the wind
This, however, is peculiarly the case with the aspen, the
leaves of which may often be seen trembling in the slightest
breeze, when the foliage of the surrounding trees is motion,
less. There is a popular legend in Scotland respecting this
tree, which runs thus :
" Far off in the Highland wilds 'tis said,
(But truth now laughs at fancy's lore,)
That of this tree the cross was made,
Which erst the Lord of Glory bore ;
And of that deed its leaves confess.
E'er since, a troubled consciousness."
In Landscape Gardening the poplar is not highly esteemed ;
but it is a valuable tree when judiciously employed, and
20
154
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
produces a given quantity of foliage and shade sooner perhaps
than any other. Some of the American kinds, are majestic
and superb trees when old, particularly the Cottonwood
and Balsam poplars.* One of the handsomest sorts is
the Silver poplar, which is much valued in our ornamental
r^&
'^'^
ill-
[Fig. 31. The Cottonwood.]
* There is a noble specimen of the Cottonwood, or, as it is here called, the
Balm of Gilead poplar, about two miles north of Newburgh, on the Hudson,
wliich gives its name to the small village (Balmville,) near it. The branches
cover a surface of one hundred feet in diameter, the trunk girths twenty feet, and
the branches stretch over the public road in a most majestic manner. {See
Fig. 34.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 155
plantations ; the more so, perhaps, because it is an exotic.
At some distance, the downy under surfaces of the leaves,
turned up by the wind, give it very much the aspect of a tree
covered with white blossoms. This effect is the more strik-
ing, when it is situated in front of a group or mass of the
darker foliage of other trees. It is valuable for retaining its
leaves in full beauty to the latest possible period in the au-
tumn, even when all the other deciduous trees are either
brown, or have entirely lost their leafy honours. Its growth
is extremely rapid, forming a fine rounded head of thirty
feet in height, in six or eight years.
The Lombardy poplar is a beautiful tree, and in certain
situations, produces a very elegant effect ; but it has been
planted so indiscriminately, in some parts of this country,
in close monotonous lines before the very doors of our houses,
and in many places in straight rows along the highways for
miles together, to the neglect of our fine native trees, that it
has been tiresome and disgusting. This tree may, however,
be employed with singular advantage in giving life, spirit,
and variety to a scene composed entirely of round-headed
trees, as the oak, ash, etc., — when a tall poplar, emerging,
here and there from the back or centre of the group, often im-
parts an air of elegance and animation to the whole. It may,
also, from its marked and striking contrast to other trees, be
employed to fix or direct the attention to some particular
point in the landscape. When large poplars of this kind
are growing near a house of but moderate dimensions,
they have a very bad effect, by completely overpowering the
building, without imparting any of that grandeur of char-
acter conferred by an old oak, or other spreading tree. It
should be introduced but sparingly in landscape composition,
as the moment it is made common in any scene, it gives an
156 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
air of sameness and formality, and all the spirited effect is
lost which its sparing introduction among other trees pro-
duces. The Lombardy poplar is so well adapted to con-
fined situations, as its branches require less lateral room than
those of almost any other large deciduous tree.
It is an objection to some of the poplars, that in any cul-
tivated soil they produce an abundance of suckers. For this
reason, they should be planted only in grass ground, or in
situations where the soil will not be disturbed, or where the
suckers will not be injurious. Indeed, we conceive them
to be chiefly worthy of introduction in grounds of large
extent, to give variety to plantations of other and more
valuable trees. They grow well in almost every soil, moist
or dry, and some species prefer quite wet and springy
places.
The chief American poplars are the Tacamahaca or Bal-
sam poplar, [Populus balsamifera,) chiefly found in North-
ern America ; a large tree, 80 feet high, with fragrant
gummy buds, and lanceolate-oval leaves ; the Balm of
Gilead poplar, (P. candicans) resembling the foregoing in
its buds, but with very large, broad heart-shaped foliage.
From these a gum is sometimes collected, and used medici-
nally for the cure of scurvy. The American aspen, (P.
tremuloides,) about 30 feet high, a common tree with very
tremulous leaves and greenish bark ; the large American
aspen, (P. grandidentata,) 40 feet high, with large leaves
bordered with coarse teeth or denticulations ; the Cotton
tree, (P. argentea, 60 or 70 feet, with leaves downy in a
young state ; the American Black poplar, of smaller size,
having the young shoots covered with short hair ; the
Cottonwood, (P. Canadensis,) found chiefly in the western
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAT. TREES. 157
part of this state, a fine tree, with smooth, unequally-toothed
Avide cordate leaves ; and the Carolina poplar, (P. angulata,)
an enormous tree, of the swamps of the south and west,
considerably resembling the Cotton tree, but without the
resinous buds of that species.
Among the European kinds, the most ornamental, as we
have already remarked, is the Silver aspen. White poplar, or
Abele tree, (P. alba,) which grows to a great size on a deep
loamy soil, in a very short time. The leaves are divided into
lobes, and toothed on the margin, smooth and very deep
green above, and densely covered with a soft, close, white
down beneath. There are some varieties of this species
known abroad, with leaves more or less downy, etc. Sir J. E.
Smith remarks in his English Flora, that the wood though
but little used, is much firmer than that of any other British
poplar ; making as handsome floors as the best Norway fir,
with the additional advantage that they will not readily take
fire, like any resinous wood.
The English aspen, (P. tremula,) considerably resembles
our native aspen ; but the buds are somewhat gummy. The
Athenian poplar, (P. Grcsca,) is a tree about 40 feet high,
with smaller, more rounded, and equally serrated foliage.
The common Black European poplar, (P. nigra,) is also
a large, rapidly growing tree, with pale-green leaves slightly
notched : the buds expand later than most other poplars, and
the young leaves are at first somewhat reddish in colour.
The Necklace-bearing poplar, (P. Tnonilifera,) so called from
the circumstance of the catkins being arranged somewhat
like beads in a necklace, is supposed to have been derived
from Canada, but there are some doubts respecting its origin :
in the south it is generally called the Virginia poplar.
The Lombardy poplar, (P. dilatata,) a native of the banks
158 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
of the Po, where it is sometimes called the Cypress poplar,
from its resemblance to that tree, is too well known among
us to need any description. Only one sex, the female, has
hitherto been introduced into this country ; and it has con-
sequently produced no seeds here, but has been entirely pro-
pagated by suckers from the root.
The Horse-chesunut Tree, ^sculus.
Nat. Ord. ^sculacese. Lin. Syst. Heptandria, Monogynia.
A large, showy, much admired, ornamental tree, bearing
large leaves composed of seven leaflets, and, in the month
of May, beautiful clusters of white flowers, delicately mottled
with red and yellow. It is a native of Middle Asia, but
flourishes well in the temperate climates of both hemispheres.
It was introduced into England, probably from Turkey,
about the year 1575 : in that country the nuts are often
ground into a coarse flour, which is mixed with other food
and given to horses that are broken-winded ; and from this
use the English name of the tree was derived.
A starch has been extracted in considerable quantity from
the nuts. The wood is considered valueless in the United
States.
The Horse-chestnut is by no means a picturesque tree, be-
ing too regularly rounded in its outlines, and too compact
and close in its surface, to produce, an agreeable effect in
light and shade. But it is nevertheless one of the most beau-
tiful exotic trees which will bear the open air in this climate.
The leaves, each made of clusters of six or seven leaflets,
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 159
arc of a fine dark-green colour ; tlie whole head of foliage
has much grandeur and richness in its depth of hue, and
niassiness of outline ; and the regular, rounded, pyramidal
shape, is something so different from that of most of our in-
digenous trees, as to strike the spectator with an air of no-
velty and distinctness. The great beauty of the Horse-chest-
nut is the splendour of its inflorescence, surpassing that of
almost all our native forest trees : the huge clusters of gay
blossoms which every spring are distributed with such luxu-
riance and profusion over the surface of the foliage, and at the
extremity of the branches, give the whole tree the aspect ra-
ther of some monstrous flowering shrub, than of an ordinary
tree of the largest size. At that season, there can be no more
beautiful object to stand singly upon the lawn, particularly
if its branches are permitted to grow low down the trunk,
and (as they naturally will, as the tree advances,) sweep the
green sward with their drooping foliage. Like the lime
tree, however, care must be taken, in the modern style, to in-
troduce it rather sparingly in picturesque plantations, and
then only as a single tree, or upon the margin of large
groups, masses, or plantations, but it may be more freely
used in grounds in the graceful style for which it is highly
suitable. When handsome avenues or straight lines are
wanted, the Horse-chestnut is again admirably suited, from
its symmetry and regularity. It is therefore, much, and
justly valued for these purposes in our towns and cities,
where its deep shade and beauty of blossom are peculiarly
desirable, the only objection to it being the early fall of its
leaves. The Horse-chestnut is very interesting in its mode
of growth. The large buds are thickly covered in winter
with a resinous gum, to protect them from the cold and
moisture ; in the spring, these burst open, and the whole
160 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
growth of the young shoots, leaves, flowers and all, is com-
pleted in about three or four weeks. When the leaves
first unfold, they are clothed with a copious cotton-like
down, which falls oflf when they have attained their full
size and development.
The growth of the Horse-chestnut is slow, for a soft- wooded
tree, when the trees are young : after five or six years, how-
ever, it advances with more rapidity, and in twenty years
forms a beautiful and massy tree. It prefers a strong, rich,
loamy soil, and is easily raised from the large nuts, which
are produced in great abundance.
There are several species of Horse-chestnut, but the com-
mon one, {jEscuIus H'qjpocastanum,) is incomparably the
finest. The American sorts are the following : {^sculus
Ohioensis,) or Ohio Buckeye, as it is called in the western
states ; a small sized tree, with palmated leaves consisting
of of five leaflets, and pretty bright yellow flowers, with red
stamens. The fruit is about half the size of the exotic species.
The Red-flowered Horse-chestnut, {JEsculus rubictmda,)
is a small tree with scarlet flowers ; and the Smooth-leaved
{JS. glabra,) has pale yellow flowers. All the foregoing
have prickly fruit. Besides these are two small Horse-chest-
nuts with smooth fruit, which thence properly belong to the
genus Pavia, viz : the Yellow-flowered Pavia, (P. lutea,)
of Virginia and the southern states ; and the Red-flowered,
(P. rubra,) with pretty clusters of reddish flowers ; both
these have leaves resembling those of the Horse-chestnut,
except in being divided into five leaflets, instead of seven.
There are some other species, which are, however, rather
shrubs than trees.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 161
The Birch Tree. Betula.
Nat. Ord. Betulacese. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, Polyandria.
The Birch trees are common inhabitants of the forests of
all cold and elevated comitries. They are remarkable for
their smooth, silvery- white, or reddish coloured stems, deli-
cate and pliant spray, and small, light foliage. There is no
deciduous tree which will endure a more rigorous climate,
or grow at a greater elevation above the level of the sea. It
is fomid growing in Greenland and Kamtschatka, as far north
as the 58th and 60th degree of latitude, and on the Alps in
Switzerland, according to that learned botanist, M. DeCan-
doUe, at the elevation of 4,400 feet. It is undoubtedly the
most useful tree of northern climates. Not only are cattle
and sheep sometimes fed upon the leaves, but the Laplander
constructs his hut of the branches ; the Russian forms the
bark into shoes, baskets, and cordage for harnessing his rein-
deer ; and the inhabitants of Northern Siberia, in times of
scarcity, grind it to mix with their oatmeal for food. In this
country the birch is no less useful. The North American
Indian, and all who are obliged to travel the wild, unfre-
quented portions of British America, — ^who have to pass over
rapids, and make their way through the wilderness from river
to river, — find the canoe made of the birch bark, the lightest,
the most durable, and convenient vessel, for these purposes,
in the world.*
* The following interesting description of their manufacture, we quote from Mi-
chaux. " The most important purpose to which the Canoe birch is applied, and
one in which its place is supplied by no other tree, is the construction of canoes.
To procure proper pieces, the largest and smoothest trunks are selected ; in the
spring, two circular incisions are made several feet apart, and two longitudinal
21
162 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The wood of our Black birch is by far the finest ; and, as
it assumes a beautiful rosy colour when polished, and is next
in texture to the wild Cherry tree, it is considerably esteemd
among cabinet-makers in the eastern states, for chairs, tables
and bedsteads.
In Europe, the sap of the birch is collected in the spring, in
the same manner as that of the maple in this country, boiled
with sugar and hops, and fermented with the aid of yeast.
The product of the fermentation is called hirch wine, and is
described as being a remarkably pleasant and healthy beve-
rage.
Though perhaps too common in some districts of our coun-
try to be properly regarded as an ornamental tree, yet in
others, where it is less so, the birch will doubtless be esteemed
as it deserves. With us it is a great favourite ; and we
regard it as a very elegant and graceful tree, not less on
account of the silvery white bark of several species, than
from the extreme delicacy of the spray, and the pleasing
lightness and airiness of the foliage. In all the species, the
branches have a tendency to form those graceful curves,
which contribute so much to the beauty of trees 5 but the
European Weeping birch is peculiarly pleasing as it grows
ones, on opposite sides of the tree : after which, by introducing a wedge, the
bark is easily detached. These plates are usually ten or twelve feet long, and
two feet nine inches broad. To form canoes, they are stitched together with
fibrous roots of the white spruce, about the size of a quill, which are deprived
of the bark, split, and suppled in water. The seams are coated with resin of the
Balm of Gilead. Great use is made of these canoes by the savages, and the
French Canadian in their long journies through the interior of the country : they
are light, and are very easily transported on the shoulders from one lake to
another, which is called the portage. A canoe calculated for four persons, with
their baggage, weighs from forty to fifty pounds ; and some of them are made
to carry fifteen passengers.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 163
old, on that account. It is this variety which Coleridge
pronounces,
" Most beautiful
Of forest trees — the Lady of the woods."
And Bernard Barton, speaking of our native species, says,
" See the beautiful Birch tree fling
Its shade on the grass beneath —
Its glossy leaf, and its silvery stem ;
Dost thou not love to look on them ?"
The American sorts, and particularly the Black birch, start
into leaf very early in the spring, and their tender green is
agreeable to the eye at that season ; while the swelling buds,
and young foliage in many kinds, give out a delicous, though
faint perfume. Even the blossoms, which hang like little
brown tassels from the drooping branches, are interesting to
the lover of nature.
" The fragrant birch above him hung
Her tassels in the sky,
And many a vernal blossom sprung,
And nodded careless by."
Bryant.
Nothing can well be prettier, seen from the windows of the
drawing-room, than a large group of trees, whose depth and
distance is made up by the heavy and deep masses of the ash,
oak, and maple, and the portions nearest the eye or the
lawn terminated by a few birches, with their sparkling white
stems, and delicate, airy drooping foliage. Our White birch,
being a small tree, is very handsome in such situations, and
164 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
offers the most pleasing variety to the eye, when seen in con-
nexion with other foliage. Several kinds, as the Yellow and
the Black birches, are really stately trees, and form fine groups
by themselves. Indeed, most beautiful and varied masses
might be formed by collecting together all the different kinds,
with their characteristic barks, branches, and foliage.
As an additional recommendation, many of these trees
grow on the thinnest and most indifferent soils, whether
moist or dry ; and in cold, bleak, and exposed situations, as
well as in warm and sheltered places.
We shall enumerate the different kinds, as follows : —
The Canoe birch, Boleau d Canot, of the French Cana-
dians, {B. papyracea,) sometimes also called the Paper birch,
is according to Michaux, most common in the forests of the
eastern states, north of latitude 43°, and in the Canadas.
There it attains its largest size, sometimes seventy feet in
height, and three in diameter. Its branches are slender,
flexible, covered with a shining brown bark, dotted with
white ; and on trees of moderate size, the bark of the trunk
is of a brilliant white : it is often used for roofing houses,
for the manufacture of baskets, boxes, etc., besides its most
important use for canoes, as already mentioned. The leaves,
borne on petioles four or five lines long, are of a middling
size, oval, unequally denticulated, smooth, and of a dark
green colour.
The White birch, {B. populifolia,) is a tree of much
smaller size, generally from twenty to thirty-five feet in
height : it is found in New- York and the other middle states,
as well as at the north. The trunk, like the foregoing, is cov-
ered with silvery bark; the branches are slender, and
generally drooping when the tree attains considerable size.
The leaves are smooth on both surfaces, heart-shaped at the
DCIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 165
base, very acuminate, and doubly and irregularly toothed.
The petioles are slightly twisted, and the leaves are almost
as tremulous as those of the aspen. It is a beautiful small
tree for ornamental plantations.
The common Black or Sweet birch. {B. lenta.) This is
the sort most generally known by the name of the birch, and
is widely dilFused over the middle and southern states.
In colour and appearance the bark much resembles that of
the cherry tree ; on old trees, at the close of winter, it is fre-
quently detached in transverse portions, in the form of hard
ligneous plates, six or eight inches broad. The leaves, for a
fortnight after their appearance, are covered with a thick sil-
very down, which disappears soon after. They are about two
inches long, serrate, heart-shaped at the base, acuminate at
the summit, and of a pleasing tint and fine texture. The
wood is of excellent quality, and Michaux recommends its
introduction largely into the forests of the north of Europe.
The Yellow birch, {B. lutea,) grows most plentifully in
Nova Scotia, Maine, and New-Brunswick, on cool, rich soils,
where it is a tree of the largest size. It is remarkable for the
colour and arrangement of its outer bark, which is of a bril-
liant golden yellow, and is frequently seen divided into fine
strips rolled backwarks at the end, but attached in the middle.
The leaves are about three and a half inches long, two and a
half broad, ovate, acuminate, and bordered with sharp and
irregular teeth. It is a beautiful tree, with a trunk of nearly
uniform diameter, straight, and destitute of branches for thirty
or forty feet.
The Red birch, {B. rubra) belongs chiefly to the south,
being scarcely ever seen north of Virginia. It prefers the
moist soil of river banks, where it reaches a noble height.
It takes its name from the cinnamon or reddish colour of the
166 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
outer bark on the young trees ; when old, it becomes rough,
furrowed, and greenish. The leaves are light green on the
upper surface, whitish beneath, very pointed at the end, and
terminated at the base in an acute angle. The twigs are
long, flexible, and pendulous ; and the limbs of a brown
colour, spotted with white.
The European White birch. {B. alba.) This species,
the common birch tree of Europe, is intermediate in appear-
ance and qualities, between our Canoe birch and White birch.
The latter it resembles in its foliage, the former in its large
size, and the excellence of its wood. There is a distinct
variety of this, to which we have alluded, called the Weeping
birch, ( Var. pendula,) which is very rapid in its growth,
and highly graceful in its form. From the great beauty of
our native species, this is perhaps the only European sort,
which it is very desirable to introduce into our collections.
The Alder Tree. Alnus.
Nat. Ord. Betulacece. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, Tetrandria.
The alder tree is a native of the whole of Europe, where
it grows to the altitude of from thirty to sixty feet. Our
common'Black alder, {A. glauca,) and Hazel-leaved alder, {A.
serrulata,) are low shrubs of little value or interest. This,
however, is a neat tree, remarkable for its love of moist situa-
tions, and thriving best in places even too wet for the willows ;
although it will also flourish on dry and elevated soils. The
leaves are roundish in form, wavy, and serrated in their mar-
gins, and dark green in colour. The tree rapidly forms an
agreeable, pyramidal head of foliage, when growing in damp
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 167
situations. As it is a foreign tree, we shall quote from Gilpin
its character in scenery. "The alder," says he, "loves a
low, moist soil, and frequents the banks of rivers, and will
flourish in the poorest forest swamps, where nothing else
will grow. It is perhaps the most picturesque of any of the
aquatic tribe, except the weeping willow. He who would see
the alder in perfection, must follow the banks of the Mole
in survey, through the sweet vales of Dorking and Mickle-
ham, into the groves of Esher. The Mole, indeed, is far from
being a beautiful river ; it is a silent and sluggish stream, but
what beauty it has, it owes greatly to the alder, which every-
where fringes its meadows, and in many places forms very
pleasing scenes. It is always associated in our minds with
river scenery, both of that tranquil description most frequently
to be met with in the vales of England, and with that wider
and more stirring cast which is to be foimd amidst the deep
glens and ravines of Scotland ; and nowhere is this tree found
in greater perfection than on the wild banks of the river Find-
horn, and its tributary streams, where scenery of the most
romantic description everywhere prevails."*
Although the beauty of the alder is of a secondary kind,
it is worth occasional introduction into landscapes where
there is much water to be planted romid, or low running
streams to cover with foliage. In these damp places, like
the willow, it grows very well from truncheons or large limbs,
stuck in the gromid, which take root and become trees
speedily. There are two principal varieties, the common
alder, {A. glutinosa^) and the cut-leaved alder, {A. glutinosa
laciniata.) The latter is much the handsomer tree, and is
also the rarest in our nurseries.
* Lauder's Gilpin, 1. p. 136,
168 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The Maple Tree. Acer.
Nat. Ord. Aceraceae. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Monoscia.
The great esteem in which the maples are held in the mid-
dle states, as ornamental trees, although they are by no means
uncommon in every piece of woods of any extent, is a high
proof of their superior merits for such purposes. These con-
sist in the rapidity of their growth, the beauty of their form,
the fine verdure of their foliage, and in some sorts, the ele-
gance of their blossoms. Among all the species, both native
and foreign, we consider the Scarlet-flowering maple as de-
cidedly the most ornamental species. In the spring, this tree
bursts oilt in gay tufts of red blossoms ; which enliven both
its own branches and the surrounding scene long before
a leaf is seen on other deciduous trees, and when the only
other appearances of vegetation are a few catkins of some wil-
lows or poplars, swelling into bloom. At that season of the
year, the Scarlet maple is certainly the most beautiful tree of
our forests. Besides this, it grows well either in the very moist
soil of swamps, or the dry one of upland ridges, forms a fine
clustering head of foliage, and produces an ample and delight-
ful shade ; while it is also as little infected by insects of any
description as any other tree. The latter advantage, the
Sugar maple and our other varieties, equally possess. As
a handsome spreading tree, perhaps the White maple de-
serves most praise, its outline and surface being, in many
cases, quite picturesque. There is no quality, however, for
which the American maples are entitled to higher considera-
tion as desirable objects in scenery, than for the exquisite
beauty which their foliage assumes in autumn, as it fades
and gradually dies off. At the first approach of cold, we
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 169
can just perceive a bright yellow stealing over the leaves,
then a deeper golden tint, then a few faint blushes, until at
length the whole mass of foliage becomes one blaze of
crimson or orange.
" Tints that the maple woods disclose
Like opening buds or fading rose,
Or various as those hues, that dye
The clouds that deck a sunset sky."
The contrast of colouring exhibited on many of our fine
river shores in a warm dry autumn, is perhaps superior to
any thing of the kind in the world : and the leading and
most brilliant colours, viz : orange and scarlet, are produced
by maples. Even in Europe, they are highly valued for
this autumnal appearance, so different from that of most of
the trees of the old world. Yery beautiful effects can be
produced by planting the Scarlet and Sugar maples in the
near neighbourhood of the ash, which, as we have already
noticed, assumes a fine brownish purple ; of the sycamore,
which is yellow, and some of the oaks, which remain green
for a long time : if to these we add a few evergreens, as the
White pine and hemlock, to produce depth, we shall have a
kind of kaleidiscope group, harmonious and beautiful as the
rainbow.
When the maple is planted to grow singly on the lawn, or
in small groups, it should never be trimmed up ten or twenty
feet high, a very common practice in some places, as
this destroys half its beauty ; but if it be suffered to branch
out quite low down, it will form a very elegant head. The
maple is well suited to scenes expressive of graceful beauty,
as they unite to a considerable variation of surface, a pleas-
ing softness and roundness of outline. In bold or picturesque
22
ITO LANDSCAPE GARDENING,
scenes, they can be employed to advantage by intermingling
them with the more striking and majestic forms of the oak,
etc., where variety and contrast is desired. The European
sycamore, which is also a maple, has a coarser foliage, and
more of strength in its growth and appearance : it perhaps
approaches nearer in general expression and effect to the
plane tree, than to our native maples.
It is unnecessary for us to recommend this tree for avenues,
or for bordering the streets of cities, as its general prevalence
in such places sufficiently indicates its acknowledged claims
for beauty, shade, and shelter. It bears pruning re-
markably well, and is easily transplanted, even when of
large size, from its native woods or swamps. The finest trees,
however, are produced from seed.
The Sugar maple, {Acei^ saccharimim,) is a very abun-
dant tree in the northern states and the Canadas, where it
sometimes forms immense forests. The bark is white; the
leaves four or five inches broad, and five-lobed ; varying,
however, in size according to the age of the tree. The flow-
ers are small, yellowish, and suspended by slender drooping
peduncles. The seed is contained in two capsules united at
the base, and terminated in a membranous wing ; they are
ripe in October. From certain parts of the trunks of old
Sugar maples, the fine wood called hircVs-eye maple is taken,
which is so highly prized by the cabinet-makers ; and the
sap, which flows in abundance from holes bored in the stem
of the tree early in March, produces the well-known maple
sugar. This can be clarified, so as to equal that of the cane
in flavour and appearance ; and it has been demonstrated that
the planting of maple orchards, for the production of sugar,
would be a profitable investment.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 171
The Scarlet-flowering maple, {A. rubrum,) is found chiefly
on the borders of rivers, or in swamps ; the latter place ap-
pears best suited to this tree, for it there often attains a very
large size : it is frequently called the Soft maple or Swamp
maple. The blossoms come out about the middle of April,
while the branches are yet bare of leaves, and their numerous
little pendulous stamens appear like small tufts of scarlet or
purple threads. The leaves somewhat resemble those of the
Sugar maple, but are rather smaller, and only three or four
lobed, glaucous or whitish underneath, and irregularly
toothed on the margin. This tree may easily be distin-
guished when young from the former, by the bark of the
trunk, which is gray, with large whitish spots. Its trunk,
in the choicest parts, furnishes the beautiful wood known as
the curled maple.
The White or Silver-leaved maple. [A. eriocarpum.)
This species somewhat resembles the Scarlet-flowering
maple, and they are often confounded together in the east-
ern and middle states, where it grows but sparingly. West
of the Alleghany mountains it is seen in perfection, and is
well known as the White maple. Its flowers are very pale
in colour, and much smaller than those of the foregoing
sorts. The leaves are divided into foiu: lobes, and have a
beautiful white under surface. Michaux, speaking of this tree,
says : " In no part of the United States is it more multiplied
than in the western country, and nowhere is its vegetation
more luxuriant than on the banks of the Ohio. There,
sometimes alone and sometimes mingled with the willow,
which is found along these waters, it contributes singularly,
by its magnificent foliage, to the embellishment of the scene.
The brilliant white of the leaves beneath, forms a striking
contrast with the bright green above, and the alternate re-
172 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
flection of the two surfaces in the water, heightening the
beauty of this wonderful moving mirror, aids in forming an
enchanting picture, which, during my long excursions in a
canoe in these regions of solitude and silence, I contem-
plated with unwearied admiration."* There, on those fine,
deep, alluvial soils, it often attains twelve or fifteen feet in
circumference.
As an ornamental variety, the Silver-leaved maple is one
of the most valuable. It is exceeding rapid in its growth,
often making shoots six feet long in a season, and the silvery
hue of its foliage, when stirred by the wind, as well as its
fine, half drooping habit, render it highly interesting to the
planter. Admirable specimens of this species may be seen
in the wide streets of Bm'lington, N. J.
The Moose wood, or Striped maple, {A striatum,) is a
small tree with beautifully striped bark. It is often seen on
the mountains which border the Hudson, but abounds most
profusely in the north of the continent. Acer nigrum, is the
Black sugar tree of Genesee. A. Negundo,t the Ash-leaved
maple, has handsome pinnated foliage of a light green hue ;
it forms a pleasing tree of medium size. These are our
principal native species.J
Among the finest foreign sorts is the Norway maple, {A.
jAataiioides,) with leaves intermediate in appearance be-
tween those of the plane tree and Sugar maple. The bark
of the trunk is brown, and rougher in appearance than our
maples, and the tree is more loose and spreading in its
growth ; it also grows more rapidly, and strongly resembles
at a little distance, the button-wood in its young state.
Another interesting species is the sycamore tree or Great ma-
* N. A Sylva, 1. 214. t Negundo fraxinifolium.
X Mr. Douglas has discovered a very superb maple, \A. macropkyllum,) on the
Columbia river, with very large leaves, and fine fragrant yeUow blossoms.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 173
pie, {A. pseudo-platanus.) The latter also considerably re-
sembles the plane ; but the leaves, like those of the common
maple, are smoother. They are five-lobed, acute in the divi-
sions, and are placed on much longer petioles than those of
most of the species. The flowers, strung in clusters like
those of the common currant, are greenish in colour. It is
much esteemed as a shade-tree in Scotland, and some parts
of the Continent, and grows with vigour, producing a large
head, and widely spreading branches.
The Locust Tree. Rohinia.
Nat. Ord. Leguminosse. Lin. Syst. Diadelphia, Decandria.
This is a well-known American tree, found growing wild
in all of the states west of the Delaware River. It is a tree
of secondary size, attaining generally the height of forty or
fifty feet. The leaves are pinnated, bluish -green in colour,
and are thinly scattered over the branches. The white blos-
soms ap pear in June, and are highly fragrant and beautiful ;
and from them the Paris perfumers distil an extrait which
greatly resembles orange-flower water, and is used for the
same purposes.
As an ornamental tree, we do not esteem the locust highly.
The objections to it are, 1st, its meagreness and lightness of
foliage, producing but little shade ; secondly, the extreme
brittleness of its branches, which are liable to be broken and
disfigured by every gale of wind ; and lastly, the abundance
of suckers which it produces. Notwithstanding these defects,
we would not entirely banish the locust from our pleasure-
174 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
grounds ; for its light foliage of a fresh and pleasing green
may often be used to advantage in producing a variety with
other trees ; and its very fragrant blossoms are beautiful,
when, in the beginning of summer they hang in loose pen-
dulous clusters from among its light foliage. These will
always speak sufficiently in its favour to cause it to be
planted more or less, where a variety of trees is desired. It
should, however, be remembered that the foliage comes out
at a late period in spring, and falls early in autumn, which
we consider objections to any tree that is to be planted in
the close vicinity of the mansion. It is valuable for its
extremely rapid growth when young ; as during the first
ten or fifteen years of its life, it exceeds in thrifty shoots
almost all other forest trees : but it is comparatively short-
lived, and in twenty years time, many other trees would
completely overtop and outstrip it. It is easily propagated
by seed, which is by far the best mode of raising it, and it
prefers a deep, rich, sandy loam.*
As a timber tree of the very first class, the locust has but
few rivals. It is found to be stronger and more durable than
the best oak or Red cedar ; while it is lighter, and equally
durable with the Live oak of the south. Its excellency for
ship-building is therefore unsurpassed ; and as much of the
timber as can be procured of sufficient size, commands a
high price for that purpose. Great use is also made of it in
* There is a great difference in the growth of this tree. In cold or indifferent
soils, it presents a rough and rugged aspect; but in deep, warm, sandy soils, it
becomes quite another tree in appearance. The highest specimens we have ever
seen, are now growing in such soil on the estate of J. P. Derwint, Esq. at Fishkill
Landing, on the banks of the Hudson, New- York. Some specimens there, mea-
sure 90 feet, which is higher than Michaux saw on the deep alluvials in Kentucky,
where they are natives. The finest single tree is one standing in front of the
mansion at Clermont, on the Hudson, which is four feet in diameter.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 175
trunnels, (the wooden pins which fasten the side planks to the
ship frame,) and it is now extensively substituted for the iron
ones formerly used for that purpose, a considerable quantity
of the wood is now even exported to England for this
purpose. For posts it is more durable than the Red cedar,
and is therefore in high estimation for fencing. In France,
where the tree was introduced by Jean Robin, herbalist to
Henri IV., (whence the name Robinia,) it is much cultivated
for the poles used in supporting the grapes in vineyards.
It has the remarkable property, says Michaux, of beginning
from the third year to convert its sap into perfect wood ;
which is not done by the elm, oak, beech or chestnut, until
after the tenth or fifteenth year. Hence excellent and dura"
ble timber can be obtained from this tree, in a shorter period
than from any other.*
The locust can be cultivated to advantage as a timber tree,
only upon deep, mellow, and rather rich, sandy soils ; there,
* Cobbett, who, en passant, though a most remarkable man, was as great a quack
in gardening as the famous pill-dealers now are in medicine, carried over from
this country when he returned to England, a great quantity of seeds of the lo-
cust, which he reared and sold in immense quantities. In his " Woodlands,"
which appeared about that time, he praised its value and utility in the most ex-
aggerated terms, affirming " that no man in America will pretend to say he ever
saw a bit of it in a decayed state." And that " its wood is absolutely indestructible
hy the powers of earth, air, and water." " The time will come," he continues, " and
it will not be very distant, when the locust tree will be more common in England
than the oak ; when a man would be thought mad if he used anything but lo-
cust in the construction of sills, posts, gates, joists, feet for rick stands, stocks and
axletrees for wheels, hop-poles, pales, or for anything where there is liability to
rot. This time will not be distant, seeing that the locust tree grows so fast.
The next race of children but one, that is to say, those, who will be born 60 years
hence, will think the locust trees have always been the most numerous trees in
England ; and some curious writer of a century or two hence will tell his read-
ers, that wonderful as it may seem, ' the locust was hardly known in England
until about the year 1823, when the nation was introduced to a knowledge of it by
176
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
its growth is wonderfully vigorous, and an immense number
may be grown upon a small area of ground. In clayey,
heavy, or strong loamy soils, the tree never attains much
size, and is extremely liable to the attacks of the borer,
which renders its wood in a great measure valueless. In
particularly favourable situations, its culture may be made
extremely profitable.*
There are but two distinct species of locust which attain
the size of trees in this country, viz: the Yellow locust, {R.
pseud-acacia,) so called from the colour of its wood ; and the
Honey locust, {R. viscosa,) a smaller tree, with reddish flow-
ers, and branches covered with a viscid honey-like gum.
Some pretty varieties of the former have been originated in
gardens abroad, among which the Parasol locust, ( Var. um-
hraculifera,) is decidedly the most interesting. We recollect
some handsome specimens which were imported by the late
M. Parmentier, and grew in his garden at Brooklyn, Long
Island. They were remarkable for their unique, rounded,
umbrella-like heads, when grafted ten or twelve feet high on
the common locust.
William Cobbett.' What he will say of me besides, I do not know ; but I know
he will say this of me. I enter this upon account, therefore, knowing that I am
writing for centuries to come." ! ! For a fuller accoimt of his locust frenzy, we
refer our readers to the very complete article on Robinia, in that magnificent
work, the " Arboretum Britannicum."
* There is a well known instance of the profit of this tree, which we perceive
has found its way into the memoirs of the Agricultural Society of Paris. A
farmer on Long Island, some sixty years ago, on the year of his marriage, planted
fourteen acres of his farm with the Yellow locust. When his eldest son married
at twenty-two, he cut twelve hundred dollars worth of timber from the field, as
a marriage portion, which he gave his son to buy a settlement in Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania, then considered a part of the " western country." Three
years after, the locust grove yielded as much for a daughter ; and in this way
his whole family were provided for ; as the rapidity with wliich the young suckers
grew up, fully repaired the breaches made in the fourteen acres.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 177
There are two pretty distinct varieties of the common
Yellow locust, cultivated on the Hudson. That most fre-
quently seen is the White variety, which forms a tall and
narrow head ; the other is the Black locust, with a broad,
and more spreading head, and larger trunk ; the latter may
be seen in fine condition at Clermont. It is a much finer
ornamental tree, and appears less liable to the borer than the
White variety.
The Three-thorned Acacia Tree. Gleditschia.
Nat. Ord. Leguminosee. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Dicecia.
This tree is often called the Three-thorned locust, from
some resemblance to the latter tree. Its delicate, doubly pin-
nate leaves, however, are much more like those of the Aca-
cias, a family of plants not hardy enough to bear our climate.
It is a much finer tree in appearance than the common locust,
although the flowers are greenish and inconspicuous, instead
of possessing the beauty and fragrance of the latter. There
is, however, a peculiar elegance about its light green and
beautiful foliage, which wafts so gracefully in the summer
breeze, and folds up on the slightest shower, that it stands far
above that tree in our estimation, for the embellishment of
scenery. The branches spread out rather horizontally, in
a fine, broad, and lofty head : there are none of the dead
and unsightly branches so common on the locust ; and the
light feathery foliage, lit up in the sunshine, has an airy
and transparent look, rarely seen in so large a tree, which
sometimes produces very happy effects in composition with
23
178 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Other trees. The bark is of a pleasmg brown smooth in
surface ; the branches are studded over with curious, long,
triply-pointed thorns, which also often jut out in clusters, in
every direction from the trunk of the tree, to the length of
four or five inches, giving it a most singular and forbidding
look. In winter, these and the long seed-pods, five or six
inches in length, which hang upon the boughs at that season,
give the whole tree a very distinct character. These pods
contain a sweetish substance, somewhat resembling honey ;
whence the tree has in some places obtained the name of
Honey locust, which properly belongs to Rohinia viscosa.
Another recommendation of this tree, is the variety of pic-
turesque shapes which it assumes in growing up ; sometimes
forming a tall pyramidal head of .50 or 60 feet, sometimes a
low horizontally branched tree, and at others it expands into a
wide irregular head, quite flattened at the summit. It does
not produce suckers like the locust, and may therefore be in-
troduced into any part of the grounds. When but a limited
extent is devoted to a lawn or garden, this tree should be
among the first to obtain a place ; as one or two Three-
thorned Acacias, mingled with other larger and heavier foli-
age, will at once produce a charming variety.
The Three-thorned Acacia has been strongly recommended
for hedges. It is too liable to become thin at the bottom, to
serve well for an outer enclosure, but if kept well trimme(^
it forms a capital farm fence and protection against the larger
animals, growing up in much less time than the hawthorn.
Like the locust, it has the disadvantage of expandmg its fo-
liage late in the spring. In the strong rich soils, which it
prefers, it grows very vigorously, and is easily propagated
from seeds.
The Three-thorned Acacia, ( G. triacanthos,) is the prin-
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 179
cipal species, and is indigenous to the states west of the
Alleghanies. G. monosjierona is another kind, which is
scarcely distinguishable from the Three-thorned, except in
having one-seeded pods. The seedlings raised from G. tri-
acanthos, are often entirely destitute of thorns.
There is a fine species called the Chinese, {G. horrida,)
with larger and finer foliage, and immense triple thorns, which
is interesting from its great singularity. A tree of this kind
which we imported, has stood our coldest winters perfectly
uninjured, and promises to be beautiful and very hardy.
Some noble specimens of the common Three-thorned Acacia,
may be seen upon the lawn at Hyde Park, the fine seat of
the late Dr. Hosack.
The Judas Tree. Cercis.
Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. Lin. Syst. Decandria, Monogynia.
A handsome low tree, about 20 feet in height, which is
found scattered sparsely through warm sheltered valleys,
along the Hudson and other rivers of the northern sections of
the United States, but most abundantly on the Ohio. It is
valuable as an ornamental tree, no less on account of its
exceedingly neat foliage, which is exactly heart-shaped, or
cordiform, and of a pleasing green tint, than for its pretty
pink blossoms. These, which are pea-shaped, are produced
in little clusters close to the branches, often in great pro-
fusion, early in the spring, before the leaves have expanded.
From the appearance of the limbs at that period, it has in
some places obtained the name of Red-hud. It is then one
180 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
of the most ornamental of trees, and, in company with the
Dog-wood, serves greatly to enliven the scene, and herald
the advent of the floral season. These blossoms, according
to Loudon, [Encycl. of Plants,) having an agreeable poign-
ancy, are frequently eaten in salads abroad, and pickled by
the French families in Canada. The name of Judas tree
appears to have been whimsically bestowed by Gerard, an
old English gardener, who described it in 1596, and relates
that " this is the tree whereon Judas did hange himselfe ;
and not upon the elder tree, as it is said."
There are two species in common cultivation ; the Ameri-
can, (C. Canadensis,) and the European, {C. Siliquastrum.)
The latter much resembles our native tree. The flowers,
however, are deeper in colour ; the leaves darker, and less
pointed at the extremity. It also produces blossoms rather
more profusely than the American tree. Both species are
highly worthy of a place in the garden, or near the house,
where their pleasing vernal inflorescence may be observed.
The Chestnut Tree. Castanea.
Nat. Ord. Corylacete. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, Polyandria.
The chestnut, for its qualities in Landscape Gardening,
ranks with that king of the forest, the oak. Like that tree,
it attains an enormous size, and its longevity in some cases
is almost equally remarkable. Its fine massy foliage, and
sweet nuts, have rendered it a favourite tree since a very re-
mote period. Among the ancients, the latter were a com-
mon article of food.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 181
" Sunt nobis mitia poraa
Castanea molles, et pressi copia lactis."
ViRG. EcL. 1.
They appear to have been ill general use, both in a raw and
cooked state. In times of scarcity, they probably supplied
in some measure the place of bread-stuffs, and were thence
highly valued :
"As for the thrice three angled beech nut shell,
Or Chestnut's armed huske and hid kernell,
No squire durst touch, the law would not afford,
Kept for the court, and for the king's own board."
Bp. Hall, Sat. B. III. 1.
Even to this day. in those parts of France and Italy near-
est the great chestnut forests of the Appenines, these nuts
form a large portion of the food which sustains the peasantry,
where grain is but little cultivated, and potatoes almost un-
known. There a sweet and highly nutritious flour is pre-
pared from them, which makes a delicious bread. Large
quantities of the fruit are therefore annually collected in those
countries, and dried and stored away for the winter's con-
sumption. Old Evelyn says, "the bread of the flour is ex-
ceedingly nutritive : it is a robust food, and makes women
well complexioned, as I have read in a good author. They
also make fritters of chestnut flour, which they wet with
rose-water, and sprinkle with grated parmigans, and so fry
them in fresh butter for a delicate." The fruit of the chest-
nut abounds in saccharine matter ; and we learn from a
French periodical, that experiments have been made, by
which it is ascertained that the kernel yields nearly sixteen
per cent, of good sugar.
As a timber tree, this is greatly inferior to the oak, being
182 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
looser grained, and more liable to decay ; and the American
wood is more open to this objection than that produced on
the opposite side of the Atlantic. It is, however, in general
use among us, for posts and rails in fencing ; and when the
former are charred, they are found to be quite durable.
The finest natural situations for this tree, appear to be the
mountainous slopes of mild climates, where it attains the
greatest possible perfection. Michaux informs us, that the
most superb and lofty chestnuts in America are to be found
in such situations, in the forests of the Carolinas. Abroad,
every one will call to mind the far-famed chestnuts of Mount
Etna, of wonderful age and extraordinary size. The great
chestnut there, has excited the surprise of numerous travellers ;
at present, however, it appears to be scarcely more than
a mere shell, the wreck of former greatness. When visited
by M. Houel, {Arboretum Brit.) it was in a state of decay,
having lost the greater part of its branches, and its trunk was
quite hollow. A house was erected in the interior, and
some country people resided in it, with an oven, in which, ac-
cording to the custom of the country, they dried chestnuts,
filberts, and other fruits, which they wished to preserve for
winter use ; using as fuel, when they could find no other,
pieces cut with a hatchet from the interior of the tree. In
Brydone's time, in 1770 this tree measured two hundred
and four feet in circumference. He says it had the appear-
ance of five distinct trees ; but he was assured that the space
was once filled with solid timber, and there was no bark
on the inside. This circumstance of an old trunk, hollow in
the interior, becoming separated so as to have the appearance
of being the remains of several distinct trees, is frequently
met with in the case of very old mulberry trees in Great
Britain, and olive trees in Italy. Kircher, about a century
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 183
before Brydone, affirms that an entire flock of sheep might
be enclosed within the Etna chestnut, as in a fold.* {Ar-
boj^etiim Brit. p. 1988.)
In considering the chestnut as highly edapted to ornament
the grounds of extensive country residences, much that we
have already said of the oak will apply to this tree. When
young, its smooth stem, clear and bright foliage, and lively
aspect, when adorned with the numerous light greenish yel-
low blossoms, which project beyond the mass of leaves, ren-
der it a graceful and beautiful tree. It has long been a
favourite with the poets for its grateful shade ; and as the
roots run deep, the soil beneath it is sufficiently rich and
sheltered to afford an asylum for the minutest beauties of
the woods. Tennyson sweetly says : —
" That slope beneath the chestnut tall
Is wooed with choicest breaths of air,
Methinks that I could tell you all
The cowslips and the king cups there."
When old, its huge trunk, wide-spread branches, lofty head,
and irregular outline, all contribute to render it a picturesque
tree of the very first class. In that state, when standing
alone, with free room to develope itself on eveiy side, like
* One of the most celebrated Chestnut trees on record, is that call«d the Tort-
worth Chestnut, in England. In 1772, Lord Ducie, the owner, had a portrait of it
taken, which was accompanied by the following description : " The east view
of the ancient Chestnut tree at Tortworth, in the county of Gloucester, which
measures nineteen yards in circumference, and is mentioned by Sir Robert Aikins
in his history of that county, as a famous tree in King John's reign : and by Mr.
Evelyn in his Sylva, to have been so remarkable in the reign of King Stephen,
1135, as then to be called the great Chestnut of Tortworth ; from which, it may
reasonably be presumed to have been standing before the conquest, 1066." This
tree is still standing.
184 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
the oak, it gives a character of dignity, majesty and grandeur,
to the scene, beyond the power of most trees to confer. It is
well known that the favourite tree of Salvator Rosa, and one
which was most frequently introduced with a singularly
happy effect into his wild and picturesque compositions, was
the chestnut ; sometimes a massy and bold group of its
verdure, but oftener an old and storm-rifted giant, half leaf-
less, or a barren trunk coated with a rich verdure of mosses
and lichens.
The chestnut in maturity, like the oak, has a great variety
of outline ; and no trees are better fitted than these for the
formation of grand groups, heavy masses, or wide outlines
of foliage. A higher kind of beauty, less tame, and possess-
ing more permanent interest to the picturesque eye, can be
formed of these two genera of trees when disposed in grand
masses, than with any other forest trees of temperate cli-
mates ; perhaps we may say of any climate.
There is so little difference in the common Sweet chestnut
{Castanea vesca,) of both hemispheres, that they are gene-
rally considered the same species. Varieties have been
produced in Europe, which far surpass our common chest-
nuts of the woods, in size, though not in delicacy, and rich-
ness of flavour. Those cultivated for the table in France,
are known by the name of marrons. These improved
sorts of the Spanish chestnut, bear fruit nearly as large as
that of the Horse-chestnut, inferior in sweetness, when raw,
to our wild species, but delicious when roasted. The Span-
ish chestnut thrives well, and forms a large tree, south of
the Highlands of the Hudson, but is rather tender north of
this neighborhood. A tree in the grounds at Presque Isle,
the seat of William Denning, Esq., Dutchess Co., is now
1
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 185
40 feet high. They may be procured from the nurseries,
and we can hardly recommend to our planters more accept-
able additions to our nut bearing forest trees.
The Chinquapin or Dwarf chestnut, (C.jo?«mi^a,) is a cu-
rious low bush, from four to six feet high. The leaves are
nearly the size of the ordinary chestnut, or rather smaller,
and the fruit about two-thirds as large. It is indigenous to
all the states south of Pennsylvania, and is often found in
great abundance. It is a curious little tree, or more properly
a shrub, and merits a place in the garden : or it may be
advantageously planted for underwood in a group of large
trees.
As the chestnut, like the oak, forms strong tap-roots, it is
removed with some difficulty. The finest trees are produced
from the nut, and their growth is much more rapid when
young, than that of the transplanted tree. It prefers a deep
sandy loam, rather moist than dry ; and will not, like many
forest trees, accommodate itself to wet and low situations.
The Osage Orange Tree. Madura.
Nat. Ord. Urticacese Lin. Syst. Dioecia, Tetrandria.
This interesting tree is found growing wild on the Arkan-
sas River, and other western tributaries of the Mississippi,
south of St. Louis, where, according to Mr. Nuttall, it attains
the height of 50 or 60 feet. The branches are rather light-
coloured, and armed with spines, (produced at every joint,)
about an inch and a half long. The leaves are long, ovate
and acuminate, or pointed at the extremity ; they are deep
24
186 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
green, and more glossy and bright than those of the orange.
The blossoms are greenish ; and the fruit is about the shape
and size of a large orange, but the surface much rougher than
that fruit. In the south, we are told, it assumes a deep yel-
low colour, and, at a short distance, strikingly resembles the
common orange : the specimens of fruit which we have seen
growing in Philadelphia, did not assume that fine colour ;
but the appearance of the tree laden with it, is not unlike
that of a large orange tree. It was first transplanted into
our gardens from a village of the Osage tribe of Indians,
whence the common name of Osage orange. The introduc-
tion of this tree was one of the favourable results of Lewis
and Clarke's Expedition. It was named by the min honour
of the late Wm. Maclure, Esq. President of the American
Academy of Natural Sciences.
The wood is fine grained, yellow in colour, and takes a
brilliant polish. It is also very strong and elastic, and on
this account the Indians, of the wide district to which this
tree is indigenous, employ it extensively for bows, greatly
preferring it to any other timber. Hence its common name,
among the white inhabitants, is Bodac, a corruption of the
term bois d^arc, [bow-ioood,) of the French settlers. A fine
yellow dye is extracted from the wood, similar to that of the
Fustic.
As the Osage orange belongs to the monoBcious class of
plants, it does not perfect its fruit, unless both the male
and female trees are growing in the same neighbourhood.
Many have believed the fruit to be eatable, both from its fine
appearance, and from its affinity with, and resemblance to
that of the bread-fruit ; but all attempts to render it pleasant,
either cooked or in a raw state, have hitherto failed : it is
therefore probably inedible, though not injurious. Perhaps
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 187
when fully ripened, some mode of preparing it by baking or
otherwise, may render it palatable.
As an ornamental tree, the Osage orange is rather too
loose in the disposition of its wide-spreading branches, to be
called beautiful in its form. But the bright glossy hue of its
foliage, and especially the unique appearance of a good
sized tree when covered with the large orange-like fruit, ren-
der it one of the most interesting of our native trees ; while
it has the same charm of rarity as an exotic, since it was in-
troduced from the far west, and is yet but little planted in
the United States. On a small lawn, where but few trees
are needed, and where it is desirable that the species em-
ployed, should all be as distinct as possible, to give the whole
as much variety as can be obtained in a limited space, such
trees should be selected as will not only be ornamental, but
combine some other charm, association, or interest. Among
such trees, we would by all means give the Osage orange a
foremost place. It has the additional recommendation of
being a fine shade tree, and of producing an excellent and
durable wood.
The stout growth and strong thorns of this tree, have been
thought indicative of its usefulness for the making of hedges ;
a method of fencing, which sooner or later must be adopted in
many parts of this country : and from the experiments which
we have seen made with plants of the Osage orange, we
think it likely to answer a very valuable purpose ; especially
in the middle and southern states. The Messrs, Landreths
of Philadelphia, have lately offered many thousands of them
to the public, at a low rate, and we hope to see the matter
fairly tested in various parts of the Union.
A rich deep loam is the soil best adapted to the growth of
this tree ; and as it is rather tender when young, (though
188
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
quite hardy when it attains considerable size,) it should, as
far as possible, be planted in a rather sheltered situation. A
dry soil is preferable, if it must be placed in a cold aspect, as
all plants not perfectly hardy are much injured by the late
growth, caused by an excess of moisture and consequent
immature state of the wood, which is unable to resist the
effects of a severe winter.
The Mulberry Tree. Morus.
Nat. Ord. Urticacese. Lin. Syst. Moncecia, Tetrandria.
The three principal species of the Mulberry, are the common
Red American, the European Black, and the White mul-
berries. None of them are truly handsome in scenery ; and
the two latter are generally low spreading trees, valued en-
tirely for the excellency of the fruit, or the suitableness of
the foliage for feeding silk worms. Our common mulberry,
however, in free, open situations, forms a large wide-spreading,
horizontally branched, and not inelegant tree : the rough,
heart-shaped leaves with which it is thickly clothed, afford
a deep shade ; and it groups well with the lime, the catalpa,
and many other round-headed trees. We consider it, there-
fore, duly entitled to a place in all extensive plantations ;
while the pleasant flavour of its slightly acid, dark red fruit,
will recommend it to those who wish to add to the delicacies
of the dessert. The timber of our wild mulberry tree is of
the very first quality ; when fully seasoned, it takes a dull
lemon-coloured hue, and is scarcely less durable than the
locust or Live oak. Like those trees, it is much valued by
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 189
ship-builders ; and at Philadelphia and Baltimore it com-
mands a high price, for the frame- work, knees, floor-timbers,
and trunnels of vessels. The Red mulberry is much slower
in its growth than the locust ; but so far as we are aware,
it is not liable to the attacks of any insect destructive to its
timber ; and it would probably be foimd profitable to culti-
vate it as a timber-tree. The locust, it will be remembered,
grows thriftily only on peculiar soils, loose, dry, and mellow :
the Red mulberry prefers deep, moist, and rich situations.
No extensive experiments, so far as we can learn, have been
made in its culture ; but we would recommend it to the
particular attention of those who have facilities for planta-
tions of this kind.
The Black mulberry of Europe, {Morus nigra,) is a low,
slow-growing tree, With rough leaves, somewhat resembling
those of our Red mulberry, but more coarsely serrated, and
often found divided into four or five lobes ; while the leaves,
which are not heart-shaped on our native species, are gene-
rally three-lobed. The European mulberry bears a fruit four
or five times as large as the American, full of rich, sweet
juice. It has long been a favourite in England, and is one
of the most healthy and delicious fruits of the season.
Glover says :
" There tbe flushing peach,
The apple, citron, almond, pear, and date,
Pomegranates, purple mulberry, and fig,
From interlacing branches mix their hues
And scents, the passengers' delight."
Leonid. 6. II.
We regret that so excellent a fruit should be so little cul-
tivated here. It succeeds extremely well in the middle
190 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
States ; and as it ripens at the very period in midsummer
when fruits are scarcest, there can be no more welcome ad-
dition to our pomonal treasures, than its deep purple and
luscious berries. According to Loudon, it is a tree of great
durability ; in proof of which he quotes a specimen at Sion
House, 300 years old, which is supposed to have been planted
in the 16th century, by the botanist Turner.
The White mulberry, {M. alba,) is the species upon the
leaves of which the silk worms are fed. The fruit is insipid
and tasteless, and the tree is but little cultivated to embellish
ornamental plantations, though one of the most useful in the
world, when its importance in the production of silk is taken
into account. There are a great number of varieties of this
species to be found in the different nurseries and silk planta-
tions ; among them the Chinese mulberry, (M. multicaulis,)
grows rapidly, but scarcely forms more than a large shrub, at
the north ; and its very large, tender, and soft green foliage is
interesting in a large collection. The fruit is we believe of
no importance ; but it is the most valuable of all mulberries
as food for the silk worm, while its growth is the most
vigorous, and its leaves more easily gathered than those of
any other tree of the genus.
The Paper Mulberry Tree. Broussonetia.
Nat. Ord. Urticaceae. Lin. Syst. DicEcia, Tetrandria.
The Paper mulberry is an exotic tree of a low growth,
rarely exceeding twenty-five or thirty feet, indigenous to
Japan and the South Sea Islands, but very common in our
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 191
gardens. It is remarkable for the great variety of forms ex-
h ibited in its foliage ; as upon young trees it is almost im-
possible to find two exactly alike, though the prevailing out-
lines are either heart-shaped, or more or less deeply cut or
lobed. These leaves are considered valueless for feeding the
silk worm ; but in the South Seas, the bark is woven into
dresses worn by the females ; and in China and Japan, ex-
tensive use is made of it in the manufacture of a paper, of the
softest and most beautiful texture. This is fabricated from
the inner bark of the young shoots, which is first boiled
to a soft pulp, and then submitted to processes greatly simi-
lar to those performed in our paper-mills. This tree blos-
soms in spring, and ripens its fruit in the month of August.
The latter is dark scarlet, and quite singular and ornamental,
though of no value. The genus is dioecious ; and the rea-
son why so few fruit-bearing trees are seen in the United
States, is because we generally cultivate only one of the sexes,
the female. M. Parmentier, however, who introduced the
male plant from Europe, disseminated it in several parts of
the country ; and the beauty of the tree has thereby been
augmented by the increased interest which it possesses,
when laden with its long, hairy berries.
The value of the Paper mulberry, in ornamental planta-
tions, arises from its exotic look, as compared with other
trees, from the singular diversity 'of its foliage, the beauty
of its reddish berries, and from the rapidity of its growth.
It is deficient in hardiness for a colder climate than that of
New- York ; but farther south it is considerably esteemed as
a shade-tree, for lining the side-walks in cities. In winter,
its light fawn or ash-coloured bark, mottled with patches of
a darker gray, contrasts agreeably with other trees. It has
little picturesque beauty, and should never be planted in
192 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
quantities, but only in scattered specimens, to give interest
and variety to a v/alk in the lawn or shrubbery.
The Sweet Gum Tree. Liquidamhar.
Nat. Ord. Platanaceae. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, Polyandria.
According to Michaux,* the Sweet gum is one of our most
extensively diffused trees. On the seashore, it is seen as
far north as Portsmouth ; and it extends as far south as the
Gulf of Mexico, and the Isthmus of Darien. In many of the
southern states, it is one of the commonest trees of the forest ;
it is rarely seen, however, along the banks of the Hudson,
(except in New- Jersey,) or other large streams of New- York.
It is not unlike the maple in general appearance, and its
palmate, five-lobed leaves are in outline much like the Sugar
maple, though darker in colour, and firmer in texture. It
may also be easily distinguished from that tree, by the
curious appearance of its secondary branches, which have a
peculiar roughness, owing to the bark attaching itself in
plates edgewise to the trunk, instead of laterally, as in the
usual maimer. The fruit is globular, somewhat resembling
that of the buttonwood, but much rougher, and bristling
with points. The male and female catkins appear, on
difierent branches of the same tree, early in the spring.
This tree grows in great perfection in the forests of New
Spain. It was first described by a Spanish naturalist. Dr.
Hernandez, who observed that a fragrant and transparent
*N. A. Sylva,1.315.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 193
gum issued from its trunk in that country, to which, from its
appearance, he gave the name of Uquid amber ; this is now
the common name of the tree in Europe ; and the gum is at
present an article of export from Mexico, being chiefly val-
ued in medicine as a styptic, and for its healing and bal-
samic properties. " This substance, which in the shops is
sometimes called the white balsam of Peru, or liquid storax,
is, when it first issues from the tree, perfectly liquid and
clear, white, with a slight tinge of yellow, quite balsamic ;
and having a most agreeable fragrance, resembling that of
ambergris or styrax. It is stimulant and aromatic, and has
long been used in France as a perfume, especially for
gloves."* In the middle states a fragrant substance some-
times exudes from the leaves, and, by incision, small quan-
tities of the gum may be procured from the trunk ; but a
warmer climate appears to be necessary to its production in
considerable quantities.
We hardly know a more beautiful tree than the Liquid-
amber in every stage of its growth, and during every season
of the year. Its outline is not picturesque or graceful, but
simply beautiful, more approaching that of the maple than
any other : it is therefore a highly pleasing, round-headed
or tapering tree, which unites and harmonizes well with
almost any others in composition ; but the chief beauty
lies in the foliage. During the whole of the summer months,
it preserves, unsoiled that dark glossy freshness which is so
delightful to the eye ; while the singular, regularly palmate
form of the leaves readily distinguishes it from the common
trees of a plantation. But in autumn it assumes its gayest
livery, and is decked in colours alrhost too bright and vivid
* Arboretum Brit. 2051.
25
194 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
for foliage ; forming one of the most brilliant objects in
American scenery, at that period of the year. The prevail-
ing tint of the foliage is then a deep purplish red, unlike
any symptom of decay, and quite as rich as is commonly
seen in the darker blossoms of a Dutch parterre. This is
sometimes varied by a shade deeper or lighter, and occasion-
ally an orange tint is assumed. When planted in the neigh-
bourhood of our fine maples, ashes, and other trees remark-
able for their autumnal colouring, the effect, in a warm, dry
autumn,'is almost magical. Whoever has travelled through
what are called the pine barrens of New- Jersey, in such a
season, must have been struck with the gay tints of the
numberless forest trees, which line the roads through those
sandy plains, and with the conspicuous beauty of the Sweet
gum, or Liquidamber.
The bark of this tree, when full grown, or nearly so, is
exceedingly rough and furrowed, like that of the oak. The
wood is fine-grained, and takes a good polish in cabinet-
work ; though it is not so durable, nor so much esteemed for
such purposes, as that of the Black walnut, and some other
native trees. The average height of full grown trees is about
35 or 40 feet.
Liquidambar styracifiua is the only North American
species. It grows most rapidly in moist or even wet situa-
tions, though it will accommodate itself to a drier soil.
The Walnut Tree. Juglans.
Nat. Ord. Juglandaceee. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, Polyandria.
The three trees which properly come under this head, and
belong to the genus Juglans, are the Black walnut, the Euro-
pean walnut, and the Butternut.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 195
The Black walnut is one of the largest trees of our native
forests. In good soils it often attains a stature of 60 or 70
feet, and a diameter of three or four feet in the trunk, with a
corresponding amplitude of branches. The leaves, about a
foot or eighteen inches in length, are composed of six or eight
pairs of opposite leaflets, terminated by an odd one. They
contain a very strong aromatic odour, which is emitted plenti-
fully when they are bruised. The large nut, always borne
on the extremity of the young shoots, is round, and covered
with a thick husk ; which, instead of separating into pieces,
and falling off" like those of the hickory, rots away and
decays gradually. The kernel of the Black walnut, too
well known to need any description here, is highly esteemed,
and is even considered by some persons to possess a finer
flavour than any other walnut.
The timber of this tree is very valuable : when well sea-
soned it is as durable as the White oak, and is less liable to
the attacks of sea-worms, etc., than almost any other ; it is
therefore highly esteemed in naval architecture for certain
purposes. But its great value is in cabinet-work. Its
colour, when exposed to the air, is a fine, rich, dark brown,
beautifully veined in certain parts ; and as it takes a bril-
liant polish, it is coming into general use, in the United
States, for furniture, as well as for the interior finishing of
houses.
The Black walnut has strong claims upon the Landscape
Gardener, as it is one of the grandest and most massive trees
which he can employ. When full grown, it is scarcely in-
ferior in the boldness of its ramification, or the amplitude of
its head, to the oak or the chestnut ; and what it lacks in
spirited outline when compared with those trees, is fully com-
pensated, in our estimation, by its superb and heavy masses
196 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
of foliage, which catch and throw off the broad Ughts and
shadows in the finest manner. When the Black walnut
stands alone on a deep fertile soil, it becomes a truly majes-
tic tree ; and its lower branches often sweep the ground in a
graceful curve, which gives additional beauty to its whole
expression. It is admirably adapted to extensive lawns,
parks, or plantations, where there is no want of room for the
attainment of its full size and fair proportions. Its rapid
growth and umbrageous foliage also recommend it for wide
public streets and avenues.
The European walnut {J. regia,) or as it is generally
termed here, the Madeira nut, is one of the most common
cultivated trees of Europe, where it was introduced originally
from Persia. It differs from our Black walnut, (which, how-
ever, it much resembles,) in the smooth, gray bark of the
stem, the leaves composed of three or four pair of leaflets, and
in the very thin-shelled fruit, which, though not exceed-
ing the Black walnut in size, yet contains a much larger
kernel, which is generally considered more delicate in fla-
vour. In the interior of France, orchards of the walnut are
planted, and a considerable commerce is carried on in its
products consisting chiefly of the fruit, of which large quan-
tities are consumed in all parts of Europe. The wood is
greatly used in the manufacture of gun-stocks, and in
cabinet-making ; (though it is much inferior to the American
walnut wood for this purpose ;) and the oil extracted from
the kernel, is in high estimation for mixing with delicate
colours used in painting, and other purposes.
The European walnut is a noble tree in size, and thickly
clad in foliage. It is much esteemed as a shade-tree by the
Dutch ; and Evelyn, who is an enthusiastic admirer of its
beauties, mentions their fondness for this tree as in the high-
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 197
est degree praiseworthy. " The Bergstras, [Bergstrasse]
which extends from Heidelberg to Darmstadt, is all planted
with Avalnuts ; for as by an ancient law, the Borderers were
obliged to nurse up and take care of them, and that chiefly
for their ornament and shade, so as a man may ride for
many miles about that country, under a continual arbour
or close walk, — the traveller both refreshed with the fruit
and shade. How much such public plantations improve the
glory and wealth of a nation ! In several places betwixt
Hanau and Frankfort in Germany, no young farmer is per-
mitted to marry a wife till he bring proof that he hath planted,
and is the father of a stated number of walnut trees."*
The nuts are imported into this country in great quan-
tities ; and as they are chiefly brought from Spain and
the Madeiras, they are here almost entirely known by the
name of the Madeira nut. The tree is but little culti-
vated among us, though highly deserving more extensive fa-
vour, both on account of its value and beauty. It grows
well in the climate of the middle states, and bears freely ; a
specimen eighteen or twenty years old, in the garden of the
author, has reached thirty-five feet in height, and bears two
or three bushels of fine fruit annually ; from which we have
already propagated several hundred individuals. It is not
perfectly hardy north of this.
As an ornamental tree, Gilpin remarks, that the warm rus-
set hue of its young foliage makes a pleasing variety among
the vivid green of other trees, about the end of May ; and
the same variety is maintained in summer, by the contrast of
its yellowish hue, when mixed in any quantity with trees of
a darker tint. It stands best alone, as the early loss of its
jn * Hunter's Evelyn, p. 168.
198 LANliSCAPE GARDENING.
foliage is then of less consequence, and its ramijfication is
generally beautiful.
The Butternut, (/. cathartica,) belongs to this section, and
is chiefly esteemed for its fruit ; which abounds in oil, and is
very rich and sweet. The foliage somewhat resembles that
of the Black walnut, though the leaflets are smaller and nar-
rower. The form of the nut, however, is strikingly different,
being oblong, oval, and narrowed to a point at the extremity.
Unlike the walnut, the husk is covered with a sticky gum,
and the surface of the nut is much rougher than any other of
the walnut genus. The bark of the butternut is gray, and
the tops of old trees generally have a flattened appearance.
It is frequently an uncouth, ill-shapen, and ugly tree in form,
though occasionally, also, quite striking and picturesque.
And it is well worthy of a place for the excellence of its
fruit,*
The Hickory Tree. Carya.
Nat. Ord. Juglandaceee. Lin. Syst. MoncEcia, Polyandria.
The hickories are fine and lofty North American trees,
highly valuable for their wood, and the excellent fruit borne
by some of the species. The timber is extremely elastic, and
very heavy, possessing great strength and tenacity. It is not
* Loudon errs greatly in his Arboretum, in supposing the butternut to be identi-
cal with the Black walnut : no trees in the whole American forest are more
easily distinguished at first sight. He also states the fruit to be rancid and of
little value ; but no American lad of a dozen years will accord with him in this
opinion. t*
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 199
much employed in architecture, as it is peculiarly liable to
the attacks of worms, and decays quickly when exposed to
moisture. But it is very extensively employed for all pur-
poses requiring great elasticity and strength ; as for axletrees,
screws, the wooden rings used upon the rigging of vessels,
whip-handles, and axe-handles ; and an immense quantity
of the young poles are employed in the manufacture of hoops,
for which they are admirably adapted.
For fuel, no American wood is equal to this in the brilliancy
with which it burns, or in the duration, or amount of heat
given out by it : it therefore commands the highest price in
market for that purpose.
The hickories are nearly allied to the walnuts ; the chief
botanical distmction consisting in the covering to the nut,
or husk ; which in the hickories separates into four valves,
or pieces, when ripe, instead of adhering in a homogeneous
coat, as upon the Black walnut and butternut. In size
and appearance, the hickories rank with the first class of
forest trees ; most of them growing vigorously to the height
of 60 or 80 feet, with fine straight trmiks, well balanced and
ample heads, and handsome, lively, pinnated foliage. When
confined among other trees in the forest, they shoot up 50 or
60 feet without branches ; but when standing singly, they
expand into a fine head near the ground, and produce a
noble, lofty pyramid of foliage, rather rounded at the top.
They have all the qualities which are necessary to consti-
tute fine, graceful, park trees, and are justly entitled to a
place in every considerable plantation.
The most ornamental species are the Shellbark hickory,
the Pignut and the Pecan-nut. The former and the latter
produce delicious nuts,, and are highly worthy of cultivation
for their fruit alone ; while all of them assume very hand-
200
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
some shapes during every stage of their growth, and ulti-
mately become noble trees. Varieties of the Shellbark
hickory are sometimes seen producing nuts of twice or thrice
the ordinary size ; and we have not the least doubt that the
fruit might be so improved m size and delicacy of flavour,
by careful cultivation, as greatly to surpass the European
walnut, for the table. This result will probably be attained
by planting the nuts of the finest varieties found'in our woods,
in rich moist soil, kept in high cultivation ; as all improved
varieties of fruit have been produced in this way, and not,
as many suppose, by cultivating the original species. These
remarks also apply to the Pecan-nut ; a western sort, which
thrives well in the middle states, and which produces a
nut more delicate in flavour than any other of this con-
tinent.
These trees form strong tap-roots, and are therefore some-
what difficult to transplant ; but they are easily reared from
the nut ; and, for the reason stated above, this method
should be adopted in preference to any other, except in
particular cases.
The principal species of the hickory are the following :
The Shellbark hickory, (C alha,) so called on account of
the roughness of its bark, which is loosened from the trunk
in long scales or pieces, bending outwards at the extremity,
and remaining attached by the middle ; this takes place, how-
ever, only on trees of some size. The leaves are composed of
two pair of leaflets, with an odd or terminal one. The
scales which cover the buds of the Shellbark in winter,
adhere only to the lower half, while the upper half of the
bud is left uncovered, by which this sort is readily dis-
tinguished from the other species. The hickory nuts of our
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 201
markets are the product of this tree ; they are much esteemed
in every part of the Union, and are exported in considerable
quantities to Europe. Among many of the descendants of
the original Dutch settlers of New- York and New- Jersey,
the fruit is commonly known by the appellation of the
Kisky-tom nut*
The Pecan-nut, {Paoainer of the French,) (C. olivmfor-
mis,) is found only in the western states. It abounds on
the Missouri, Arkansas, Wabash, and Illinois Rivers ; and a
portion of the Ohio : Michaux states that there is a swamp of
800 acres on the right bank of the Ohio, opposite the Cum-
berland river, entirely covered with it. It is a handsome,
stately tree, about 60 or 70 feet in height, with leaves a foot
or eighteen inches long, composed of six or seven pairs of
leaflets much narrower than those of our hickories. The
nuts are contained in a thin, somewhat four-sided husk ; they
are about an inch or an inch and a half long, smooth, cylin-
drical, and thin-shelled. The kernel is not, like most of the
hickories, divided by partitions, and it has a very delicate and
agreeable flavour. They form an object of petty commerce
between Upper and Lower Louisiana. From New-Orleans,
they are exported to the West Indies, and to the ports of the
United States.t
Besides these two most valuable species, our forests pro-
duce the Pignut hickory, (C porcina,) a lofty tree, with five
to seven pairs of leaflets, so called from the comparative
worthlessness of its fruit ; which is very thick-shelled, and
generally is left on the ground for the swine, squirrels, etc., to
* In some parts, pleasant social parties which meet at stated times during the
winter season, are called Kisky-toms, from the regular appearance of these nuts
among the refreshments of the evening.
tN. A. Sylva, 1. 168.
26
202 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
devour. It is easily distinguished in winter by the smaller
size of its brown shoots, and its small oval buds. Its wood is
considered the toughest and strongest of any of the trees o f
this section. The thick Shellbark hickory, (C. laciniosa,)
resembles much in size and appearance the common Shell-
bark ; but the nuts are double the size, the shell much thicker
and yellowish, while that of the latter is white. It is but
little known except west of the Alleghanies. The Mocker-
nut hickory, (C tomentosa,) is so called from the deceptive
appearance of the nuts, which are generally of large size, but
contain only a very small kernel. The leaves are composed
of but four pairs of sessile leaflets, with an odd one at the end.
The trunk of the old trees is very rugged, and the wood is
one of the best for fuel.
The Bitternut hickory, (C amara,) sometimes called the
White hickory, grows 60 feet high in New- Jersey. The
husk which covers the nut of this species, has four winged
appendages on its upper half, and never hardens like the
other sorts, but becomes soft and decays. The shell is thin,
but the kernel is so bitter, that even the squirrels refuse to
eat it. The Water Bitternut, (C aquatica,) is a very in-
ferior sort, growing in the swamps and rice fields of the
southern states. The leaflets are serrated, and resemble in
shape the leaves of the peach tree. Both the fruit and tim-
ber are much inferior to those of all the other hickories.
The Mountain Ash Tree. Pyrus*
Nat. Ord. Rosacea. Lin. Syst. Icosandria, Di-Pentagynia.
The European Mountain ash {Pyrus aucuparia,) is an
* Sorbus of the old Botanists.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 203
elegant tree of the medium size, with an erect stem, smooth
bark, and round head. The leaves are pinnated, four or five
inches in length, and slightly resemble those of the ash. The
snow-white flowers are produced in large flat clusters, in
the month of May, which are thickly scattered over the
outer surface of the tree, and give it a lively appearance.
These are succeeded by numerous bunches of berries, which
in autumn turn to a brilliant scarlet, and are then highly
ornamental. For the sake of these berries, this tree is a great
favourite with birds ; and in Germany it is called the Vogel
Beerhaum : i. e. bird's berry tree, and is much used by bird
catchers to bait their springs with.
Twenty-five feet is about the average height of the Moun-
tain ash in this country. Abroad, it grows more vigorously ;
and in Scotland, where it is best known by the name of the
Roan or Rowan tree, it sometimes reaches the altitude of 35
or 40 feet. The lower classes throughout the whole of
Britain, for a long time attributed to its branches the power
of being a sovereign charm against witches ; and Sir Tho-
mas Lauder informs us that this superstition is still in
existi^ce in many parts of the Highlands, as well as in Wales.
It is probable that this tree was a great favourite with the
Druids ; for it is often seen growing near their ancient
mystical circles of stones. The dairy maid, in many parts
of England, still preserves the old custom of driving her
cows to pasture with a switch of the roan tree, which she
believes has the power to shield them from all evil spells.*
" Evelyn mentions that it is customary in Wales, to plant
this tree in 'church-yards ; and Miss Kent in her Sylvan
Sketches, makes the following remarks : — " In former times
this tree was supposed to be possessed of the property of
* Lightfoot, Flora Scodca.
204 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
driving away witches and evil spirits ; and this property is
alluded to in one of the stanzas of a very ancient song,
called the Laidley Worm of Spindletoii's Heughs.
' Their spells were vain ; the boys retum'd
To the queen in sorrowful mood,
Crying that " witches have no power
Where there is roan-tree wood ?'
The last line of this stanza leads to the true reading of a
stanza in Shakspeare's tragedy of Macbeth. The sailor's
wife, on the witch's requesting some chestnuts, hastily
answers, ' A rown-tree, witch !' — ^but many of the editions
have it, 'aroint thee witch!' which is nonsense, and evi-
dently a corruption."*
The European Mountain ash is quite a favourite with
cultivators here, and deservedly so. Its foliage is extremely
neat, its blossoms pretty, and its blazing red berries in autumn
communicate a cheerfulness to the season, and harmonize
happily with the gay tints of our native forest trees. It is
remarkably well calculated for small plantations or collec-
tions, as it grows in almost any soil or situation, takes but
little room, and is always interestmg. " In the Scottish High-
lands, says Gilpin, " on some rocky momitain covered with
dark pines and waving birch, which cast a solemn gloom on
the lake below, a few Mountain ashes joining in a clump, and
mixing with them, have a fine effect. In summer, the light
green tint of their foliage, and in autumn the glowing berries
which hang clustering upon them, contrast beautifully with
the deeper green of the pines: and if they are happily
blended, and not in too large a proportion, they add some
of the most picturesque furnitiue with which the sides of
* Arboretum et Fruticetum, p. 918.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 205
those rugged mountains are invested." We have seen the
Mountain ash here, displaying itself in great beauty, mingled
with a group of hemlocks, from among the deep green foli-
age of which, the coral berries of the former seemed to shoot
out ; their colour heightened by the dark back ground of
evergreen boughs.
The American Mountain ash, {Pyrus Americana) is a
native of the momitains along the banks of the Hudson, and
other cold and elevated situations in the north of the United
States : on the Catskill we have seen some handsome speci-
mens near the Mountain House ; but generally it does not
grow in so comely a shape, or form so handsome a tree
as the foreign sort. In the general appearance of the leaves
and blossoms, however, it so nearly resembles the European,
as to be thought merely a variety by some botanists. The
chief difference between them appears to be in the colour of
the fruit, which on our native tree, is copper coloured or
dull purplish red. It may probably assume a handsome
shape when cultivated.
The Sorb or Service tree, {Pyrus Sorbus,) is an interest-
ing species of Pyrus, a native of Europe, which is sometimes
seen in our gardens, and deserves a place for its handsome
foliage, and its clusters of fruit ; which somewhat resemble
those of the Mountain ash, and are often eaten when in a
state of incipient decay. The leaves are coarser than those
of the Mountain ash, and the tree is larger, often attaining
the height of 50 or 60 feet in its native soil.
The White Beam, {Pyrus Aria,) is another foreign species,
also bearing bunches of handsome scarlet berries, and clus-
ters of white flowers. The leaves, however, are not pinna-
ted, but simply serrated on the margin. It grows 30 feet
206 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
high, and as the fohage is dark green on the upper side, and
downy white beneath, it presents an effect greatly resembUng
that of the Silver poplar, in a slight breeze. Abroad, the
timber is considered valuable ; but here it is chiefly planted
to produce a pleasing variety among other trees, by its
peculiar foliage, and scarlet, autumnal fruit.
All the foregoing trees grow naturally in the highest, most
exposed, and, often, almost barren situations. When, how-
ever, a rapid growth is desired, they should be planted in a
more moist and genial soil. They are easily propagated
from the seed, and some of the sorts may be grafted on the
pear or hawthorn. The seeds, in all cases, should be sown
in autumn.
The Ailantus Tree. Ailantus.
Nat. Ord. Xanthoxylacese. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Moncecia.
Ailanto is the name of this tree in the Moluccas, and is
said to signify Tree of Heaven ; an appellation probably
bestowed on account of the rapidity of its growth, and the
great height which it reaches in the East Indies, its native
country. When quite young it is not unlike a sumac in
appearance ; but the extreme rapidity of its growth, and the
great size of its pinnated leaves, four or five feet long, soon
distinguish it from that shrub. During the first half dozen
years it outstrips almost any other deciduous tree in vigour
of growth, and we have measured leading stems which had
grown twelve or fifteen feet in a single season. In four or
five years, therefore, it forms quite a bulky head, but after
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 207
that period it advances more slowly, and in 20 years would
probably be overtopped by the poplar, the plane, or any other
fast growing tree. There are, as yet, no specimens in this
country more than 70 feet high ; but the trunk shoots up
in a fine column, and the head is massy and irregular in
outline. In this country it is planted purely for ornament ;
but we learn that in Europe its wood has been applied
to cabinet-work ; for which, from its close grain, and bright
satin-like lustre, it is well adapted,* The male and female
flowers are borne on separate trees, and both sexes are now
common, especially in New- York, The male forms the
finer ornamental tree, the female being rather low, and
spreading in its head.
In New- York and Philadelphia, the Ailantus is more gene-
rally known by the name of the Celestial tree, and is much
planted in the streets and public squares. For such situa-
tions it is admirably adapted, as it will insinuate its strong
roots into the most meagre and barren soil, where few other
trees will grow, and soon produce an abundance of foliage
and fine shade. It appears also to be perfectly free from
insects; and the leaves instead of dropping slowly, and
for a long time, fall off" almost immediately when frost
commences.
The Ailantus is well adapted to produce a good effect on
the lawn, either singly or grouped; as its fine long foliage
catches the light well, and contrasts strikingly with that of
the round-leaved trees. It has a troublesome habit of pro-
ducing suckers, however, which must exclude it from every
place but a heavy sward, where the surface of the ground is
never stirred by cultivation.
The branches of this tree are entirely destitute of the small
* Annales de la Societie d' Horticulture.
208 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
spray so common on most forest trees, and have a singularly
naked look in winter, well calculated to fix the attention of
the spectator at that dreary season.
The largest Ailantus trees in America are growing in
Rhode-Island, where it was introduced from China, under
the name of the Tillou tree. It has since been rapidly pro-
pagated by suckers and is now one of the commonest orna-
mental trees sold in the nurseries. The finest trees, how-
ever, are those raised from seed.
The Kentucky Coffee Tree. Gymnocladus.
Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. Lin. Syst. Dioecia, Decandria.
This unique tree is found in the western part of the State
of New- York, and as far north as Montreal, in Canada. But
it is seen in the greatest perfection, in the fertile bottoms of
Kentucky and Tennesse. Sixty feet is the usual height of
the Coflee tree in those soils ; and judging from specimens
growing under our inspection, it will scarcely fall short of
that altitude, in well cultivated situations, any where in the
middle states.
When in full foliage, this is a very beautiful tree. The
whole leaf, doubly compomid and composed of a great num-
ber of bluish-green leaflets, is generally three feet long, and
of two-thirds that width on thrifty trees ; and the whole
foliage hangs in a well-rounded mass, that would look almost
too heavy, were it not lightened in efiect by the loose, tufted
appearance of each individual leaf The flowers, which are
white, are borne in loose spikes, in the beginning of summer ;
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 209
and are succeeded by ample brown pods, flat and somewhat
curved, which contain six or seven large gray seeds, imbedded
in a sweet pulpy substance. As the genus is dioecious, it is
necessary that both sexes of this tree should be growing near
each other, in order to produce seed.
When Kentucky was first settled by the adventurous pio-
neers from the Atlantic States, who commenced their career
in the primeval wilderness, almost without the necessaries
of life, except as produced by them from the fertile soil ;
they fancied that they had discovered a substitute for coffee
in the seeds of this tree, and accordingly the name of Coffee
tree was bestowed upon it : but when a communication
was established with the seaports, they gladly relinquished
their Kentucky beverage, for the more grateful flavour of
the Indian plant ; and no use is at present made of it in
that maimer. It has, however, a fine, compact wood, highly
useful in building or cabinet-work.
The Kentucky Cofiee tree is well entitled to a place in
every collection. In summer, its charming foliage and agree-
able flowers render it a highly beautiful lawn tree ; and in
winter, it is certainly one of the most novel trees, in appear-
ance, in our whole native sylva. Like the Ailantus, it is
entirely destitute of small spray, but it also adds to this the
additional singularity of thick, blmit, terminal branches,
without any perceptible buds. Altogether it more resembles
a dry, dead, and withered combination of sticks, than a
living and thrifty tree. Although this would be highly
monotonous and displeasing, were it the common appearance
of our deciduous trees in winter ; yet, as it is not so, but a
rare and very unique exception to the usual beautiful diver-
sity of spray and ramification, it is highly interesting to
27
210
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
place such a tree'as the present in the neighbourhood of other
full-sprayed species, where the curiosity which it excites
will add greatly to its value as an interesting object at that
period of the year.*
[Fig. 35. The Kentucky Coffee Tree.]
The seeds vegetate freely, and the tree is usually propa-
gated in that manner. It prefers a rich, strong soil, like most
trees of the western states.
* There are some very fine specimens upon the lawn at Dr Hosack's seat, Hyde
Park, N. Y. which have fruited for a number of years. See Fig. 35.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 211
The Willow Tree. Salix.
Nat. Ord. Salicacese. Lin. Syst. Dioecia, Diandria.
A very large genus, comprising plants of almost every
stature, from minute shrubs of three or four inches in height,
to lofty and wide-spreading trees of fifty or sixty feet.t
They are generally remarkable for their narrow leaves, and
slender, round, and flexible branches.
There are few of these willows which are adapted to add
to the beauty of artificial scenery ; but among them are
three or four trees, which, from their peculiar character, de-
serve especial notice. These are the Weeping, or Babylonian
willow, {Salix Bahylonica f) the White, or Huntington wil-
low, {S. alba;) the Golden willow, {S. vitellina ;) the Russell
willow, {S. Russelliana ;) and the profuse Flowering wil-
low, {S. caprea.)
The above are all foreign sorts, which, however, (except
the last,) have long ago been introduced, and are now quite
common in the United States. All of them, except the first,
have an upright or wavy, spreading growth, and form lofty
trees, considerably valued abroad for their timber. The
White willow, and the Russell willow are very rapid in their
growth, and have a pleasing light green foliage. The Golden
willow is remarkable for its bright yellow bark, which ren-
ders it quite ornamental, even in winter. It is a middle sized
tree, and is often seen growing along the road-sides in the
eastern and middle states. tSalix caprea is deserving a place
in collections, for the beauty of its abundant blossoms, at an
t Dr. Barratt of Middletown, Conn., who has paid great attention to the willow,
enumerates 100 species, as growing in North America, either indigenous or in-
troduced.
212 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
early and cheerless period in the spring. There are a num-
ber of other species found growing in different parts of the
Union, which may perhaps possess sufficient interest to re-
commend themselves to the planter.
The chief, and indeed almost the only value of these wil-
lows in Landscape Gardening, is to embellish low grounds,
streams of water, or margins of lakes. When mingled with
other trees, they often harmonize so badly from their ex-
tremely different habits, foliage, and colour, that unless
very sparingly introduced, they cannot fail to have a bad
effect. On the banks of streams, however, they are ex-
tremely appropriate, hanging their slender branches over
the liquid element, and drawing genial nourishment from
the moistened soil.
" Le saule incline surla rive penchante,
Balan^ant mollement sa tete blanchissante."
In the middle distance of a scene, also, where a stream
winds partially hidden, or which might otherwise wholly
escape the eye, these trees, if planted along its course, con-
nected as they are, in our minds, with watery soils, will
not fail to direct the attention, and convey forcibly the
impression of a brook or river, winding its way beneath
their shade.
The Weeping willow, however, is at once one of the
most elegant, graceful, and interesting trees ; elegant in its
light and delicate waving foliage ; and graceful in the soft
flowing lines formed by its drooping branches ; and in-
teresting by the melancholy, poetical, and scriptural asso-
ciations comiected with it. Every one will call to mind
the captivity of the children of Israel, as connected with
this tree : " By the waters of Babylon we sat down and
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 213
wept, O Zion ! As for our harps, we hanged them upon
the willow trees :" Psalm cxxxvii. And the gentle sigh
of the faintest breeze, through its light foliage, still recalls
to the niind the plaintive murmur of those abandoned
harps, which one may fancy to have bequeathed their last
tones of music to its pensile branches.
Since that period, the willow appears to have been, more
or less, consecrated to a tender sentiment of grief,
" Trailing low its boughs, to hide
The gleaming marble."
To these offices of pensive melancholy, it appears to be
dedicated in almost all countries. The Chinese and other
Asiatic nations, and the Turks, as well as the enlightened
Europeans, universally plant it in their cemeteries and last
places of repose. A French writer thus speaks of it, in
contrasting its merits for those purposes, with the cypress.
" The cypress was long considered as the appropriate orna-
ment of the cemetry ; but its gloomy shade among the
tombs, and its thick, heavy foliage, of the darkest green,
inspire only depressing thoughts, and present the image of
death under its most appalling form. The Weeping wil-
low, on the contrary, rather conveys a picture of grief for
the loss of the departed, than of the darkness of the grave.
Its light and elegant foliage, flows like the dishevelled hair
and graceful drapery of a sculptured mourner over a sepul-
chral urn ; and conveys those soothing, though softly
melancholy reflections, which have made one of our poets
to exclaim, ' There is a pleasure even in grief.' "* On this
passage, Loudon remarks : " Notwithstanding the prefe-
* Poiteau, Noveau du Hamel.
214 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
rence thus given the willow, the shape of the cypress,
conveying to a fanciful mind the idea of a flame pointing
upwards, has been supposed to afford an emblem of the
hope of immortality ; it is still planted in many church-
yards on the continent, and alluded to in the epitaphs,
under this light."*
Abroad, the willow was in ancient days worn by young
girls, as a symbol of grief for one of their own sex who
died yomig :
" Lay a garland on my hearse,
Of the dismal yew ;
Maidens, willow branches wear, ,
Say I died true."
The poets often allude to the willow :
" A willow garland thou didst send
Perfumed last day to me ;
Which did but only this portend,
I was forsook by thee.
Since so it is, I'll tell thee what,
To-morrow thou shalt see
Me wear the willow, after that
To die upon the tree." Herrick.
In landscapes, the Weeping willow is peculiarly expressive
of grace and softness. Although a highly beautiful tree,
great care must be used in its introduction, to preserve the
harmony and propriety of the whole ; as nothing could be
more strikingly inappropriate, than to intermix it frequently
with trees expressive of dignity or majesty, as the oak, etc ;
where the violent contrast exhibited in the near proximity
of the two opposite forms, could only produce discord.
* Arb. Brit.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 215
The favourite place, where it is most true to nature and
itself, is near water, where
" it dips
Its pendant boughs, stooping as if to drink."
COWPER.
There, when properly introduced, not in too great abun-
dance, hanging over some rustic bridge, or cool jutting
spring, and supported, and brought into harmony with
surromiding vegetation by such other graceful and light-
sprayed trees, as the Birch and Weeping elm, its effect is
often surpassingly beautiful and appropriate. There it is
one of the first in the vernal season to burst its buds, and
mirror its soft green foliage in the flood beneath, and one of
the last in autumn to yield its leafy vesture to the chilling
frosts, or fitful gusts of approaching winter.
We consider the Weeping willow ill calculated for a place
near a mansion, which has any claims to size, magnificence,
or architectural beauty ; as it does not in any way contribute
by its form or outline to add to, or strengthen such charac-
teristics in a building. The only place where it can be
happily situated in this way, is in the case of very humble
or inconspicuous cottages, which we have seen much orna-
mented by being completely hidden, as it were, beneath
the soft veil of its streaming foliage.
There is a very singular variety of the Weeping willow
cultivated in our gardens, under the name of the Ringlet
willow ; which is so remarkable in the form of its foliage,
and so different from all other trees, that it is well worth a
place as a curiosity. Each leaf is curled round like a ring
or hoop, and the appearance of a branch in full foliage is
not unlike a thinly curled ringlet ; whence its common
name. It forms a neat, middle-sized tree, with drooping
216 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
branches, though hardly so pendant as the Weeping
willow.
The uses of the willow are extremely numerous. Abroad
it is extensively cultivated in coppices, for timber and fuel,
for hoops, ties, etc. ; and we are informed, that in the north-
ern parts of Europe, and throughout the Russian Empire,
the twigs are employed in manufacturing domestic utensils,
harness, cables, and even for the houses of the peasantry
themselves. From the fibres of the bark, it is said that a
durable cloth is woven by the Tartars ; and the bark is
used for tanning, in various parts of the eastern continent.
But by far the most extensive use to which this plant is
applied, is in the manufacture of baskets. From the earliest
periods it has been devoted to this purpose, and large plan-
tations, or osier-fields, as they are called, are devoted to the
culture of particular kinds for this purpose, both in Europe
and America. The common Basket willow, an European
species, [iS. viminalis,) is the sort usually grown for this
purpose, but several others are also employed. For the
culture of the basket willows, a deep, moist, though not
inundated soil is necessary ; such as is generally found on
the margins of small streams, or low lands. " Ropes and
baskets made from willow twigs, were probably among the
very earliest manufactures, in countries where these trees
abound. The Romans used the twigs for binding their
vines, and tying their reeds in bundles, and made all sorts
of baskets of them. A crop of willows was considered so
valuable in the time of Cato, that he ranks the Salictum, or
willow field, next in value to the vineyard, and the garden.
(Art. Salix, Arb. Brit.)
Among us, the European Basket willow is extensively
cultivated, and very large plantations are to be seen in the
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 217
low grounds of New- Jersey and Pennsylvania. The wood
of some of the tree willows, and particularly that of the
Yellow willow, and the Shining willow, {S. lucida,) is
greatly used in making charcoal for the manufacture of
gmipowder.
It is almost uimecessary to say, that all the willows grow
readily from slips or truncheons planted in the ground. So
tenacious of life are they, that examples are known where
small trees have been taken up and completely inverted, by
planting the branches and leaving the roots exposed, which
have nevertheless thrown out new roots from the former
tops, and the roots becoming branches, the tree grew again
with its ordinary vigour.
The Sassafras Tree. Laurus.
Nat. Ord. Lauraceee. Lin. Syst. Enneandria, Monogynia.
The Sassafras is a neat tree of the middle size, belonging
to the same family as the European laurel or Sweet bay.
it is foimd, more or less plentifully, through the whole
territory of the United States. In favourable soils, along
the banks of the Hudson, it often grows to 40 or 50 feet in
height ; but in the woods it seldom reaches that altitude.
The flowers are yellow, and appear in small clusters in
May, and the fruit is a small, deep blue berry, seated on a
red footstalk or cup. The bark of the wood and roots has
an agreeable smell and taste, and is a favourite ingredient,
with the branches of the spruce, in the small beer made by
the country people. Medicinally, it is considered anti-scor,
28
218 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
butic, and sudorific ; and is thought efficacious in purifying
the blood. It was formerly in great repute with practitioners
abroad, and large quantities of the bark of the roots were
shipped to England ; but the demand has of late greatly
decreased.
The Sassafras is a very agreeable tree to the eye, decked
as it is with its glossy, deep green, oval, or three-lobed
leaves. When fully grown, it is also quite picturesque for
a tree of so moderate a size ; as its branches generally have
an irregular, somewhat twisted look, and the head is par-
tially flattened, and considerably varied in outline. After
ten years of age, this tree always looks older than it really
is, from its rough, deeply cracked, gray bark, and rather
crooked stem. It often appears extremely well on the
borders of a plantation, and mixes well with almost any of
the heavier, deciduous trees. As it is by no means so com-
mon a tree as many of those already noticed, it is generally
the more valued, and may frequently be seen growing along
the edges of cultivated fields and pastures, appearing to
thrive well in any good mellow soil.
The Catalpa Tree. Catalpa.
Nat. Ord. Bignoniacese. Lin. Syst. Diandria, Monogynia.
A native of nearly all the states south and west of Vir-
ginia, this tree has now become naturalized also throughout
the middle and eastern sections of the Union, where it is
generally planted for ornament.
In Carolina it is called the Catawba tree, after the Cataw-
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 219
ba Indians, a tribe that formerly inhabited that country ;
and it is probable that the softer epithet now generally
bestowed upon it in the north, is only a corruption of that
original name.
The leaves of this tree are very large, often measuring
six or seven inches broad ; they are heart-shaped in form,
smooth, and pale green on the upper side, slightly downy
beneath. The blossoms are extremely beautiful, hanging
like those of the Horse-chestnut, in massy clusters beyond
the outer surface of the foliage. The colour is a pure and
delicate white, and the irmer part of the corolla is delicately
sprinkled over with violet, or reddish and yellow spots ;
indeed, the individual beauty of the flowers is so great
when viewed closely, that one almost regrets that they
should be elevated on the branches of a large forest tree.
When these fall, they are succeeded by bean-like capsules
or seed-vessels, which grow ten or twelve inches long,
become brown, and hang pendant upon the branches du-
ring the greater part of the winter.
The Catalpa never, or rarely, takes a symmetrical form
when growing up ; but generally forms a wide-spreading
head, forty or fifty feet in diameter. Its large and abundant
foliage affords a copious shade, and its growth is quite rapid,
soon forming a large and bulky tree. In ornamental planta-
tions it is much varied on account of its superb and showy
flowers, and is therefore deserving a place in every lawn.
It is generally seen to best advantage when standing alone,
but it may also be mingled with other large round-leaved
trees, as the basswood, etc., when it produces a very pleasing
effect. The branches are rather brittle, like those of the
locust, and are therefore somewhat liable to be broken by
the wind. Accustomed to a warmer climate, the leaves
220 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
expand late in the spring, and wither hastily when frost
approaches ; but the soft tint of their luxuriant vegetation
is very grateful to the eye, and it appears to be uninjured
by the hottest rays of summer. North of this place the
Catalpa is rather too tender for exposed situations.
We have seen the Catalpa employed to great advantage in
fixing and holding up the loose soil of river banks, where,
if planted, it will soon insinuate its strong roots, and retain
the soil firmly. In Ohio, experiments have been made with
the timber for the posts used in fencing ; and it is stated on
good authority that it is but little inferior, when well sea-
soned, to that of the locust in durability.
Michaiix mentions that he has been assured that the
honey collected from the flowers is poisonous ; but this we
are inclined to doubt ; or at least we have witnessed no ill
effects from planting it in abundance in the middle states,
in those neighbourhoods where bees are kept in considerable
numbers.
The Catalpa is very easily propagated from seeds sown in
any light soil ; and the growth of the young plants is ex-
tremely rapid. C. syringafolia is the only species.
The Persimon Tree. Diospyros.
Nat. Ord. Ebenaceee. Lin. Syst. Polygaraia, Dioecia.
The Highlands of the Hudson, and about the same lati-
tude on the Connecticut, may be considered the northern
limits of this small tree. It generally forms a spreading,
loose head, of some twenty or thirty feet high, in good soils in
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 221
the middle states ; but we have seen a specimen of nearly
eighty feet, in the old Bartram Garden at Philadelphia ; and
fifty feet is probably the average growth on deep fertile lands
in the southern states.
The Persimon bears a small, round, dull red fruit, about
an inch in diameter, containing six or seven stones ; it is
insufferably austere and bitter, until the autunmal frosts have
mellowed it, and lessened its harshness, when it becomes
quite palatable. Considerable quantities of the fruit are an-
ually brought into New- York market and its vicinity, from
New- Jersey, and sold : the produce is very abundant, a sin-
gle tree often yielding several bushels. A strong brandy
has been distilled from them ; and in the south, they are said
to enter into the composition of the country beer. For the
latter purpose they are pounded up with bran, dried, and
kept for use till wanted.
The foliage of the Persimon is handsome ; the leaves be-
ing four or five inches long, simple, oblong, dark green, and
glossy, like those of the orange. The blossoms are green
and inconspicuous.
The Persimon has no importance as a tree to recommend
it ; but it may be admitted in all good collections for its
pleasing shining foliage, and the variety which its singular
fruit adds to the productions of a complete country residence.
The common sort, {D. Virginiana,) grows readily from the
seed.
There is an European species, {Diospyrits Lotus,) with
yellow fruit about the size of a cherry, rather less palatable
than our native kind. The specimens of this tree, which we
have imported, appear too tender to bear our winters unpro-
tected, so that it will probably not prove hardy in the north-
ern states.
222 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The Peperidge Tree. Nyssa.
Nat. Ord. Santalacese. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Dicecia.
The Peperidge, Tupelo, or sour gum tree, as it is called in
various parts of the Union, grows to a moderate size, and is
generally found in moist situations, though we have seen it
in New- York State, thriving very well in dry upland soils.
The diameter of the trunk is seldom more than eighteen
inches, and the general height is about forty or fifty feet.
The flowers are scarcely perceptible, but the fruit borne in
pairs, is about the size of a pea, deep blue, and ripens in
October.
The leaves are oval, smooth, and have a beautiful gloss on
their upper surface. The branches diverge from the main
trunk almost horizontally, and sometimes even bend down-
wards like those of some of the Pine family, which gives the
tree a very marked and picturesque character.
The Peperidge when of moderate size, is not difficult to
transplant, and we consider it a very fine tree, both on ac-
count of its beautiful, dark green, and lustrous foliage in sum-
mer, and the brilliant fiery colour which it takes when the
frost touches it in autumn. In this respect it is fully equal
in point of beauty, to that of the Liquidambar or Sweet gum,
and the maples which we have already described ; and so
fine a feature do we consider this autumnal beauty of foliage
that we would by all means advise the introduction of such
trees as the Peperidge, into the landscape for that reason
alone, were it not also valuable for its peculiar form and
polished leaves in summer.
Besides the Peperidge, there are three other Nyssas, natives
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 223
of this continent, viz: the Black gum, (A^. sylvatica,) a tree
of greater dimensions, and larger, more elongated leaves,
whose northern boundary is the neighbourhood of Philadel-
phia ; the Large Tupelo, (A^. grandidentata,) a tree of the
largest size, with large, coarsely toothed foliage, and a large
blue fruit, three-fourths of an inch long, which is sometimes
called the wild olive ; and the sour Tupelo, {N. capitata,)
with long, smooth, laurel-like leaves, and a light red, oval
fruit, called the Wild Lime, from its abounding in a strong
acid, resembling that of the latter fruit. Both the latter trees
are natives of the southren states, and are little known north
of Philadelphia.
The wood of all the foregoing trees is remarkable for the
peculiar arrangement if its fibres ; which, instead of running
directly through the stem in parallel lines, are curiously
twisted and interwoven together. Owing to this circum-
stance it is extremely difficult to split, and is therefore often
used in the manufacture of wooden bowls, trays, etc. That
of the Peperidge is also preferred for the same reason, and
for its toughness, by the wheelwrights, in the construction
of the naves of wheels, and for other similar purposes.
Michaux remarks that he is unable to give any reason why
the names of Sour gum, Black gum, etc., have been bestowed
upon these trees, as they spontaneously exude no sap or fluid
which could give rise to such an appellation. We suspect
that the term has arisen from a comparison of the autumnal
tints of these trees belonging to the genus Nyssa, with those
of the Sweet gum or Liquidambar, which, at a short distance,
they so much resemble in the early autumn.
224 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The Thorn Tree. Crategus.
Nat. Ord. Rosacese. Lin. Syst. Icosandria, Di-pentagynia.
A tree of the smallest size ; but though many of the sorts
attain only the stature of ordinary shrubs, yet some of our
native species, as well as the English Hawthorn, [C. oxy-
cantha^) when standing alone, will form neat, spreading-
topped trees, of twenty or thirty feet in height.
Although the thorn is not generally viewed among us as a
plant at all conducive to the beauty of scenery, yet we are in-
duced to mention it here, and to enforce its claims in that
point of view, as they appear to us highly entitled to consid-
eration. First, the foliage — deep green, shining, and often
beautifully cut and diversified in form — is prettily tufted and
arranged upon the branches ; secondly, the snowy blossoms —
often produced in such quantities as to completely whiten
the whole head of the tree, and which in many sorts have a
delightful perfume — present a charming appearance in the
early part of the season ; and thirdly, the ruddy crimson or
purple haws or fruit, which give the whole plant a rich and
glowing appearance in and among our fine forests, open
glades, or wild thickets, in autumn.
The most ornamental, and the strongest growing in-
digenous kinds are the Scarlet Thorn tree (C coccinea,) and
its varieties, the Washington Thorn, (C. populifoliayand the
Cockspur Thorn, (C. crus-galli) ; all of which in good soil,
will grow to the height of twenty or thirty feet, and can
readily be transplanted from their native sites.
The English Hawthorn is not only a beautiful small tree,
but it is connected in our minds, with all the elegant, poetic,
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 225
and legendary associations which belong to it in England ;
for scarcely any tree is richer in such than this. With the
floral games of May, this plant, from its blooming at that
period, and being the favourite of the season, has become so
identified, that the blossoms are known in many parts of
Britain chiefly by that name. Among the ancient Greeks
and Romans, they were dedicated to Flora, whose festival
began on the first of that month ; and in the olden times of
merry England, the May-pole, its top decked with the gayest
garlands of these blossoms, was raised amid the shouts of
the young and old assembled to celebrate this happy rustic
festival. Chaucer alludes to the custom, and describes the
hawthorn thus :
Marke the faire blooming of the Hawthorne tree,
Which finely cloathed in a robe of wliite,
Fills ftill the wanton eye with May's delight.
Court of Love.
And Her rick has left us the following lines to " Corrina
going a Maying ;"
" Come, my Corrina, come ; and coming, marke
How eche field turns a street, eclie street a park
Made green, and trimmed with trees ; see how
Devotion gives eche house a bough
Or branch ; eche porch, eche doore ere this.
An arke, a tabernacle is.
Made up of Hawthorne, neatly interwove.
As if here were those cooler shades of love."
The following lines descriptive of the English species, we
extract from the " Romance of Nature ;"
" Come let us rest this hawthorn tree beneath.
And breathe its luscious fragrance as it flies,
29
226 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
And watch the tiny petals as they fall,
Circling and winnowing down our sylvan hall."
The berries or haws, as they are called, have a very rich
and coral-hke look when the tree, standing alone, is com-
pletely covered with them in October. There are some ele-
gant varieties of this species, which highly deserve cultiva-
tion for the beauty of their flowers and foliage. Among them
we may particularly notice the Double White, with beau-
tiful blossoms like small white roses; the Pink and the
Scarlet flowering, both single and double, and the Variegated-
leaved hawthorn, all elegant trees ; as well as the Weeping
hawthorn, a rarer variety, with pendulous branches.
The Hawthorn is most agreeable to the eye in composition
when it forms the undergrowth or thicket, peeping out in
all its green freshness, gay blossoms, or bright fruit from be-
neath and between the groups and masses of trees ; where,
mingled with the hazel, etc., it gives a pleasing intricacy to
the whole mass of foliage. But the difierent species display
themselves to most advantage, and grow also to a finer size,
when planted singly, or two or three together, along the
walks leading through the diflerent parts of the pleasure-
gromid or shrubbery.
The Magnolia Tree. Magnolia.
Nat. Ord. MagnoliacesB. Lin. Syst. Polyandria, Polygynia.
The North American trees composing the genus Magnolia
are certainly among the most splendid productions of the for-
ests in any temperate climate ; and when we consider the
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREEs/ 227
size, and fragrance of their blossoms, or the beauty of their
large and noble foliage, we may be allowed to doubt whether
there is a more magnificent and showy genus of deciduous
trees in the world. With the exception of a few shrubs or
smaller trees, natives of China, and the mountains of Cen-
tral Asia, it belongs exclusively to this continent, as no in-
dividuals of this order are indigenous to Europe or Africa.
The American species attracted the attention of the first
botanists who came over to examine the riches of our native
flora, and were transplanted to the gardens of England and
France, more than a hundred years ago, where they are
still valued as the finest hardy trees of that hemisphere.
The Large Evergreen Magnolia, {M. grmidiflora,) or
Big Laurel, as it is sometimes called, is peculiarly indige-
nous to that portion of our country south of North Carolina,
where its stately trunk, often seventy feet in height, and
superb pyramid of deep green foliage, render it one of the
loveliest and most majestic of trees. The leaves, which are
evergreen, and somewhat resemble those of the laurel in
form, are generally six or eight inches in length, thick in
texture, and brilliantly polished on the upper surface. The
highly fragrant flowers are composed of about six petals,
opening in a wide cup-like form, of the most snowy white-
ness of colour. Scattered among the rich foliage, their
effect is exquisitely beautiful. The seeds are borne in an
oval, cone-like carpel or seed-vessel, composed of a number
of cells which split longitudinally, when the stony seed,
covered with a bright red pulp, drops out. There are seve-
ral varieties, which have been raised from the seed of this
species abroad ; the most beautiful is the Exmouth Magno-
lia, with fine foliage, rusty beneath ; it produces its flowers
much earlier and more abundantly than the original sort.
228 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
We regret that this tree is too tender to bear the open air
north of Philadelphia, as it is one of the choicest evergreens.
At the nurseries of the Messrs. Landreth, and at the Bartram
Botanic Garden of Col. Carr, near that city, some good
specimens of this Magnolia and its varieties are growing
thriftily ; but in the State of New- York, and at the east, it
can only be considered a green-house plant.
The Cucumber Magnolia, (C. accuTninata,) (so called
from the appearance of the young fruit, which is not unlike
a green cucumber,) takes the same place in the north, in
point of majesty and elevation, that the Big Laurel occupies
in the south. Its northern limit is Lake Erie ; and it
abounds along the whole range of the Alleghanies to the
southward, in rich mountain acclivities, and moist sheltered
valleys. There it often measures three or four feet in
diameter, and eighty in height. The leaves, which are
deciduous, like those of all the Magnolias except the M.
grandijlora, are also about six inches long, and four
broad, accuminate at the point, of a bluish green on the
upper surface. The flowers are six inches in diameter, of a
pale yellow, much like those of the Tulip tree, and slightly
fragrant. The fruit is about three inches long, and cylin-
drical in shape. Most of the inhabitants of the country
bordering on the Alleghanies, says Michaux, gather these
cones about midsummer, when they are half ripe, and steep
them in whiskey ; the liquor produced, they take as an
antidote against the fevers prevalent in those districts.
The Umbrella Magnolia, {M. tripetala,) though found
sometimes in the northwest of New- York, is rare there, and
abounds most in the south and west. It is a smaller tree
than the preceding kinds, rarely growing more than thirty
feet high. The leaves on the terminal shoots, are disposed
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTxVL TREES. 229
three or four in a tuft, which has given rise to the name of
Umbrella tree. They are of fine size, eighteen inches or two
feet long, and seven or eight broad, oval, and pointed at both
ends ; the flowers are also large, white, and numerous ; and
the conical fruit-vessel containing the seeds, assumes a
beautiful rose-colour in autumn. From its fine tufted
foliage, and rapid growth, this is one of the most desirable
species for our pleasure-grounds.
The Large-leaved Magnolia, {M. macrophylla,) is the
rarest of the genus in our forests, being only found as yet,
in North Carolina. The leaves grow to an enormous size,
when the tree is young, often measuring three feet long,
and nine or ten inches broad. They are oblong, oval, and
heart-shaped at the base. The flowers are also immense,
opening of the size of a hat-crown, and diflusing a most
agreeable odour. The tree attains only a secondary size,
and is distinguished in winter by the whiteness of its bark,
compared with the others. It is rather tender north of New-
York.
The Heart-leaved Magnolia, {M. cordata,) is a beautiful
southern species, distinguished by its nearly round, heart-
shaped foliage, and its yellow flowers about four inches in
diameter. It blooms in the gardens very young, and very
abundantly, often producing two crops in a season.
Magnolia auriculata, grows about forty feet high, and is
also found near the southern Alleghany range of mountains.
The leaves are light green, eight or nine inches long, widest
at the top, and narrower towards the base, where they are
rounded into lobes. The flowers are not so fine as those of
the preceding kinds, but still are handsome, pale greenish
white, and about four inches in diameter.
Besides these, there is a smaller American Magnolia,
230 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
which is the only sort that in the middle or eastern sections
of the Union, grows within 150 miles of the sea-shore. This
is the Magnolia of the swamps of New- Jersey, and the south,
{M. glauca,) of which so many fragrant and beautiful bou-
quets are gathered in the season of its inflorescence, brought
to New- York and Philadelphia, and exposed for sale in the
markets. It is rather a large bush, than a tree ; with shi-
ning, green, laurel-like leaves, four or five inches long, some-
what mealy or glaucous beneath. The blossoms, about
three inches broad, are snowy white, and so fragrant that
where they abound in the swamps, their perfume is often
perceptible for the distance of a quarter of a mile.
The foreign sorts introduced into our gardens from China,
are the Chinese purple, {M. jtuiyurea^) which produces an
abundance of large delicate purple blossoms, early in the
season ; the Yulan or Chinese White Magnolia, {M. con-
spicua,) a most abundant bloomer, bearing beautiful white,
fragrant flowers in April, before the leaves appear ; and
Soulange's Magnolia, {M. Soulangiana,) a hybrid between
the two foregoing, with large flowers delicately tinted with
white and purple. These succeed well in sheltered situa-
tions, in our pleasure-grounds, and add greatly to their
beauty early in the season. Grafted on the cucumber tree,
they form large and vigorous trees of great beauty.
The Magnolia, in order to thrive well, requires a deep
rich soil ; which in nearly all cases, to secure their luxuri-
ance, should be improved by adding thereto some leaf mould
or decayed vegetable matter from the woods. Wlien trans-
planted from the nursery, they should be preferred of small
or only moderate size, as their succulent roots are easily in-
jured, and they recover slowly when large. Most of them
may be propagated from seed ; but they flower sooner, grow
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 231
more vigorously, and are much hardier when grafted upon
young stocks of the Cucumber Magnolia. This we have
found to be particularly the case with the Chinese species
and varieties.
All these trees are such superb objects upon a lawn, in
their rich summer garniture of luxuriant foliage, and large
odoriferous flowers, that they need no further recommenda-
tion from us to insure their regard and admiration from all
persons who have room for their culture. If possible, situa-
tions somewhat sheltered either by buildings, or other trees,
should be chosen for all the species, except the Cucumber
Magnolia, which thrives well in almost any aspect not
directly open to violent gales of wind.
The White-wood, or Tulip Tree. Liriodendron.
Nat. Ord. Magnoliaceee. Lin. Syst. Polyandria, Polygynia.
The Tulip tree belongs to the same natural order as the
Magnolias, and is not inferior to most of the latter in all that
entitles them to rank among our very finest forest trees.
The taller Magnolias, as we have already remarked, do
not grow naturally within 100 or 150 miles of the sea-coast ;
and the Tulip tree may be considered as in some measure,
supplying their place in the middle Atlantic states. West of
the Connecticut river, and south of the sources of the Hudson,
this fine tree may be often seen reaching in warm and deep
alluvial soils, 80 or 90 feet in height. But in the western
232 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
States, where indeed the growth of forest trees is astonish-
ingly vigorous, this tree far exceeds that ahitude. The elder
Michaux mentions several which he saw in Kentucky, that
were fifteen and sixteen feet in girth ; and his son confirms
the measurement of one, three miles and a half from Louis-
ville, which at five feet from the ground, was found to be
twenty-two feet and six inches in circumference, with a cor-
responding elevation of 130 feet.
The foliage Is rich and glossy, and has a very peculiar
form ; being cut ofi", as it were, at the extremity, and slightly
notched and divided, into two sided lobes. The breadth
of the leaves is six or eight inches. The flowers, which are
shaped like a large tulip, are composed of six thick yellow
petals, mottled on the inner surface with red and green.
They are borne singly on the terminal shoots, have a plea-
sant, slight perfume, and are very showy. The seed-vessel,
which ripens in October, is formed of a number of scales
surrounding the central axis in the form of a cone. It is
remarkable that young trees under 30 or 35 feet high,
seldom or never perfect their seeds.
Whoever has once seen the Tulip tree in a situation where
the soil was favourable to its free growth, can never forget
it. With a clean trunk, straight as a column, for 40 or 50
feet, surmounted by a fine, ample summit of rich green foliage,
it is, in our estimation, decidedly the most stately tree in
North America. When standing alone, and encouraged in
its lateral growth, it will indeed often produce a lower head,
but its tendency is to rise, and it only exhibits itself in all
its stateliness and majesty when, supported on such a noble
columnar trunk, it towers far above the heads of its neigh-
bours of the park or forest. Even when at its loftiest eleva-
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 833
tion, its large specious blossoms, which, from their form, one
of our poets has likened to the chalice ;
Through the verdant maze
The Tulip tree,
Its golden chalice oft triumphantly displays.
Pickering.
jut out from amid the tufted canopy in the month of June,
and glow in richness and beauty. While the tree is less than
a foot in diameter, the stem is extremely smooth, and it has,
almost always, a refined and finished appearance. For the
lawn or park, we conceive the Tulip tree eminently adapted :
its tall upright stem, and handsome summit, contrasting
nobly with the spreading forms of most deciduous trees. It
should generally stand alone, or near the border of a mass
of trees, where it may fully display itself to the eye, and
exhibit all its charms from the root to the very summit ; for
no tree of the same grandeur and magnitude is so truly
beautiful and graceful in every portion of its trunk and
branches. Where there is a taste for avenues, the Tulip
tree ought by all means to be employed, as it makes a most
magnificent overarching canopy of verdure, supported on
trmiks almost architectural in their symmetry. The leaves
also, from their bitterness, are but little liable to the attacks
of any insect.
This tree was introduced into England about 1668 ; and
is now to be found in almost every gentleman's park on
the Continent of Europe, so highly is it esteemed as an
ornamental tree of the first class. We hope that the
fine native specimens yet standing, here and there, in farm
lands along our river banks, may be sacredly preserved from
the barbarous infliction of the axe, which formerly despoiled
30
234 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
without mercy, so many of the majestic denizens of our
native forests.
In the western states, where this tree abounds, it is much
used in building and carpentry. The timber is hght and
yellow, and the tree is commonly called the Yellow Poplar,
in those districts, from some fancied resemblance in the
wood, though it is much heavier and more durable than
that of the poplar.
When exposed to the weather, the wood is liable to warp,
but as it is fine grained, light, and easily worked, it is ex-
tensively employed for the pannels of coaches, doors, cabinet-
work, and wainscoats. The Indians who once inhabited
these regions, hollowed out the trunks, and made their
canoes of them. There are two sorts of timber known;
viz : the Yellow and the White Poplar, or Tulip tree. These,
however, it is well known are the same species, {L. tulipi-
fera,} but the variation is brought about by the soil, which
if dry, gravelly, and elevated, produces the white, and if
rich, deep, and rather moist, the yellow timber.
It is rather difficult to transplant the Tulip tree when it
has attained much size, unless the roots have undergone
preparation, as will hereafter be mentioned ; but it is easily
propagated from seed, or obtained from the nurseries, and
the growth is then strong and rapid.
The Dogwood Tree. Cornus.
Nat. Ord. Cornacece. Lin. Syst. Tetrandria, Monogynia.
There are a number of small shrubs that belong to this
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 235
genus, but the common Dogwood, {Cornus fiorida,) is the
only species which has any claims to rank as a tree. In the
middle states, where it abounds, as well as in most other
parts of the Union, the maximum height is thirty-five feet,
while its ordinary elevation is about twenty feet.
The Dogwood is quite an ornamental small tree, and owes
its interest chiefly to the beauty of its numerous blossoms
and fruit. The leaves are oval, about three inchgs long,
dark green above, and paler below. In the beginning of
May, while the foliage is beginning to expand rapidly, and
before the tree is in full leaf, the flowers unfold, and present
a beautiful spectacle, often covering the whole tree with their
snowy garniture. The principal beauty of these, consists in
the involucrum or calyx, which, instead of being green, as
is commonly the case, in the Dogwood takes a white or pale
blue tint. The true flowers may be seen collected in little
clusters, and are, individually, quite small, though sur-
rounded by the involucrum, which produces all the effect of
a fine white blossom.
In the early part of the season, the Dogwood is one of
the gayest ornaments of our native woods. It is seen at
that time to great advantage in sailing up the Hudson river.
There, in the abrupt Highlands, which rise boldly many
hundred feet above the level of the river, patches of the
Dogwood in full bloom, gleam forth in snowy whiteness
from among the tender green of the surrounding young
foliage, and the gloomier shades of the dark evergreens,
which clothe with a rich verdure the rocks and precipices
that overhang the moving flood below.
The berries which succeed these blossoms, become quite
red and brilliant, in autumn ; and, as they are plentifully
borne in little clusters, they make quite a display. When
236 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
the sharp frosts have lessened their bitterness, they are
the food of the robin, which, at that late season, eats them
greedily.
The foliage in autumn is also highly beautiful, and must
be considered as contributing to the charms of this tree.
The colour it assumes is a deep lake-red ; and it is at that
season as easily known at a distance by its fine colouring,
as the Maple, the Liquidambar, and the Nyssa, of which we
have already spoken. Taking into consideration all these
ornamental qualities, and also the fact that it is every day
becoming scarcer in our native wilds, we think the Dog-
wood tree should fairly come under the protection of the
picturesque planter, and well deserves a place in the plea-
sure-ground and shrubbery.
The wood is close-grained, hard, and heavy, and takes a
good polish. It is too small to enter into general use, but is
often employed for the lesser utensils of the farm. The bark
has been very successfully employed by physicians in Phila-
delphia, and elsewhere, and is found to possess nearly the
same properties as the Peruvian bark. Bigelow states in his
American Botany, that its use in fevers has been known
and practised in many sections of the Union by the comitry
people, for more than fifty years.
Besides this native species there is an European dogwood,
{Cornus mascula,) commonly called the Cornelian cherry,
which is now planted in many of our gardens, and grows
to the height of twenty or thirty feet. The small yellow
flowers come out close to the branches in March or April,
and the whole tree is quite handsome in autumn, from the
size and colour of its fine oval scarlet berries. These are as
large as a small cherry, transparent, and hang for a long
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 237
time upon the tree. The leaves axe much like those of the
common Dogwood. Although the blossoms are produced
when the plant is quite a bush, yet it must attain some age
before the fruit sets. Altogether, the Cornelian cherry is
one of the most desirable of small trees.
The Salisburia, or Ginko Tree.
Nat. Ord. Taxaceae. Lin. Syst. Moncecia, Polyandria.
This fine exotic tree, which appears to be perfectly hardy
in this climate, is one of the most singular in its foliage that
has ever come under our observation. The leaves are
wedge-shaped, or somewhat triangular, attached to the
petioles at one of the angles, and pale yellowish green in
colour ; the ribs or veins, instead of diverging from the
central mid-rib of the leaf, as is commonly the case in
dicotyledonous plants, are all parallel ; in short, they almost
exactly resemble, (except in being three or four times as
large,) those of the beautiful Maiden hair fern, {Adiantum,)
common in our woods : being thickened at the edges, and
notched on the margin in a similar manner. The male
flowers are yellow, sessile catkins ; the female is seated in a
curious kind of cup, formed by the enlargement of the sum-
mit of the peduncle. The fruit is a drupe, about an inch in
length, containing a nut, which, according to Dr. Abel, is
almost always to be seen for sale in the markets of China
and Japan, the native country of this tree. They are eaten,
after having been roasted or boiled, and are considered
excellent.
238 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The Salisburia was introduced into this country by that
zealous amateur of horticulture and botany, the late Mr.
Hamilton, of Woodlands, near Philadelphia, who brought it
from England in 1784, where it had been received from
Japan about thirty years previous. There are several of
these now growing at Woodlands ; and the largest measures
sixty feet in height, and three feet four inches in circum-
ference. The next largest specimen which we have seen,
is now standing on the north side of that fine public square,
the Boston Common. It originally grew in the grounds of
Gardiner Green, Esq., of Boston ; but though of fine size, it
was, about three years since, carefully removed to its present
site, which proves its capability for bearing transplanting.
Its measurement is forty feet in elevation, and three in cir-
cumference. There is also a very handsome tree in the
grounds of Messrs. Landreth, Philadelphia, about thirty-five
feet high, and very thrifty.
We have not learned that any of these trees have yet
borne their blossoms ; 'at any rate, none but male blossoms
have yet been produced. Abroad, the Salisburia has fruited
in the South of France, and young trees have been reared
from the nuts.
The bark is somewhat soft and leathery, and, on the
trunk and branches, assumes a singular tawny yellow, or
grayish colour. The tree grows pretty rapidly, and forms
an exceedingly neat, loose, conical, or tapering head. The
timber is very solid and heavy ; and the tree is said to grow
to enormous size in its native country ; Bunge, who accom-
panied the mission from Russia to Pekin, states that he saw
near a Pagoda, an immense Ginko tree, with a trmik
nearly forty feet in circumference, and still in full vigour of
vegetation.*
♦ Bull, de la Soc. d'Agir. du depart, de I'Herault. Arb. Brit.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 239
Although nearly related to the Pine tribe, and forming,
apparently, the connecting link between the coniferm and
exogenous trees, yet unlike the former tribe, the wood of
the tree is perfectly free from resin.
The Ginko tree is so great a botanical curiosity, and is so
singularly beautiful when clad with its fern-like foliage, that
it is strikingly adapted to add ornament and interest to the
pleasure-ground. As the foliage is of that kind which must
be viewed near by to understand its peculiarity, and as the
form and outline of the tree are pleasing, and harmonize
well with buildings, we would recommend that it be plant-
ed near the house, where its unique character can be readily
seen and appreciated.
Salisburia adiantifolia is the only species. In the
United States it appears to flourish best in a rich fertile soil,
rather dry than otherwise. South of Albany it is perfectly
hardy, and may therefore be considered a most valuable ac-
quisition to our catalogue of trees of the first class. It has
hitherto been propagated chiefly from layers ; but cuttings
of the preceding year's growth, planted early in the spring,
in a fine sandy loam, and kept shaded and watered, will
also root without much difficulty. When the old trees al-
ready mentioned, (which have doubtless been raised from
seed,) begin to blossom, plants reared from them by cuttings
or grafts, will, of course, produce blossoms and fruit much
more speedily than when reared from the nut.
The American Cypress Tree. Taxodium.
Nat. Ord. ConifersB. Lin. Syst. Moncecia, Monadelphia.
The Southern or Deciduous cypress, ( Taxodium disti-
240 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
chum*) is one of the most majestic, useful, and beautiful trees
of the southern part of North America. Naturally, it is
not found growing north of Maryland, or the south part
of Delaware, but below that boundary it becomes extremely
multiplied. The low grounds and alluvial soils subject to
inundations, are constantly covered with this tree ; and on
the banks of the Mississippi, and other great western rivers,
for more than 600 miles from its mouth, those vast marshes,
caused by the periodical bursting and overflowing of their
banks, are filled with huge and almost endless growths of
this tree, called Cypress swamps. Beyond the boundaries
of the United States, its geographical range extends to
Mexico ; and Michaux estimates that it is found more or
less abmidantly, over a range of country more than 3000
miles in extent.
" In the swamps of the southern states and the Floridas,
on whose deep miry soil a new layer of vegetable mould is
deposited every year by the floods, the Cypress attains its
utmost development. The largest stocks are 120 feet in
height, and from 25 to 40 feet in circumference, above the
conical base, which at the surface of the earth is always
three or four times as large as the continued diameter of the
trunk; in felling them, the negroes are obliged to raise
themselves upon scaflblds five or six feet from the ground.
The roots of the largest stocks, particularly of such as are
most exposed to inundation, are charged with conical pro-
tuberances, commonly from eighteen to twenty-four inches,
and sometimes four or five feet in thickness; these are
always hollow, smooth on the surface, and covered with a
reddish bark, like the roots which they resemble also in the
softness of their wood ; they exhibit no sign of vegetation,
* Cupressus disticha.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 241
and I have never succeeded in obtaining shoots by wound-
ing their surface, and covering them with earth. No cause
can be assigned for their existence : they are peculiar to the
Cypress, and begin to appear when it is twenty or twenty-
five feet in height ; they are not made use of, except by
the negroes for bee-hives."
" The foUage is open, light, and of a fresh, agreeable tint ;
each leaf is four or five inches long, and consists of two
parallel rows of leaflets, upon a common stem. The leaflets
are small, fine, and somewhat arching, with the convex side
outwards. In the autumn, they change from a light green
to a dull red, and are shed soon after."
" The Cypress blooms in Carolina, about the first of
February. The male and female flowers are borne separate-
ly, by the same tree ; the first in flexible pendulous aments,
and the second in bunches, scarcely apparent. The cones
are about as large as the thumb, hard, round, of an mieven
surface, and stored with small irregular ligneous seeds,
containing a cylindrical kernel ; they are ripe in October,
and retain their productive virtue for two years."*
Such is the account given of the Cypress in its native soils.
In the middle states it is planted only as an ornamental tree ;
and while in the south, its great abundance causes it to be
neglected or disregarded as such, its rarity here allows us
fully to appreciate its beauty. North of the 43^ of latitude
it will not probably stand the winter without protection ; but
south of that, it will attain a good size. The finest planted
specimen which we have seen, and one which is probably
equal in grandeur to almost any in their native swamps, is
growing in the Bartram Botanic Garden, near Philadelphia.
* N. A. Sylva, II. 332.
31
242 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
That garden was formed by the father of American botanists,
John Bartram, who explored the southern and western terri-
tories, then vast wilds, at the peril of his life, to furnish the
savans and gardens of Europe, with the productions of the
new world, and who commenced the living collection,
now unequalled, of American trees, in his own garden. In
the lower part of it stands the great Cyjjress, a tree of noble
dimensions, measuring at this time 130 feet in height, and
25 in circumference. The tree was held by Bartram's son,
William, while his father assisted in planting it, ninety-nine
years since. The elder Bartram at the time expressed to
his son, the hope that the latter might live to see it a large
tree. Long before he died (not many years since,) it had
become the prodigy of the garden, and great numbers from
the neighbouring city annually visit it, to admire its vast
size, and recline beneath its ample shade.
The foliage of the Cypress is peculiar ; for while it has a
resemblance to the Hemlock, Yew, and other evergreen trees,
its cheerful bright green tint, and loose airy tufts of foliage,
give it a character of great lightness and elegance. In young
trees, the form of the head is pyramidal or pointed ; but
when they become old, Michaux remarks, the head becomes
widely spread, and even depressed, thus assuming a re-
markably picturesque aspect. This is also heightened by
the deep furrows or channels in the trunk, and the singular
excrescences or knobs already described, which, jutting above
the surface of the ground, give a strange ruggedness to the
surface beneath the shadow of its branches. A single
Cypress standing alone, like that in the Bartram Garden, is
a grand object, uniting with the expression of great elegance
and lightness in its foliage, that of magnificence, when we
perceive its extraordinary height, and huge stem and branches.
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 243
In composition, the Cypress produces the happiest effect,
when it is planted with the hemlock and firs, which it har-
monizes well with in the form of its foliage, while its soft
light green hue is beautifully opposed to the richer and
darker tints of those thickly-clad evergreens. Wherever
there is a moist and rather rich soil, the Cypress may be
advantageously planted ; for although we have seen it thrive
well on a fertile dry loam, yet to attain all its lofty propor-
tions, it requires a soil where its thirsty roots can drink in a
sufficient supply of moisture. There its grov/th is quite
rapid ; and although it may, at first, suffer a little from the
cold at the north, in severe winters, yet it continues its
progress, and ultimately becomes a stately tree.
In many parts of the southern states, the timber of this
tree, which is of excellent quality, is extensively used in the
construction of the frame work and outer covering of houses.
It is also esteemed for shingles ; and a large trade has long
been carried on from the south in Cypress shingles. Posts
made of this tree are found to be very lasting ; and it is also
employed for water pipes, masts of vessels, etc. In the
north, its place is supplied by the Pine timber ; but in many
southern cities, particularly New-Orleans, it will be found to
enter into the composition of almost every building.
In the nurseries, the Cypress is usually propagated from
the seed ; and as it sends down strong roots, it should be
transplanted where it is finally to grow, before it attains too
great a development.
The European Cypress, {Cupressus sempervirens,) a
beautiful evergreen tree, shaped like a small Lombardy
poplar, which is the principal ornament of the churchyards
and cemeteries abroad, is unfortunately too tender to endure
244, LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
the winter in any of the states north of Virginia. South of
that state, it may probably become naturalized, and serve to
add to the catalogue of beautiful indigenous evergreen trees.
From its dark and sombre tint, and perpetual verdure, it
is peculiarly the emblem of grief:
" Binde you my brows with mourning Cyparesse,
And palish twigs of deadlier poplar tree,
Or if some sadder shades ye can devise,
Those sadder shades vaile my light-loathing eyes."
Bp. Hall.
The Larch Tree. Larix.
^at. Ord. Coniferse. Lin. Sysi. Monoecia, Monadelphia.
The Larch is a resinous cone-bearing tree, belonging to
the Pine family, but differing from that genus in the annual
shedding of its leaves like other deciduous trees. In
Europe, it is a native of the coldest parts of the Alps and
Appenines ; and in America, is indigenous to the most
northern parts of the Union, and the Canadas. The leaves
are collected in little bunches, and the branches shoot out
from the main stem in a horizontal, or, more generally, in a
declining position.
For picturesque beauty, the Larch is almost unrivalled.
Unlike most other trees which must grow old, uncouth, and
misshapen, before they can attain that expression, this is
singularly so, as soon almost as it begins to assume the
stature of a tree. In can never be called a beautiful tree, so
far as beauty consists in smooth outlines, a finely rounded
head, or gracefully drooping branches. But it has what is
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES.
245
perhaps more valuable, as being more rare, — the expression
of boldness, and picturesqueness, peculiar to itself, and
which it seems to have caught from the wild and rugged
chasms, rocks, and precipices of its native mountains-
There its irregular and spiry top, and branches, harmonize
admirably with the abrupt variation of the surrounding
hills, and suit well the gloomy grandeur of those frowning
heights.
[Fig. 36. The European Larch.]
Like all highly expressive and characteristic trees, much
more care is necessary in introducing the Larch into artifi-
ciaFscenery judiciously, than round-headed trees. If planted
in abundance, it becomes monotonous, from the similitude of
246 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
its form in different specimens ; it should therefore be intro-
duced sparingly, and always for some special purpose.
This purpose may be, either to give spirit to a group of
other trees, to strengthen the already picturesque character
of a scene, or to give life and variety to one naturally tame
and uninteresting. All these objects can be fully effected
by the Larch ; and although it is by far the most suited to
harmonize with, and strengthen the expression of scener y
naturally grand, or picturesque, with which it most readily
enters into combination, yet, in the hands of taste, there can
be no reason why so marked a tree should not be employed
in giving additional expression to scenery of a tamer
character.
The extremely rapid growth of this tree when planted
upon thin, barren, and dry soils, is another great merit which
it possesses as an ornamental tree ; and it is also a neces-
sary one to enable it to thrive well on those very rocky and
barren soils, where it is most in character with the surround-
ing objects. It is highly valuable to produce effect or shel-
ter suddenly, on portions of an estate, too thin or meagre in
their soil, to afford the sustenance necessary to the growth
of many other deciduous trees.
The Larch is the great timber tree of Europe. Its wood
is remarkably heavy, strong, and durable, exceeding in all
those qualities the best English oak. To these, it is said to
add the peculiarity of being almost uninflammable, and
resisting the influence of heat for a long time. Vitruvius
relates that when Caesar attacked the castle of Larignum,
near the Alps, whose gate was commanded by a tower built
of this wood, from the top of which the besieged annoyed
him with their stones and darts, he commanded his army to
surround it with faggots, and set fire to the whole. When
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 247
however all the former was consumed, he was astonished to
find the Larch tower miinjured.* The wood is also recom-
mended for the decks of vessels, and the masts of ships, as
it is little liable either to fly in splinters in an engagement,
or to catch fire readily.
In Great Britain, immense plantations of this tree are
made with a view to profit ; and although as yet nothing
like rearing trees for timber has been attempted here, never-
theless the time must come when our attention will neces-
sarily be turned in this direction. When such is the case,
it is probable that the Larch will be found to be as much
an object of profit, on this side of the Atlantic, as on the
other. Indeed, we are much inclined to believe, that thou-
sands of acres of our sterile soils in some districts, might
now be profitably planted with this tree.
In Scotland, the Larch was first introduced in the year
1738, when eleven plants were given to the Duke of Athol,
who afterwards struck by the rapidity of their growth, and
the excellency of their timber, planted thousands of acres
with them. As a specimen of what is done in timber
growing abroad, and the peculiar capacity of the Larch for
thriving on poor soils, we shall make some extracts from
the account given of its growth in Scotland, by Sir T. D.
Lauder.
" The late Duke of Athol planted large districts with this
tree, and thereby converted the heathy wastes into valuable
forests ; but this was not the whole of the improvement he
thus created. The Larch being a deciduous tree, sheds upon
the earth so great a shower of decayed spines every succeed-
* Newton's Vitruvius, p. 40.
248 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
ing autumn, that the annual addition which is made to the
soil, cannot be less, than from a third of an inch to half an
inch, according to the magnitude of the trees. This we
have often had opportunities of proving, by our remarks
made on the surfaces of newly cleaned pleasure walks.
The result of planting a moor with Larches then, is, that
when the trees have grown so much as to exclude the air
and moisture on the surface, the heath is soon exterminated ;
and the soil gradually increasing by the decomposition of
the leaflets annually thrown down by the Larches, grass
begins to grow as the trees rise in elevation, so as to allow
greater freedom for the circulation of the air below, — and
thus, land which was not worth one shilling an acre, be-
comes most valuable pasture ; and we can say that our own
experience amply bears out the fact. The Duke of Athol
found that the value of the pasture in oak copses, was worth
five or six shillings (sterling) per acre, for eight years only,
in twenty-four, when the copse is cut down again. Under
a Scotch fir plantation it is not worth sixpence more per
acre, than it was before it was planted ; under Beech and
Spruce, it is worth less than it was before. But under
Larch, where the ground was not worth one shilling per
acre, before it was planted, the pasture becomes worth from
eight to ten shillings an acre, after the first thirty years,
when all the thinnings have been completed, and the trees
left for naval purposes, at the rate of four hundred to the
acre, and twelve feet apart.
The Larch is a very quick grower. Between 1740, and
1744, eleven trees were planted at Blair, the girths of which,
at growths from seventy-three to seventy-six years, ranged
from eight feet two inches, to ten feet. This lot was calcula-
ted to average one hundred feet each, in the whole, one
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 249
thousand two hundred feet. The total measurement of this
lot of twenty-two trees, therefore, is two thousand six
hundred and forty-five feet, which at the moderate value
of two shillings per foot, would give the sum of £264, IO5.
($1174) for twenty-two Larch trees, of something under
eighty years old. We find by the Duke of Athol's tables of
measurement, that trees planted by him in 1743, were nine
feet three inches in circumference, when measured at four
feet from the ground, in 1795.
The plantations of Larch made by Duke James of Athol,
between 1733 and 1759, amounted to one thousand nine
hundred and twenty-eight trees. Of these, eight hundred
and seventy-three, were cut down between 1809 and 1816.
The Duke of Athol had the satisfaction to behold a British
frigate built in 1819 and 1820 at Woolwich yard, out of
timber planted at Blair and Dunkeld, by himself and the
Duke his predecessor. And the extensive and increasing
Larch forests of those districts, may yet be called upon largely
to supply both our naval and mercantile dock-yards. Mankind
are prone to cherish and embalm the memory of individuals
whose claims to notoriety have originated in their wide-spread
destruction of the human race ; but they are too apt to forget
those who have been the benefactors of mankind. That a
vessel formed from trees of his introduction and planting,
should have waved the British flag over the ocean, is likely
to be all the reward contemporaneous or posthumous, which
will ever adhere to the noble Duke, for the great good he has
done to his country, and for the blessed legacy he has left to
his descendants, by the plantation of about fifteen thousand
five hundred and seventy-three English acres of ground,
which consumed above twenty-seven millions, four hundred
and thirty-one thousand, and six hundred trees.
32
250 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The following is the probable supply of Larch timber from
Athol, beginning twelve years from 1817.
Loads annually. Scotch acres about.
12 years before cutting, or in 1829
12 years before cutting, . . 1841 4,250
10 do. do. . . 1851 8,000 )
8 do. do. . , 1859 18,000 [ 2,000
8 do. do. . . 1867 30,000)
16 do. do. . . 1883 52,000 >
3 do. do. . . 1886 120,000^
3,000
69 ( years calculated to finish } jggg jgg qqq j ^qq
3 1 plants marked out. ) ' '
72 years. Scotch acres, 7,000
The Larch is unquestionably the most enduring timber
that we have. It is remarkable, that whilst the red wood or
heart wood is not formed at all in the other resinous trees,
till they have lived for a good many years, the Larch, on the
contrary, begins to make it soon after it is planted ; and
while you may fell a Scotch fir of thirty years old, and find
no red wood in it. you can hardly cut down a young Larch
large enough to be a Avalking stick, without finding just such
a proportion of red wood compared to its diameter as a tree,
as you will find in the largest Larch tree in tlie forest, com-
pared to its diameter. To prove the value of the Larch as a
timber tree, several experiments were made in the river
Thames. Posts of equal thickness and strength, some of
Larch and others of oak, were driven down facing the river
wall, where they were alternately covered with water by the
effect of the tide, and then left dry by its fall. This species
of alternation is the most trying of all circumstances for the
endurance of timber; and accordingly the oaken posts
decayed, and were twice renewed in the course of a very
few years, while those that were made of the Larch, remained
altogether unchanged.
Besides the foregoing species, [Larix Europea,) we have
f.wo native sorts much resembling it ; which are chiefly
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 251
found in the states of Maine, Vermont, and New-Hampshire.
These are known by the names of the Red Larch, {L. Micro-
carpa,) and the Black Larch, {L. pendula) ; which latter is
often called Hackmatack. In the coldest parts of the Union,
these often grow to 80 and 100 feet high ; but in the middle
states, they are only seen in the swamps, and appear not to
thrive so well except in such situations. For this reason
the European Larch is of course greatly preferable when
plantations are to be made, either for profit or ornament.
The latter is generally increased from seed in the nurseries.
The American larches are well worthy a place where
sufficient moistiu:e can be commanded, as their peculiar
forms are striking, though not so finely picturesque as that
of the European species.
In the upper part of Massachusetts, we have observed
them in their native soils growing 70 or 80 feet high, and
assuming a highly pleasing appearance. Their foliage is
bluish-green, and more delicate ; yet altogether the American
Larch appears to be more stiff and formal (except far north,)
than the foreign tree.
The Virgilia Tree. Vlrgilia*
Nat. Ord. Leguminceae. Lin. Syst. Decandria, Monogynia.
This fine American tree, still very rare in our ornamental
plantations, is a native of west Tennessee, and the banks of
the Kentucky river, and in its wild localities seems confined
to rather narrow limits. It was named, when first dis-
covered, after the poet Virgil, whose agreeable Georgics
* Cladeastris tinctoria. Torrey and Gray.
252 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
have endeared him to all lovers of nature, and a country
life.
The Virgilia is certainly one of the most beautiful of
all that class of trees bearing papilionaceous, or pea-shaped
flowers, and pinnate leaves, of which the common locust may
serve as a familiar example. It grows to a fine, rather broad
head, about 30 or 40 feet high, with dense and luxuriant
foliage — much more massy, and finely tufted, than thatof mos^
other pinnated leaved trees. Each leaf is composed of seven
or eight leaflets, three or four inches long, and half that
breadth, the whole leaf being more thcin a foot in length.
These expand rather late in the spring, and are, about the
middle of May, followed by numerous terminal racemes, or
clusters of the most delicate and charming pea- shaped blossoms,
of a pure white. These clusters are six or eight inches in
length, and quite broad, the flowers daintily formed, and
arranged in a much more graceful, loose, and easy manner,
than those of the locust. They have a very agreeable, slight
perfume, especially in the evening, and the whole efiect of
the tree, when standing singly on a lawn and filled with
blossoms, is highly elegant.
When the blossoms disappear, they are followed by the
pods, about the fourth of an inch wide, and three or four
inches long, containing a few seeds. These ripen in July
or August.
This tree is frequently called the Yellow-wood, in its
native haunts — its heart wood abounding in a fijie yellow
colouring matter, which, however, is said to be rather
difficult to fix, or render permanent. The bark is beauti-
fully smooth, and of a greenish gray colour. In autumn, the
leaves, when they die off, take a lively yellow tint.
This tree grows pretty rapidly, and is very agreeable in its
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 253
form and foliage, even while young. It commences flower-
ing when about ten or fifteen feet high, and we can recom-
mend it with confidence to the amateur of choice trees as
worthy of a conspicuous place in the smallest collection.
The only species known is Virgilia lutea. It was first
described by Michaux, and was sent to England, about the
year 1812. duite the finest planted specimens within our
knowledge are growing in some of the old seats in the
northern suburbs of Philadelphia, where there are several,
thirty or forty feet in height, and exceedingly beautiful, both
in their form and blossoms. A small specimen on our lawn,
eighteen feet high, blossoms now very profusely.
The Paulownia Tree. Paulownia.
Nat. Ord. Scrohpulriacese. Lin. Syst.
The Paulownia is an entirely new ornamental tree very
lately introduced into our gardens and pleasure-grounds
from Japan, and is likely to prove hardy here, wherever
the Ailantus stands the winter, being naturally from the
same soil and climate as that tree. It has already attained a
great notoriety in the gardening world of the other conti-
nent ; and from a cost of four or five guineas a plant, it is
now reduced to as many shillings, being very readily pro-
pagated. In the north of France, it is perfectly hardy, and
will, no doubt, prove equally so here, south of the latitude
of Boston. With our own plants being newly received, we
have not yet had the opportunity of testing this point.
The Paulownia is remarkable for the long size of its
foliage and the great rapidity of its growth. The largest
leaves are more than two feet in diameter, slightly rough or
254 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
hairy, and serrated on the edges. They are heart-shaped
and have been likened to those of the Catalpa, but they
perhaps more nearly resemble those of the common sun-
flower.
In its growth, this tree, while young, equals or exceeds the
Ailantus. In rich soils, near Paris, it has produced shoots,
in a single season, 12 or 14 feet in length. After being two
or three years planted, it commences yielding its blossoms
in panicled clusters. These are bluish lilac, of an open
mouthed, tubular form, are very abundantly distributed, and,
together with the large foliage, and the robust habit of
growth, give this tree a gay and striking appearance. Its
flower buds open during the last of April, or early in May,
and have a slight, syringo-like perfume.
The Paulownia, though yet very rare, is easy of propaga-
tion by cuttings — and even pieces of the roots grow freely.
Should it prove as hardy as (from our fine dry summers for
ripening its wood,) we confidently anticipate, it will be worthy
of a prominent place in every arrangement of choice orna-
mental trees.
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 255
SECTION V.
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES.
The History and Description of all the finest Hardy Evergreen Trees. Remarks on their
EFFECTS in Landscape Gardening, Individitally and in Composition. Their Culti-
vation, etc. The Pines. The Firs. The Cedar of Lebanon, and the Deodar Cedar. The
Red Cedar. The Arbor Vitse. The Holly. The Yew, etc.
Beneath the forest's skirt I rest,
^Vhose branching Pines rise dark and high,
And hear the breezes of the West
Among the threaded foliage sigh.
Bryant.
The PrNE Tree. Pimis.
Nat. Ord. Conifers. Lin. Sysl. Moncecia, Monadelphia.
H E Pines compose by far the most im-
portant genus of evergreen trees. In
either continent they form the densest
and most extensive forests known, and
their wood in civil and naval architectm*e, and for various
other purposes, is more generally used than any other. In
the United States and the Canadas, there are ten species ; in
the territory west of the Mississippi to the Pacific, including
Mexico, there are fourteen ; in Europe fourteen ; in Asia,
eight, and in Africa, two species. All the colder parts of the
old world — the mountains of Switzerland and the Alps, the
shores of the Baltic, vast tracts in Norway, Sweden, Ger-
256 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
many, Poland, and Russia, as well as millions of acres in our
own country, abound with immense and interminable forests
of Pine. Capable of enduring extreme cold, growing on
thin soils, and flourishing in an atmosphere, the mean tem-
perature of which is not greater than 37° or 38° Fahrenheit,
they are found as far north as latitude 68° in Lapland ;
while on mountains they grow at a greater elevation than
any other aborescent plant. On Mount Blanc, the Pines
grow within 2,800 feet of the line of perpetual snow.* In
Mexico, also, Humboldt found them higher than any other
tree ; and Lieut. Glennie describes them as growing in thick
forests on the mountain of Popocotapetl, as high as 12,693
feet, beyond which altitude vegetation ceases entirely.t
The Pines are, most of them, trees of considerable mag-
nitude and lofty growth, varying from 40 to 150, or even
200 feet in height in favourable situations, rising with a
perpendicular trunk, which is rarely divided into branches,
bearing much proportionate size to the main stem, as in
most deciduous trees. The branches are much more hori-
zontal than those of the latter class, (excepting the Larch.)
The leaves are linear or needle-shaped, and are always
found arranged in little parcels of from two to six, the num-
ber varying in the different species. The blossoms are
produced in spring, and the seeds, borne in cones, are not
ripened, in many sorts, until the following autumn. Every
part of the stem abounds in a resinous juice, which is ex-
tracted, and forms in the various shapes of tar, pitch, rosin,
turpentine, balsam, etc., a considerable article of trade and
export.
As ornamental trees, the Pines are peculiarly valuable for
* Edinburgh Phil. Journ.
t Proc. Geological Soc. Lond. Arb. Brit.
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES, 257
the deep verdure of their foHage, which, unchanged by the
severity of the seasons, is beautiful at all periods, and espe-
cially so in winter ; for the picturesque forms which many
of them assume when fully grown ; and for the effectual
shelter and protection which they afford in cold, bleak, and
exposed situations. We shall here particularize those spe-
cies, natives of either hemispheres, that are most valuable to
the planter, and are also capable of enduring the open air of
the middle states.
The White Pine, (P. strobiis,) called also Sapling Pine,
and Apple Pine, in various parts of this country, and Wey-
mouth Pine abroad, is undoubtedly the most beautiful North
American tree of the genus. The foliage is much lighter in
colour, more delicate in texture, and the whole tufting of the
leaves more airy and pleasing than that of the other species.
It is also beautiful in every stage of its growth, from a young
plant to a stately tree of 150 feet. When it grows in strong
soil, it becomes thick and compact in its head ; but its most
beautiful form is displayed when it stands in a dry and gra-
velly site ; there it shoots up with a majestic and stately
shaft, studded every six or eight feet with horizontal tiers of
branches and foliage. The hue of the leaves is much paler,
and less sombre than that of the other native sorts ; and be-
ing less stiffly set upon the branches, is more easily put in
motion by the wind ; the murmuring of the wind among
the Pine tops is, poetically, thought to give out a rather
melancholy sound : —
" The Pines of Moenalus were heard to mourn,
And sounds of wo along the grove were borne,"
says Virgil, speaking of the European Pine. But the mur-
mur of the slight breeze among the foliage of the White
33
258 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Pine gives out a remarkably soothing and agreeable sound,
which agrees better with the description of Leigh Hunt :
" And then there fled by me a rush of air
That stirr'd up all the other foliage there,
Filling the solitude with panting tongues,
At which the Pines woke up into their songs,
Shaking their choral locks."
Pickering, one of our own poets, thus characterizes the
melody :
" The overshadowing pines alone, through which I roam,
Their verdure keep, although it darker looks ;
And hark ! as it comes sighing through the grove,
The exhausted gale, a spirit there awakes.
That wild and melancholy music makes."
This species — the White Pine — seldom becomes flattened
or rounded on the summit in old age, like many other sorts,
but preserves its graceful and tapering form entire. From
its pleasing growth and colour, we consider it by far the
most desirable kind for planting in the proximity of build-
ings, and its growth for an evergreen is also quite rapid.
The leaves of the White Pine are thickly disposed on the
branches, in little bundles or parcels of five. The cones
are about five inches long ; they hang, when nearly ripe, in
a pendulous manner from the branches, and open, to shed
their seeds, about the first of October. The bark on trees
less than twenty years old, is remarkably smooth, but be-
comes cracked and rough, like that of the other Pines, when
they grow old, although it never splits and separates itself
from the trunk in scales, as in other species.
The great forests of White Pine lie in the northern parts
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 259
of the Union ; and the geographical range of this tree is
comprised chiefly between New- York and the 47th degree of
north latitude, it being neither capable of resisting the fierce
heat of the south, nor the intense cold of the extreme north-
ern regions. In Maine, New-Hampshire, and Vermont, the
White Pine aboimds in various situations, adapting itself to
every variety of soil, from dry, gravelly upland, to swamps
constantly wet. Michaux measured two trunks near the
river Kermebec, one of which was 154 feet long, and 54
inches in diameter ; the other 144 feet long, and 44 inches
in diameter, at three feet from the ground. Dr. Dwight
also mentions a specimen on the Kattskill 249 feet long
and several on the Unadilla 200 feet long, and three in
diameter.* These, though they are remarkable specimens,
show the stately altitude which this fine species sometimes
attains, equalling in majesty the grandest specimens of the
old world:
The rougher rinded Pine,
The great Argoan ship's brave ornament,
Which, coveting with liis high top's extent
"To make the mountains touch the stars divine.
Decks all the forest with embellishment.
Spenser.
The Yellow Pine, (P. mitis,) is a fine evergreen, usually
reaching a stature of 50 or 60 feet, with a nearly uniform
diameter of about 18 inches for two-thirds of its length.
The branches generally take a handsome conical shape, and
the whole head considerably resembles that of the spruce,
whence it is sometimes called the Spruce Pine. The term
Yellow Pine arises from the colour of the wood as con-
* Dwighl's Travels, Vol. IV. p. 21—26.
260
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
trasted with that of the foregoing sort, which is white. The
leaves of this species are long and flexible, arranged in pairs
upon the branches, and have a fine dark green colour.
The cones are very small, scarcely measuring an inch and
a half in length, and are clothed on the exterior with short
spines. The growth is quite slow.
The Yellow Pine is rarely found above Albany to the
northward, but it extends as far south as the Floridas. It
grows in the greatest abundance in New- Jersey, Maryland,
and Virginia, and sometimes measures five or six feet in cir-
cumference. In plantations, it has the valuable property to
recommend it, of growing on the very poorest lands.
The Pitch Pine, (P. I'igida,) is a very distinct sort, com-
mon in the whole of the United States east of the Allegha-
nies. It is very stiff and formal in its growth when young,
but as it approaches maturity, it becomes one of the most
picturesque trees of the genus. The branches, which shoot
out horizontally, bend downwards at the extremities, and
the top of the tree when old, takes a flattened shape. The
whole air and expression of the tree is wild and romantic,
and is harmonious with portions of scenery when these
characters predominate. The leaves are collected in threes,
and the colour of the foliage is a dark green. The cones
are pyramidal, from one to three inches long, and armed
with short spines.
The bark of this kind of Pine is remarkably rough, black,
and furrowed even upon young trees : and the wood is filled
with resinous sap, from which pitch and tar are copiously
supplied. The trees grow in various parts of the country,
both on the most meagre soils and in moist swamps, with
almost equal facility. In the latter situations they are, how-
ever, comparatively destitute of resin, but the stems often
rise to 80 feet in elevation.
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 261
The foregoing are the finest and most important species
of the north. The Red Pine, {Plmis rubra,) and the Gray
Pine, are species of small or secondary size, chiefly indige-
nous to British America. The Jersey Pine, (P. inops,) is a
dwarfish species, often called the Scrub Pine, which seldom
grows more than 25 feet high.
There are some splendid species, that are confined to
the southern states, where they grow in great luxuriance.
Among the most interesting of these, is the Long-leaved
Pine, (P. mist rails,) a tree of 70 feet elevation, with superb
wandlike foliage, borne in threes, often nearly a foot in
length. The cones are also seven or eight inches long,
containing a kernel or seed of agreeable flavour. As this
tree grows as far north as Norfolk in Virginia, we are
strongly inclined to believe that it might be naturalized in
the climate of the middle states, and think it would become
one of the most valuable additions to our catalogue of ever-
green trees. The Loblolly Pine, (P. Tceda,) of Virginia,
has also fine foliage, six inches or more in length, and
grows to 80 feet in height. Besides these already named,
the southern states produce the Pond Pine, (P. serotina,)
which resembles considerably the Pitch Pine, with, how-
ever, longer leaves, and the Table Mountain Pine, (P. Pun-
gens,) which grows 40 or 50 feet high, and is found exclu-
sively upon that part of the Alleghany range.
We must not forget in this enumeration of the Pines of
North America, the magnificent species of California and
the north-west coast. The most splendid of these was
discovered in Northern California, and named the Finns
Lamhertiana, in honour of that distinguished botanist, A.
B. Lambert, Esq., of London, the author of a superb work
on this genus of trees. It is undoubtedly one of the finest
262 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,
evergreens in the world, averaging from 100 to 200 feet in
height. Its discoverer, Mr. Douglass, the indefatigable
collector of the Horticultural Society of London^ measured
one of these trees that had blown down, which was two
hundred and fifteen feet in length, and fifty-seven feet nine
inches in circumference, at three feet from the root, while
at one hundred and thirty-four feet from the rooty it was
seventeen feet five inches in girth. This, it is stated, is by
no means the maximum height of the species. The cones
of the Lambert Pine measure sixteen inches in length ; and
the seeds are eaten by the natives of those regions, either
roasted or made into cakes, after being pounded. The other
species found by Mr. Douglass, grow naturally in the
mountain valleys of the western coast, and several of them,
as the Pinus graridis, and 7iohilis, are almost as lofty as
the foregoing sort ; while Pinus monticola and P. Sahi-
niajia, are highly beautiful in their forms, and elegant in
foliage. The seeds of nearly all these sorts were first sent
to the garden of the London Horticultural Society, where
many of the young trees are now growing ; and we hope
that they will soon be introduced into our plantations,
which they are so admirably calculated, by their elegant
foliage and stupendous magnitude, to adorn.
The European Pines next deserve our attention. The
most common species in the north of Europe is the Scotch
Pine, (P. sylvestrisj) a dark, tall evergreen tree, with bluish
foliage, of 80 feet in height, which furnishes most of the
deal timber of Europe. It is one of the most rapid of all the
Pines in its growth, even on poor soils, and is, therefore,
valuable in new places. The Stone Pine, (P. jnnea,) is a
native of the South of Europe, where it is decidedly the
most picturesque evergreen tree of that continent. It belongs
peculiarly to Italy, and its " vast canopy, supported on a
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 263
naked column of great height, forms one of the chief and
peeuHar beauties in Itahan scenery, and in the hving land-
scapes of Claude." We regret that it is too tender to bear
our winters, but its place may in a great measure be supplied
by the Pinaster or Cluster Pine, (P. pinaster^) which is
quite hardy, and succeeds well in the United States. This
has much of the same picturesque expression ; depressed
or rounded head, and tall columnar stem, which mark the
Stone Pine ; while its thickly massed foliage, clustering
cones, and rough bark, render it distinct and strikingly in-
teresting.
The Corsican Pine, (P. lai'ico,) is a handsome, regular
shaped, pyramidal tree, with the branches disposed in tiers
like those of the White Pine. It grows to a large size, and
is valued for its extremely dark green foliage, thickly spread
upon the branches. It is also one of the most rapid growers
among the foreign sorts, and has been found to grow remark-
ably well upon the barren chalk downs of England. Pimis
cemhra is a very slow growing, though valuable kind, indi-
genous to Switzerland, and hardy here.
These are the principal European species that deserve
notice here, for their ornamental qualities. Some splendid
additions have been made to this genus, by the discovery of
new species on the Himraalya mountains of Asia ; and from
the great elevation at which they are found growing wild,
we have reason to hope that they will become naturalized in
our climate.
We must not leave this extensive of family trees, without
adverting to their numerous and important uses. In the
United States, full four-fifths of all the houses built, are con-
structed of the White and Yellow Pine, chiefly of the former.
Soft, easily worked, light and fine in texture, it is almost
universally employed in carpentry, and for all the purposes
264 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
of civil architecture; while the tall stately trunks, furnish
masts and spars, not only for our own vessels, but many of
those of England. A great commerce is therefore carried
on in the timber of this tree, and vast quantities of the boards,
etc. are annually exported to Europe. The Yellow and
Pitch Pine, furnish much of the enormous supplies of fuel
consumed by the great number of steamboats employed in
navigating our numerous inland rivers. The Long-leaved
Pine is the great timber tree of the southern states ; and
when we take into account all its various products, we
must admit it to be the most valuable tree of the whole
family. The consumption of the wood of this tree in build-
ing, in the southern states, is immense ; and its sapTurnishes
nearly all the turpentine, tar, pitch, and rosin, used in this
country, or exported to Europe. The turpentine flows from
large incisions made in the trunk, (into boxes fastened to
the side of the trees for that purpose,) during the whole of
the spring and summer. Spirit of turpentine is obtained
from this by distillation. Tar is procured by burning the
dead wood in kilns, when it flows out in a current from a
conduit made in the bottom. Pitch is prepared by boiling
tar until it is about one half diminished in bulk ; and rosin
is the residuum of the distillation, when spirit of turpentine
is made. The Carolinas produce all these in the greatest
abundancCj and so long ago as in 1807, the exportation of
them to England alone, amounted to nearly $800,000 in that
single year.
The Fir Trees. Abies.
Nat. Ord. ConiferjE. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, Monadelphia.
The Fir trees differ from the Pines, to which they are
nearly related, in having much shorter leaves, which are
EVERCxREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 265
placed singly upon the branches, instead of bemg collected
in little bundles or parcels of two, three, or five, as is the case
in all Pines. They generally grow in a more conical man-
ner than the latter, and in ornamental plantations owe their
beauty in most cases, more to their symmetrical regularity
of growth, than to picturesque expression.
The Balsam, or Balm of Gilead Fir, {A. balsamea,) some-
times also called the American Silver Fir, is one of the most
ornamental of our native evergreens. It is found most abun-
dantly in Maine, and Nova Scotia, but is scattered more or
less on the mountain tops, and in cold swamps, through
various other parts of the Union. At Pine Orchard, near the
Catskill Mountain-house, it flourishes well, though not seen
below the elevation of 1,800 feet. "When standing singly, it
forms a perfect pyramid of fine dark green foliage, 30 or 40
feet high, regularly clothed from the bottom to the top. The
leaves, about half or three-fourths of an inch long, are silvery
white on the under surface, though dark green above ; and are
inserted both on the sides and top of the branches. It is one
of the most beautiful evergreens for planting in groimds near
the house, and is perhaps more cultivated for that purpose,
than any other in the Union. The cones, which are four
or five inches long, like those of the European Silver Fir
point upwards. However small the plants of this Fir may
may be, they are still interesting, as they display the same
symmetry as full grown trees. The deep green colour of the
verdure of the Balm of Gilead Fir is retained unchanged in
all its beauty through the severest winters, which causes it
to contrast agreeably with the paler tints of the Spruces.
On the trimk of trees of this species, are found small vesicles
or blisters, filled with a liquid resin, which is extracted and
34
266 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
sold, under the name of Balm of Gilead * for its medicinal
virtues.
The European Silver Fir, {A. picea,) strongly resembles,
when young, the Balsam Fir. But its leaves are longer and
coarser, and the cones are much larger, while it also attains
twice or three times the size of the latter. In the forests of
Germany ^^ it sometimes rises over 100 feet ; and it always
becomes a large tree in a favourable soil. It grows slowly
during the first twenty years, but afterwards it advances with
much more rapidity. It thrives well, and is quite hardy in
this country.
The Norway Spruce Fir, {A. commu7iis,'\) is by far the
handsomest of that division of the Firs called the Spruces.
It generally rises with a perfectly straight trunk to the height
of from 80 to 150 feet. It is a native, as its name denotes,
of the colder parts of Europe, and consequently grows well
in the northern states. The branches hang down with a
fine graceful curve, or sweep; and although the leaves are
much paler than those of the foregoing kinds, yet the thick
fringe-like tufts of foliage, which clothe the branches, give
the whole tree a rich, dark appearance. The large cones, too,
always nearly six inches long, are beautifully pendant, and
greatly increase the beauty of an old tree of this kind.
The Norway Spruce is the great tree of the Alps ; and as
a park tree, to stand alone, we scarcely know a more beau-
tiful one. It then generally branches out quite down to the
ground ; and its fine, sweeping, feathery branches hang down
in the most graceful and pleasing manner. There are some
4
* The true Balm of Gilead is an Asiatic herb, Amyris gUeadensxs.
t Abies exelsa.
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 267
superb specimens of this species in various gardens of the
middle states, 80 or 100 feet high.
The Black, or Double Spruce, {A. iiigra,) sometimes also
called the Red Spruce, is very common in the north ; and,
according to Michaux, forms a third part of the forests of
Vermont, Maine, New-Hampshire, as well as New Brunswick
and Lower Canada. The leaves are quite short and stiif,
and clothe the young branches around the whole surface ;
and the whole tree, where it much abounds, has rather a
gloomy aspect. In the favourable humid black soils of those
countries, the Black Spruce grows 70 feet high, forming a
fine tall pyramid of verdure. But it is rarely found in
abundance farther south, except in swamps, where its growth
is much less strong and vigorous. Mingled with other ever-
greens, it adds to the variety, and the peculiar colouring of
its foliage gives value to the livelier tints of other species of
Pine and Fir.
The White or Single Spruce, {A. alba,) is a smaller and
less common tree than the foregoing, though it is often
found in the same situations. The leaves are more thinly
arranged on the young shoots, and they are longer and pro-
ject more from the branches. The colour, however, is a
distinguishing characteristic between the two sorts ; for
while in the Black Spruce it is very dark, in this species
it is of a light bluish green tint. The cones are also much
larger on the White Spruce tree.
The Hemlock Spruce, or, as it is more commonly called,
the Hemlock, {A. canadensis,) is one of the finest and most
distinct of this tribe of trees. It is most abundantly multi-
plied in the extreme northern portions of the Union ; and
abounds more or less, in scattered groups and thickets,
268 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
throughout all the middle states, while at the south it is
confined chiefly to the mountains.
It prefers a soil, which, though slightly moist, is less
humid than that where the Black Spruce succeeds best ;
and it thrives well in the deep cool shades of mountain val-
leys. In the Highlands of the Hudson, it grows in great
luxuriance ; and in one locality, the sides of a valley near
Cro'nest, the surface is covered with the most superb
growths of this tree, reaching up from the water's edge to
the very summit of the hill, 1,400 feet high, like a rich and
shadowy mantle, sprinkled here and there only with the
lighter and more delicate foliage of deciduous trees.
The average height of the Hemlock in good soils is about
70 or 80 feet ; and when standing alone, or in very small
groups, it is one of the most beautiful coniferous trees.
The leaves are disposed in two rows on each side of the
branches, and considerably resemble those of the Yew,
though looser in texture, and livelier in colour. The fo-
liage, when the tree has grown to some height, hangs from
the branches in loose pendulous tufts, which give it a
peculiarly graceful appearance. When young, the form of
the head is regularly pyramidal ; but when the tree attains
more age, it often assumes very irregular and picturesque
forms. Sometimes it grows up in a thick, dense, dark mass
of foliage, only varied by the pendulous branches, which
project beyond the grand mass of the tree ; at others it forms
a loose, airy, and graceful top, permeable to the slightest
breeze, and waving its loose tufts of leaves to every passing
breath of air. In almost all cases, it is extremely orna-
mental, and we regret that it is not more generally employed
in decorating the grounds of our residences. It should be
transplanted (like all of this class of trees,) quite early in
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 269
the spring, the roots being preserved as nearly entire as
possible, and not suffered to become the least dried, before
they are replaced in the soil.
The uses of the Fir tree are important. The Norway
Spruce Fir furnishes the white deal timber so extensively
employed in Europe for all the various purposes of build-
ing ; and its tall, tapering stems afford fine masts for vessels.
The Black Spruce timber is also highly valuable, and is
thought by many persons to surpass in excellence that of
the Norway Spruce. The young shoots also enter into the
composition of the celebrated Spruce beer of this country,
a delightful and very healthful beverage. And the Hem-
lock not only furnishes a vast quantity of the joists used in
building frame-houses, but supplies the tanners with an
abundance of bark, which, when mixed with that of the
oak, is highly esteemed in the preparation of leather.
We regret that the fine evergreen trees both £>f this coun-
try and Europe, which compose the Pine and Fir tribes,
have not hitherto received more of the attention of planters.
It is inexpressible how much they add to the beauty of a
country residence in winter. At that season, when, during
three or four months the landscape is bleak and covered
with snow, these noble trees, properly intermingled with the
groups in view from the window, or those surrounding the
house, give an appearance of verdure and life to the scene
which cheats winter of half its dreariness. In exposed
quarters, also, and in all windy and bleak situations, groups
of evergreens form the most effectual shelter at all seasons
of the year, while many of them have the great additional
recommendation of growing upon the most meagre soils.
270 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
In fine country residences abroad, is is becoming custom-
ary to select some extensive and suitable locality, where all
the species of Pines and Firs are collected together, and al-
lowed to develop themselves in their full beauty of propor-
tion. Such a spot is called a Pinetum ; and the effect of
all the different species growing in the same assemblage, and
contrasting their various forms, heights, and peculiarities,
cannot but be strikingly elegant. One of the largest and
oldest collections of this kind is the Pinetum of Lord Gren-
ville, at Dropmore, near Windsor, England. This contains
nearly 100 kinds, comprising all the sorts known to English
botanists, that will endure the open air of their mild climate.
The great advantage of these Pinetums is, that many of the
more delicate species, which if exposed singly would perish,
thrive well, and become quite naturalized under the shelter
of the more hardy and vigorous sorts.
The Cedar of Lebanon Tree. Cedrus.
Nal, Ord. Coniferae. Lin. Syst. Moncecia, Monadelphia.
The Cedar of Lebanon is universally admitted by Euro-
pean authors to be the noblest evergreen tree of the old
world. Its native sites are the elevated valleys and ridges
of Mount Lebanon and the neighbouring heights of the lofty
groups of Asia Minor. There it once covered immense for-
ests, but it is supposed these have never recovered from the
inroads made upon them by the forty score thousand hewers
employed by Solomon to procure the timber for the erection
of the Temple. Modern travellers speak of them as greatly
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 271
diminished in number, though there are still specimens mea-
suring thirty-six feet in circumference. Mount Lebanon is
inhabited by numerous Maronite Christians, who hold an-
nually a celebration of the Transfiguration under the
shade of the existing trees, which they call the " Feast of
Cedars."
The Cedar of Lebanon is nearly related to the Larch, hav -
ing its leaves collected in parcels like that tree, but differs
widely in the circumstance of its foliage being evergreen.
It is remarkable for the wide extension of its branches, and
the immense surface covered by its overshadowing canopy
of foliage. In the sacred writings it is often alluded to as an
emblem of great strength, beauty, and duration. " Behold
the Assyrian was a Cedar in Lebanon, with fair branches,
and with a shadowing shroud, and of an high stature ; and
his top was among the thick boughs. His boughs were
multiplied, and his branches became long. The fir trees
were not like his boughs, nor the chestnut trees like his
branches, nor any tree in the garden of God like unto him
in beauty."*
In England the Cedar of Lebanon appears to have become
quite naturalized. There it is considered by far the most
ornamental of all the Pine tribe, — possessing, when full
grown, an air of dignity and grandeur beyond any other tree.
To attain the fullest beauty of development, it should always
stand alone, so that its far-spreading horizontal branches can
have full room to stretch out and expand themselves on
every side. Loudon in his Arboretum, gives a representa-
tion of a superb specimen now growing at Syon House, the
Ezekiel, xxxi.
272
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
seat of the Duke of Northumberland, which is 72 feet high,
24 in circumference, and covers an area, with its huge de-
pending branches, of 117 feet. There are many other
Cedars in England almost equal to this in grandeur. Sir T.
D. Lauder gives an account of one at Whitton, which blew
down in 1779 : it then measured 70 feet in height, 16 feet in
circumference, and covered an area of 100 feet in diameter.
To show the rapidity of the growth of this tree, he quotes
three Cedars of Lebanon, which were planted at Hopetoun
House, Scoltand, in the year 1748. The measurement is the
circumference of the trimks, and shows the rapid increase
after they have attained a large size.
1801.
1320.
1825.
1833.
ft. in.
10 0
8 6
7 10
ft. in.
13 1^
10 9|
9 9i
ft. in.
14 0
11 4
10 8
ft. in.
15 I
12 3
11 6
Increase in
32 years.
First Cedar,
Second do.
Third do.
ft.
5
3
3
A Chestnut measured at the same periods, only increased 2
in.
1
9
8
From the above table, it will be seen ho\V' congenial even
the cold climate of Scotland is to the growth of this tree.
Indeed in its native soils, the tops of the surrounding hills
are almost perpetually covered with snow, and it is there-
fore, one of the very hardiest of the evergreens of the old
world. There is no reason why it should not succeed ad-
mirably in many parts of the United States ; and when we
consider its great size, fine dark green foliage, and wide
spreading limbs which
-Overarching, frame,
Most solemn domes within."
Shelley.
as well as the many interesting associations connected with
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 273
it, we cannot but think it better worth our early attention'
and extensive introduction, than almost any other foreign
tree. Evergreens are comparatively difficult to import, and
as we have made the experiment of importing Cedars of
Lebanon from the English nurseries with but indifferent
success, we would advise that persons attempting its cultiva-
tion, should procure the cones containing the seeds from
England, when they may be reared directly in our own soil,
which will of course be an additional advantage to the future
growth of the tree.*
The situations found to be most favourable to this Cedar,
in the parks and gardens of Europe, are sandy or gravelly
soils, either with a moist subsoil underneath, or in the
neighbourhood of springs, or bodies of water. In such places
it is found to advance with a rapidity equal to the Larch,
one of the fastest growing timber trees, as we have already
noticed.
The Deodara, or Indian Cedar, {Cedrus Deodar a^) is a
magnificent species of this tree, recently introduced from
the high mountains of Nepal and Indo-Tartary. It stands
the climate of Scotland, and appears likely to succeed here
wherever the Cedar of Lebanon will flourish. In its native
country it is described as being a lofty and majestic tree,
frequently attaining the height of 150 feet, with a trunk 30
feet in circumference. The leaves are larger than those of
the Cedar of Lebanon, of a deeper bluish green, covered
with a silvery bloom ; the cones, borne in pairs, are of a
reddish brown colour, and are both longer and broader than
those of the latter species. In some parts of upper India it
* The finest Cedar of Lebanon in the Union, is growing in the grounds of T.
Ash, Esq., of Westchester Co., N. Y., being 50 feet high and of corresponding
breadth. It stands near a Purple-leaved Beech, equally large and beautiful.
35
274
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
is considered a sacred tree, {Deodara — tree of God,) and is
only used to burn as incense in days of high ceremony ;
but in others it is held in the highest esteem as a timber
tree, having all the good qualities of the Cedar of Lebanon
— its great durability being attested by its sound state in
the roofs of temples of that country, which cannot have
been built less than 200 years.
We have but just introduced the Deodara into the United
States, and can therefore say little of its growth or beauty
here, though we have little doubt that it will prove one of
the noblest evergreen trees for our pleasure grounds. Lou-
don says, " the specimens in England are yet small ; but
the feathery lightness of its spreading branches, and the
beautiful glaucous hue of its leaves, render it, even when
young, one of the most ornamental of the coniferous trees ;
and all the travellers who have seen it full grown, agree
that it unites an extraordinary degree of majesty and gran-
deur with its beauty. The tree thrives in every part of
Great Britain where it has been tried, even as far north as
Aberdeen ; where, as in many other places, it is fomid
hardier than the Cedar of Lebanon. It is readily propaga-
ted by seeds, which preserve their vitality when imported
in the cones. It also grows freely by cuttings, which appear
to make as handsome free-growing plants as those raised
from seed." The soil and culture for this tree are precisely
those for the Cedar bf Lebanon.
The Red Cedar Tree. Jimiperns.
Nat. Ord. Coniferae. Lin. Syst. DicBcia, Monadelphia.
The Red- Cedar is a very common tree, indigenous to this
country, and growing in considerable abundance from Maine
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 275
to Florida ; but thriving with the greatest luxuriance in the
sea-board states. "When fully grown, the Red Cedar is about
40 feet in height, and little more than a foot in diameter.
The leaves are very small, composed of minute scales, and
lie pretty close to the branches. Small blue berries, borne
thickly upon the branches of the female trees in autumn
and winter, contain the seeds. These are covered with a
whitish exudation, and are sometimes used, like those of the
foreign juniper, in the manufacture of gin.
The Red Cedar has less to recommend it to the eye than
most of the evergreens, which we have already described.
The colour of the foliage is dull and dingy at many seasons,
and the form of the young tree is too compactly conical to
please generally. When old, however, we have seen it
throw off this formality, and become an interesting, and, in-
deed, a picturesque tree. Then its branches shooting out in
a horizontal direction, clad with looser and more pendant
foliage, give the whole tree quite another character. The
twisted stems, too, when they become aged, have a singular,
dried-looking, whitish bark, which is quite unique and pe-
culiar. There is a very fine natural av-enue of Red Cedars
near Fishkill landing, in Dutchess Co., composed of two
rows of noble trees 35 or 40 feet high, which is a very
agreeable walk in winter and early spring. This has given
the name of Cedar Grove to the country-seat in question
where the Red Cedar grows spontaneously upon a slate
subsoil, with great luxuriance. There the trees are dis-
seminated widely by the birds, which feed with avidity
upon the berries.
The Red Cedar is well known to every person as one of
our very best timber trees. It takes its name from the red-
276 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
dish hue of the perfect wood. This has a fragrant odour,
and is not only light, fine-grained, and close in texture, but
extremely durable. It is therefore much employed, (though
of late it is becoming scarcer,) in conjunction with the Live
oak, which is too heavy alone, in ship-building. It is also
valued for its great durability as posts for fencing ; and is
exported to Europe, to be used in the manufacture of pen-
cils, and other useful purposes.
The Arbor Vit^e Tree. Thuja.
Nat. Ord. Coniferse. Lin. Syst. Moncecia, Monadelphia.
The Arbor VitaB, {Thuja occidentalis,) sometimes also
called Flat Cedar, or White Cedar, is distinguished from
most evergreens by its flat foliage, composed of a great num-
ber of scales closely imbricated, or overlaying each other,
which give the whole a compressed appearance. The seeds
are borne in a small cone, usually not more than half an
inch in length.
This tree is extremely formal and regular in outline in al-
most every stage of growth ; generally assuming the shape
of an exact cone or pyramid of close foliage, of considerable
extent at the base, close to the ground, and narrowing up-
wards to a sharp point. So regular is their outline in many
cases, when they are growing upon fevom-able soils, that at
a short distance they look as if they had been subjected to
the clipping-shears. The sameness of its form precludes the
employment of this evergreen in so extensive a manner as
most others ; that is, in intermingling it promiscuously with
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 277
Other trees of less artificial forms. But the Arbor Vitae, from
this very regularity, is well suited to support and accompany
scenery when objects of an avowedly artificial character pre-
dominate, as buildings, etc., where it may be used with a
very happy effect. There is also no evergreen tree indi-
genous or introduced, which will make a more effectual,
close, and impervious screen than this : and as it thrives well
in almost every soil, moist, dry, rich or poor, we strongly
recommend it whenever such thickets are desirable. We
have ourselves tried the experiment with a hedge of it about
200 feet long, which was transplanted about five or six feet
high from the native habitats of the young trees, and which
fully answers our expectations respecting it, forming a per-
fectly thick screen, and an excellent shelter on the north of
a range of buildings at all seasons of the year, growing
perfectly thick without trimming, from the very ground up-
wards.
The only fault of this tree as an evergreen, is the compara-
tively dingy green hue of its foliage in v/inter. But to com-
pensate for this, it is remarkably fresh looking in its spring
summer, and autumn tints, comparing well at those seasons
even with the bright verdure of deciduous trees.
The Arbor Yitae is very abundant in New-Brunswick,
Vermont, and Maine. In New- York, the shores of the Hud-
son, at Hampton landing, 70 miles above the city of New-
York, are lined on both sides with beautiful specimens of
this tree, many of them being perfect cones in outline ; and
it is here much more symmetrical and perfect in its growth
than we have seen it. Forty feet is about the maximum
altitude of the Arbor Vitee, and the stem rarely measures
more than ten or twelve inches in diameter.
278 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The wood is very light, soft, and fine-grained, but is re-
puted to be equally durable with the Red Cedar. It is con-
sequently employed for various purposes in building and
fencing, where, in the northern districts, it grows in suffi-
cient abundance, and of suitable size.
The Chinese Arbor Yitse, ( T. orientalis,) is a tree of much
smaller and more feeble growth. It cannot therefore as an
ornamental tree be put in competition with our native spe-
cies. But it is a beautiful evergreen for the garden and
shrubbery, where it finds a more suitable and sheltered site,
being rather tender north of New- York.
The White Cedar, {Thuja spheroidce*) which belongs
to the same genus as the Arbor Yitas is a much loftier tree,
often growing 80 feet high, It can hardly be considered a
tree capable of being introduced into cultivated situations,
as it is found only in thick swamps and wet grounds. The
foliage considerably resembles that of the common Arbor
Yitae, though rather narrower, and more delicate in texture.
The cones are small and rugged, and change from green to
a blue or brown tint in autumn. In the south it is often
called the Juniper.
The White Cedar furnishes excellent shingles, much more
durable than those made of either Pine or Cypress ; in Phi-
ladelphia the wood is much esteemed and greatly used in
cooperage. "Charcoal," according to Michaux, "highly
esteemed in the manufacture of gunpowder, is made of young
stocks, about an inch and a half in diameter, deprived of
their bark ; and the seasoned wood affords beautiful lamp-
black, lighter and more intensely coloured, than that obtained
from the Pine."
* Cupressus thuyoides of the old botanists.
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 279
The American Holly Tree. Ilex.
Nat, Ord. Aquifoliacese. Lin. Syst. Dioecia, Tetrandria.
The European Holly is certainly one of the evergreen
glories of the English gardens. There, its deep green, glos-
sy foliage, and bright coral berries, which hang on for a
long time, are seen enlivening the pleasure-grounds and
shrubberies throughout the whole of that leafless and in-
active period in vegetation — winter. It is also, in our
mother tongue, inseparably cormected with the delightful
associations of merry Christmas gambols and feastings, when
both the churches and the dwelling-houses, are decorated
with its boughs. We have mueli to regret, therefore, in the
severity of our winters, which will not permit the European
Holly to flourish in the middle or eastern states, as a hardy
tree. South of Philadelphia, it may become acclimated ;
but it appears to suffer greatly farther north.
A beautiful succedanum, however, may, we believe, be
found in the American Holly, {Ilex opaca.) which indeed
very closely resembles the foreign species in almost every
particular. The leaves are waved or irregular in surface
and outline, though not so much so as those of the latter,
and their colour is a much lighter shade of green. Like
those of the foreign plant, they are armed on the edges with
thorny prickles, and the surface is brilliant and polished.
The American Holly is seen in the greatest perfection on the
eastern shore of Maryland and Virginia, and the lower part
of New- Jersey. There it thrives best upon loose, dry and
gravelly soils. Michaux says it is also common through all
the extreme southern states, and in West Tennessee, in
280 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
which latter places it abounds on the margins of shady
swamps, where the soil is cool and fertile. In such spots it
often reaches forty feet in height, and twelve or fifteen
inches in diameter.
Although the growth of the Holly is slow, yet it is ahoays
beautiful ; and we regret that the American sort, which may
be easily brought into cultivation, is so very rarely seen in
our gardens or grounds. The seeds are easily procured ;
and if scalded and sowed in autumn, immediately after being
gathered, they vegetate freely. For hedges the Holly is
altogether unrivalled ; and it was also one of the favourite
plants for verdant sculpture, in the ancient style of garden-
ing. Evelyn, in the edition of his Sylva, published in
London in 1664, thus bursts out in eloquent praise of it :
'' Above all natural greens which enrich our home-born
store, there is none certainly to be compared to the Holly ;
insomuch that I have often wondered at our curiosity after
foreign plants and expensive difficulties, to the neglect of
the culture of this vulgar but incomparable tree, — whether
we will propagate it for use and defence, or for sight and
ornament. Is there under heaven a more glorious and re-
freshing object of the kind, than an impregnable hedge of
one hundred and sixty-five feet in length, seven high, and
five in diameter, which I cem show in my poor gardens, at
any time of the year, glittering with its armed aud varnished
leaves 1 The taller standards, at orderly distances, blushing
with their natural coral. It mocks the rudest assaults of
the weather, beasts, or hedge-breaker : —
' Et ilium nemo impune lacessit.' "
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 281
The Yew Tree. Taxus.
Nat, Ord. Taxaceae. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, Monadelphia.
The European Yew is a slow-growing, evergreen tree,
which often when full grown, measures forty feet in height,
and a third more in the diameter of its branches. The fo-
liage is flat, linear, and is placed in two rows, like that of the
Hemlock tree, though much darker in colour. The flowers
are brown or greenish, and inconspicuous, but they are suc-
ceeded by beautiful scarlet berries, about half or three-fourths
of an inch in diameter, which are open at the end, where a
small nut or seed is deposited. These berries have an ex-
quisitely delicate, waxen appearance, and contribute highly
to the beauty of the tree.
The growth of this tree, even in its native soil, is by no
means rapid. In twenty years, says Loudon, it will attain
the height of fifteen or eighteen feet, and it will continue
growing for one hundred years ; after which it becomes
comparatively stationary, but will live many centuries.
When young, the Yew is rather compact and bushy in its
form ; but as it grows old, the foliage spreads out in fine
horizontal masses, the outline of the tree is irregularly varied,
and the whole ultimately becomes highly venerable and pic-
turesque. When standing alone, it generally shoots out into
branches at some three or four feet above the surface of the
ground, and is ramified into a great number of close branches.
In England, it has been customary, since the earliest set-
tlement of that island by the Britons, to plant the Yew in
churchyards ; and it is therefore as decidedly consecrated to
this purpose there, as the Cypress is in the south of Europe.
36
282 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
For the decoration of places of burial it is well adapted, from
the deep and perpetual verdure of its foliage, which, con-
jointly with its great longevity, may be considered as em-
[Fig. 37. The English Yew.]
blematical of immortality. The custom still exists, in a few
places in Ireland and Wales, of carrying twigs of this and
other evergreen trees in funerals, and throwing them into
the grave, with the corpse.*
. Yet strew
Upon my dismall grave
Such offerings as ye have,
Forsaken Cypresse and Yewe ;
For kinder flowers can have no birth
Or growth from such unhappy earth."
Stanly.
There is a mournful yet sweet and pensive pleasure, in
thus adorning these last places of repose with such beautiful,
unfading memorials of grief. They rob the graveyard or
cemetery of its horrors, and by their perpetual garlands of
* Encyclopaedia of Plants, 849.
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 283
verdure and freshness, inevitably lead the mind from the
ideas of death which an ordinary barren churchyard alone
inspires, to reflections of a purer and loftier cast ; the im-
mortality which awaits the soul when disenthralled of clay.
Among the old English poets, we find much of these feel-
ings in favour of decorating the precincts of the grave, and
surrounding them with what may be called the 'poetry of
grief. Herrick, one of the sweetest of the number, in some
lines addressed to the Cypress and Yew, says :
" Bothe of ye have
Relation to the grave ;
And where
The funeral trump sounds, you are there.
I shall be made
Ere longe a fleeting shade ;
Pray come,
And do some honour to my tomb."
Some of the old Yews in the churchyards and gardens of
England have attained a wonderful period of longevity.
Gilpin mentions one in the churchyard of Tisbury in Dor-
setshire, now standing and in fine'foliage, though the trunk
is quite hollow, which measures thirty-seven feet in circum.
ference, and the limbs are proportionately large. The tree
is entered by a rustic gate ; and seventeen persons lately
breakfasted in its interior. It is said to have been planted
many generations ago by the Arundel family. The famous
Yew at Arkenwyke House, which Henry VIH. made his
place of meeting with Anna Boleyn when she was there, is
supposed to be upwards of a thousand years old ; it is forty-
nine feet high, twenty-seven in circumference, and the
branches extend over an area of two hundred and seven feet.
There are besides these, a great number of other celebrated
284 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Yews in England, of immense size and age, which are pre-
served with the greatest care and veneration.
It is a common saying of the inhabitants of the New For-
est in England, says Gilpin, that "a post of Yew will out-
last a post of iron." The wood is extremely durable, and
being hard and very fine-grained, as well as beautifully varie-
gated with reddish or orange veins, it is much prized for
inlaying, veneering, and other similar purposes, by the
cabinet-makers abroad. Tables made of it are said to be
more beautiful than those of mahogany ; and the wood of
the root to vie in beauty with that of the Citron.
It is also remarkably elastic, and is therefore much valued
for bows. In ancient times, when bows and arrows were
the chief weapons of destruction in war, the bows made of the
Yew tree were valued by the ancient Britons above all others.
According to the Arboretum Brittanicum, in Switzerland,
where this tree was scarce, it was formerly forbidden, under
heavy penalties, to cut down the Yew for any other purpose
than to make bows of the wood. The Swiss mountaineers
call it " William's tree," in memory of William Tell.
The Yew, like the Holly, makes an excellent evergreen
hedge — close, dark green, and beautiful when clad in the
rich scarlet berries. We desire, however, rather to see this
tree naturalized in our gardens and lawns as an evergreen
tree of the first class, than in any other form. . Judging from
specimens which we have growing in our own grounds, we
should consider it quite hardy any where south of the 41° of
latitude. And although it is somewhat slow in its growth
yet, like many other evergreens, it is as beautiful when a
small bush, or a thrifty young tree, as it is venerable and
picturesque, when ages, or even centuries have witnessed
its never fading verdure. It appears to grow most vigor-
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 285
ously and thrive best on a rich and heavy soil, and in situ-
ations rather shaded than exposed to a burning sun.
There are several beautiful varieties of the Yew, ( Taxus
baccata,) cultivated in the nurseries ; the Irish Yew, ( T. b.
fastigiata,) remarkable for its dark green foliage, and very
handsome, upright growth, and the Yellow berried Yew,
(T. b. fructo-Jlava,) are the most ornamental.
The North American Yew, {T. canadensis,) is a low
trailing shrub, scarcely rising above the height of foiu or
six feet, though the branches extend to a considerable dis-
tance. In foliage, berries, etc., it so strongly resembles the
European plant, that many botanists consider it only a dwarf
variety. The leaves are nevertheless shorter and narrower,
and the male flowers always solitary. It is found in shady,
rocky places, in the Highlands, and various other localities
from Canada to Virginia.
286 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
SECTION VI.
VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS.
Value of this kind of Vegetation. Fine natural effects. The European Ivy. The Virginia
Creeper. The Wild Grape Vine. The Bittersweet. The Trumpet Creeper. The Pipe
Vine, and the Clematis. The Wistarias. The Honeysuckles and Woodbines. The Jas-
mine and the Periploca. Remarks on the proper mode of introducing vines. Beautiful
effects of climbing plants in connection with buildings.
Quite over-canopied with lush woodbine,
With sweet musk roses, and with eglantine.
ShaespeaHs.
I N E S and climbing plants are ob-
jects full of interest for the Landscape
Gardener, for they seem endowed with
the characteristics of the graceful, the
beautiful, and the picturesque in their
luxuriant and ever-varying forms.
When judiciously introduced, therefore, nothing can so easily
give a spirited or graceful air to a fine or even an ordinary
scene, as the various plants which compose this group of the
vegetable kingdom. We refer particularly now to those
which have woody and perennial stems, as all annual or
herbaceous stemmed plants are too short-lived to afford any
lasting or permanent addition to the beauty of the lawn or
pleasure-ground.
Climbing plants may be classed among the adventitious
beauties of trees. Who has not often witnessed with delight
in our native forests, the striking beauty of a noble tree, the
VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 287
old trunk and fantastic branches of which were enwreathed
with the kixuriant and pUant shoots, and rich foliage, of
some beautiful vine, clothing even its decayed limbs with
verdure ; and hanging down in gay festoons, or loose negli-
gent masses, waving to and fro in the air. The European
Ivy, {Hedera Helix,) is certainly one of the finest, if not the
very finest climbing plant, (or, more properly, creeping vine,
for by means of its little fibres or rootlets on the stems, it
will attach itself to trees, walks, or any other substance,)
with which we are acquainted. It possesses not only very
fine dark green palmated foliage, in great abundance ; but
the foliage has that agreeable property of being evergreen, —
which, while it enhances its value tenfold, is at the same
time so rare among vines. The yellow flowers of the Ivy
are great favourites with bees, from their honied sweetness ;
they open in autumn, and the berries ripen in the spring.
When planted at the root of a tree, it will often, if the head
is not too thickly clad with branches, ascend to the very
topmost limbs ; and its dark green foliage, wreathing itself
about the old and furrowed trmik, and hanging in careless
drapery from the lower branches, adds greatly to the ele-
gance of even the most admirable tree. Spenser describes
the appearance of the Ivy growing to the tops of the trees,
" Emongst the rest, the clamb'ring Ivie grew,
Knitting his wanton arms with grasping hold,
Lest that the poplar happely should rew
Her brother's strokes, whose boughs she doth enfold
With her lythe twigs, till they the top survew,
And paint with pallid green her buds of gold.
The fine contrasts between the dark colouring of the
leaves of the Ivy, and the vernal and autumnal tints of the
foliage of deciduous trees, are also highly pleasing. Indeed
288
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
this fine climbing plant may be turned to advantage in ano-
ther way ; in reclothing dead trees with verdure. Sir T.
D. Lauder says, that " trees often die from causes which we
cannot divine, and there is no one who is master of exten-
sive woods, who does not meet with many such instances of
unexpected and unaccountable mortality. Of such dead
individuals we have often availed ourselves, and by planting .
Ivy at their roots, we have converted them into more beau-
tiful objects than they were when arrayed in their own
natural foliage."
The Ivy is not only beautiful upon trees, but it is also
remarkably well adapted to ornament cottages, and even
large mansions, when allowed to grow upon the walls, to
which it will attach itself so firmly by the little rootlets sent
out from the branches, that it is almost impossible to tear it
off. On wooden buildings, it may perhaps be injurious, by
causing them to decay ; but on stone buildings, it fastens
itself firmly, and holds both stone and mortar together like a
coat of cement. The thick garniture of foliage with which
it covers the surface, excludes stormy weather, and has
therefore a tendency to preserve the walls, rather than accele-
rate their decay. This vine is the inseparable accompani-
ment of the old feudal castles, and crumbling towers of
Europe, and borrows a great additional interest from the
romance and historical recollections connected with such
spots. Indeed half the beauty, picturesque, as well as
poetical, of those time-worn buildings, is conferred by this
plant, which seeks to bind together and adorn with some-
thing of their former richness, the crumbling fragments that
are fast tottering to decay : —
" The Ivy, that staunchest and firmest friend,
That hastens its succouring arm to lend
VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 289
To the ruined fane where in youth it sprung,
And its pliant tendrils in sport were flung.
When the sinking buttress, and mouldering tower
Seem only the spectres of former power
Then the Ivy clusters round the wall,
And for tapestry hangs in the moss-grown hall.
Striving in beauty and youth to dress
The desolate place in its loneliness."
Romance of Nature.
The Ivy lives to a great age, if we may judge from the
specimens that overrun some of the oldest edifices of Europe,
which are said to have been covered with it for centuries,
and where the main stems are seen nearly as large as the
trunk of a middle sized tree.
" Whole ages have fled, and their works decayed,
And nations have scattered been ;
But the stout old Ivy shall never fade
From its hale and hearty green ;
The brave old plant in its lonely days,
Shall fatten upon the past ;
For the stateliest building man can raise,
Is the Ivy's food at last."
The Ivy is not a native of America ; nor is it by any
means a very common plant in our gardens, though we
know of no apology for the apparent neglect of so beautiful
a climber. It is hardy south of the latitude of 42°, and we
have seen it thriving in great luxuriance as far north as
Hyde Park, on the Hudson, SO miles above New- York.
One of the most beautiful growths of this plant, which has
ever met our eyes, is that upon the old mansion in the Bo-
tanic Garden at Philadelphia, built by the elder Bartram.
That picturesque and quaint stone building is beautifully
overrun by the most superb mantle of Ivy, that no one who
has once seen can fail to remember with admiration. The
37
290 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
dark gray of the stone-work is finely opposed by the rich
verdure of the plant, which falls away in openings here and
there, around the windows, and elsewhere. It never thrives
well if suffered to ramble along the ground, but needs the
support of a tree, a frame, or a wall, to which it attaches
itself firmly, and grows with vigorous shoots. Bare walls
or fences may thus be clothed with verdure and beauty
equal to the living hedge, in a very short period of time, by
planting young Ivy roots at the base.
The most desirable varieties of the common Ivy are, the
Irish Ivy, with much larger foliage than the common sort,
and more rapid in its growth ; the Silver-striped, and the
Gold-striped leaved Ivy, both of which, though less vigor-
ous, are much admired for the singular colour of their
leaves. The common English Ivy is more hardy than the
others in our climate.
Although, as we have said, the Ivy is not a native of this
country, yet we have an indigenous vine, which, at least in
summer, is not inferior to it. We refer to the Virginia
Creeper, {Ampelopsis hederacea,) which is often called
the American Ivy. The leaves are as large as the hand,
deeply divided into five lobes, and the blossoms are suc-
ceeded by handsome, dark blue berries. The Virginia
Creeper is a most luxuriant grower, and we have seen it
climbing to the extremities of trees 70 or 80 feet in height.
Like the Ivy, it attaches itself to whatever it can lay hold
of, by the little rootlets which spring out of the branches ;
and its foliage, when it clothes thickly a high wall, or folds
itself in clustering wreaths around the trunk and branches
of an open tree, is extremely handsome and showy. Al-
though the leaves are not evergreen like those of the Ivy,
yet in autunm they far surpass those of that plant in the
VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 291
rich and gorgeous colouring which they then assume.
Numberless trees may be seen in the country by the road-
side, and in the woods, thus decked in autumn in the bor-
rowed glories of the Virginia Creeper ; but we particularly
remember two, as being remarkably striking objects ; one,
a wide-spread elm — the trunk and graceful diverging
branches completely clad in scarlet by this beautiful vine,
with which its own leaves harmonized well in their fine
deep yellow dress ; the other, a tall and dense Cedar,
through whose dark green boughs gleamed the rich colour-
ing of the Virginia Creeper, like a half-concealed, though
glowmg fire.
In the American forests nothing adds more to the beauty
of an occasional tree, than the tall canopy of verdure with
which it is often crowned by the wild Grape vine. There
its tall stems wind themselves about until they reach the
very summit of the tree, where they cluster it over, and
bask their broad bright green foliage in the sunbeams. As
if not content with this, they often completely overhang the
head of the tree, falling like ample drapery around on every
side, until they sweep the ground. We have seen very
beautiful eifects produced in this way by the grape in its
wild state, and it may easily be imitated. The delicious
fragrance of these wild grape vines when in blossom, is
unsurpassed in delicacy ; and we can compare it to nothing
but the delightful perfume which exhales from a huge bed
of Mignonette in full bloom. The Bittersweet, {Celastrus
scandens,) is another well known climber, which ornaments
our wild trees. Its foliage is very bright and shining, and
the orange-coloured seed-vessels which burst open, and dis-
play the crimson seeds in winter, are quite ornamental. It
winds itself very closely around the stem, however, and we
292 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
have known it to strangle or compress the bodies of young
trees so tightly as to put an end to their growth.
The Trumpet Creeper, {Bignonia radicans,) is a very
showy climbing plant. The stem is quite woody, and often
attains considerable size ; the branches like those of the Ivy,
and Virginia Creeper, fasten themselves by the roots thrown
out. The leaves are pinnated, and the flowers, which are
borne in terminal clusters on the ends of the young shoots
about midsummer, are exceedingly showy. They are tubes
five or six inches long, shaped like a trumpet, opening at the
extremity, of a fine scarlet colour on the outside, and orange
within. The Trumpet Creeper is a native of Virginia, Ca-
rolina, and the states farther south, where it climbs up the
loftiest trees. It is a great favourite in the northern states as
a climbing plant, and very beautiful efiects are sometimes
produced by planting it at the foot of a tall-stemmed tree,
which it will completely surround with a pillar of verdure,
and render very ornamental by its little shoots, studded with
noble blossoms.
One of the most singular and picturesque climbing shrubs
or plants which we cultivate, is the Pipe- vine, or Birth wort,
{Aristolochia sipho.) It is a native of the Alleghany moun.
tains, and is one of the tallest of twining plants growing on
the trees there to the height of 90 or 100 feet, though in
gardens it is often kept down to a frame of four or five feet
high. The leaves are of a noble size, being eight or nine
inches broad, and heart-shaped in outline. The flowers,
about an inch or a little more in length, are very singular.
They are dark yellow, spotted with brown, in shape like a
bent siphon-like tube, which opens at the extremity, the whole
flower resembling, as close as possible, a very small Dutch-
man's pipe, whence the vine is frequently so called by the
VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 293
country people. It flowers in the beginning of summer, and
the foliage, during the whole growing season, has a very rich
and luxuriant appearance. Aristolochia tomentosa is a
smaller species, with leaves and flowers of less size, the for-
mer downy or hairy on the under surface.
The various kinds of Clematis, though generally kept
within the precincts of the garden, are capable of adding to
the interest of the pleasure ground, when they are planted
so as to support themselves on the branches of trees. The
common White Clematis or Virgin's Bower, (C virginica,\
is one of the strongest growing kinds, often embellishing
with its pale white blossoms, the whole interior and even the
very tops of our forest trees in the middle states. After these
have fallen, they are succeeded by large tufts of brown,
hairy-like plumes, appendages to the clusters of seeds, which
give the whole a very unique and interesting look. The
Wild Airagene, with large purple flowers, which blossom
early, has much the same habit as the Clematis, to which
indeed, it is nearly related. Among the finest foreign species
of this genus are, the Single and Double-flowered purple
Clematis, (C viticella audits varieties,) which though slen-
der in their stems, run to considerable height, are very pretty,
and blossom profusely. The sweet scented, and the Japan
Clematis, {C. jiamTnula and C. Jlorida,) the former very
fragrant, and the latter beautiful, are perhaps too tender, ex-
cept for the garden, where they are highly prized.
The Glycine or Wistaria, ( Wistaria pubescetis,) is a very
handsome climbing plant, and adds much to the beauty of
trees, when trained so as to hang from their lower branches.
The leaves are pinnate, and the light purple flowers, which
bloom in loose clusters like those of the Locust, are univer-
sally admired. The Chinese Wistaria, ( W. sinensis,) is a
294 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
very elegant species of this plant, which appears to be quite
hardy here ; and when loaded with its numerous large
clusters of pendant blossoms, is highly ornamental. It grows
rapidly, and with but little care, will mount to a great height.
These vines with pinnated foliage, would be remarkably
appropriate when climbing up, and hanging from the
branches of such light airy trees as the Three-thorned
Acacia, the Locust, etc.
We must not forget to enumerate here the charming family
of the Honeysuckles ; some of them are natives of the old
world, some of our own continent ; and all of them are com-
mon in our gardens, where they are universally prized for
their beauty and frcigrance. In their native localities they
grow upon trees, and trail along the rocks. The species
which ascends to the greatest height, is the common Euro-
pean Woodbine,* which twines around the stems, and hangs
from the ends of the longest branches of trees :
"As Woodbine weds the plant within her reach,
Rough Elm, or smooth-grained Ash, or glossy Beech,
In spiral rings asceads the trunk, and lays
Her golden tassels on the leafy sprays."
COWPKII.
The Woodbine, {Lonicera peryclemenum,) has separate
opposite leaves, and buff-coloured or paler yellow and red
blossoms. There is a variety, the common monthly Wood-
bine, which produces its flowers all simimer, and is much
the most valuable plant. Another, {L. p. belgicum,) the
Dutch Honeysuckle, blossoms quite early in spring ; and a
third, {L. p. quercifolium,) has leaves shaped like those of
the oak tree.
* Woodbind is the original name, derived from the habit of the plant of winding
itself around trees, and binding the branches together.
VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 295
The finest of our native sorts are the Red and Yellow
trumpet Honeysuckles, {L. sempervirens and L. Jlava,)
which have the terminal leaves on each branch, joined to-
gether at the base, or perfoliate, making a single leaf. They
blossom in the greatest profusion during the whole summer
and autumn, and their rich blossom-tubes, sprinkled in nu-
merous clusters over the exterior of the foliage, as well as an
abundance of scarlet berries in autumn, entitle them to high
regard. There is also a very strong and vigorous species,
called the Orange pubescent Honeysuckle, {L. puhescens^)
with large, hairy, ciliate leaves, and fine large tawny or
orange-coloured fiowers. It is a very luxuriant plant in its
habit, and a very distinct species to the eye. All these na-
tive sorts have but very slight fragrance.
The Chinese twining Honeysuckle, {L. flexuosa,) is cer-
tainly one of the finest of the genus. In the form of the leaf
it much resembles the common Woodbine ; but the foliage
is much darker coloured, and is also sub-evergreen, hanging
on half the winter, and in sheltered spots, even till spring. It
blossoms when the plant is old, several times during the
summer, bearing an abundance of beautiful flowers, open at
the mouth, red outside, and striped with red, white, or yel-
low within. It grows remarkably fast, climbing to the very
summit of trees in a short time ; and the flowers, which first
appear in June, are deliciously fragrant. In all its varieties
the Honeysuckle is a charming plant, either to adorn the
porch of the cottage, the latticed bower of the garden, to both
of which spots they are especially dedicated ; or to climb the
stems of the old forest tree, where —
" With clasping tendrils it infests the branch
Else unadorn'd with many a gay festoon,
And fragrant chaplet ; recompensing well
The strength it borrows with the grace it lends."
296 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
There it diffuses through the air a dehcious breath, that
renders a walk beneath the shade of the tall trees doubly de-
lightful, Avhile its flowers give a gayety and brightness to
the park, which forest trees, producing usually but incon-
spicuous blossoms, could not alone produce.
Some of the climbing Roses, are very lovely objects in the
pleasure-grounds. Many of them, at the north, as the
Multifloras, Noisettes, etc., require some covering in the win-
ter, and are therefore better fitted for the garden. At the
south, where they are quite hardy, they are, however, most
luxuriant and splendid objects. But there are two classes of
Roses that are perfectly hardy climbers, and may therefore
be employed with great advantage by the Landscape Gar-
dener— the Michigan, and the Boursalt roses. The single
Michigan is a most compact and vigorous grower, and often,
in its wild haunts in the west, clambers over the tops of tall
forest trees, and decks them with its abundant clusters of pale
purple flowers. There are now in our gardens several
beautiful double varieties of this, and among them, one,
called Beauty of the Prairies, is most admired for its large
rich buds and blossoms of a deep rose colour.
The Boursalt roses are remarkable for their profusion of
flowers, and for their shining, reddish stems, with few
thorns. The common Purple or Crimson Boursalt, is quite
a wonder of beauty in the latter part of May, when trained
on the wall of a cottage, being then literally covered with
blossoms — and it is so hardy that scarcely a branch is ever
injured by the cold of winter. The Blush, and the Elegans
and still richer and finer varieties of this class of roses, all
of which are well worthy of attention.
We have to regret that the inclemency of our winters will
not permit us to cultivate the White European Jasmine,
VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 297
[Jasminutn officinale^) out of the garden, as even there it
requires a sHght protection in winter. Below the latitude
of Philadelphia, however, it will probably succeed well. In
the southern states they have a most lovely plant, the Caro-
lina Jasmine, {Gelseminum,) which hangs its beautiful
yellow flowers on the very tree tops, and the woods there in
spring are redolent with their perfume.
The connoisseur in vines will not forget the curious Pe-
riploca, which grows very rapidly to the height of 40 or 50
feet, and bears numerous bunches of very curious brown or
purple flowers in summer ; or the Double-blossoming
Brambles, both pink and white, which often make shoots
of 20 or 30 feet long in a season, and bear pretty clusters of
full double flowers in Jmie. All these fine climbers, and
several others to be fomid in the catalogues, may, in the
hands of a person of taste, be made to contribute in a won-
derful degree to the variety, elegance, and beauty of a country
residence ; and to neglect to mtroduce them would be to
refuse the aid of some of the most beautiful accessories that
are capable of being combined with trees, as well as with
buildings, gardens, and fences.
Some persons object to the growth of climbing plants upon
trees, that, by compressing the stems and tightening them-
selves around the limbs of trees, they gradually check their
growth, and finally by preventing the expansion of the
trunk, put an end to the life of the tree. This, we have no
doubt, has been the case when young- trees in the full vigour
of growth have been completely encompassed and wound
about with the strong growing woody creepers ; but it so
rarely happens, (scarcely ever in the case of middle-sized
trees, on which vines are more generally planted,) that we
consider the objection of no moment. Indeed, were all this
38
298 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
ti'ue, the management of the growth of any vine, however
hixuriant, is so completely within the power of the cultivator,
that by a very trifling annual attention, he can entirely pre-
vent the possibility of any such injurious effects.
The reader must not imagine, from the remarks which we
have here made on the beauty and charms of climbing plants,
that we would desire to see every tree, in an extensive
park, wreathed about, and overhung, with fantastic vines and
creepers. Such is by no means our intention. We should
consider such a proceeding as something in the worst possi-
ble taste. There are some trees whose rugged and ungrace-
ful forms would refuse all such accompaniment ; and others
from whose dignity and majesty it would be improper to de-
tract, even by adding the gracefulness of the loveliest vine.
Such, too, is never the case in nature, as, for one tree
decked in this manner we see a hundred which are not, and
the very rarity of the example imparts additional beauty and
interest to it when it appears. This should be the case in
all artificial plantations ; and he who has a true and lively
feeling for the graceful and picturesque, will easily under-
stand at a glance where these expressions will be strength-
ened or weakened by the addition of more grace and ele-
gance. A few scattered trees here and there, with whose
forms the plans adopted harmonize, draped and festooned
with the most appropriate climbing plants, will be all that
can be properly introduced in any scene, unless it be of a
very artificial character ; but even these additional acces-
sories, simple as they may seem, often produce an effect
singularly beautiful, which shows how much in real land-
scape, as well as in painting, depends upon a few finishing
touches to the scene.
Although we are not now writing of buildings, it is not
VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 299
inappropriate here to remark how much may be done in the
country, and indeed even in town, by using vines and
creepers to decorate buildings. The cottage in this coun-
try, too rarely conveys the idea of comfort and happiness
which we wish to attach to such a habitation, and chiefly
because so often it stands bleak, solitary, and exposed to every
ray of our summer sun, with a scanty robe of foliage to
shelter it. How different such edifices, however humble,
become when the porch is overhung with climbing plants, —
when the blushing rose-buds peep in at the window sill, or
the ripe purple clusters of the grape hang down about the
eaves, those who have seen the better cottages of England,
well know. Very little care and very trifling expense, will
procure all the additional beauty ; and it is truly wonderful
how much so little once done, adds to the happiness of the
inmates. Every man feels prouder of his home, when it is
a pleasant spot for the eye to rest upon, than when it is situ-
ated in a desert, or overgrown with weeds. Besides this,
tasteful embellishment has a tendency to refine the feelings
of every member of the family; and every leisure hour
spent in rendering more lovely and agreeable even the hum-
blest cottage, is infinitely better employed than in lounging
about in idle and useless dissipation.
300 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
SECTION VII.
TREATMENT OF GROUND. — FORMATION OF WALKS.
Nature of ojierations on Ground. Treatment of flowing and irregular surfaces to heighten
their expression ; flats, or level surfaces. Rocks, as materials in Landscape. Laying out
Roads and Walks; Directions for the Approach: Rules by Repton. Tho Drive, and
minor walks. The introduction of fences and verdant hedges.
" Strength may wield the ponderous spade,
May turn the clod and wheel the compost home ;
But elegance, chief grace the garden shows,
And most attractive, is the fair result
Of thought, the creature of a polished mind."
COWPER.
ROUND is undoubtedly the most unwieldy
and ponderous material that comes under the
care of the Landscape Gardener. It is not
only difficult to remove, the operations of the
leveller rarely extending below two or three feet of the sur-
face, but the effect produced by a given quantity of labour
expended upon it, is generally much less than when the
same has been bestowed in the formation of plantations, or
the erection of buildings. The achievements of art upon
ground, appear so trifling too, when we behold the apparent
facility with which nature has arranged it in such a variety
of forms, that the former sink into insignificance when com-
pared with the latter.
For these reasons, the operations to be performed upon
ground in this country, will generally be limited to the
TREATMENT OF GROUND. — FORMATION OF WALKS. 301
neighbourhood of the house, or the scenery directly under
the eye. Here, by judicious levelling and smoothing in
some cases, or by raising gentle eminences with interposing
hollows in others, much may be done, at a moderate expense,
to improve the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
It is, however, fortunately the case, that in the modern
style of landscape improvement, extensive and costly opera-
tions upon ground are very seldom needed. By the aid of
plantations arranged as we have already suggested, much
may be done to soften too great inequality of surface, as
well as to heighten the apparent magnitude of gentle undu-
lations. The art of the improver, when employed upon this
material, will therefore be directed to the production of neg-
ative, rather than positive effects, — to the removal of exist-
ing faults or blemishes, rather than to the creation of an
entirely new and artificial surface.
To pursue this method with success, it is necessary that
he should refer constantly to the principle which we suggested
in the commencement of our remarks : the preservation
of the natural character of the scene, or, we may here add,
the heightening of the character intended for the form of
the surface. We have already remarked that scenes abound-
ing in natural beauty were chiefly characterized by gentle
undulations of surface, and smooth easy transitions from the
level plain to the softly swelling hill or flowing hollow ; and
that, on the contrary, highly pictiuresque scenes exhibited a
more irregular and broken surface, abounding with abrupt
transitions, and more strongly marked elevations, and depres-
sions.
hi a scene expressive of simple or graceful beauty,
where the surface is more or less undulating, the first pro-
ceeding of the improver will be to remove any accidental or
302 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
natural deformity which may interfere with that expression.
Such are, unsightly ridges of earth, small lumpish hills, the
ragged elevations where old fences have been removed, or
deep furrows created by the former action of the plough. If
there are any uncouth pits or ugly hollows, such must be
either filled up, or concealed by plantations, and all excres-
cences that interfere with the prevailing expression of the
whole should be removed.
In the next place, the improver will examine the formation
of the ground, as it appears naturally. If too rugged, — the
sweeps and undulations sometimes easy and beautiful, but at
others hard and disconnected, — he will endeavour to soften
and remove this inequality. This will be easily executed, if
some of the eminences are broken into too high, sudden,
and abrupt hills, by carefully lowering them into more
graceful elevations, and placing the superfluous earth in the
adjacent hollows : proper regard being paid to portions of
the scene, already pleasing, by producing such a surface as
will connect itself naturally with the same, when the im-
provements shall be entirely completed.
Should the surface, on the contrary, be somewhat broken
or undulating, but not distinctly so, appearing rather heavy
and undecided between a level, and finely varied ground, the
operations must be directed in such a manner as to increase
the boldness of the whole. The ground of a country resi-
dence is often brought into such a state by the continued ac-
tion of the plough at some former period, which has gradu-
ally levelled down the gentle eminences and filled up the
hollows, till in some places, it appears scarcely struggling out
of a level. The course is then obvious ; the superfluous earth
which chokes up the valleys, must be removed again to the
neighbouring hills, where it belongs, when the natural
TREATMENT OF GROUND. — FORMATION OF WALKS. 303
beauty of the ground will be restored. This is effected with
comparative facility, as every foot of surface taken from the
depression, adds by removal two feet to the height of the
adjoining elevation.
The improvement of picturesque surfaces must proceed
in a similar manner. When a surface is naturally and truly
picturesque, art will add little or nothing to its effect. It
will rather therefore endeavour to produce a perfect whole,
and a connection between the various parts, than to disturb
the existing features. In the vicinity of the house, the artist
will soften down that boldness and inequality which, if too
great, might interfere both with convenience and the beauty
of utility^ which must there be constantly kept in view.
Otherwise, the beauty of picturesque surfaces may be often
heightened by various means within our reach ; such as in-
creasing the abruptness of surface by taking away a few feet
of earth, or by adding other picturesque irregularities, which
by connection may strengthen the expression of the whole.
Mr. Price has remarked, that " the ugliest ground is that
which has neither the beauty of smoothness, verdure, and
gentle undulation, nor the picturesqueness of bold and sud-
den breaks, and varied tints of soil : of such kind, is ground
that has been disturbed and left in that unfinished state : as
in a rough ploughed field run to sward."* Such ground it
is often difficult to restore to a picturesque state, even when
that was its previous expression. But it is not impossible to
do so, for it must be remembered that it is not by forming
the surface alone that nature renders it picturesque, but also
by the accessories and accompaniments which she liberally
bestows upon the surface when once formed. These are,
* Essay on the Picturesque, I. 193.
304 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
vegetation, trees, rocks, etc., which, with the influence of
time, will often render many a scene, that, stripped of its
enriching drapery would be positively harsh and ugly,
extremely picturesque, or strikingly beautiful. Proofs of
this will occur to every one who will contrast in his mind
the appearance of a steep clayey river bank, or even open
pit, when bare, raw, and verdureless, and the same objects
when nature or art has clothed them with a luxuriant and
diversified garniture of trees, shrubs, and plants. In the
former case, all was positively ugly and displeasing to the
eye of taste ; in the latter, all is picturesque and harmo-
nious.
A perfect flat, or level surface is often the most difficult
to improve of any description of ground. In some cases, as
in the example of a very large park, with an immense
building, a level surface may be in excellent keeping, giv-
ing an air of grandeur to the whole scene : for both the
simplicity, and the wide extent of a level plain in such a
situation, would be highly expressive of grandeur when
united to a fine pile of building. But ordinarily, a flat sur-
face is extremely dull and uninteresting. One unbroken
plain of green is spread before the eye, varied by none of
those changing lights and shadows that belong to a finely
undulating lawn. It is true that this affects the mind dif-
ferently in certain situations, as a broad plain is a delightful
contrast and source of repose in a mountainous country.
But we here speak of the greater part of the surface of the
United States, where country seats are located, and where it
will be found, that a diversified surface is greatly to be
preferred to a dead level.
Where such a level exists, in some situations, it is almost
impossible to improve it much. When, for illustration, the
TREATMENT OF GROUND. — FORMATION OP WALKS. 305
whole surrounding country is equally tame and flat, the
creation by artificial means, of undulations, hills, or hollows
in a park, would be in such evident contradiction to the
natural formation, that the eye would at once detect it as a
deception, harmonizing badly with general nature. The
best that can be done in such cases, is perhaps, to produce
the greatest possible beauty, by plantations and buildings,
and not to attempt any alterations of surface, which would
be insignificant and absurd.
When, however, this is not the case, but the grounds
themselves, though nearly level, are surrounded by more
bold and spirited variations of surface, a great deal may be
effected. In those portions of the grounds nearest the sur-
rounding inequalities, the latter may be apparently carried
into the former, and the artificial sweeps, breaks, or midula-
tions in the park may be so connected with each other, and
with the neighbouring irregularities, as to produce the effect
of accordant art joined to the charm of natural expression.
The error into which inexperienced improvers are con-
stantly liable to fall, is a want of breadth and extent in their
designs ; which latter, when executed, are so feeble as to be
full of littlenesses^ out of keeping with the magnitude of the
surromiding scene. Their designs, like the sketches of a
novice in drawing, are cramped and meagre. This is ex-
emplified in gromid, by their producing, instead of easy
undulations, nothing but a succession of short sweeps and
hillocks, like waves in the ocean. Now the most beautiful
variation in ground is undoubtedly that of gradually vary-
ing lines and insensible transitions of surface, and these
should correspond in magnitude and breadth to the size and
style of the place. Such surfaces are full of the flowing
lines, and rounded smoothnesses, which Burke considers
39
306 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
characteristic of beauty, or the long undulations exhibit the
outlines of Hogarth's favourite line of grace.
In places of large extent there may be scenes in different
portions of the park, of totally different character ; one sim-
ply beautiful, abounding with graceful and flowing lines,
and another highly picturesque, and full of spirited breaks
and variations ; such often form very pleasing and striking
contrasts to each other, and should therefore, by all means,
be preserved : but they should also be rendered distinct by
their own surrounding plantations, else much of tiieir effect
as a whole, when separately considered, will be lost upon
the spectator. For it should be remembered the mind is
incapable of appreciating, or doing justice, to two distinct
and dissimilar expressions at the same time. Whatever be
the scene to be improved, therefore, it should be taken by
itself and considered as a whole, if the eye command that
scene alone. Then the improver can proceed on the prin-
ciple that every piece of ground is distinguished by certain
properties : it is either tame or bold, graceful or rude, con-
tinued or broken ; and if any variety inconsistent with these
expressions be obtruded, it has no other effect than to
weaken one idea without raising another. " The insipi-
dity of a fiat is not taken away by a few scattered hillocks ;
a continuation of uneven ground can alone give the idea of
irregularity, A large, deep, abrupt break, among easy-
swells and falls, seems at best but a piece left unfinished,
and which ought to have been softened ; it is not more
natural because it is more rude. On the other hand, a fine
small polished form, in the midst of rough, mis-shapen
ground, though more elegant than" all about it, is generally
no better than a patch, itself disgraced and disfiguring the
scene. A thousand instances might be added to show that
g'REATMENT OF GROUND. — FORMATION OF WALKS. 307
the prevailing idea ought to pervade every part, so far at
least indispensably, as to exclude whatever distracts it, and
as much further as possible to accommodate the character
of the ground to that of the scene to which it belongs."*
Rocks, either in detached fragments or large masses,
enter into the composition of many scenes, and sometimes
have an excellent effect. Indeed much of the spirit of pic-
turesque scenery, is often owing to the bold projections
made by rocks in various forms. An overhanging cliff, or
steep precipice, a moss covered rocky bank, or even a group
of rocks on a ledge, from which springs a tuft of trees and
shrubs — all these give strength to a picturesque scene.
Their effect may often be rendered more striking by art ;
sometimes by removing the earth or loose stones from the
bottom of the precipice, so as greatly to increase its apparent
height — for the perpendicular position is the finest in which
rocks can be viewed. At other times, the effect of a con-
tinuous range of rocks may be much improved, by planting
the summit, and making occasional breaks of verdure in
the front surface.
Rocks which are too apparent, and which cannot be re-
moved, may be concealed with trees and vegetation, or par-
tially covered with vines and creepers. The latter often
have a beautiful effect in picturesque scenery, and we have
seen very charming pictures formed of over-arching cliffs
and groups of rock, upon which hung and rambled in
luxuriant profusion, a rich mixture of climbing plants.
* fllr. Whately has given such minute and excellent details in relation to this
subject, in his ObservatioTis on Modern Gardening, that we gladly refer the reader
who desires to pursue this subject farther, to that work : which indeed is so un-
ex«eptionable in style and good taste, that Alison has frequently quoted it in
illustration of his admirable Essay on Taste.
308 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Where rocks thus accidentally occur iii beautiful scenes, to
which they if left bare would be inimical, they may be
wonderfully softened and brought into keeping by a cover-
ing of the honeysuckle, the Ivy, the Virginia creeper, and
other species of the gayest and most luxuriant flowering
vines.
Loose and detached fragments of rocks can never be
permitted to lie scattered about the lawn, in any style. In
a scene expressive of graceful beauty, of course they would
be entirely out of place : and in a picturesque scene, they
should only be suffered to remain in spots where they have
some evident connection with larger masses. If they were
allowed to lie loosely around, they would only give an air
of confused wildness, opposed to every thing like the ele-
gance of tasteful art or the comfort of a country residence ;
but if only seen in particular spots where they evidently
belong, they will, by contrast, give force and spirit to the
whole. We do not now speak of large rounded boulders
or smooth stones, such as are seen lying about the soil in
some of our valley tracts ; as such are void of interest, and,
unless they are large, or in some degree remarkable, they
ought to be at once removed out of the way. Characteristic
and picturesque rocks, are those with firm, rugged, and dis-
tinct outlines, externally covered with a coating of weather
stains, dark lichens, or mosses, and which meet the eye
with a mellow and softened tone of colour.
Roads and walks are so directly connected with opera-
tions on the surface of the ground, and with the disposition
of plantations, which we have already made familiar to the
reader, that we shall introduce in this place a few remarks
relative to their direction and formation. A French writer
has remarked of them that they are " les rubans qui attachent
:he Eavine Walk at Blithewcod
TREATMENT OF GROUND. — FORMATION OF WALKS. 309
le bouquet," and they certainly serve as the connecting me-
dium between the different parts of the estate, as well as the
means of displaying its various beauties, peculiarities, and
finest points of prospect.
The Ajyproach is by far the most important of these
routes. It is the private road, leading from the public high-
way, directly to the house itself. It should therefore bear
a proportionate breadth and size, and exhibit marks of good
keeping, in accordance with the dignity of the mansion.
In the ancient style of gardening, the Approach was so
formed as to enter directly in front of the house, affording
a full view of that portion of the edifice, and no other. A
line drawn as directly as possible, and evenly bordered on
each side with a tall avenue of trees, was the whole expen-
diture of art necessary in its formation. It is true, the sim-
plicity of design was often more than counterbalanced by
the difiiculty of levelling, grading, and altering the surface,
necessary to please the geometric eye ; but the rules were
as plain and unchangeable, as the lines were parallel and
undeviating.
In the present more advanced state of Landscape Garden-
ing, the formation of the Approach has become equally a
matter of artistical skill with other details of the art. The
house is generally so approached, that the eye shall first
meet it in an angular direction, displaying not only the
beauty of the architectural fagade, but also one of the end
elevations, thus giving a more complete idea of the size,
character, or elegance of the building : and instead of lead-
ing in a direct line, from the gate to the house, it curves in
easy lines through certain portions of the park or lawn,
until it reaches that object.
If the point where the Approach is to start from the high-
310 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
way, be not already determined past alteration, it should be
so chosen, as to afford a sufficient drive through the grounds
before arriving at the house, to give the stranger some idea
of the extent of the whole property : to allow an agreeable
diversity of surface over which to lead it : and lastly in
such a manner as not to interfere with the convenience of
ready access to and from the mansion.
This point being decided, and the other being the mansion
and adjacent buildings, it remains to lay out the road in such
gradual curves as will appear easy and graceful, without
verging into rapid turns, or formal stiffness. Since the mod-
em style has become partially known and adopted here, some
persons appear to have supposed that nature " has a horror
of straight lines," and consequently, believing that they could
not possibly err, they immediately ran into the other extreme,
filling their grounds with zig-zag and regularly serpentine
roads, still more horrible : which can only be compared to
the contortions of a wounded snake dragging its way slowly
over the earth.
There are two guiding principles which have been laid
down for the formation of Approaxjh roads. The first, that
the curves should never be so great, or lead over surfaces so
unequal, as to make it disagreeable to drive upon them ; and
the second, that the road should never curve without some
reason, either real or apparent.
The most natural method of forming a winding Approach
where the ground is gently undulating, is to follow, in some
degree, the depressions of surface, and to curve round the
eminences. This is an excellent method, so long as it does
not lead us in too circuitous a direction, nor, as we before
hinted, make the road itself too uneven. When either of
these happen, the easy, gradual flow of the curve in the
TREATMENT OF GROUND. — FORMATION OF WALKS. 311
proper direction, must be maintained by levelling or grading,
to produce the proper surface.
Nothing can be more unmeaning than to see an Approach,
or any description of road, winding hither and thither,
through an extensive level lawn towards the house, without
the least apparent reason for the curves. Happily, we are
not therefore obliged to return to the straight line ; but
gradual curves may always be so arranged as to appear
necessarily to wind round the groiips of trees^ which other-
wise would stand in the way. Wherever a bend in the road
is intended, a cluster or group of greater or less size and
breadth, proportionate to the curve, should be placed in the
projection formed. These trees, as soon as they attain some
size, if they are properly arranged, we may suppose to have
originally stood there, and the road naturally to have
curved, to avoid destroying them.
This arrangement of trees bordering an extended Approach
road, in connection with the various other groups, masses,
and single trees, in the adjacent lawn, will in nibst cases
have the effect of concealing the house from the spectator
approaching it, except, perhaps, from one or two points. It
has therefore been considered a matter worthy of considera-
tion, at what point or points the first vieio of the house shall
be obtained. If seen at too great a distance, as in the case
of a large estate, it may appear more diminutive and of less
magnitude than it should ; or, if first viewed at some other
position, it may strike the eye of a stranger, at that point,
unfavourably. The best, and indeed the only way to de-
cide the matter, is to go over the whole ground covered by
the Approach route carefully, and select a spot or spots suf-
ficiently near to give the most favourable and striking view
of the house itself. This, if openings are to be made, can
312
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
only be done in winter ; but when the ground is to be
newly planted, it may be prosecuted at any season.
The late Mr. Repton, who was one of the most celebrated
English practical landscape gardeners, has laid down in
one of his works, the following rules on the subject, which
we quote, not as applying in all cases, but to show what are
generally thought the principal requisites of this road in the
modern style.
First. It ought to be a road to the house, and to that prin-
cipally.
Secondly. If it be not naturally the nearest road possible,
it ought artificially to be made to appear so.
Thirdly. The artificial obstacles which make this road
the nearest, ought to appear natural.
Fourthly. Where an approach quits the high road, it ought
not to break from it at right angles, or in such a manner as
to rob the entrance of importance, but rather at some bend of
the public road, from which a lodge or gate may be more
conspicui^us ; and where the high road may appear to
branch from the approach, rather than the approach from the
high road.
Fifthly. After the approach enters the park, it should avoid
skirting along its boundary, which betrays the want of extent
or unity of property.
Sixthly. The house, unless very large and magnificent,
should not be seen at so great a distance as to make it ap-
pear much less than it really is.
Seventhly. The first view of the house should be from the
most pleasing point of sight.
Eighthly. As soon as the house is visible from the ap-
proach, there should be no temptation to quit it, (which will
ever be the case if the road be at all circuitous,) unless suffi-
TREATMENT OF GROUND. — FORMATION OP WALKS. 313
cient obstacles, such as water or inaccessible ground appear
to justify its course.*
Although there are many situations where these rules must
be greatly modified in practice, yet the improver will do well
to bear them in mind, as it is infinitely more easy to make
occasional deviations from general rules, than to carry out a
tasteful improvement without any guiding principles.
There are many fine country residences on the banks of
the Hudson, Connecticut, and other rivers, where the proprie-
tors are often much perplexed and puzzled by the situation
of their houses ; the building presenting really tivo fronts^
while they appear to desire only one. Such is the case when
the estate is situated between the public road on one side, and
the river on the other ; and we have often seen the Approach
artificially tortured into a long circuitous route, in order
finally to arrive at what the proprietor considers the true front,
viz : the side nearest the river. When a building is so situa-
ted, much the most elegant efiect is produced by having two
fronts : one, the entrance front , with the porch or portico
nearest the road, and the other, the river front, facing the
water. The beauty of the whole is often surprisingly en-
hanced by this arrangement, for the visiter after passing by
the Approach through a considerable portion of the grounds,
Avith perhaps, but slight and partial glimpses of the river, is
most agreeably surprised on entering the house, and looking
from the drawing-room windows of the other front, to behold
another beautiful scene totally diiferent from the last, en-
riched and ennobled by the wide-spread sheet of water before
him. Much of the effect produced by this agreeable surprise
from the interior, it will readily be seen, would be lost, if the
* Repton's Enquiry into the changes of taste in Landscape Gardening, p. 109.
40
314 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Stranger had already driven round and alighted on the river
front.
The Drive, is a variety of road rarely seen among us, yet
T hich may be made a very agreeable feature in some of our
country residences, at a small expense. It is intended for ex-
ercise more secluded than that upon the public road, and to
show the interesting portions of the place from the carriage,
or on horseback. Of course it can only be formed upon places
of considerable extent ; but it enhances the enjoyment of such
places very highly, in the estimation of those who are fond of
equestrian exercises. It generally commences where the ap-
proach terminates, viz., near the house : and from thence,
proceeds in the same easy curvelinear manner, through
various parts of the grounds, farm, or estate. Sometimes it
sweeps through the pleasure grounds, and returns along the
very beach of the river, beneath the fine overhanging foliage
of its projecting bank — sometimes it proceeds towards some
favourite point of view, or interesting spot in the landscape ;
or at others it leaves the lawn and traverses the farm, giving
the proprietor an opportunity to examine his crops, or exhibit
his agricultural resources to his friends.
Walks are laid out for purposes similar to Drives, but are
much more common, and may be introduced into every scene,
hov/ever limited. They are intended solely for promenades
or exercise on foot, and should therefore be dry and firm,
if possible, at all seasons when it is desirable to use them.
Some may be open to the south, sheltered with evergreens,
and made dry and hard, for a warm promenade in winter ;
others formed of closely mown turf, and thickly shaded by a
leafy canopy of verdure, for a cool retreat in the midst of
summer. Others again may lead to some sequestered spot,
and terminate in a secluded rustic seat, or conduct to some
TREATMENT OF GROUND. — FORMATION OF WALKS. 315
shaded dell or rugged eminence, where an extensive prospect
can be enjoyed. Indeed, the genius of the place must sug-
gest the direction, length, and number of the walks to be laid
out, as no fixed rules can be imposed in a subject so ever-
changing and different. It should however, never be forgot-
ten, that the walk ought always to correspond to the scene
it traverses, being rough where the latter is wild and pictu-
resque, sometimes scarcely diifering from a common footpath,
and more polished, as the surrounding objects show evidences
of culture and high keeping. In direction^ like the ap-
proach, it should take easy flowing curves, though it may
often turn more abruptly at the interposition of an obstacle.
The chief beauty of curved and bending lines in walks, lies
in the new scenes, which by means of them are opened to the
eye. In the straight walk of half a mile the whole is seen
at a glance, and there is too often but little to excite the spec-
tator to pursue the search ; but in the modern style, at every
few rods, a new turn in the walk opens a new prospect to the
beholder, and " leads the eye, as Hogarth graphically ex-
pressed it, " a kind of wanton chase," continually afibrding
new refreshment and variety.
Fences are often among the most unsightly and otfensive
objects in our country seats. Some persons appear to have
a passion for subdividing their grounds into a great number
of fields ; a process which is scarcely ever advisable even in
common farms, but for which there can be no apology in
elegant residences. The close proximity of fences to the
house gives the whole place a confined and mean character.
" The mind," says Repton, " feels a certain disgust under a
sense of confinement in any situation however beautiful." A
wide-spread lawn, on the contrary, where no boundaries are
conspicuous, conveys an impression of ample extent and space
316 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
for enjoyment. It is frequently the case that, on that side
of the house nearest the outbuildings, fences are, for conve-
nience, brought in its close neighbourhood, and here they are
easily concealed by plantations ; but on the other sides, open
and unobstructed views should be preserved, by removing
all barriers not absolutely necessary.
Nothing is more common, in the places of cockneys who
become inhabitants of the country, than a display immedi-
ately around the dwelling of a spruce paling of carpentry,
neatly made, and painted white or green ; an abomination
among the fresh fields, of which no person of taste could be
guilty. To fence off a small plot around a fine house, in the
midst of a lawn of fifty acres, is a perversity which we could
never reconcile, with even the lowest perception of beauty.
An old stone wall covered with creepers and climbing plants,
may become a picturesque barrier a thousand times superior
to such a fence. But there is never one instance in a thou-
sand where any barrier is necessary. Where it is desirable to
separate the house from the level grass of the lawn, let it be
done by an architectural terrace of stone, or a raised platform
of gravel supported by turf, which will confer importance
and dignity upon the building, instead of giving it a petty
and trifling expression.
Verdant hedges are elegant substitutes for stone or wooden
fences, and Ave are surprised that their use has not been
hitherto more general. We have ourselves been making
experiments for the last ten years with various hedge-plants,
and have succeeded in obtaining some hedges which are
now highly admired. Five or six years will, in this climate,
under proper care, be sufficient to produce hedges of great
beauty, capable of withstanding the attacks of every kind
of cattle ; barriers, too, which will outlast many generations.
TREATMENT OP GROUND. — FORMATION OP WALKS. 317
The common Arbor VitfB, (or flat Cedar,) which grows in
great abundance in many districts, forms one of the most
superb hedges, without the least care in trimming ; the
foliage growing thickly, down to the very ground, and
being evergreen, the hedge remains clothed the whole year.
Our common Thorns, and in particular those known in the
nurseries as the Newcastle and Washington thorns, form
hedges of great strength and beauty. They are indeed
much better adapted to this climate than the English Haw-
thorn, which often suffers from the unclouded radiance of
our midsummer sun. In autumn, too, it loses its foliage
much sooner than our native sorts, some of which assume a
brilliant scarlet when the foliage is fading in autumn. In
New-England, the Buckthorn is preferred from its rapid and
luxuriant growth ;* and in the southern states, the Madura,
or Osage Orange, is becoming a favourite for its glossy and
polished foliage. The Privet or Prim, is a rapid growing
shrub, well fitted for interior divisions. Picturesque hedges
are easily formed by intermingling a variety of flowering
shrubs, sweet briers, etc., and allowing the whole to grow
together in rich masses. For this purpose the Michigan rose
is admirably adapted at the north, and the Cherokee rose at
the south. In all cases where hedges are employed in the
natural style of landscape, (and not in close connection
with highly artificial objects, buildings, etc.,) a more agree-
able effect will be produced by allowing the hedge to grow
somewhat irregular in form, or varying it by planting near
it other small trees and shrubs to break the outline, than by
clipping it in even and formal lines. Hedges may be ob-
* The Buckthorn is perhaps the best plant where a thick screen is very speedily-
desired. It is not liable to the attack of insects, grows very thickly at the bottom,
at once, and will make an efficient screen sooner than almost any other plant.
318 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
tained, in a single season, by planting long shoots of the osier
willow, or any other tree which throws out roots easily from
cuttings.
A simple and pleasing barrier, in good keeping with cot-
tage residences, may be formed of rustic work, as it is termed.
For this purpose, stout rods of any of our native forest trees
are chosen, with the bark on, six to ten feet in length ; these
are sharpened and driven into the ground in the form of a
lattice, or wrought into any figures of trellis that the fancy
may suggest. When covered with luxuriant vines and
climbing plants, such a barrier is often admirable for its
richness and variety.
The sunk fence, fosse, or ha-ha, is an English invention,
used in separating that portion of the lawn near the house,
from the part grazed by deer or cattle, and is only a ditch
suiSciently wide and deep to render communication diificult
on opposite sides. When the ground slopes from the house,
such a sunk fence is invisible to a person near the latter, and
answers the purpose of a barrier without being in the least
obtrusive.
In a succeeding section we shall refer to terraces with their
parapets, which are by far the most elegant barriers for a
highly decorated flower garden, or for the purpose of main-
taining a proper connection between the house and the
grounds, a subject which is scarcely at all attended to, or its
importance even recognized as yet among us.
TREATMENT OF WATER. 319
SECTION VIIL
TREATMENT OF WATER.
Beautiful effects of this element in nature. In what cases it is desirable to attempt the forma-
tion of artificial pieces of water. Regular forms unpleasing. Directions for the formation
of ponds or lakes in the irregular manner. Study of natural lakes. Islands. Planting the
margin. Treatment of natural brooks and rivulets. Cascades and waterfalls. Legitimate
sphere of the art in tliis department.
The dale
With woods o'erhung, and shagg'd with mossy rocks,
Whence on each hand the gushing waters play,
And down the rough cascade white-dashing fall,
Or gleam in lengthened vista through the trees.
Thompson.
^•SS^I*
H E delightful and captivating eiFects of
water in landscapes of every description,
are universally known and admitted. The
boundless sea, the broad full river, the dashing noisy brook,
and the limpid meandering rivulet, are all possessed of their
peculiar charms ; and when combined with scenes otherwise
finely disposed and well wooded, they add a hundred fold to
their beauty. The soft and trembling shadows of the sur-
rounding trees and hills, as they fall upon a placid sheet of
water — the brilliant light which the crystal surface reflects
in pure sunshine, mirroring too, at times in its resplendent
bosom, all the cerulean depth and snowy whiteness of the
320 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
overhanging sky, give it an almost magical effect in a beau-
tiful landscape. The murmur of the babbling brook, that
" In linked sweetness long drawn out,"
falls upon the ear in some quiet secluded spot, is inexpressi-
bly soothing and delightful to the mind ; and the deeper
sound of a cascade that rushes, with an almost musical
dash, over its bed of moss-covered rock, is one of the most
fascinating of the many elements of enjoyment in a fine
country seat. The simplest or the most monotonous view
may be enlivened by the presence of water in any con-
siderable quantity, and the most picturesque and striking
landscape will, by its addition, receive a new charm, in-
expressibly enhancing all its former interest. In short, as
no place can be considered perfectly complete without either
a water view, or water upon its own grounds, wherever
it does not so exist, and can be easily formed by artificial
means, no man will neglect to take advantage of so fine a
source of embellishment as is this element in some of its
varied forms.
" Fleuves, ruisseax, beaux lacs, claires fontaines.
Venez, portez partout la vie et la fraicheur ;
Ah ! qui pent reraplacer votre aspect enchanteur ?
De pres il nous amuse, et de loin nous invite :
C'est le premier qu'on cherche, et le dernier qu'on quitte.
Vous fecondes les champs ; vous repetez les cieux,
' Vous enchantez I'oreille, et vous charmez les yeux."
In this country, where the progress of gardening and im-
provements of this nature, is rather shown in a simple and
moderate embellishment of a large number of villas and
country seats, than by a lavish and profuse expenditure on
a few entailed places, as in the. residences of the English
TREATMENT OF WATER. 321
nobility, the formation of large pieces of water at great cost,
and extreme labour, would be considered both absurd and
uncalled for. Indeed, when nature has so abundantly-
spread before us such an endless variety of superb lakes,
rivers, and streams of every size and description, the efforts
of man to rival her great works by mere imitation, would,
in most cases, only become ludicrous by contrast.
When, however, a number of perpetual springs cluster
together, or a rill, rivulet, or brook, runs through an estate
in such a manner as easily to be improved or developed
into an elegant expanse of water in any part of the grounds,
we should not hesitate to take advantage of so fortunate a
circumstance. Besides the additional beauty conferred upon
the whole place by such an improvement, the proprietor may
also derive an inducement from its utility ; for the posses-
sion of a small lake, well stocked with carp, trout, pickerel,
or any other of the excellent pond fish, which thrive and
propagate extremely well in clear fresh water, is a real
advantage which no one will undervalue.
There is no department of Landscape Gardening which
appears to have been less understood in this country, than
the management of water. Although there have not been
many attempts made in this way, yet the occasional efforts
that have been put forth in various parts of the country, in
the shape of square, circular, and oblong pools of water,
indicate a state of knowledge extremely meagre, in the art
of Landscape Gardening. The highest scale to which these
pieces of water rise in our estimation is that of respectable
horse-ponds ; — beautiful objects they certainly are not.
They are generally round or square, with perfectly smooth,
flat banks on every side, and resemble in tameness and in-
sipidity, a huge basin set down in the middle of a green
41
322
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
lawn. They are even, in most cases, denied the advantage
of shade, except perhaps occasionally a few straggling trees
can be said to fulfil that purpose ; for richly tufted margins,
and thickets of overhanging shrubs, are accompaniments
rare indeed.*
Lakes or ponds are the most beautiful forms in which
* Simple and easy, as would appear the artificial imitation of these variations
of nature, yet to an unpractised hand, and a tasteless mind, nothing is really more
difficult. To produce meagre right lines and geometrical forms is extremely easy
in any of the fine arts, but to give the grace, spirit, and variety of nature, requires
both tasteful perception and some practice; hence, in the infancy of any art,
the productions are characterized by extreme meagemess and simplicity;— of
which the first efibrts to draw the human figure or to form artificial pieces of water,
are good examples.
Brown, who was one of the early practitioners of the modem style abroad, and
who just saw far enough to lay aside the ancient formal method, without apprecia-
ting nature sufficiently to be willing to take her for his model, once disgraced half
of the finest places in England with his tame, bald pieces of artificial water, and
round, formal clumps of trees. Mr. Knight, in his elegant poem, " The Landscape,"
spiritedly rebuked this practice in the following lines : —
" Shaved to the brink our brooks are taught to flow
Where no obtruding leaves or branches grow :
While clumps of shrubs bespot each winding vale
Open alike to every gleam and gale :
Each secret haunt and deep recess display'd,
And intricacy banished with its shade.
Hence, hence ! thou haggard fiend, however call'd,
The meagre genius of the bare and bald ;
Thy spade and mattock here at length lay down.
And follow to the tomb, thy favourite, Brown ;
Thy favourite Brown, whose innovating hand,
First dealt thy curses o'er this fertile land;
First taught the walk in spiral forms to move,
And from their haunts the secret Dryads drove ;
With clumps bespotted o'er the mountain's side,
And bade the stream 'twiit banks close-shaven glide ;
Banish'd the thickets of high tow'rlng wood
Which hung reflected o'er the glassy flood."
TREATMENT OF WATER. 323
water can be displayed in the grounds of a country resi-
dence.* They invariably produce their most pleasing
effects when they are below the level of the house ; as, if
above, they are lost to the view, and if placed on a level
with the eye they are seen to much less advantage. We
conceive that they should never be introduced where they
do not naturally exist, except with the concurrence of the
following circumstances. First, a sufficient quantity of
running water to maintain at all times an overflow, for
nothing can be more unpleasant than a stagnant pool, as
nothing is more delightful than pure, clear, limpid water ;
and secondly, some natural formation of ground, in which
the proposed water can be expanded, that will not only
make it appear natural, but diminish, a hundred fold, the
expense of formation.
The finest and most appropriate place to form a lake, is in
the bottom of a smpJl valley, rather broad in proportion to
its length. The soil there, will probably be found rather
clayey and retentive of moisture, and the rill or brook, if not
already running through it, could doubtless be easily diver-
ted thither. There, by damming up the lower part of the
valley with a head of greater or less height, the water may
be(thrown back so as to form the whole body of the lake.
The first subject which will demand the attention, after
the spot has been selected for the lake or pond, and the
height of the head, and consequent depth of water deter-
mined upon, is the proposed form or outline of the whole.
* Owing to the immense scale upon which nature displays this fine element in
North America, every sheet of water of moderate or small size, is almost univer-
sally called a pond. And many a beautiful, limpid, natural expanse which in
England would be thought a charming lake, is here simply a pond. The term
may be equally correct, but is by no means as elegant.
324 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
And, as we have already rejected all regular and geometric
forms, in scenes were either natural, or picturesque beauty
is supposed to predominate, we must turn our attention to
examples for imitation in another direction.
If, then, the improver will recur to the most beautiful,
small, natural lake within his reach, he will have a subject
to study, and an example to copy well worthy of imitation.
If he examine minutely and carefully such a body of water,
with all its accompaniments, he will find that it is not only
delightfully wooded and overshadowed by a variety of vege-
tation of all heights, from the low sedge that grows on its
open margin, to the tall tree that bends its branches over its
limpid wave ; but he will also perceive a striking peculiari-
ty in its irregular outline. This, he will observe is neither
round, square, oblong, or any modification of these regular
figures, but full of bays and projections, sinuosities and
recesses of various forms and sizes, sometimes bold, and
reaching a considerable way out into the body of the lake,
at others, smaller and more varied in shape and connection.
In the height of the banks, too, he will probably observe
considerable variety. At some places, the shore will steal
gently and gradually away from the level of the water,
while at others it will rise suddenly and abruptly, in banjfs
more or less steep, irregular, and rugged. Rocks and stones
covered with mosses, will here and there jut out from the
banks, or lie along the margin of the water, and the whole
scene will be full of interest from the variety, intricacy, and
beauty of the various parts. If he will accurately note in
his mind all these varied forms — their separate outlines, the
way in which they blend into one another, and connect
themselves together, and the effect which, surrounding the
water, they produce as a whole, he will have §ome tolerably
TREATMENT OP WATER. 325
correct ideas of the way in which an artificial lake ought to
be formed.
Let him go still farther now, in imagination, and suppose
the banks of this natural lake, without being otherwise
altered, entirely denuded of grass, shrubs, trees, and verdure
of every description, remaining characterized only by their
original form and outline ; this will give him a more com-
plete view of the method in which his labours must com-
mence; fox uncouth and apparently mis-shapen as those
banks are and must be, when raw and unclothed, to exhibit
all tlieir variety and play of light and shadow when ver-
dant and complete, so also must the original form of the
banks and margin of the piece of artificial water, in order
finally to assume the beautiful or picturesque, be made to
assume outlines equally rough and harsh in their raw and
incomplete state.
It occasionally happens, though rarely, that around the
hollow or valley where it is proposed to form the piece of
water, the ground rises m such irregular form, and is so un-
dulating, receding, and projecting in various parts, that
when the water is dammed up by the head below, the natu-
ral outline formed by the banks already existing, is suffi-
ciently varied, to produce a pleasing effect without much
further preparatory labour. This, when it occurs, is ex-
ceedingly fortunate ; but the examples are so unfrequent,
that we must here make our suggestions upon a different
supposition.
When, therefore, it is found that the form of the intended
lake would not be such as is desirable, it must be made so
by digging. In order to do this with any exactness, the
improver should take his stand at that part of the ground
where the dam or head is to be formed, and raising his
326
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
levelling instrument to the exact height to which the in-
tended lake will rise, sweep round with his eye upon the
surrounding sides of the valley, and indicate by placing
marks there, the precise line to which the water will reach.
This can easily be done throughout the whole circum-
ference, by a few changes of position.
When the outline is ascertained in this way, and marked
out, the improver can, with the occasional aid of the level-
ler, easily determine where and how he can make alterations
and improvements. He will then excavate along the new
margin, until he makes the water line, (as shown by the in-
strument,) penetrate to all the various bays, inlets, and curves
of the proposed lake. In making these irregular variations,
sometimes bold and striking, at others fainter and less per-
ceptible, he can be guided, as we have already suggested, by
no fixed rules, but such as he may deduce from the opera-
tions of nature on the same materials, or by imbuing his
mind with the beauty of forms in graceful and refined art.
In highly polished scenery, elegant curves and graceful
sweeps should enter into the composition of the outline;
but in wilder or more picturesque situations, more irregular
and abrupt variations, will be found most suitable and
appropriate.
The intended water outline once fully traced and under-
stood, the workmen can now proceed to form the banks.
All this time the improver will keep in mind the supposed
appearance of the bank of a natural lake stripped of its vege-
tation, etc., which will greatly assist him in his progress.
In some places the banks will rise but little from the water,
at others one or two feet, and at others perhaps three, four,
or six times as much. This they will do, not in the same
maimer m all portions of the outline, sloping away with a
TREATMENT OF WATER. 327
like gradual rise on both sides, for this would inevitably
produce tameness and monotony, but in an irregular and
varied manner ; sometimes falling back gradually, some-
times starting up perpendicularly, and again overhanging
the bed of the lake itself.
All this can be easily effected, while the excavations of
those portions of the bed which require deepening are going
on. And the better portions of the soil obtained from the
latter, will serve to raise the banks when they are too low.
It is of but little consequence how roughly and irregularly
the projections, elevations, etc., of the banks and outlines are
at first made, so that some general form and connection is
preserved. The danger lies on the other side, viz : in pro-
ducing a whole too tame and insipid, for we have found by
experience, how difficult it is to make the best workmen un-
derstand how to operate in any other -^ay than in regular
curves and straight lines. Besides, newly moved earth, by
settling, and the influence of rains, etc., tends, for some
time, towards greater evenness and equality of surface.
Mr. Price, in his unrivalled instructions for the creation
of pieces of artificial water, has suggested another excellent
method by which the outlines and banks of lakes, may be
varied. This is, first, by cutting down the banks, in some
places nearest the water, perpendicularly, and then under-
mining them. This will produce a gradual variation in
some parts, which, falling to pieces, will produce new and
irregular accidental outlines. AVhen, by the action of rain
and frost, added to that of the water itself, large fragments
of mould tumble from the hollowed banks of rivers or lakes,
these fragments, by the accumulation of other mould, often
lose their rude and broken form, are covered with the fresh-
est grass, and enriched with tufts of natural flowers ; and
328 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. '
though detached from the bank, and upon a lower level,
still appear connected with it, and vary its outline in the
softest and most pleasing manner. As fragments of the
same kind will always be detached from ground that is
undermined, so by their means the same effects may de-
signedly be produced ; and they will suggest numberless
intricacies and varieties of a soft and pleasing, as well as of
a broken kind.
It will of course be well understood that we have here not
supposed our proposed lake to be located in a valley that
must be filled to the brim, or in a tame flat when the water
would rise to the same level as the adjacent ground. In such
situations there could be but little room for the display of a
high degree of picturesque beauty. On the contrary, when
the surrounding ground in many places rises gradually, or is
naturally higher than the proposed level of the water, there
is room for all the variety of banks of various heights, form,
and outline, which so spring out of the neighbouring undu-
lations and eminences, and connect themselves with them,
as to appear perfectly natural and in proper keeping.
In arranging these outlines and banks, we should study
the effect at the points from which they will generally be
vietS^-ed. Some pieces of water in valleys, are looked down
upon from other and higher parts of the demesne ; others-,
(and this is most generally the case,) are only seen from the
adjoining walk, at some point or points where the latter ap-
proaches the lake. They are most generally seen from one,
and seldom from more than two sides. When a lake is
viewed from above, its contour should be studied as a whole ;
but when it is only seen from one or more sides or points,
the beauty of the coup cfceil from those positions can often
be greatly increased by some trifling alterations in arrange-
TREATMENT OF WATER. 329
ment. A piece of water which is long and comparatively-
narrow, appears extremely diiferent in opposite points of
view ; if seen lengthwise, from either extremity, its apparent
breadth and extent is much increased ; while, if the spectator
be placed on one side and look across, it will seem narrow
and insignificant. Now, although the form of an artificial
lake of moderate size should never be much less in breadth
than in length, yet the contrary is sometimes unavoidably
the case ; and being so, we should by all means avail our-
selves of those well known laws in perspective, which will
place them in the best possible position, relative to the
spectator.
If the improver desire to render his banks still more pictu-
resque, resembling the choicest morceaiix of natural banks,
he should go a step farther in arranging his materials before
he introduces the water, or clothes the margin with vegetation.
In analyzing the finest portions of natural banks, it will
be observed that their peculiar characteristics often depend
on other objects, besides the mere ground of the surroundmg
banks, and the trees and verdure with which they are clothed.
These are, rocks of various size, forms, and colours, often pro-
jecting out of, or holding up the bank in various places ; stones
sometimes imbedded in the soil, sometimes lying loosely
along the shore ; and lastly, old stumps of trees with gnarled
roots whose decaying hues are often extremely mellow and
agreeable to the eye. All these have much to do with the
expression of a truly picturesque bank, and cannot be exclu-
ded or taken away from it without detracting largely from
its character. There is no reason, therefore, in an imitation
of nature, why we should not make use of all her materials
to produce a similar effect ; and although in the raw and
rude state of the banks at first, they may have a singular and
42
330
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
rather outre aspect, stuck round and decorated here and
there with large rocks, smaller stones, and old stumps of
trees ; yet it must be remembered that this is only the chaotic
state, from which the new creation is to emerge more per-
fectly formed and completed ; and also that the appearance
of these rocks and stumps, when covered with mosses, and
partially overgrown with a profusion of luxuriant vegetation
and climbing plants, will be as beautifully picturesque after
a little time has elapsed, as it is now uncouth and uninviting.
Islands generally contribute greatly to the beauty of a
piece of water. They serve, still farther, to increase the va-
riety of outline, and to break up the wide expanse of liquid,
into secondary portions, without injuring the effect of the
whole. The striking contrast too, between their verdure,
the colour of their margins, composed of variously tinted
soils and stones, and the still, smooth water around them, —
softened and blended as this contrast is, by their shadows
reflected back from the limpid element, gives additional rich-
ness to the picture.
The distribution of islands in a lake or pond, requires
some judgment. They will always appear most natural
when sufficiently near the shore, on either side, to maintain
in appearance some connection with it. Although islands
do sometimes occur near the middle of natural lakes, yet the
effect is by no means good ; as it not only breaks and distracts
the effect of the whole expanse by dividing it into two dis-
tinct parts, but it always indicates a shallowness or want of
depth, where the water should be deepest.
There are two situations where it is universally admitted
that islands may be happily introduced. These are, at the
inlet and the exit of the body of water. In many cases where
the stream which supplies the lake is not remarkable for size,
TREATMENT OF WATER. 331
and will add nothing to the appearance of the whole view
from the usual points of sight, it may be concealed by an
island or a small group of islands, placed at some little dis-
tance in front of it. The head or dam of a lake too, is often
necessarily so formal and abrupt, that it is difficult to make
it appear natural and in good keeping with the rest of the
margin. The introduction of an island or two, placed near
the main shore, on either side, and projecting as far as pos-
sible before the dam, will greatly diminish this disagreeable
formality, particularly if well clothed with a rich tuft of
shrubs and overhanging bushes.
Except in these two instances, islands should be generally
placed opposite the salient points of the banks, or near those
places where small breaks or promontories run out into the
water. In such situations, they will increase the irregularity
of the outline, and lend it additional spirit and animation.
Should they, on the other hand, be seated in or near the
marginal curve and indentations, they will only serve to clog
up these recesses ; and while their own figures are lost in
these little bays where they are hidden, by lessening the
already existing irregularities, they will render the whole
outline tame and spiritless.
On one or two of these small islands, little rustic habita-
tions, if it coincide with the taste of the proprietor, may be
made for different aquatic birds or water fowl, which will
much enliven the scene by their fine plumage. Among
these the swan is pre-eminent, for its beauty and graceful-
ness. Abroad, they are the almost constant accompaniments
of water in the ground of country residences ; and it cannot
be denied that, floating about in the limpid wave, with their
snow-white plumage, and superbly curved necks, they are
extremely elegant objects.
332 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
After having arranged the banks, reared up the islands^
and completely formed the bed of the proposed lake, the im-
prover will next proceed, at the proper period, to finish his
labours by clothing the newly formed ground, in various
parts, with vegetation. This may be done immediately, if it
be desirable ; or if the season be not favourable, it may be
deferred until the banks, and all the newly formed earth, have
had time to settle and assume their final forms, after the dam
has been closed, and the whole basin filled to its intended
height.
Planting the margins of pieces of water, if they should be
of much extent, must evidently proceed upon the same lead-
ing principle that we have already laid down for ornamental
plantations in other situations. That is, there must be trees
of dilferent heights and sizes, and underwood and shrubs of
lower growth, disposed sometimes singly, at others in masses,
groups, and thickets : in all of which forms, connectioti must
be preserved, and the whole must be made to blend well to-
gether, while the different sizes and contours will prevent
any sameness and confusion. On the retreating dry banks,
the taller and more sturdy deciduous and evergreen trees, as
the oak, ash, etc., may be planted, and nearer by, the different
willows, the elm, the alder, and other trees that love a moister
situation, will thrive well. It is indispensably necessary in
order to produce breadth of effect and strong rich contrasts,
that underwood should be employed to clothe many parts of
the banks. Without it, the stems of trees will appear loose
and straggling, and the screen will be so imperfect as to al-
low a free passage for the vision in every direction. For this
purpose, we have in all our woods, swamps, and along our
brooks, an abundance of hazels, hawthorns, alders, spice
woods, winter berries, azaleas, spireas, and a hundred other
TREATMENT OF WATER. 333
fine low shrubs, growing wild, which are by nature extremely-
well fitted for such sites, and will produce immediate eifect
on being transplanted. These may be intermingled, here
and there, with the swamp button-bush, {Cephalanthus)
which bears handsome white globular heads of blossoms,
and the swamp magnolia, which is highly beautiful and fra-
grant. On cool north banks, among shelves of proper soil
upheld by projecting ledges of rock, our native Kalmias and
Rhododendrons, the common and mountain laurels, may be
made to flourish. The Virginia Creeper, and other beautiful
wild vines, may be planted at the roots of some of the trees
to clamber up their stems, and the wild Clematis so placed
that its luxuriant festoons shall hang gracefully from the pro-
jecting boughs of some of the overarching trees. Along the
lower banks and closer margins, the growth of smaller plants
will be encouraged, and various kinds of wild ferns may be
so planted as partially to conceal, overrun, and hide the rocks
and stumps of trees, while trailing plants, as the periwinkle
and moneywort, {Lysmnachia numinularia,) will still far-
ther increase the intricacy and richness of such portions. In
this way, the borders of the lake will resemble the finest por-
tions of the banks of picturesque and beautiful natural dells
and pieces of water, and the effect of the whole when time
has given it the benefit of its softening touches, if it has been
thus properly executed, will not be much inferior to those
matchless bits of fine landscape. A more striking and artis-
tical effect will be produced by substituting for native treeS
and shrubs, common on the banks of streams and lakes in
the country, only rare foreign shrubs, vines, and aquatic
plants of hardy growth, suitable for such situations. While
these are arranged in the same manner as the former, from
their comparative novelty, especially in such sites, they will
at once convey the idea of refined and elegant art.
334 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
If any person will take the trouble to compare a piece of
water so formed, when complete, with the square or circular
sheets or ponds now in vogue among us, he must indeed be
little gifted with an appreciation of the beautiful, if he do not
at once perceive the surpassing merit of the natural style.
In the old method, the banks, level, or rising alike on all
sides, without any or but few surrounding trees, carefully
gravelled along the edge of the water, or what is still worse,
walled up, slope away in a tame, dull, uninteresting grass
field. In the natural method, the outline is varied, sometimes
receding from the eye, at others stealing out, and inviting the
gaze — the banks here slope off gently with a gravelly beach,
and there rise abruptly in different heights, abounding with
hollows, projections, and eminences, showing various colour-
ed rocks and soils, intermingled with a luxuriant vegetation
of all sizes and forms, corresponding to the different situations.
Instead of allowing the sun to pour down in one blaze of
light, without any objects to soften it with their shade, the
thick overhanging groups and masses of trees cast, here and
there, deep cool shadows. Stealing through the leaves and
branches, the sun-beams quiver and play upon the surface of
the flood, and are reflected back in dancing light, while their
full glow upon the broader and more open portions of the
lake is relieved, and brought into harmony, by the cooler and
softer tints mirrored in the water from the surrounding hues
and tints of banks, rocks, and vegetation.
Natural brooks and rivulets may often be improved great-
ly by a few trifling alterations or additions, when they chance
to come within the bounds of a country residence. Occa-
sionally, they may be diverted from their original beds when
they run through distant and unfrequented parts of the
demesne, and brought through nearer portions of the pleasure-
grounds or lawn. This, however, can only be done, with
TREATMENT OF WATER. 335
propriety, when there is a natural indication in the grounds
through which it is proposed to divert it — as a succession
or hollows, etc., to form the future channel. Sometimes, a
brisk little brook can be divided into two smaller ones for
some distance, again uniting at a point below, creating addi-
tional diversity by its varymg form.*
Brooks, rivulets, and even rills, may frequently be greatly
improved by altering the form of their beds in various places.
Often by merely removing a few trifling obstructions, loose
stones, branches, etc., or hollowing away the adjoining bank
for a short distance, fine little expanses or pools of still water
may be formed, which are happily contrasted with the more
rugged course of the rest of the stream. Such improvements
of these minor water courses, are much preferable to widen,
ing them into flat, insipid, tame canals or rivers, which,
though they present greater surface to the eye, are a thou-
sand times inferior in the impetuosity of motion, and musical,
"babbling sound," so delightful in rapid brooks and rivulets.t
Cascades and vjater-falls are the most charming features
* The Abbe Delille has given us a fine image of a brook thus divided, in the
following lines: —
" Plus loin, il se separe en deux ruisseaux agiles,
Qui, se suivant I'un I'autre avec rapidite,
Disputent de vitesse et de limpidite ;
Puis, rejoignant tous deux le lit qui les rassemble,
Murmurent enchantcs de voyager ensemble.
Ainsi, toujours arrant de detour en detour,
Muet, bruyant, paisible, inquiet tour a tour,
Sous mille aspects divers son cours se renouvelle."
t The most successful improvement of a natural brook that we have ever wit-
nessed, has been effected in the grounds of Henry Sheldon, Esq., of Tarrytown,
N. Y. The great variety and beauty displayed in about a fourth of a mile of the
course of this stream, its pretty cascades, rustic bridges, rockwork, etc., reflect the
highest credit on the taste of that gentleman.
336
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
of natural brooks and rivulets. Whatever may be their size
they are always greatly admired, and in no way, is the
peculiar stillness of the air, peculiar to the country, more
pleasingly broken, than by the melody of falling water.
Even the gurgling and mellow sound of a small rill, leaping
over a few fantastic stones, has a kind of lulling fascination
for the ear, and when this sound can be brought so near as
to be distinctly heard at the residence itself, it is peculiarly
delightful.* Now any one who examines a small cascade at
all attentively, in a natural brook, will see that it is often
formed in the simplest manner by the interposition of a few
large projecting stones, which partially dam up the current
and prevent the ready flow of the water. Such little cas-
cades are easily imitated, by following exactly the same
course, and damming up the little brook artificially ; stu-
diously avoiding, however, any formal and artificial disposi-
tion of the stones or rocks employed.
Larger water-falls and cascades cannot usually be made
without some regular head or breastwork, to oppose more
firmly the force of the current. Such heads may be formed
of stout plank and well prepared clay ;t or, which is greatly
preferable, of good masonry laid in water cement. After a
head is thus formed it must be concealed entirely from the
eye by covering it both upon the top and sides with natural
rocks and stones of various sizes, so ingeniously disposed,
* The fine stream which forms the south boundary of Blithewood, on the
Hudson, the seat of R. Donaldson, Esq., affords two of the finest natural cataracts
that we have seen in the grounds of any private residence. Fig. 38 is a view of
the larger cascade which falls about 60 feet over a bold, rocky bed.
t It is found that strong loam or any tenacious earth well prepared hy puddling
or beating in water is equally impervious to water as clay ; and may therefore be
used for lining the sides or dams of bodies of made water when such materials are
required.
Fig. 38. The Cataract at Blifhewood.
TREATMENT OF WATER. 337
as to appear fully to account for, or be the cause of, the
water-fall.
The axe of the original backwoodsman appears to have
left such a mania for clearing behind it, even in those por-
tions of the Atlantic states where such labor should be for-
ever silenced, that some of our finest places in the country
will be found much desecrated and mutilated by its careless
and unpardonable use ; and not only are fine plantations
often destroyed, but the banks of some of our finest streams
and prettiest rivulets partially laid bare by the aid of this
instrument, guided by some tasteless hand. Wherever fine
brooks or water courses are thus mutilated, one of the most
necessary and obvious improvements is to reclothe them
with plantations of trees and underwood. In planting their
banks anew, much beauty and variety can often be produced
by employing different growths, and arranging them as we
have directed for the margins of lakes and ponds. In some
places where easy, beautiful slopes and undulations of ground
border the streams, gravel, soft turf, and a few simple groups
of trees, will be the most natural accompaniments ; in others
where the borders of the stream are broken into rougher,
more rocky and precipitous ridges, all the rich wildness and
intricacy of low shrubs, ferns, creeping and climbing plants,
may be brought in to advantage. Where the extent to be
thus improved is considerable, the trouble may be lessened
by planting the larger growth, and sowing the seeds of the
smaller plants mingled together. Prepare the materials, and
time and nature, with but little occasional assistance, will
mature and soften, and blend together the whole, in their
own matchless and inimitable manner.
From all that we have suggested in these limited remarks,
it will be seen that we would only attempt in our operations
43
338 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
with water, the graceful or picturesque imitations of natural
lakes or ponds, and brooks, rivulets, and streams. Such are
the only forms in which this unrivalled element can be dis-
played so as to harmonize agreeably with natural and pic-
turesque scenery. In the latter, there can be no apology
made for the introduction of straight canals, round or oblong
pieces of water, and all the regular forms of the geometric
mode ; because they would evidently be in violent opposi-
tion to the whole character and expression of natural land-
scape. In architectural, or flower gardens, (of which we
shall hereafter have occasion to ofier some remarks,) where
a different and highly artificial arrangement prevails, all
these regular forms, with various jets, fountains, etc., may
be employed with good taste, and will combine well with
the other accessories of such places. But in the grounds of
a residence in the modern style, nature, if possible, still
more purified, as in the great chefs d'oeuvres of art, by an
ideal standard, should be the great aim of the Landscape
Gardener. And with water especially, only beautiful when
allowed to take its own flowing forms and graceful motions,
more than with any other of our materials, all appearance
of constraint and formality should be avoided. If art be at
all manifest, it should discover itself only, as in the admira-
bly painted landscape, in the reproduction of nature in her
choicest developments. Indeed, many of the most cele-
brated authors who have treated of this subject, appear to
agree, that the productions of the artist in this branch, are
most perfect, as they approach most nearly to fac-similes of
nature herself: and though art should have formed the
whole, its employment must be nowhere discovered by the
spectator ; or as Tasso has more elegantly expressed the
idea :
" l'aRTE CHE TUTTO FA, NULLA SI SCOPRE."
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 339
SECTION IX.
LANDSCAPE OR RURAL ARCHITECTURE.
Difference between a city and a country house. The characteristic features of a country house.
Examination of the leading principles in Rural Architecture. The different styles. The
Grecian style, its merits and defects, and its associations. The Roman and Italian styles.
The Pointed or Gothic style. The Tudor Mansion. The English Cottage, or Rural Gothic
style. These styles considered in relation to situation or scenery. Individual tastes. En-
trance Lodges.
" A house amid the quiet country's shades,
With length'ning vistas, ever sunny glades ;
Beauty and fragrance clustering o'er the wall,
A porch inviting, and an ample hall."
RCHITECTURE, either
practically considered, or view-
ed as an art of taste, is a subject
^iSO important and comprehen-
sive in itself, that volumes
would be requisite to do it justice. Buildings of every de-
scription, from the humble cottage to tlie lofty temple, are
objects of such constant recurrence in every habitable part
of the globe, and are so strikingly indicative of the intelli-
gence, character, and taste of the inhabitants, that they pos-
sess in themselves a great and peculiar interest for the mind.
To have a " local habitation," — a permanent dwelling, that
we can give the impress of our own mind, and identify with
our own existence, — appears to be the ardent wish, sooner
340 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
or later felt, of every man : excepting only those wandering
sons of Ishmacl, who pitch their tents with the same indiffer-
ence, and as little desire to remain fixed, in the flowery plains
of Persia, as in the sandy deserts of Zahara, or Arabia.
In a city or town, or its immediate vicinity, where space
is limited, where buildings stand crowded together, and de-
pend for their attractions entirely upon the style and manner
of their construction, mere architectural effect, after conve-
nience and fitness are consulted, is of course the only point to
be kept in view. There the fa§ade which meets the eye of
the spectator from the public street, is enriched and made at-
tractive by the display of architectural style and decoration ;
commensurate to the magnitude or importance of the edifice,
and the whole, so far as the effect of the building is concerned,
comes directly within the province of the architect alone.
With respect to this class of dwellings, we have little com-
plaint to make, for many of our town residences are highly
elegant and beautiful. But how shall we designate that
singular perversity of taste, or rather that total want of it,
which prompts the man, who, under the name of a villa
residence, piles up in the free open country, amid the green
fields, and beside the wanton gracefulness of luxuriant nature,
a stiff modern "three story brick," which, like a well bred
cockney with a true horror of the country, doggedly seems
to refuse to enter into harmonious combination with any other
object in the scene, but only serves to call up the exclama-
tion,
Avaunt, stiff pile ! why didst thou stray
From blocks congenial in Broadway !
Yet almost daily we see built up in the country huge com-
binations of boards and shingles, without the least attempts at
adaptation to situation ; and square masses of brick start up
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 341
here and there, in the verdant slopes of o ur village suburbs
appearing as if they had been transplanted, by some unlucky
incantation, from the close-packed neighbourhood of city
residence, and left accidentally in the country, or, as Sir
Walter Scott has remarked, "had strayed out to the country
for an airing."
What then are the proper characteristics of a rural resi-
dence ? The answer to this, in a few words, is, such a
dwelling, as from its various accommodations, not only gives
ample space for all the comforts and conveniences of a country
life, but by its varied and picturesque form and outline, its
porches, verandas, etc., also appears to have some reasonable
connection, or be in perfect keeping, with surrounding nature.
Architectural beauty must be considered conjointly with the
beauty of the landscape or situation. Buildings of almost
every description, and particularly those for the habitation of
man, will be considered by the mind of taste, not only as ar-
chitectural objects of greater or less merit, but as component
parts of the general scene ; united with the surrounding lawn,
embosomed in tufts of trees and shrubs, if properly designed
and constructed, they will even serve to impress a character
upon the surrounding landscape. Their effect will frequently
be good or bad, not merely as they are excellent or indifferent
examples of a certain style of building, but as they are hap-
pily or unhappily combined with the adjacent scenery. The
intelligent observer will readily appreciate the truth of this,
and acknowledge the value, as well as necessity, of something
besides architectural knowledge. And he will perceive
how much more likely to be successful, are the efforts of him,
who in composing and constructing a rural residence, calls
in to the aid of architecture, the genius of the landscape ; — ■
whose mind is imbued with a taste for beautiful scenery, and
342 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
who so elegantly and ingeniously engrafts art upon nature,
as to heighten her beauties ; while by the harmonious union
he throws a borrowed charm around his own creation.
The English, above all other people, are celebrated for
their skill in what we consider rtiral adaptation. Their
residences seem to be a part of the scenes where they are
situated ; for their exquisite taste and nice perception of the
beauties of Landscape Gardening and rural scenery, lead them
to erect those picturesque edifices, which by their varied out-
lines, seem in exquisite keeping with nature ; while by the
numberless climbing plants, shrubs, and fine ornamental trees
with which they surround them, they form beautiful pictures
of rural beauty. Even the various offices connected with the
dwelling, partially concealed by groups of foliage, and con-
tributing to the expression of domestic comfort, while they
extend out, and give importance to the main edifice, also
serve to connect it, in a less abrupt manner, with the
grounds.
So different indeed is the general character of the cottage
and villa architecture of England, that many an American, on
looking over the illustrated works of their writers on domestic
architecture, while he acknowledges their high scenic beauty,
generally regards them in much the same light as he does
Moore's description of the vale of Cashmere, in Lalla Rookli —
beautiful imaginative creations of the artist, but which can
never be realized in every-day life, and a comfortable dwell-
ing. The fact however is, it is well known, quite the con-
trary ; for many of the English country residences are really
far more beautiful than the pictorial representations ; and no
people gather around themselves more of those little comforts
and elegancies, which make up the sum total of home, than
the inhabitants of that highly cultivated and gardenesque
country.
RURAL ARCHITFXTURE. 343
The leading principles which should be our guide in Land-
scape or Rural A rchitecture, have been condensed by an able
writer in the following heads. " 1st, As a useful art, in fit-
ness FOR THE END IN VIEW : 2d, as au art of design, in
EXPRESSION OF PURPOSE I 3d, as an art of taste, in expres-
sion OF some particular architectural style."
The most enduring and permanent source of beauty is,
undoubtedly, utility. In a country residence, therefore, of
whatever character, the comfort and convenience of the
various members of the family being the first and most im-
portant consideration, the quality of fitness is universally
appreciated and placed in the first rank. In many of those
articles of furniture or apparel which luxury or fashion has
brought into use, fitness or convenience often gives way to
beauty of form or texture : but in a habitation, intended to
shelter us from the heat and cold, as well as to give us an
opportunity to dispense the elegant hospitalities of refined
life — the neglect of the various indispensable conveniences
and comforts which an advanced state of civilization require,
would be but poorly compensated for, by a fanciful exterior
or a highly ornate style of building. Farther than this, fit-
ness will extend to the choice of situation ; selecting a shel-
tered site, neither too high, as upon the exposed summit of
bleak hills, nor too low, as in the lowest bottoms of damp
valleys ; but preferring those middle grounds which, while
they afford a free circulation of air, and a fine prospect, are
not detrimental to the health or enjoyment of the occupants.
A proper exposure is another subject, worthy of the attention
of either the architect or proprietor, as there are stormy, and
pleasant aspects or exposures in all climates.
However much the principle of fitness may be appreciated
and acted upon in the United States, we have certainly great
344
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
need of apology for the flagrant and almost constant viola-
tion of the second principle, viz : the expression of purpose.
By the expression of purpose in buildings, is meant that archi-
tectural character, or ensemble^ which distinctly points out
the particular use or destination for which the edifice is in-
tended. In a dwelling-house, the expression of purpose is
conveyed by the chimney-tops, the porch or veranda, and
those various appendages indicative of domestic enjoyment,
which are needless, and therefore misplaced, in a public build-
ing. In a church, the spire or the dome, when present, at
once stamps the building with the expression of purpose ; and
the few openings and plain exterior, with the absence of chim-
neys, are the suitable and easily recognized characteristics of
the barn. Were any one to commit so violent an outrage
upon the principle of the expression of purpose as to sur-
mount his barns with the tall church spire, our feelings
would at once cry out against the want of propriety. Yet
hov/ often do we meet in the northern states, with stables
built after the models of Greek temples, and barns with ele-
gant Venetian shutters — to say nothing of mansions with
none but concealed chimney-tops, and without porches or
appendages of any kind, to give the least hint to the mind
of the doubting spectator, whether the edifice is a chapel, a
bank, a hospital, or the private dwelling of a man of wealth
and opulence !
" Tlie expression of the purpose for which every building
is erected," says the writer before quoted, " is the first and
most essential beauty, and should be obvious from its archi-
tecture, although independent of any particular style ; in
the same manner as the reasons for things are altogether in-
dependent of the language in which they are conveyed. As
in literary composition, no beauty of language can ever com-
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 345
pensate for poverty of sense, so in architectural composition,
no beauty of style can ever compensate for want of expres-
sion of purpose." Applying this excellent principle to our
own country houses and their offices or out-buildings, we
think every reasonable person will, at the first glance, see
how lamentably deficient are many of the productions of our
architects and builders, in one of the leading principles of the
art. The most common form for an American country villa
is the pseudo-Greek Temple ; that is, a rectangular oblong
building, with the chimney-tops concealed, if possible, and
instead of a pretty and comfortable porch, veranda, or piazza,
four, six, or eight lofty wooden columns are seen supporting
a portico, so high as neither to afford an agreeable promenade,
nor a sufficient shelter from the sun and rain.
There are two features, which it is now generally admitted,
contribute strongly to the expression of purpose in a dwelling-
house, and especially in a country residence. These are
the chimney-tops and the entrance porch. Chimney-tops,
with us, are generally square masses of brick, rising above
the roof, and presenting certainly no very elegant appearance —
which may perhaps serve as the apology of those who stu-
diously conceal them. But in a climate where fires are re-
quisite during a large portion of the year, chimney-tops are
expressive of a certain comfort resulting from the use of
them, which characterizes a building intended for a dwelling
in that climate. Chimney-tops being never, or rarely, placed
on those buildings intended for the inferior animals, are
also undoubtedly strongly indicative of human habitations.
Instead, therefore, of hiding or concealing them, they should
be in all dwellings not only boldly avowed, but rendered
ornamental ; for whatever is a characteristic and necessary
feature, should undoubtedly, if possible, be rendered elegant,
or at least prevented from being ugly.
11
346 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Much of the picturesque effect of the old EngHsh and
ItaUan houses, undoubtedly arises from the handsome and
curious stacks of chimneys, which spring out of their roofs.
These, while they break and diversify the sky-outline of the
building, enrich and give variety to its most bare and unor-
namented part. Examples are not wanting, in all the differ-
ent styles of architecture, of handsome and characteristic chim-
neys, which may be adopted in any of our dwellings of a
similar style. The Gothic, or old English chimney, with
octagonal or cylindrical flues or shafts united in clusters, is
made in a great variety of forms, either of bricks, or artificial
stone. The former materials, moulded in the required shape,
are highly taxed in England, while they may be very
cheaply made here.
A Porch strengthens or conveys expression of purpose,
because, instead of leaving the entrance door bare, as in
manufactories and buildings of an inferior description, it
serves both as a note of preparation, and an effectual shelter
and protection to the entrance. Besides this, it gives a dig-
nity and importance to that entrance, pointing it out to the
stranger as the place of approach. A fine countiy house?
without a porch or covered shelter to the doorway of some
description, is therefore, as incomplete, to the correct eye, as a
well-printed book without a title page, leaving the stranger
to plunge at once in media res, without the friendly prepa-
ration of a single word of introduction. Porches are suscep-
tible of every variety of form and decoration, from the em-
battled and buttressed portal of the Gothic castle, to the lat-
ticed arbor-porch of the cottage, around which the festoons
of luxuriant climbing jdants cluster, giving an effect not less
beautiful than the richly carved capitals of the classic por-
tico.
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 347
In this country, no architectural feature is more plainly
expressive of purpose in our dwelling-houses than the ve-
randa, or piazza. The unclouded splendor and fierce heat of
our summer sun, render this very general appendage a source
of real comfort and enjoyment ; and the long veranda romid
many of our country residences stand in stead of the paved
terraces of the English mansions as the place for promenade ;
while during the warmer portions of the season, half of the
days or evenings are there passed in the enjoyment of the
cool breezes, secure under low roofs supported by the open
colonnade, from the solar rays, or the dews of night. The
obvious utility of the veranda in this climate, (especially in
the middle and southern states,) will, therefore, excuse its
adoption into any style of architecture that may be selected
for our domestic uses, although abroad, buildings in the
style in question, as the Gothic, for example, are not usually
accompanied by such an appendage. An artist of the least
taste or invention, will easily compose an addition, of this
kind, that will be in good keeping with the rest of the
edifice.
These various features, or parts of the building, with many
others which convey expressioii of purpose in domestic ar-
chitecture, because they recall to the mind the different uses
to which they are applied, and the several enjoyments con-
nected with them, also contribute greatly to the interest of the
building itself, and heighten its good effect as part of a har-
monious whole, in the landscape. The various projections
and irregularities, caused by verandas, porticoes, etc., serving
to connect the otherwise square masses of building, by gra-
dual transition, with the ground about it.
The reader, who thus recognizes features as expressive of
pui*f)ose in a dwelling intended for the habitation of man, we
348 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
think, can be at no great loss to understand what would
be characteristic in out-buildings or offices, farm-houses?
lodges, stables, and the like, which are necessary structures
on a villa or mansion residence of much size or importance.
A proper regard to the expression of use or purpose, without
interfering with beauty of style, will confer at all times an-
other, viz. the beauty of truth, without which no building
can be completely satisfactory ; as deceptions of this kind,
(buildings appearing to be what they are not,) always go far
towards destroying in the mind those pleasurable emotions
felt on viewing any correct work of art, however simple in
character or design.
We have now to consider rural architecture under the
guidance of the third leading principle, as an art of taste.
The expression of architectural style in buildings is un-
doubtedly a matter of the first importance, and proper care
being taken not to violate fitness, and expression of purpose,
it may be considered as appealing most powerfully, at once,
to the mind of almost every person. Indeed, with many, it
is the only species of beauty which they perceive in build,
ings, and to it both convenience, and the expression of pur-
pose, are often ignorantly sacrificed.
A marked style of architecture, appears to us to have claims
for our admiration or preference for rural residences, for
several reasons. As it is intrinsically beautiful in itself; as
it interests us by means of the associations connected with it ;
as it is fitted to the wants and comforts of country life ; and,
as it is adapted to, or harmonizes with, the locality or scenery
where it is located.
The harmonious union of buildings and scenery, is a
point of taste that appears to be but little understood in
any country ; and, mainly, we believe, because the architect
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 349
and the landscape painter are seldom combined in the same
person, or are seldom consulted together. It is for this
reason that we so rarely see a country residence, or cottage and
its grounds, making such a composition as a landscape
painter would choose for his pencil. But it does not seem
difficult, with a slight recurrence to the leading principle
of unity of expression, to suggest a mode of immediately
deciding which style of building is best adapted to harmonize
with a certain kind of scenery.
The reader is, we trust, already familiar with our division
of landscapes into two natural classes, — the Graceful, and the
Picturesque, — and the two accordant systems of improvement
. in Landscape Gardening which we have based upon these
distinct characters. Now, in order to render our buildings
perfectly harmonious, we conceive it only to be necessary
to arrange (as we may very properly do) all the styles of
domestic architecture in corresponding divisions.
Some ingenious writer has already developed this idea,
and, following a hint taken from the two leading schools of
literature and art, has divided all architecture into the Clas-
sical and the Romantic schools of design. The Classical
comprises the Grecian style, and all its near and direct off-
spring, as the Roman, and Italian modes ; the Romantic
school, the Gothic style, with its numberless variations of
Tudor, Elizabethan, Flemish, and old English modes.
It is easy to see, at a glance, how well these divisions
correspond with our Graceful and Picturesque schools of
Landscape Gardening, so that indeed we might call the
Grecian, or Classical style the Graceful, and the Gothic
or'Romantic style, the Picturesque schools in architecture.
In classical buildings, as in graceful landscape, we are
led to admire simplicity of forms and outlines, purity of
350 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
effect, and grace of composition. In the Romantic or Pic-
turesque buildings, we are struck by the irregularity of
forms and outlines, variety of effect, and boldness of com-
position. What, therefore, can be more evident in seeking
to produce unity of effect than the propriety of selecting
some variations of the classical style for Graceful landscape,
and some species of romantic irregular building for Pictu-
resque landscape?
In a practical point of view, all buildings which have
considerable simplicity of outline, a certain careful and
graceful style of ornament, and a polished and refined kind
of finish, may be considered as likely to harmonize best with
all landscape where the expression is that of simple or grace-
ful beauty — where the lawn or surface is level, or gently
imdulating, the trees rich and full in foliage and form, and
the general character of the scenery peaceful and beautiful.
Such are the Grecian, Roman, Tuscan, and the chaster Italian
styles.
On the other hand, buildings of more irregular outline, in
which appear bolder or ruder ornaments, and a certain free
and more rustic air in finishing, are those which should be
selected to accompany scenery of a wilder or more pictu-
resque character, abounding in striking variations of surface,
wood, and water. And these are the Castellated, the Tudor,
and the old English in all its forms.
There is still an intermediate kind of architecture, origi-
nally a variation of the classical style, but which, in be-
coming adapted to different and more picturesque situations,
has lost much of its graceful character, and has become quite
picturesque in its outlines and effects. Of this kind is the
Swiss, and the bracketed cottage, and the different highly
irregular forms of the Italian villa. The more simple and
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 351
regular variations of these modes of building, may be intro-
duced with good effect in any plain country, while the more
irregular and ai'tistical forms, have the happiest effect only in
more highly varied and suitable localities.
The Egyptian, one of the oldest architectural styles,
characterized by its heavy colossal forms, and almost sublime
expression, is supposed to have had its origin in caverns
hewn in the rocks. The Chinese style, easily known by
its waving lines, probably had its type in the eastern tent.
The Saracenic, or Moorish style, rich in fanciful decoration,
is striking and picturesque in its details, and is worthy of
the attention of the wealthy amateur.
Neither of these styles however, are, or can well be,
thoroughly adapted to our domestic purposes, as they are
wanting in fitness, and have comparatively few charms of
association for residents of this country.
The only styles at present in common use for domestic
architecture, throughout the enlightened portions of Europe
and America, are the Grecian and Gothic styles, or some
modifications of these two distinct kind of building. These
modifications, which of themselves are now considered
styles by most authors, are, the Roman and modern Italian
styles, which have grown out of Greek architecture; the
Castellated, the Tudor, the Elizabethan and the rural
Gothic, or old English cottage styles, all of which are
variations of Gothic architecture.
Grecian or classic architecture, was exhibited in its purity
in those splendid temples of the golden days of Athens,
which still remain in a sufficient degree of preservation to
bear ample testimony to the high state of architectural art
among the Greeks. The best works of that period are
always characterized by unity, and simplicity, and in them
352 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
an exquisite proportion is united with a chasteness of
decoration, which stamps them perfect works of art. Each
of the five orders was so nicely determined by their pro-
found knowledge of the harmony of forms, and admirably
executed, that all modern attempts at improving them have
entirely failed, for they are, individually, complete models.
" First unadorned
And nobly plain, the manly Doric rose ;
The Ionic then with decent matron grace
Her airy pillar heaved ; luxuriant last
The rich Corinthian spread her wanton wreath."
A single or double portico of columns supporting a lofty
pediment, the latter connected with the main body of the
building, which in most cases was a simple parallelogram,
were the characteristic features of the pure Grecian archi-
tecture. And this very simplicity of form, united with the
chasteness of decoration, and elegance of proportion, en-
hanced greatly the beauty of the Grecian temple as a whole.
To the scholar, and the man of refined and cultivated mind,
the associations connected with Grecian architecture are of
the most delightful character. They transport him back, in
imagination, to the choice days of classic literature and art,
when the disciples of the wisest and best of Athens, listened
to eloquent discourses that were daily delivered from her
grove-embowered porticoes. When her temples were de-
signed by a Phidias, and her architecture encouraged and
patronized by a Pericles ; when, in short, all the splendor of
Pagan mythology, and the wisdom of Greek philosophy were
combined to perfect the arts and sciences of that period, and
the temples, dedicated to the Olympian Jove or the stately
Minerva, were redolent with that beauty, which the Greeks
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 353
Worshipped, studied, and so well knew how to embody in
material forms.
As it is admitted then, that Grecian architecture is intrin-
sically beautiful in itself, and highly interesting in point of
associations, it may be asked what are the objections, if any,
to its common introduction into domestic Rural Architecture.
To this we answer, that although this form meagerly
copied. Fig. 38, is actually in more common use than any
other style, in the United States, it is greatly inferior to the
Oothic and its modifications in fitness, including under that
head all the comforts and conveniences of country life.
[Fig. 38. Grecian Residence.]
We have already avowed that we consider fitness, and ex-
pression of purpose, two leading principles of the first impor-
tance in Rural Architecture ; and Grecian architecture in its
pure form, viz : the temple, when applied to the purposes of
domestic life, makes a sad blow at both these established
rules. As a public building, the Greek temple form is per-
fect, both as to fitness, (having one or more large rooms,) and
expression of purpose ; — showing a high broad portico for
masses of people, with an ample opening for egress and in-
gress. Domestic life, on the contrary, requires apartments
45
354
LANDSCAPE GARDENING,
of various dimensions, some large and others smaller, which,
to be conveniently, must often be irregularly placed, with
perhaps openings or Avindows of different sizes or dimensions.
The comforts of a country residence are so various, that
verandas, porches, wings of different sizes, and many other
little accommodations expressive of purpose, become neces-
sary, and therefore when properly arranged, add to the
beauty of Rural Architecture. But the admirer of the pure
Greek models is obliged to forego the majority of these ; and
to come within the prescribed form of the rectangular paral-
lelogram, his apartments must be of a given size and a
limited number, while many things, both exterior and in-
terior, which convenience might otherwise prompt, have to
bow to the despotic SAvay of the pure Greek model."* In a
dwelling of moderate dimensions how great a sacrifice of
room is made to enable the architect to display the jtortico
alone ! We speak now, chiefly, of houses of the ordinary
size, for if one chooses to build a palace, it is evident that
ample accommodations may be obtained in any style.
It has been well observed by
modern critics, that there is no
reason to believe the temple
form was ever, even by the
Greeks, used for private dwell-
ings, which easily accounts for
our comparative failure, in
constructing well arranged,
[Fig. 39. Roman Residence.] Small resideuces lu thls stylc'
* We are well aware that such is the rage for this style among us, just now,
and so completely have our builders the idea of its unrivalled supremacy in their
heads, that many submit to the most meagre conveniences, under the name of
closets, Ubraries, etc., in our country houses, without a murmur, believing that they
are realizing the perfection of domestic comfort.
RURAL ARCHITECTURE.
355
The Romans, either unable to compose in the simple ele-
gance and beauty of the Grecian style, or feeling its want of
adaptation to the multifarious usages of a more luxurious
state of society, created for themselves what is generally con-
sidered a less beautiful and perfect, yet which is certainly a
more rich, varied, and, if we may use the term, accommoda-
ting style. The Roman style is distinguished from its pro-
totype by the introduction of arched openings over the doors
and windows, story piled over story, — often with columns
of different orders — instead of the simple unbroken line
of the Greek edifices. In decoration, the buildings in this
style vary from plain, miornamented exteriors, to the most
[Fig. 40. View at Presque Isle, the residence of Wra- Denning, Esq., Dutcliess Co., N.Y.]
highly decorated facades ; and instead of being confined to
the few fixed princijoles of the Greek, the greatest latitude
is often observed in the proportions, forms and decorations
356 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
of buildings in the Roman style. These very circumstances,
while they rendered the style less perfect as a fine art, or for
public edifices, gave it a pliability, or facility of adaptation,
which fits it more completely for domestic purposes. For
this reason, a great portion of the finest specimens of the
modern domestic architecture of the other continent, is to
be found in the Roman style.*
The Italian style is, we think, decidedly the most beauti-
ful mode for domestic purposes, that has been the direct off-
spring of Grecian art. It is a style which has evidently
grown up under the eyes of the painters of more modern
Italy, as it is admirably adapted to harmonize with general
nature, and produce a pleasing and picturesque effect in fine
landscapes. Retaining more or less of the columns, arches,
and other details of the Roman style, it has intrinsically a bold
irregularity, and strong contrast of light and shadow, which
give it a peculiarly striking and painter-like effect.
" The villa architecture of modern Italy," says Mr. Lamb,
an able architect,! "is characterized, when on a moderate
scale, by scattered irregular masses, great contrasts of light
and shade, broken and plain surfaces, and great variety of
outline against the sky. The blank wall on which the eye
sometimes reposes ; the towering campanile, boldly con-
trasted with the horizontal line of roof only broken by a few
straggling chimney-tops : the row of equal sized, closely
placed windows, contrasting with the plain space and single
window of the projecting balcony ; the prominent portico,
the continued arcade, the terraces, and the variously formed
* Perhaps the finest facade of a private residence, in America, is tliat of the
" Patroon's house," near Albany, the ancient seat of the Van Rensselaer family,
lately remodelled and improved by that skilful architect, Mr. Upjohn, of New-York.
t Loudon's Ency. of Arch. p. 951.
RURAL ARCHITECTURE.
357
and disposed out-buildings, all combine to form that pictu-
resque whole, which distinguishes the modern Italian villa
from every other."*
A building in the Italian style, may readily be known at
first sight, by the peculiar appearance of its roofs. These are
always projecting at the eaves, and deeply furrowed or ridged.
[Fig. 41. A Villa in the Italian style.]
being formed abroad of semicylindrical tiles, which give a
distinct and highly marked expression to this portion of the
building.t So many appliances of comfort and enjoyment
suited to a warm climate, appear too, in the villas of this style,
that it has a peculiarly elegant and refined appearance.
Among these are arcades, with the Roman arched openings,
forming sheltered promenades ; and beautiful balconies pro-
jecting from single windows, or sometimes from connected
rows of windows which are charming places for a coujj (Tceil,
* In this country, owing to the greater number of fires, the effect would be
improved by an additional number of cWraiiey-tops.
t In some situations in this country, where it might be difficult to procure tiles
made in this form, their effect may be very accurately imitated by deeply ridged
zinc or tin coverings. The bold projection of the eaves, in the Italian style, offers
grt^t protection to a house against storms and dampness.
358
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
or to enjoy the cool breeze — as they admit, to shelter one
from the sun, of a fanciful awning shade, which maybe raised
or lowered at pleasure. The windows themselves are bold,
and well marked in outline, being either round-arched at the
tops, or finished with a heavy architrave.
All these balconies, arcades, etc., are sources of real pleasure
in the hotter portions of our year, which are quite equal in
elevation of temperature to summers of the south of Eu-
rope ; while by increased thickness of walls, and closeness of
window fixtures, the houses may also be made of the most
comfortable description in winter.
[Fig. 42. Resilience of Gov. Morehead, Nortli-Carolina.]
The Italian chimney-tops, unlike the Grecian, are always
openly shown and rendered ornamental ; and as we have al-
ready mentioned, the irregularity in the masses of the edifice
and shape of the roof, renders the sky outline of a building
in this style, extremely picturesque. A villa, however small,
in the Italian style, may have an elegant and expressive cha-
racter, without interfering with convenient internal arrange-
ment, while at the same time, this style has the very great
merit of allowing additions to be made in almost any direc-
Fig, 44 _ Villa of Theodore Lyman. E?q nenr Bootcu
F^g 45 Residence of Bishop X'oane, Burlingtc;
RURAT. ARCHITECTURE.
359
tion, without injuring the
effect of the original struc-
ture ; indeed such is the
variety of sizes and forms,
which the different parts of
an Italian villa may take,
[Fig. 43. T„oNe..Haveu Suburban Vina.-] ^ pCrfcCt aCCOrdaUCC Wlth
architectural propriety, that the original edifice frequently
gains in beauty by additions of this description. Those
who are aware how many houses are every year erected in
the United States, by persons of moderate fortune, who would
gladly make additions at some subsequent period, could this
be done without injuring the effect or beauty of the main
building, will, we think, acknowledge how much, even were
it in this single point alone, the Italian style is superior to the
Grecian for rural residences.!
* New-Haven abounds with tasteful residences. •'Hillhouse Avenue" in
particular, is remarkable for a neat display of Tuscan or Italian Suburban Villas.
Moderate in dimension and economical in construction, these exceedingly neat
edifices, may be considered as models for this kind of dwelling. Fig. 43, without
being a precise copy of any one of these buildings, may be taken as a pretty accu-
rate representation of their general appearance.
t The villa of Theodore Lyman, Esq., at Brookline, near Boston, Fig. 44,
is a highly interesting specimen of this style, designed by Mr. Upjohn — ^beautiful
in exterior effect, and replete internally with every comfort and convenience.
Riverside Villa, the residence of Bishop Doane, at Burlington, New-Jersey, is one
of the best examples of the Italian style in this country. For the drawings from
whichjigures 45 and 46 are engraved, and for the following description, we are
indebted to the able architect, John Notman, Esq., of Philadelphia, from whose
designs the whole was constructed.
The site of this villa is upon the east bank of the Delaware river, near the town
of Burlington, and within a few rods of the margin of this lovely stream.
The Delaware, at this part of its course, takes a direction nearly west ; and
while the river front, (comprising the drawing-room, hall, and library,) command-
ing the finest water views, which are enjoyed to the greatest advantage in summer,
360
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Pleasing associations are connected with Roman and Ita-
lian architecture, especially to those who have studied their
has a cool aspect: the opposite side of the house, including the dining-room,
parlour, etc., is the favourite quarter in winter, being fully exposed to the genial
influence of the sunbeams during the absence of foliage at that season. From
this side of the house, a view is obtained of the pretty suburbs of Burlington,
studded with neat cottages and gardens.
In the accompanying plan,_^^. 46, a, is the hall; b, the vestibule ; c, the dining-
room ; d, the library ; e, the drawing-room ; /, the parlour ; g, Bishop D's room ;
h, dressing-room ; i, water closets ; j, bath-room ; Jc, store-room ; I, principal stairs ;
m, back stairs ; o, conservatory ; p, veranda, etc.
A small terrace with balustrade, which surrounds the hall door, gives impor-
tance to this leading feature of the entrance front. The hall, a, is 17 feet square ;
on the right of the arched entrance is a casement vdndow, opening to the floor,
occasionally used as a door in winter, when the wind is north. The vestibule b,
[Fig. 46. Plan of tlie Principal Floor.]
opens from the hall, 17 by 21 feet. In the ceiling of this central apartment is a
circular opening, with railing in the second story, forming a gallery above, which
communicates with the different chambers, and affords ventilation to the whole
house. Over this circular opening is a sky-light in the roof, which, mellowed and
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 361
effect in all the richness and beauty with which they are in-
vested in the countries where they originated ; and they may
be regarded with a degree of classic interest by every culti-
vated mind. The modern Italian style recalls images of that
land of painters and of the fine arts, where the imagination,
the fancy, and taste, still revel in a world of beauty and grace.
The great number of elegant forms which have grown
softened by a second coloured one below it, serves to light the vestibule. From
the vestibule we enter the dining-room, b, 17 by 25 feet. The fine vista through
the hall, vestibule, and dining-room, 70 feet in length, is here terminated by the
bay-window at the extremity of the dining-room, which, through the balcony,
opens on the lawn, varied by groups of shrubbery. On the left side of the ves-
tibule, through a wide circular headed opening, we enter upon the principal stairs,
I. This opening is balanced by a recess on the opposite side of the vestibule.
From the latter, a door also opens into the library, d, and another into the drawing-
room, e : offering, by a window in the library, in a line with these doors, another
fine vista in this direction. The library, 13 by 30 feet, and 16 feet high, is
fitted up in a rich and tasteful manner, and completely filled with choice
books. The bay-window, seen on the left in the perspective view, fig. 45, is a
prominent feature in tliis room, admitting, through its coloured panes, a pleasing,
subdued light, in keeping with the character of the apartment. The drawing-room
is 19 by 30 feet, with an enriched panelled ceiling, 15 feet high. At the extremity
of this apartment, the veranda, p, with a charming view, aflFords an agreeable
lounge in summer evenings, cooled by the breeze from tlie river. From the
drawing-room, a glazed door opens to the conservatory, o, and another door to the
parlour, /. The latter is 18 by 20 feet, looking across the lawn and into the
conservatory. Among the minor details are a china closet, r, and a butler's closet,
s, in the dining-room ; through the latter, the dishes are carried to and from the
kitchen, larder, etc. The smaller passage leading from the main staircase, opens
to the store-room, k, and other apartments already designated, and communicates,
by the back stairs, m, with the servants' chambers, placed over this part of the
house, apart from those in the main body of the edifice. The large kitchen area,
t, is sunk one story, by which the noise and smells of the kitchen, situated under
the dining-room, are entirely excluded from the principal story. In this sunk
story, are also a wash-room, scullery, and ample room for cellarage, wine, coals,
etc. A. forcing-pump supplies the whole house with water from the river ; and in
the second story are eight principal chambers, averaging 360 square feet each,
making in all 25 rooms in the house, of large size.
46
362 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
out of this long cultivated feeling for the beautiful in the fine
arts, — in the shape of fine vases, statues, and other ornaments,
which harmonize with, and are so well adapted to enrich,
this style of architecture, — combine to render it in the fine
terraced gardens of Florence and other parts of Italy, one of
the richest and most attractive styles in existence. Indeed
we can hardly imagine a mode of building, which in the
hands of a man of wealth and taste, may, in this country, be
made productive of more beauty, convenience, and luxury,
than the modern Italian style ; so well suited to both our hot
summers and cold winters, and which is so easily suscep-
tible of enrichment and decoration, while it is at the same
time so well adapted to the material, in the most common use
at present in most parts of the country, — wood. Yases, and
other beautiful architectural ornaments, may now be pro-
cured in our cities, or imported direct from the Mediter-
ranean, finely cut in Maltese stone, at very moderate prices,
and which serve to decorate both the grounds and buildings
in a handsome manner.
From the Italian style it is an easy transition to the Swiss
mode, a bold and spirited one, highly picturesque and in-
teresting in certain situations. To build a Swiss cottage in
a smooth cultivated country, would, both as regards associa-
tion, and intrinsic want of fitness, be the height of folly.
But in a wild and mountainous region, such as the borders
of certain deep valleys and rocky glens in the Hudson
Highlands, or rich bits of the Alleghanies, positions may be
found where the Swiss cottage, (Fig. 46,) with its low and
broad roof, shedding otF the heavy snows, its ornamented
exterior gallery, its strong and deep brackets, and its rough
and rustic exteriour, would be in the highest degree ap-
propriate.
RURAL ARCHITECTURE.
363
[Fig. 47. The Swiss Cottage.]
A modification, partaking somewhat of the Italian and
Swiss features, is what we have described more fully in our
"Cottage Residences" as the Bracketed mode. It pos-
sesses a good deal of character, is capable of considerable
[Fig. 43. The Bracketed Mode. J
364
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
picturesque effect, — is very easily and cheaply constructed
of wood or stone, and is perhaps more entirely adapted to
our hot summers and cold winters than any other equally
simple mode of building. We hope to see this Bracketed
style becoming every day more common in the United
States, and especially in our farm and countiy houses, when
wood is the material employed in their construction.
Gothic^ or, more properly, pointed architecture, which
sprung up with the Christian religion, reached a point of
great perfection about the thirteenth century ; a period when
the most magnificent churches and cathedrals of England
and Germany were erected. These wonderful structures,
reared by an almost magical skill and contrivance, with their
richly groined roofs of stone, supported in mid-air ; their
beautiful and elaborate tracery and carving of plants, flowers,
and animate objects ; their large windows, through which
streamed a rich glow of rainbow light ; their various but-
tresses and pinnacles, all contributing to strengthen, and
at the same time give additional beauty to the exterior ; their
clustered columns, airy-like, yet firm ; and, surmounting the
whole, the tall spire, piled up to an almost fearful height
toward the heavens ; are lasting monuments of the genius,
scientific skill, and mechanical ingenuity of the artists of
those times. That person, who from ignorance or preju-
dice, fully supposes there is no architecture but that of
the Greeks, would do well to study one of these unrivalled
specimens of human skill. In so doing, unless he closes his
eyes against the evidences of his senses, he cannot but admit
that there is far more genius, and more mathematical skill,
evinced in one of these cathedrals, than would have been
requisite in the construction of the most celebrated of the
Greek temples. Though they may not exhibit that simpli-
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 365
city and harmony of proportion which Grecian buildings dis-
play, they abound in much higher proofs of genius, as is
abundantly evinced in the conception and execution of
cathedrals so abounding in unrivalled sublimity, variety, and
beauty.
Gothic architecture, in its purity, was characterized mainly
by the pointed arch. This novel feature in architecture?
which, probably, in the hands of artists of great mathema-
tical skill, was suggested by the inefficiency of the Roman
arch first used, has given rise to all the superior boldness and
picturesqueness of this style compared with the Grecian ; for
while the Greek artist was obliged to cover his narrow open-
ing with architraves, or solid blocks of stone, resting on
columns at short intervals, and filling up the open space, the
Gothic artist, by a single span of his pointed arch, resting on
distant pillars, kept the whole area beneath, free and unen-
cumbered. Applied, too, to openings for the admission of
light, which were deemed of comparatively little or no im-
portance by the Greeks, the arch was of immense value,
making it possible to pierce the solid wall with large and
lofty apertures, that diffiised a magical brilliancy of light, in
the otherwise dim and shadowy interior.
We have here adverted to the Gothic cathedral, (as we
did to the Greek temple,) as exhibiting the peculiar style in
question, in its greatest purity. For domestic purposes, both,
for the same reasons, are equally unfitted ; as they were
never so intended to be used by their original inventors, and
being entirely wanting in fitness for the purposes of
habitation in domestic life ; the Greek temple, as we have
already shown, from its massive porticoes, and the simple
rectangular form of its interior ; and the Gothic cathedral,
from its high-pointed windows, and immense vaulted apart-
366 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
ments. It would scarcely, however, be more absurd to
build a miniature cathedral, for a dwelling in the Gothic
style, than to make an exact copy of the Temple of Minerva
30 by 50 feet in size, for a country residence, as we often
witness in this country.
The Gothic iStj/le, as applied to domestic Architecture,
has been varied and adapted in a great diversity of ways, to
the wants of society in different periods, from the 12th cen-
tury to the present time. The baronial castle of feudal days,
perched upon its solitary, almost inaccessible height, and
built strongly, for defence ; the Collegiate or monastic abbey
of the monks, suited to the rich fertile plains which these
jolly ascetics so well knew how to select ; the Tudor or
Elizabethan mansion, of the English gentleman, surrounded
by its beautiful park, filled with old ancestral trees ; and the
pretty, rural, gabled cottage, of more humble pretensions ; are
all varieties of this multiform style, easily adapting itself to
the comforts and conveniences of private life.
Contrasted with Classic Architecture and its varieties, in
which horizontal lines are most prevalent, all the different
Gothic modes or styles, exhibit a preponderance of vertical,
or perpendicular lines. In the purer Gothic Architecture,
the style is often determined by the form of the arch predomi-
nant in the window and door openings, which in all edi-
fices, (except Norman buildings,) were lancet-shaped, or high
pointed, in the 13th century ; four-centred, or low arched,
in the times of Henry VII. and VIII., and finally square-
headed, as in most domestic buildings of later date.
Castellated Gothic is easily known, at first sight, by the
line of battlements cut out of the solid parapet wall, which
surmounts the outline of the building in every part. These
generally conceal the roof, which is low, and were originally
RURAL ARCHITECTURE.
367
intended as a shelter to
those engaged in defend-
ing the building against
assaults. Modern build-
ings in the castellated
style, without sacrificing
almost every thing to
[Fig. 49, The Castellated mode.] Strength, as was oncc
necessary, preserve the general character of the ancient
castle, while they combine with it almost every modern
luxury. In their exteriors, we perceive strong and massive
octagonal or circular towers, rising boldly, with corbelled
or projecting cornices, above the ordinary level of the
building. The windows are either pointed or square-headed,
or perhaps a mixture of both. The porch rises into a turret-
ed and embattled gateway, and all the offices and out-build-
ings connected with the main edifice, are constructed in a
style corresponding to that exhibited in the main body of the
building. The whole is placed on a distinct and firm ter-
race of stone, and the expression of the edifice is that of
strength and security.
This mode of building is evidently of too ambitious and
expensive a kind, for a republic, where landed estates are not
secured by entail, but divided, according to the dictates of
nature, among the different members of a family. It is, per-
haps, also rather wanting in appropriateness ; castles never
having been used for defence in this country. Notwith-
standing these objections, there is no very weighty reason why
a wealthy proprietor should not erect his mansion in the cas-
tellated style, if that style be in unison with his scenery and
locality. Few instances, however, of sufficient wealth and
taste to produce edifices of this kind, are to be met with
368 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
among us ; and the castellated style is therefore one which
we cannot fully recommend for adoption here. Paltry imi-
tations of it, in materials less durable than brick or stone,
would be discreditable to any person having the least preten-
sion to correct taste.
The Castellated style never appears completely at home
except in wild and romantic scenery, or in situations where
the neighbouring mountains, or wild passes, are sufficiently
near to give that character to the landscape. In such locali-
ties the Gothic castle affects us agreeably, because we know
that baronial castles were generally built in similar spots,
and because the battlements, towers, and other bold featm-es,
combine well with the rugged and spirited character of the
surrounding objects. To place such a building in this coun-
try on a smooth surface in the midst of fertile plains, would
immediately be felt to be bad taste by every one, as from the
style not having been before our eyes from childhood, as it is
in Europe, we immediately refer to its original purposes, —
those of security and defence.
A mansion in the Tudor Style affords the best example
of the excellency of Gothic architecture for domestic pur-
poses. The roof often rises boldly here, instead of being
concealed by the parapet wall, and the gables are either plain,
or ornamental with crockets. The windows are divided by
mullions, and are generally enriched with tracery in a style
less florid than that employed in churches, but still suffi-
ciently elegant to give an appearance of decoration to these
parts of the building. Sometimes the low, or Tudor arch, is
displayed in the window-heads, but most commonly the
square-headed window with the Gothic label is employed.
Great latitude is allowed in this particular, as well as in the
size of the window, provided the general details of style are
jc6 of Joel Ratlib'ino. Esq noai- -Mban-v^, N, Y
Fig 52 Mr Paulding's Residence, Tarrytown, N T.
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 369
attended to. Indeed, in the domestic architecture of this era,
the windows and doors are often sources of great architectu-
ral beauty, instead of being left mere bare openings filled
with glass as in the Classic styles. Not only is each indi-
vidual window divided by mullions, in compartments whose
tops are encircled by tracery ; but in particular apartments,
as the dining-hall, library, etc., these are filled with richly
stained glass, which gives a mellow pleasing light to the
apartment. Added to this, the windows, in the best Tudor
mansions, affected a great variety of forms and sizes. Among
these stand conspicuous, the bay, and oriel windows. The
bay-window, which is introduced on the first or principal floor,
in most apartments, of much size or importance, is a win-
dow of treble or quadruple the common size, projecting from
the main body of the room in a semi-octagonal or hexagonal
form, thereby affording more space in the apartment, from
the floor to the ceiling, as well as giving an abundance of
light, and a fine prospect in any favourite direction. This,
while it has a grander effect than several windows of mode-
rate size, gives a variety of form and outline to the different
apartments, that can never be so well attained when the
windows are mere openings cut in the solid walls. The oriel-
window is very similar to the bay-window, but projecting
in a similar manner from the upper story, supported on cor-
belled mouldings. These windows are not only elegant in
the interior, but by standing out from the face of the walls,
they prevent any thing like too great a formality externally,
and bestow a pleasing variety on the different fronts of the
building
The sky outline of a villa in the Tudor Gothic style, is
highly picturesque. It is made up of many fine features.
The pointed gables, with their finials, are among the most
47
370 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Striking, and the neat parapet wall, either covered with a
moulded coping, or, perhaps, diversified with battlements ;
the latter not so massive as in th. castellated style, but evi-
dently intended for ornament only. The roof line is often
varied by the ornamented gablet of a dormer window, rising
here and there, and adding to the quaintness of the whole.
We must not forget, above all, the highly enriched chim-
ney shaft, which, in the English examples, is made of
fancifully moulded bricks, and' is carried up in clusters
some distance above the roof. How much more pleasing
for a dwelling must be the outline of such a building, than
that of a simple square roof whose summit is one unbroken
straight line !*
The enclosed entrance porch, approached by three or four
stone steps, with a seat or two for servants waiting, is a dis-
tinctive mark of all the old English houses. This projects,
in most cases, from the main body of the edifice, and opens
directly into the hall. The latter apartment is not merely,
(as in most of our modern houses,) an entry, narrow and
long, running directly through the house, but has a peculiar
character of its own, being rather spacious, the roof or ceil-
ing ribbed or groined, and the floor often inlaid with marble
tiles. A corresponding and suitable style of finish, with
gothic details, runs through all the different apartments,
each of which, instead of being finished and furnished with
the formal sameness here so prevalent, displays, according
to its peculiar purposes — as the dming-room, drawing-room,
libraiy, etc. — a marked and characteristic air.
* Two miles south of Albany, on a densely wooded hill, is the villa of Joel
Rathbone, Esq., Fig. 51, one of the most complete specimens of the Tndor style in
the United States. It was built from the designs of Davis, and is, to the amateur,
a very instructive example of this mode of domestic architecture.
Fig 53. Residence of the Aiithor, near Newburgh, N T.
Fig. 54 Cottage of S. E. Lyon, Esq. White Plains, 'N, T.
371
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 371
We have thus particularized the Tudor mansion, because
we beheve that for a cold country like England or the
United States, it has strong claims upon the attention of
large landed proprietors, or those who wish to realize in a
country residence the greatest amount of comfort and enjoy-
ment. With the addition, here, of a veranda, which the
cool summers of England render needless, we believe the
Tudor Gothic to be the most convenient and comfortable,
and decidedly the most picturesque and striking style, for
country residences of a superior class.* The materials gene-
rally employed in their construction in England, are stone
and brick ; and of late years, brick and stucco has come into
very general use.
The Elizabethan Style, that mode of building so com-
mon in England in the 17th century, — a mixture of Gothic
and Grecian in its details — is usually considered as a bar-
barous kind of architecture, wanting in purity of taste. Be
this as it may, it cannot be denied that in the finer specimens
of this style, there is a surprising degree of richness and
picturesqueness for which we may look in vain elsewhere.
In short it seems, in the best examples, admirably fitted
for a bowery, thickly foliaged country, like England, and
for the great variety of domestic enjoyments of its inhabi-
tants. In the most florid examples of this style, of which
many specimens yet remain, we often meet with every kind
of architectural feature and ornament, oddly, and often
grotesquely combined — pointed gables, dormer-windows,
steep and low roofs, twisted columns, pierced parapets, and
* The residence of Samuel E. Lyon, Esq., at White Plains, N. Y., Fig. 54, is a
very pleasing example of the Tudor Cottage.
The seat of Robert Gilmor, Esq., near Baltimore, in the Tudor style, is a very
extensive pile of building.
372 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
broad windows with small lights. Sometimes, the effect of
this fantastic combination is excellent, but often bad. The
florid Elizabethan style, is, therefore, a very dangerous one
in the hands of any one but an architect of profound taste ;
but we think in some of its simpler forms, (fig. 55,) it may
be adopted for country residences here in picturesque situa-
tions with a quaint and happy effect.*
The English cottage style, or what we have denomina-
ted Rural Gotliic, contains within itself all the most stri-
king and peculiar elements of the beautiful and picturesque
in its exterior, while it admits of the greatest possible variety
of accommodation and convenience in internal arrangement.
In its general composition, Rural Gothic really differs from
the Tudor style more in that general swvplicity which serves
to distinguish a cottage or villa of moderate size from a man-
sion, than inany marked character of its own. The square-
headed windows preserve the same form, and display the
Gothic label and mullions, though the more expensive finish
of decorative traceiy is frequently omitted. Diagonal, or
latticed lights 'are also more commonly seen in the cottage
style, than in the mansion. The general form and arrange-
ment of the building, though, of course, much reduced, is
* A highly unique residence in the old English style, is Pelham Priory, the seat
of the Rev. Robert Bolton, near New Rochelle, N. Y., Fig., 56. The exterior is
massive and picturesque, in the simplest taste of the Elizabethan age, and being
built amidst a fine oak wood, of the dark rough stone of the neighborhood, it has
at once the appearance of considerable antiquity. The interior is constructed
and fitted up throughout in the same feeling, — with harmonious wainscoting, quaint
car\ing, massive chimney pieces, and old furniture and armour. Indeed we
doubt if there is, at the present moment, any recent private residence, even in
Eneland, where the spirit of the antique is more entirely carried out, and where
one may more easily fancy himself in one of those " mansions builded curiously"
of our ancestors in the time of " good Queen Bess."
Fig. 55. A Mans.OQ m the El 7abethan style
•Fig 50. The Residencs of i; Bolton, near New Rochei "i
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 373
not unlike that of the latter edifice. The entrance porch is
always preserved, and the bay window jutting out from the
best apartment, gives variety, and an agreeable expression of
use and enjoyment, to almost every specimen of the old Eng-
lish cottage.
Perhaps the most striking feature of this charming
style as we see it in the best old English cottages, is the
pointed gable. This feature, which grows out of the high
roofs adopted, not only appears in the two ends of the main
building, but terminates every Aving or projection of almost
any size that joins to the principal body of the house. The
gables are either of stone or brick, with a handsome moulded
coping, or they are finished with the widely projecting roof
of wood, and verge boards, carved in a fanciful and highly
decorative shape. In either case, the point or apex is
crowned by a finial, or ornamented octagonal shaft, render-
ing the gable one of the greatest sources of interest in these
dwellings. The projecting roof renders the walls always dry.
The porch, the labelled windows, the chimney shafts, and
the ornamented gables, being the essential features in the
composition of the English cottage style, it is evident that
this mode of building is highly expressive of purpose, for
country residences of almost every description and size, from
the humblest peasant's cottage, to the beautiful and pictu-
resque villa of the retired gentleman of fortune. In the
simple form of the cottage, the whole may be constructed of
wood very cheaply, and in the more elaborate villa residence,
stone, or brick and cement may be preferred, as being more
permanent. No style so readily admits of enrichment as
that of the old English cottage when on a considerable scale ;
and by the addition of pointed verandas, bay windows, and
dormer-windows, by the introduction of mullions and tracery
374 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
in the window openings, and indeed, by a multitude of in-
terior and exterior enrichments generally applied to the
Tudor mansions, a villa in the rural Gothic style may be
made a perfect gem of a country residence. Of all the
styles hitherto enumerated, we consider this one of the most
suitable for this country, as, while it comes within the
reach of all persons of moderate means, it unites as we before
stated, so much of convenience and rural beauty.*
To the man of taste, there is no style which presents
greater attractions, being at once rich in picturesque beau-
ty, and harmonious in connection with the surrounding
forms of vegetation. The Grecian villa, with its simple
forms and horizontal lines, seems to us only in good keeping
when it is in a smooth highly cultivated peaceful scene.
But the Rural Gothic, the lines of which point upwards, in
the pyramidal gables, tall clusters of chimneys, finials, and
the several other portions of its varied outline, harmonizes
easily with the tall trees, the tapering masses of foliage, or
the surrounding hills ; and while it is seldom or never
misplaced in spirited rural scenery, it gives character and
picturesque expression to many landscapes entirely devoid
of that quality.
What we have already said in speaking of the Italian style,
respecting the facility with which additions may be made to
* The only objection that can be urged against this mode of building, is lliat
which applies to all cottages with a low second story, viz : want of coolness in
the sleeping chambers during mid-summer. An evil which may bo remedied
by constructing a false inner-roof— leaving a vacuity between the two roofs of six
or eight inches, which being occupied with air, and ventilated at the top will almost
entirely obviate the objection.
In our Cottage Residences, Design II., we have shown how the comfort of a
full second storj', suitable for tliis climate, may be combined with the expression
of the English cottage style.
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 375
irregular houses, applies with equal, or even greater force, to
the varieties of the Gothic style, just described. From the
very fact that the highest beauty of these modes of building
arises from their irregularity, (opposed to Grecian architec-
ture, which, in its chaste simplicity, should be regular,) it is
evident that additions judiciously made, will tend to increase
this beauty, or afford more facility for its display ; while it
is equally evident that in the interior arrangement, including
apartments of every description, superior opportunities are
afforded for attaining internal comfort and convenience, as
well as external effect.
The ideas connected in our minds with Gothic architec-
ture are of a highly romantic and j)oetical nature, contrasted
with the classical associations which the Greek and Roman
styles suggest. Although our own country is nearly destitute
of ruins, and ancient time-worn edifices, yet the literature of
Europe, and particularly of what we term the mother coun-
try, is so much our own, that we form a kind of delightful
ideal aquaintance with the venerable castles, abbeys, and
strong-holds of the middle ages. Romantic, as is the real
history of those times and places, to our minds their charm
is greatly enhanced by distance, by the poetry of legendary
superstition, and the fascination of fictitious narrative. A cas-
tellated residence, therefore, in a wild and picturesque situa-
tion, may be interesting, not only from its being perfectly in
keeping with surrounding nature, but from the delightful
manner in which it awakens associations fraught with the
most enticing history of the past.
The older domestic architectm-e of the English may be
viewed in another pleasing light. Their buildings and resi-
dences have not only the recommendation of beauty and com-
plete adaptation, but the additional charm of having been the
376 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
homes of our ancestors, and the dwelUngs of that bright
galaxy of English genius and worth, which illuminates equal-
ly the intellectual firmament of both hemispheres. He, who
has extended his researches, con amore,into the history of the
domestic life and habits of those illustrious minds, will not,
we are sure, forget that lowly cottage by the side of the Avon,
where the great English bard was wont to dwell ; the taste-
ful residence of Pope at Twickenham ; or the turrets and
battlements of the more picturesque Abbotsford ; and num-
berless other examples of the rural buildings of England,
once the abodes of renowned genius. In truth, the cottage
and villa architecture of the English, has grown out of the
feelings and habits of a refined and cultivated people, whose
devotion to countiy life, and fondness for all its pleasures,
are so finely displayed in the beauty of their dwellings, and
tlic exquisite keeping of their buildings and grounds.
We must be permitted to quote, in further proof of English
taste and habits, and their results in their comitry residences,
the testimony of our countryman, Washington Irving, in one
of his most elegant essays. " The taste of the English in
the cultivation of land, and in what is called Landscape
Gardening, is unrivalled. They have studied nature intent-
ly, and discovered an exquisite sense of her beautiful forms
and harmonious combinations. Those charms which in
other countries she lavishes in wild solitudes, are here
assembled around the haunts of domestic life. They seem
to have caught her coy and furtive graces, and spread them
like witchery about their rural abodes. Nothing can be
more imposing than the magnificence of English park
scenery. Vast lawns that extend like sheets of vivid green,
with here and there clumps of gigantic trees heaping up
rich piles of foliage. The solemn group of groves and
Rural architecture. 377
woodland glades, with the deer trooping in silent herds
across them ; the hare bounding away to the covert, or the
pheasant bursting suddenly upon the wing. The brook,
taught to wind in natural meanderings, or expand into a
glassy lake, — the -sequestered pool reflecting the quivering
trees, with the yellow leaf sleeping upon its bosom, and the
trout roaming fearlessly about its limpid waters ; while some
rustic temple or sylvan statue, grown green and dark with
age, gives an air of classic sanctity to the seclusion."
"These are but a few of the features of park scenery ; but
what most delights me, is the creative talent with which the
English decorate the unostentatious abodes of middle life.
The rudest habitation, the most unpromising and scanty por-
tion of land, in the hands of an Englishman of taste, becomes
a little paradise. With a nicely discriminating eye he seizes
at once upon its capabilities, and pictures in his mind the
future landscape. The sterile spot grows into loveliness
under his hand ; and yet the operations of art which produce
the effect are scarcely to be perceived ; the cherishing and
training of some trees ; the cautious pruning of others ; the
nice distribution of flowers and plants of tender and graceful
foliage ; the introduction of a green slope of velvet turf ; the
partial opening to a peep of blue distance, or silver gleam
of water, — all these are managed with a delicate tact, a per-
vading, yet quiet assiduity, like the magic touchings with
which a painter finishes up a favourite picture."'
" The residence of people of fortune and refinement in the
country, has diffused a degree of taste and elegance that de-
scends to the lowest class. The very labourer, with his
thatched cottage and narrow slip of ground, attends to their
embellishment. The trim hedge, the grass-plot before the
door, the little flower bed, bordered with snug box, the wood-
48
378 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
bine trained up against the wall, and hanging its blossoms
about the lattice ; the pot of flowers in the window ; the
holly providentially planted about the house to cheat winter
of its dreariness, and to throw in a semblance of green sum-
mer to cheat the fireside ; — all these bespeak the influence
of taste flowing down from high sources, and pervading the
lowest levels of the public mind. If ever love, as the poets
sing, delights to visit a cottage, it must be the cottage of an
English peasant."'
It is this love of rural life and this nice feeling of the har-
monious union of nature and art, that reflects so much credit
upon the English as a people, and, which sooner or later we
hope to see completely naturalized in this country. Under
its enchanting influence, the too great bustle and excitement
of our commercial cities will be happily counterbalanced by
the more elegant and quiet enjoyments of country life. Out
rural residences, evincing that love of the beautiful and the
picturesque, which, combined with solid comfort, is so attrac-
tive to the eye of every beholder, will not only become
sources of the purest enjoyment to the refined minds of the
possessors, but will exert an influence for the improvement
in taste of every class in our community. The ambition to
build " shingle palaces'' in starved and meagre grounds, we
are glad to see giving way to that more refined feeling which
prefers a neat villa or cottage, tastily constructed, and sur-
rotmded by its proper accessories, of greater or less extent,
of verdant trees and beautiful shrubbery.
It is gratifying to see the progressive improvement in Ru-
ral Architecture, which within a few years past, has evinced
itself in various parts of the country, and particularly on the
banks of the Hudson and Connecticut Rivers, as well as in
the suburbs of our larger cities. Here and there, beautiful
Fig. 57. Cott>aij;e Kcs
ias W. Luillow, E.sq nnar Tonkers, N Y
Fig 58 Kesidence of Wasbington Irviug. Esq. ufear TarryLcwn, K Y
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 379
villas and cottages in the Italian, or old English styles, are
being erected by proprietors who feel the pre-eminent beauty
of these modes for domestic architecture. And from the
rapidity with which improvements having just claims for
public favour advance in our community, we have every
reason to hope that our Rural Architecture will soon exhibit
itself in a more attractive and agreeable form than it has
hitherto generally assumed. We take pleasure in referring
to a few of these buildings more in detail.
The cottage of Thomas W. Ludlow, Esq., near Yonkers,
on the Hudson, (Pig. 57,) is one of the most complete
examples on this river. The interior is very carefully and
harmoniously finished, the apartments are agreeably
arranged, and the general elfect of the exterior is varied
and pleasing.
There is scarcely a building or place more replete with
interest in America, than the cottage of Washington Irving,
near Tarrytown, (Fig. 58.) The " Legend of Sleepy Hollow,"
so delightfully told in the Sketch-Book, has made every
one acquainted with this neighbourhood, and especially with
the site of the present building, there celebrated as the " Van
Tassel House," one of the most secluded and delightful nooks
on the banks of the Hudson. With characteristic taste, -Mr.
Irving has chosen this spot, the haunt of his early days, since
rendered classic ground by his elegant pen, and made it his
permanent residence. The house of "Baltus Yan Tassel,"
has been altered and rebuilt in a quaint style, partaking some-
what of the English cottage mode, but retaining strongly
marked symptoms of its Dutch origin. The quaint old
weathercocks and finials, the crow-stepped gables, and the
hall paved with Dutch tiles, are among the ancient and
venerable ornaments of the houses of the original settlers of
380 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Manhattan, now almost extinct among us. There is also a
quiet keeping in the cottage and the grounds around it, that
assists in making up the charm of the whole ; the gently-
swelling slope reaching down to the water's edge, bordered
by prettily wooded ravines through which a brook meanders
pleasantly ; and threaded by foot-paths ingeniously contrived,
so as sometimes to afford secluded walks, and at others to
allow fine vistas of the broad expanse of river scenery.
The cottage itself is now charmingly covered with ivy and
climbing roses, and embosomed in thickets of shrubbery.
Mr. Sheldon's residence, (Fig. 59,) in the same neighbour-
hood, furnishes us with another example of the Rural Gothic
mode, worth the study of the amateur. Captain Perry's spi-
rited cottage, near Sing Sing, partakes of the same features ;
and we might add numerous other cottages now building, or
in contemplation, which show how fast the feeling for some-
thing more expressive and picturesque is making progress
among us.
Mr. Warren's residence at Troy, N. Y., (Fig. 60,) is a very
pretty example of the English cottage, elegantly finished
internally as well as externally. A situation in a valley,
embosomed with luxuriant trees would have given this build-
ing a more appropriate and charming air than its present
one, which, however, affords a magnificent prospect of the
surrounding country.
It is the common practice here to place a portion of what
are called the domestic offices, as the kitchen, pantries, etc.,
in the basement story of the house, directly beneath the liv-
ing rooms. This has partly arisen from the circumstance of
the comparative economy of this method of constructing
them under the same roof ; and partly from the difiiculty of
adding wings to the main building for those purposes, which
Fig. 59. Residence of H. Sheldon, Esq. near T.irrytown.
Fig, 60. Mr. YTarven's Cottage, near Troj, N.
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 381
will not mar the simplicity and elegance of a Grecian
villa. In the better class of houses in England, the domestic
offices, which include the kitchen and its appurtenances, and
also the stable, coach-house, harness-room, etc. are, in the
majority of cases, attached to the main body of the building
"on one side. The great advantage of having all these con-
veniences on the same floor with the principal rooms, and
communicating in such a way as to be easily accessible at
all times without going into the open air, is undeniable. It
must also be admitted that these domestic offices, extend-
ing out from the main building, partly visible and partly
concealed by trees and foliage, add much to the extent
and importance of a villa or mansion in the country. In
the old English style these appendages are made to unite
happily with the building, which is in itself irregular. Pic-
turesque effect is certainly increased by thus extending the
pile and increasing the variety of its outline.
A blind partiaHty for any one style in building is detri-
mental to the progress of improvement, both in taste and
comfort. The variety of means, habits, and local feelings,
will naturally cause many widely different tastes to arise
among us ; and it is only by the means of a number of
distinct styles, that this diversity of tastes can be accom-
modated. There will always be a large class of individuals
in every country who prefer a plain square house because
it is more economical, and because they have little feeling
for architectural, or, indeed, any other species of beauty.
But beside such, there will always be found some men of
finer natures, who have a sympathetic appreciation of the
beautiful in nature and art. Among these, the classical
scholar and gentleman, may, from association and the love
of antiquity, prefer a villa in the Grecian or Roman style.
382 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,
He who has a passionate love of pictures and especially fine
landscapes, will perhaps, very' naturally, prefer the modern
Italian style for a country residence. The wealthy pro-
prietor, either from the romantic and chivalrous associations
connected with the baronial castle, or from desire to display
his own resources, may indulge his fancy in erecting a
castellated dwelling. The gentleman who wishes to realize
the heau ideal of genuine old English country residence,
with its various internal comforts, and its spirited exterior,
may establish himself in a Tudor villa or mansion ; and the
lover of nature and rural life, who, with more limited means,
takes equal interest in the beauty of his grounds or garden,
(however small,) and his house — who is both an admirer of
that kind of beauty called the picturesque, and has a lively
perception of the effect of a happy adaptation of buildings
to the landscape, — such a person will very naturally make
choice of the rural cottage style.
Entrance Lodges arc not only handsome architectural
objects in the scenery of country residences of large size, but
are in many cases exceedingly convenient, both to the family
and the guests or visitors having frequent ingress and egress.
The entrance lodge may further be considered a matter
strictly useful, in serving as the dwelling of the gardener or
farmer and his family. In this point of view, arrangements
for the comfort and convenience of the inmates should be
regarded as more important than the fanciful decoration of
the exterior — as no exterior, however charming, can, to a
reflective and well regulated mind, apologize for contracted
apartments, and imperfect light and ventilation, in human
habitations.
RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 383
Among the numerous entrance lodges which we remember
to have seen in the United States, we scarcely recall a single
example where the means, or rather the facility, of opening
and shutting the gate itself, has been sufficiently considered;
Most generally the lodge is at too great a distance from the
gate, consuming too much time in attendance, and exposing
the persons attending, generally women or children, to the
inclemencies of the weather. Besides this, serrice of this
kind is less cheerfully performed in this country than in
Europe, from the very simple reason of the greater equality
of conditions here, and therefore every thing which tends to
lessen labour, is worthy of being taken into account.
For these reasons we would place the gate very near the
lodge ; it would be preferable if it were part of the same
architectural composition : and if possible adopt the contri-
vance now in use at some places abroad, by which the gate,
being hung nearest the building, may be opened by the
occupant without the latter being seen, or being scarcely
obliged to leave his or her employment.* This is certainly
the ultimatum of improvements in gate lodges; and where it
cannot be attained, something may still be done towards
amelioration, by placing the gate within a convenient dis-
tance, instead of half a dozen rods apart from the lodge, as
is frequently done.
* In Fig. 61, is shown the section of a gate arranged upon this plan. At the
bottom of the hanging post of the gate, is a bevelled iron pinion, that works intO'
another pinion, 6, at the end of the horizontal shaft, o, — which shaft is fixed in a
square box or tunnel under the road. The part to the right of the partition line,/,
is the interior of the gate-keeper's house; and by turning the winch, e, the-
upright shaft, c, is put in motion, which moves, by means of the bevelled pinions,
g, d, the shaft, a, and therefore, through d, the back post of the gate, which is
opened and shut by the motion of the winch, without obliging the inmates to
leave the house.
384
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
That the entrance lodge should correspond in style with
the mansion, is a maxim insisted upon by all writers on
Rural Architecture. Where the latter is built in a mixed
style, there is more latitude allowed in the choice of forms
for the lodge, which may be considered more as a thing by
itself. But where the dwelling is a strictly architectural
composition, the lodge should correspond in style, and bear
evidence of emanating from the same mind. A variation of
the same style may be adopted with pleasing effect, as a lodge
[Fig. 61. rian for opening the gate from the iutcrior of the Lodge.]
in the form of the old English cottage for a castellated man-
sion, or a Doric lodge for a Corinthian villa ; but never two
distinct styles on the same place, (a Gothic gate-house and a
Grecian residence,) without producing in minds imbued with
correct principles, a feeling of incongruity. A certain cor-
respondence in size is also agreeable ; where the dwelling of
the proprietor is simply an ornamental cottage, the lodge, if
introduced, should be more simple and unostentatious ; and
even where the house is magnificent, the lodge should rather
be below the general air of the residence than above it, that
the stranger who enters at a showy and striking lodge may
not be disappointed in the want of correspondence between it
and the remaining portions of the demesne.
RURAL ARCHITECTURE.
385
[Fig. 62. The New Gate Lodge at Blithcwood.]
The gate-lodge at Blithewood, on the Hudson, the seat of
R. Donaldson, Esq., is a shnple and effective cottage in the
bracketed style— octagonal in its form, and very compactly
arranged internally.
Nearly all the fine seats on the North river have entrance
lodges— often simple and but little ornamented, or only
pleasingly embowered in foliage ; but, occasionally, highly
picturesque and striking in appearance.
^ '^ A view of the pretty
gate lodge at Netherwood,
Dutchess County, N. Y.,
the seat of James Lenox,
Esq., is shown in Fig. 63.
Half a mile north of this
seat is an interesting
[Fig. 63. The Gate Lodge at Netherwood.] lodgC IR thC SwlsS Stylc,
at the entrance to the residence of Mrs. Sheafe.
In Fig. 64, is shown an elevation of a lodge in the Italian
style, with projecting eaves supported by cantileavers or
49
386 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
brackets, round-headed windows with balconies, character-
istic porch, and other leading features of this style.
[Fig. 64. Gate Lodgo ia tho Italian etjrle.]
Mr. Repton has stated it as a principle in the composition
of residences, that neither the house should be visible from
the entrance, nor the entrance from the house, if there be
sufficient distance between them to make the approach
through varied grounds, or a park, and not immediately into
a court-yard.
Entrance lodges, and indeed, all small ornamental build-
ings should be supported, and partially concealed, by trees
and foliage ; naked walls, in the comitry, hardly admitting
of an apology in any case, but especially when the building
is ornamental, and should be considered part of a whole,
grouping with other objects in rural landscape.
Note. — To readers who desire to cultivate a taste for .rural architecture, we
take pleasure in recommending the following productio a of the English press.
Loudon's Encyclopedia of Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture, a volume replete
with information on every branch of the subject ; Robinson's Rural Architecture,
and Designs for Ornamental Villas ; Lugar's Villa Architecture ; Goodwin's
Rural Architecture ; Hunt's Picturesque Domestic Architecture, and Examples of
RURAL ARCHITECTURE.
387
Tudor Arcldtecture : Pugin's Examples of Gothic Architecture, etc. The most
successful American architects in this branch of the art, with whom we are
acquainted, are Alexander J. Davis, Esq., of New-York, and John Notman, Esq.,
of Philadelphia.
[Fig. 65. The Oardener'9 House, BUlhewood.]
388
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
SECTION X.
EMBELLISHMENTS ; ARCHITECTURAL, RUSTIC AND FLORAL.
Value of a proper connection between the house and grounds. Beauty of the architectural
terrace, and its application to villas ami cottages. Use of vases of different descriptions.
Sun-dials. Architectural flower-garden. Irregular flower-garden. French flower-garden.
English flower-garden. General rcmiirks on this subject. Selection of showy plants,
flowering in succession. Arrangement of the shrubbery, and selection of choice shrubs.
The conservatory or green-house. Open and covered seats. Pavilions. Rustic scats.
Prospect tower. Bridges. Rockwork. Fountains of various descriptions. Judicious
introduction of decorations.
Nature, assuming a more lovely face
Borrowing a beauty from the works of grace.
COWPER.
Each odorous bushy shrub
Fenced up the verdant wall ; each beauteous flower ;
Iris all Hues, Roses and Jessamine
Rear'd liigh their flourished heads between,
And v^Tought Mosaic.
Milton.
N our finest places, or those
country seats where much of
the polish of pleasure ground
or park scenery is kept up, one of the most striking defects,
is the want of " union between the house mid the grounds^
We are well aware that from the comparative rarity of any
EMBELLISHMENTS. 389
thing like a highly kept place in this country, the want of this,
which is indeed like the last finish to the residence, is scarce-
ly felt at all. But this only proves the infant state of Land-
scape Gardening here, and the little attention that has been
paid to the highest details of the art.
If our readers will imagine, with us, a pretty villa, con-
veniently arranged and well constructed, in short, complete
in itself as regards its architecture, and at the same time,
properly placed in a smooth well kept lawn, studded with
groups, and masses of fine trees, they will have an example of-
ten to be met with, of a fine place, in the graceful school of
design, about which, however, there is felt to be a certain
incongruity between the house, a highly artificial object, and
the surromiding grounds, where the prevailing expression in
the latter is that of beautiful nature.
Let us suppose, for further illustration, the same house
and grounds with a few additions. The house now rising
directly out of the green turf which encompasses it, we will
surround by a raised platform or terrace, wide enough for a
dry, firm walk, at all seasons ; on the top of the wall or bor-
der of this terrace, we will form a handsome parapet, or
balustrade, some two or three feet high, the details of which
shall be in good keeping with the house, whether Grecian
or Gothic. On the coping of this parapet, if the house is in
the classical style, we will find suitable places, at proper mter-
vals, for some handsome urns, vases, etc. On the drawing-
room side of the house, that is, the side toward which the
best room or rooms look, we will place the flower-garden,
into which we descend from the terrace by a few steps.
This flower-garden may be simply what its name denotes,
a place exclusively devoted to the cultivation of flowers, or
(if the house is not in a veiy plain style, admitting of little
390 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
enrichment,) it may be an architectural flower-garden. In
the latter case, intermingled with the flowers, are to be seen
vases, fountains, and sometimes even statues ; the eflect of
the fine colours and deep foliage of the former, heightened
by contrast with the sculptured forms of the latter.
If our readers will now step back a few rods with us and
take a second view of our villa residence, with its supposed
harmonizing accessories, we think they can hardly fail to be
impressed at once, with the great improvement of the whole.
The eye now, instead of witnessing the sudden termination of
the architecture at the base of the house, where the lawn
commences as suddenly, will be at once struck with the in-
creased variety and richness imparted to the whole scene, by
the addition of the architectural and garden decorations.
The mind is led gradually down from the house, with its
projecting porch or piazzas, to the surrounding terrace crown-
ed with its beautiful vases, and from thence to the architec-
tural flower-garden, interspersed with similar ornaments.
The various play of light afibrded by these sculptured forms
on the terrace ; the projections and recesses of the parapet,
with here and there, some climbing plants luxuriantly en-
wreathing it, throwing out the mural objects in stronger re-
lief, and connecting them pleasantly with the verdure of the
turf beneath ; the still farther rambling of" of vases, etc.,
into the brilliant flower-garden, which, through these orna-
ments, maintains an avowed connection with the architec-
ture of the house ; all this, we think it cannot be denied,
forms a rich setting to the architecture, and unites agreeably
the forms of surrounding nature with the more regular and
uniform outlines of the building.
The effect, will not be less pleasing if viewed from
another point of view, viz : the terrace, or from the apart-
EMBELLISHMENTS. 391
ments of the house itself. From either of these points, the
various objects enumerated, will form a rich foreground to
the pleasure-grounds or park — a matter which painters well
know how to estimate, as a landscape is incomplete and un-
satisfactory to them, however beautiful the middle or distant
points, unless there are some strongly marked objects in the
foreground. In fine, the intervention of these elegant
accompaniments to our houses prevents us, as Mr. Hope has
observed, "from launching at once from the threshold of the
symmetric mansion, in the most abrupt manner, into a
scene ■'ft^holly composed of the most unsymmetric and de-
sultory forms of mere nature, which are totally out of cha-
racter with the mansion, whatever may be its style of archi-
tecture and furnishing."*
The highly decorated terrace, as we have here supposed
it, would, it is evident, be in unison with villas of a some-
what superior style ; or, in other words, the amount of en-
richment bestowed on exterior decoration near the house,
should correspond to the style of art evinced in the exterior
of the mansion itself. An humble cottage with sculptured
vases on its terrace and parapet, would be in bad taste ; but
any Grecian, Roman, or Italian villa, where a moderate de-
gree of exterior ornament is visible, or a Gothic villa of the
better class, will allow the additional enrichment of the ar-
chitectural terrace and its ornaments. Indeed the terrace
itself, in so far as it denotes a raised dry platform around
the house, is a suitable and appropriate appendage to every
dwelling, of whatever class.
The width of a terrace around a house, may vary from
five to twenty feet, or more, in proportion as the building is
* Essay on Ornamental Gardening, by Thomas Hope.
392 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
of greater or less importance. The surrounding wall, which
supports its level, may also vary from one to eight feet. The
terrace, in the better class of English residences, is paved with
smooth flag stones, or in place of this, a surface of firm well-
rolled gravel is substituted. In residences where a parapet or
balustrade would be thought too expensive, a square stone or
plinth is placed at the angles or four corners of the terrace,
which serves as the pedestal for a vase or urn. When a
more elegant and finished appearance is desirable, the parapet
formed of open work of stone, or wood painted in imitation
of stone, rises above the level of the terrace two or three feet
with a suitably bold coping. On this, vases may be placed,
not only at the corners, but at regular intervals of ten, twen-
ty, or more feet. We have alluded to the good effect of
climbers, here and there planted, and suffered to intermingle
their rich foliage with the open work of the parapet and its
crowning ornaments. In the climate of Philadelphia, the
Giant Ivy, with its thick sculpturesque looking masses of
foliage, would be admirably suited to this purpose. Or the
Virginia Creeper, (the Ivy of America,) may take its place in
any other portion of the Union. To these we may add, the
Chinese twining Honeysuckle, (Lonicera flexuosa,) and the
Sweet-scented Clematis, both deliciously fragrant in their
blossoms, — ^with many other fine climbers which will readily
recur to the amateur.
There can be no reason why the smallest cottage, if its oc-
cupant be a person of taste, should not have a terrace decora-
ted in a suitable manner. This is easily and cheaply effected
by placing neat flower-pots on the parapet, or border and
angles of the terrace, with suitable plants growing in them.
For this purpose, the American or Century Aloe, a formal
architectural-looking plant, is exceedingly well adapted, as it
EMBELLISHMENTS. 393
always preserves nearly the same appearance. Or
in place of this, the Yuccas, or " Adam^s needle,
and thread,^'' which have something of the same
Jfif character, while they also produce beautiful heads
\^ J • of flowers, may be chosen. Yiccca Jlaccida is a.
[Fig. 66.] gj^g hardy species, which would look well in
such a situation. An aloe in a common flower
pot is shown in Fig. 66 ; and a Yucca in an
ornamental flower-pot in Fig. 67.
Where there is a terrace ornamented with
urns or vases, and the proprietor wishes to ""^^^^^
give a corresponding air of elegance to his grounds, vases,
sundials, etc., may be placed in various appropriate situa-
tions, not only in the architectural flower-garden, but on
the lawn, and through the pleasure-grounds in various
different points, iiear the house. We say near the house,
1 ecause we think so highly artificial and architectural an
object as a sculptured vase, is never correctly introduced
unless it appear in some way connected with build-
ings, or objects of a like architectural character. To
place a beautiful vase in a distant part of the grounds,
where there is no direct allusion to art, and where it is ac-
companied only by natural objects, as the overhanging trees
and the sloping turf, is in a measure doing violence to our
reason, or taste, by bringing two objects so strongly contrast-
ed, in direct union. But when we see a statue or a vase
placed in any part of the grounds where a near view is ob-
tained of the house, (audits accompanying statues or vases,)
the whole is accounted for, and we feel the distant vase, to
be only a part of, or rather a repetition of the same idea, —
in other words, that it forms part of a whole, harmonious and
consistent.
50
394 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Vases of real stone, as marble or granite, are decorations
of too costly a kind ever to come into general use among us.
Vases, however, of equally beautiful forms, are manufactured
of artificial stone, of fine pottery, or of cast iron, which have
the same effect, and are of nearly equal durability, as garden
decorations.
A vase should never, in the open air, be set down upon
the ground or grass, without being placed upon a firm base of
some description, either a pli7ith or a pedestal. Without a
base of this kind, it has a temporary look, as if it had been left
there by mere accident, and without any intention of per-
manence. Placing it upon a pedestal, or square plinth, (block
of stone,) gives it a character of art, at once more dignified
and expressive of stability. Besides this, the pedestal in
reality serves to preserve the vase in a perpendicular posi-
tion, as well as to expose it fairly to the eye, which could
not be the case were it put down, without any preparation,
on the bare turf or gravel.
Figure 68, is a Gothic, and Figures 69, 70, are Gre-
cian vases, commonly manufactured in plaster in our
cities, but which are also made of Roman cement.
They are here shown upon suitable pedestals — a
being the vase, and b the pedestal. These with
many other elegant vases and urns are manufactured
in an artificial stone, as durable as marble, by Austin
[F's- C8.J ^£ London, and together with a great variety of other
beautiful sculpturesque decorations, may be imported at very
reasonable prices.
Figures 69, 70, are beautiful vases of pottery ware manu-
factured by Peake, of Staffordshire — and which may be im-
ported cheaply, or will be made to order at the Salamander
works, in New- York. These vases, when coloured, to imitate
EMBELLISHMENTS.
395
Ai^:^-i-MM^A-AUkMMjii^ iiiarble or other stone, are extremely dura-
ble and very ornamental. As yet, we are
unable to refer our readers to any manu-
factory here, where these articles are made
in a manner fully equal to the English ; but
we are satisfied, it is only necessary that
the taste for such articles should increase,
and the consequent demand, to induce our
artisans to produce them of equal beauty,
and of greater cheapness.
Donaldson, Esq., on the
[Fig. 69.]
At Blithewood, the seat of R
Hudson, a number of exquisite vases may ^i,mi!^ii^mii'o&-^%^
be seen in the pleasure-grounds, which are
cut in Maltese stone. These were imported
by the proprietor, direct from Malta, at very
moderate rates, and are not only ornamen-
tal, but very durable. Their colour is a
warm shade of gray which harmonizes
agreeably with the surrounding vegeta-
tion.
Large vases are sometimes filled with
earth and planted with choice flowering plants, and the ef-
fect of the blossoms and green leaves growing out
of these handsome receptacles, is at least unique
and striking. Loudon objects to it in the case
of an elegant sculptured vase " because it is re-
ducing a work of art to the level of a mere garden
flower-pot, and dividing the attention between
[Fig. 71.] the beauty of the form of the vase, and of its
sculptured ornaments, and that of the plant which it con-
tains." This criticism is a just one in its general applica-
396
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
tion, especially when vases are considered as
architectural decorations. Occasional devi-
ations, however, may be permitted, for the
sake of producing variety, especially in the
case of vases used as decorations in the
flower-garden.
A very pretty and fanciful substitute for the
sculptured vase, and which may take its place
in the picturesque school, may be found in
vases or baskets of rustic work, constructed of t* 's- ■'2.]
the branches and sections of trees with
the bark attached. Figure 73 is a rep-
resentation of a pleasing rustic vase which
we have constructed without difficulty.
A tripod of branches of trees forms the
pedestal. An octagonal box serves as the
body or frame of the vase ; on this, pieces
[Fig. 7o.] of birch and hazel, (small split limbs co-
vered with the bark,) are nailed closely, so as to fonn a sort
of mosaic covering to the whole exterior. Ornaments of this
kind, which may be made by the amateur with the assist-
ance of a common carpenter, are very suitable for the decora-
tion of the grounds and flower-gardens of cottages or pictu-
resque villas. An endless variety of forms will occur to an
ingenious artist in rustic work, which he may call in to
the embellishment of rural scenes, without taxing his purse
heavily.
Sundials, (Fig. 74,) are among the oldest decorations for
the garden and grounds, and there are scarcely any which
EMBELLISHMENTS. 397
we think more suitable. They are not merely
decorative, but have also an useful character, and
may therefore be occasionally placed in distant
parts of the grounds, should a favourite walk ter-
minate there. When we meet daily in our walks
for a number of years, with one of these silent
monitors of the flight of time, we become in a
degree attached to it, and really look upon it
^ as gifted with a species of intelligence, beam-
^^ ing out when the sunbeams smile upon its dial-
[Fig. 74.] plate.
The Architectural Flower-garden, as we have just re-
marked, has generally a direct connection with the house, at
least on one side by the terrace. It may be of greater or
less size, from twenty feet square, to half an acre in extent.
The leading characteristics of this species of flower-garden,
are the regular lines and forms employed in its beds and
walks. The flowers are generally planted in beds in the
form of circles, octagons, squares, etc., the centre of the gar-
den being occupied by an elegant vase, a sundial, or that still
finer ornament, a fountain, or jet (Peau. In various parts of
the garden, along the principal walks, or in the centre of
parterres, pedestals supporting vases, urns, or handsome
flower-pots with plants, are placed. When a highly marked
character of art is intended, a balustrade or parapet, resem-
bling that of the terrace to which it is connected, is con-
tinued round the whole of this garden. Or in other cases the
garden is surrounded by a thicket of shrubs and low trees,
partly concealing it from the eye on all sides but one.
It is evident that the architectural flower garden is supe-
rior to the general flower-garden, as an aj^pendage to the
house, on two accounts. First, because, as we have already
398
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
shown, it serves an admirable purpose in effecting a harmo-
nious union between the house and the grounds. And
secondly, because we have both the rich verdure and gay blos-
soms of the flowering plants, and the more permanent beauty
of sculptured forms ; the latter heightening the eSect of the
former by contrast, as well as by the relief they aflbrd the eye
in masses of light, amid surrounding verdure.
There are several varieties of general flower-gardens, which
may be formed near the house. Among these we will only
notice the irregular flower-garden, the old French flower-
garden, and the modern or English flower-garden.
In almost all the different kinds of flower-gardens, two
methods of forming the beds are observed. One is, to cut the
beds out of the green turf, which is, ever afterwards, kept
well-mown or cut for the walks, and the edges pared ; the
other, to surround the beds A^ith edgings of verdure, as box,
etc., or some more durable material, as tiles, or cut stone, the
walks between being covered with gravel. The turf is cer-
tainly the most agreeable for walking upon in the heat of
summer, and the dry part of the day. While the gravelled
flower-garden afibrds a dry footing at nearly all hours and
seasons.
[Fig. 75. The Irregular Flower-garilen.]
EMBELLISHMENTS. 399
The irregular flower-garden is surrounded by an irregu-
lar belt of trees and ornamental shrubs of the choicest spe-
cies, and the beds, are varied in outline, as well as irregularly
disposed, sometimes grouping together, sometimes standing
singly, but exhibiting no uniformity of arrangement. An
idea of its general appearance may be gathered from the
accompanying sketch, (Fig. 75,) which may be varied at plea-
sure. In it the irregular boundary of shrubs is shown at a,
the flower-beds 6, and the walks e.
This kind of flower-garden would be a suitable accom-
paniment to the house and grounds of an enthusiastic
lover of the picturesque, whose residence is in the Rural
Gothic style, and whose grounds are also eminently varied
and picturesque. Or it might form a pretty termination to a
distant walk in the pleasure-grounds, where it would be more
necessary that the flower-garden should be in keeping with
the surrounding plantations and scenery, than with the house.
Where the flower-garden is a spot set apart, of any regular
outline, not of large size, and especially where it is attached
directly to the house, we think the effect is most satisfactory
when the beds or walks are laid out in symmetrical forms.
Our reasons for this are these ; the flower-garden, unlike dis-
tant portions of the pleasure-ground scenery, is an appendage
to the house, seen in the same view or moment with it, and
therefore should exhibit something of the regularity which
characterizes, in a greater or less degree, all architectural
compositions ; and when a given scene is so small as to be
embraced in a single glance of the eye, regular forms are
found to be more satisfactory than irregular ones, which, on
so small a scale, are apt to appear unmeaning.
The French flower-garden is the most fanciful of the
regular modes of laying out the area devoted to this purpose.
400 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The patterns or figures employed are often highly intricate,
and require considerable skill in their formation. The walks
are either of gravel or smoothly shaven turf, and the beds are
filled with choice flowering plants. It is evident that much
of the beauty of this kind of flower-garden, or indeed any
other where the figures are regular and intricate, must depend
on the outlines of the beds, or j)arterres of etiibroidery^ as
they are called, being kept distinct and clear. To do this
efiectually, low growing herbaceous plants, or border flowers,
perennials and annuals, should be chosen, such as will not
exceed on an average, one or two feet in height.
In the English flower-garden, the beds are either in sym-
metrical forms and figures, or they are characterized by ir-
regular curved outlines. The peculiarity of these gardens,
at present so fashionable in England, is, that each separate
bed is planted with a single variety, or at most two varieties of
flowers. Only the most striking and showy varieties are ge-
nerally chosen, and the elfect, when the selection is judicious,
is highly brilliant. Each bed, in its season, presents a mass
of blossoms, and the contrast of rich colours is much more
striking than in any other arrangement. No plants are ad-
mitted that are shy bloomers, or which have ugly habits of
growth, meagre or starved foliage ; the aim being brilliant
eflect, rather than the display of a great variety of curious or
rare plants. To bring this about more perfectly, and to have
an elegant show during the whole season of growth, hya-
cinths and other fine bulbous roots occupy a certain portion
of the beds, the intervals being filled with handsome herba-
ceous plants, permanently planted, or with flowering annuals
and green-house plants renewed every season.
To illustrate the mode of arranging the beds and disposing
the plants in an English garden, we copy the plan and de-
EMBELLISHMENTS,
401
scription of the elegant flower-garden, on the lawn at Drop-
more^ the beds being cut out of the smooth turf.
" The flower-garden at Dropmore is shown in fig. 76.
In this the plants are so disposed, that when in flower the
corresponding forms of the figure contain corresponding
coloured flowers. The following is a list of the plants which
occupy this figure during summer, with the order in which
they are disposed : and a corresponding enumeration of the
bulbs and other plants which occupy the beds during winter
and spring.
[Fig. 76. The Flower-Garden at Dropmore.]
In Summer.
1. Rosalndica, (blush China,) bordered with R-Sempeirfloreus
flore pleno, and R. Indica minor.
2. Pelargonium inquinans, (Scarlet Geranium.)
3. Verbena Lamberti.
4. Senecio elegans, flore pleno. (Double Jacobea.)
5. 5. Alonsoa incisifolia.
6. 6. Agathea excelsis.
7. Fuchsia coccinea, (Lady's Eardrop,) bordered with Double
Primrose.
8. Helitropium peruvianum.
9. Ruellia formosa.
10. Ageratum mexicanum.
11. Dianthus chiucnsis, (Indian Pink,) and Mignonette.
12. Lobelia splendens.
13. Dianthus satifolius.
51
402
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Beds.
14. Lobelia unidentata.
15. 15. 15. Choice herbaceous plants not exceeding one foot
six inches in height.
16. 16. Gladiolus cardinalis.
17. Pelargonium lateripis, (pink-flowered variegated Ivy Ge-
ranium.)
18. Anagallis grandiflora.
19. Anagellis Monelli.
20. Pelargonium coruscans, (Fiery-red Geranium.)
21. Prince of Orange Geranium.
22. Oenothera coespitosa.
23. Oenothera missouriensis, (Missouri evening Primrose.)
24. Scarlet flowered variegated-leaved Geranium.
25. Malope trifida.
26. Lobelia fulgens.
27. Petunea Phoenecia.
28. Commelina celestis.
29. Cistus guttatus.
30. Campanula pentagona.
31. Four seasons Rose, and Mignonette.
32. Bouvardia triphylla.
38. Double Nasturtium.
In Winter and Spring.
Beds.
1. Anemone Coronaria.
2. 2. Malcomia maratima, (Mediterranean stock.)
3 and 4. Fine varieties of Tulips.
5. 5. Double rocket Larkspur, (sown in autumn.)
6. 6. Agathecea cselestis.
7. Scilla nutans, (blue harebell.)
8. Feathered Hyacinths.
9 and 10. Sweet scented Tulips.
11. Double garden Tulips.
12. Single gesneriana Tulips.
13 and 14. Tritonia crocata, and Tritonia fenestra, kept in
frames in mid-winter.
15. 15. 15. 15. Choice herbaceous plants not exceeding one
foot six inches in height.
16. 16. Hyacinths, double blue, plunged in pots.
17. Hyacinths, double red, do.
18 and 19. Hyacinths, single blue variety,
20 and 21. Single white Hyacinths.
EMBELLISHMENTS. 403
Beds.
22 and 23. Crocus vernus and biflorus.
24. Hyacinths, double red.
25 and 26. Tulips, double yellow.
27. Hyacinths, double white.
28. Muscari botryoides, (Grape Hyacinth.)
29. Oxalis caprina, (kept in frames in mid-winter.)
30. Scilla verna, (Spring Harebell.)
31. Muscari racemosum, the border of Viola tricolor in sorts.
32. Hyacinths, double white.
33. Double rose Larkspur.
" As a general principle for regulating the plants in this
figure, the winter and spring flowers ought, as much as pos-
sible, to be of sorts which admit of being in the ground all
the year : and the summer crop should be planted at inter-
vals between the winter plants. Or the summer crop, hav-
ing been brought forward in pots under glass, or by nightly
protection, may be planted out about the middle of June,
after the winter plants in pots are removed. A number of
hardy bulbs ought to be potted and plunged in the beds in
the months of October and November ; and when out of
bloom, in May or June, removed to the reserve garden and
plunged there in order to perfect their foliage and mature
their bulbs for the succeeding season."*
There cannot be a question that this method of planting
the flower-garden in groups and masses, is productive of by
far the most splendid efiect. In England, where flower-
gardens are carried to their greatest perfection, the preference
in planting is given to exotics which blossom constantly
throughout the season, and which are kept in the green-
house during winter, and turned out in the beds in the early
part of the season, where they flower in the greatest pro-
fusion until frost ; as Fuchsias, Salvias, Lobelias, Scarlet
* Ency. of Gardening, 1000.
404
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Poe>^gc3^o5i^CZ)
[Fig. 77. English FIower^Gaideu.]
Geraniums, etc., etc.* This mode can be adopted here where
a small green-house or frame is kept. In the absence of
these, nearly the same effect may be produced by choosing
the most showy herbaceous plants, perennial and biennial.
* In many English residences, the flower-garden is maintained in never-fading
brilliancy by almost daily supplies from what is termed the reserve garden. This
is a small garden out of sight, in which a great number of duplicates of the
species in the flower-garden are grown in pots plunged in beds. As soon as a
vacuum is made in the flower-garden by the fading of any flowers, the same are
immediately removed and their places supplied by fresh plants just ready to
bloom, from the pots in the reserve garden. This, which is the ullimatum of
refinement in flower-gardening, has never, to our knowledge, been attempted in
this country.
EMBELLISHMENTS. 405
alternating them with hardy bulbs, and the finer species o^
annuals.
In Fig. 77, we give an example of a small cottage or villa
residence of one or two acres, where the flower-beds are dis-
posed around the lawn in the English style : their forms
irregular, with curved outlines, affording a great degree of
variety in the appearance as viewed from diiferent points on
the lawn itself. In this, the central portion is occupied by
the lawn ; c, d, are the flower-beds, planted with showy
border-flowers, in separate masses; 6, the conservatory.
Surrounding the whole is a collection of choice shrubs and
trees, the lowest near the walk, and those behind increasing
in altitude as they approach the boundary wall or fence. In
this plan, as there is supposed to be no exterior view worth
preserving, the amphitheatre of shrubs and trees completely
shuts out all objects but the lawn and its decorations, which
are rendered as elegant as possible.
Where the proprietor of a country residence, or the ladies
of the family have a particular taste, it may be indulged at
pleasure in other and diflerent varieties of the flower-garden.
With some families there is a taste for botany, when a small
botanic flower-garden may be preferred — the herbaceous and
other plants, being grouped or massed in beds after the
Linnean, or the natural method. Some persons have an
enthusiastic fondness for florist flowers, as Pansies, Carna-
tions, Dahlias, Roses, etc. ; others for bulbous roots, all of
which may very properly lead to particular modes of laying
out flower-gardens.
The desideratum, however, with most persons is, to have
a continued display of blossoms in the flower-garden from
the opening of the crocus and snow-drop in the spring, until
the autumnal frosts cut off" the last pale asters, or blacken the
406 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Stems of the luxuriant dahlias in November. This may be
done with a very small catalogue of plants if they are pro-
perly selected : such as flower at diflerent seasons — continue
long time in bloom, and present fine masses of flowers. On
the other hand, a very large number of species may be assem-
bled together ; and owing to their being merely botanical
rarities, and not bearing fine flowers — or to their blossoming
chiefly in a certain portion of the season — or continuing but
a short period in bloom, the flower-garden will often have
but an insignificant appearance. With a group of Pansies
and spring bulbs, a bed of ever-blooming China Roses, in-
cluding the Isle de Bourbon varieties, some few Esch-
scholtzias, the showy Petunias, Gillias, and other annuals,
and a dozen choice double Dahlias, and some trailing Ver-
benas, a limited spot, of a few yards in diameter, may be
made productive of more enjoyment, so far as regards a
continued display of flowers, than ten times that space,
planted, as we often see flower-gardens here, with a heteroge-
neous mixture of every thing the possessor can lay his hands
on, or crowd within the enclosure.
The mingled flower-garden, as it is termed, is by far the
most common mode of arrangement in this country, though
it is seldom well effected. The object in this is to dispose
the plants in the beds in such a manner that, while there is
no predominance of bloom in any one portion of the beds,
there shall be a general admixture of colours and blossoms
throughout the entire garden during the whole season of
growth.
To promote this, the more showy plants should be often
repeated in different parts of the garden, or even the same
parterre when large, the less beautiful sorts being suffered
to occupy but moderate space. The smallest plants should
EMBELLISHMENTS. 407
be nearest the walk, those a little taller behind them, and the
largest should be farthest from the eye, at the back of the
border, when the latter is seen from one side only, or in
the centre, if the bed be viewed from both sides. A neglect of
this simple rule, will not only give the beds, when the plants
are full grown, a confused look, but the beauty of the hum-
bler and more delicate plants will be lost amid the tall thick
branches of sturdier plants, or removed so far from the spec-
tator in the walks, as to be overlooked.
Considerable experience is necessary to arrange even a
moderate number of plants in accordance with these rules.
To perform it successfully, some knowledge of the habits of
the plants is an important requisite ; their height, time of
flowering, and the colours of their blossoms. When a gar-
dener, or an amateur, is perfectly informed on these points,
he can take a given number of plants of different species,
make a plan of the bed, or all the beds of a flower-garden
upon paper, and designate the particular situation of each
species.
To facilitate the arrangement of plants in this manner, we
here subjoin a short list of the more showy perennial and
annual hardy border flowers, such as are easily procured
here, for the use of those who are novices in the art, and
who wish to cultivate a taste for the subject.
No. 1, Designates the first class Avhich grow from six to
twelve inches in height.
No. 2, Those which grow from one to two feet.
No. 3, Those which are over two feet in height.
Hardy Perennials.
Floweking in April.
1. Anemone tlalictroides, pi. Double wood Anemone ; white.
1. Anemone pulsatilla. Pasque flower ; blue.
408 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
1. Anemone hepatica, pi. Double Hepaticas ; blue.
1. Viola odorata, pi. Double white and blue European violets.
1. Omphalodes verna. Blue Venus Navelwort.
1. Polemonium reptans. Greek Valerian ; blue.
1. Phlox stolonifera. Creeping Phlox ; red.
2. Phlox dixaricata. Early purple Phlox.
1. Primula veris. The Cowslip ; yellow and red.
1. Primula polyaniha. The Polyanthus ; purple.
1. Primula auricula. The Auricula ; purple.
1. Viola tricolor. Heart's Ease or Pansy ; many colours and sorts.
1. Viola grandiflora. Purple Pansy.
2. Saxifraga crassifolia. Thick-leaved Saxifrage ; lilac.
1. Phlox subuluta. Moss pink Phlox.
1. Phlox nivea. White Moss Pink,
1. Gentiana acaulis. Dwarf Gentian ; purple.
1.. Adonis vernalis. Spring fl. Adonis ; yellow.
2. Dodecatheon meadia. American Cowslip ; lilac.
2. Pulmonaria virginica. Virginian Lungwort ; purple.
2. Alyssum saxatile. Golden basket ; yellow.
2. Trollius europeus. European Globe flower ; yellow.
1. Corydalis cucularia. Breeches-flower ; white.
May.
1. Veronica gentianoides ; Gentian leaved Speedwell ; blue.
2. Veronica spicata; Blue spiked Speedwell.
2. Penistemon ovata ; Oval leaved Pentstemon ; blue.
2. Pentstemon atropurpureus ; Dark purple Pentstemon.
2. Orohus niger ; Dark purple Vetch.
1. Jeffersonia diphylla ; Five-leaved JefFersonia ; white.
1. Lysamachia nummularia ; Trailing Loose-strife ; yellow.
1. Convallaria majalis ; Lily of the Valley ; white.
1. Saponaria ocymoides ; Basil-like Soapwort ; red.
L Phlox pilosa ; Hairy Phlox ; red.
2. Anchusa Italica ; Italian Bugloss ; blue.
2. Ranunculus acris, pi. Double Buttercups ; yellow.
2. Tradescantia virginica ; blue and white Spiderwort.
2. Lupinus polyphyllus ; Purple Lupin.
2. Iris sibirica ; Siberian Iris ; blue.
3. Iris Jlorentina ; Florentine Iris ; white.
3. Pcconiatenuifolia; smallleaved Pfeony ; red.
3. Pcenia albijlora ; single white Pseony.
2. Lupinus nooikaensis ; Nootka Sound Lupin ; blue.
2. Hesperis matronalis, albo, pi. ; the double white Rocket.
EMBELLISHMENTS. 409
2. Phlox suaveolens; the white Phlox or Lychnidea.
2. Phlox maculata ; the purple spotted Phlox.
3. Hemerocallis Jlava ; the yellow Day-Lily.
2. Lupimts perennis a.ni rivularis ; perennial Lupins ; blue.
2. Lychnis JloscucuU, pi. ; double ragged-Robin ; red.
2. Papaver orienialis ; oriental scarlet Poppy.
2. Aquilegia canadensis ; wild Columbine ; scarlet.
1. Houstonia ccETolea ; blue Houstonia.
June.
1. Spirccajilipendula, pi. ; Double Pride of the Meadow ; white.
2. Spirccalohata; Siberian Spirea ; red.
2. Spircca Ulmaria, pi. ; double Meadow-sweet ; white.
2. Delphinium grandijlorum, pi. ; double dark blue Larkspur.
2. Delphinium chinense, pi. ; double Chinese Larkspur ; blue.
2. Dianihus hortensis ; garden Pinks, many double sorts and
colours.
2. Caltha palustris, pi. ; double marsh Marygold ; yellow.
1. Cypripedium pubescens ; Yellow Indian moccasin.
2. Polemonium cceruleum, and aZium ; common white and blue
Greek Valerian.
2. Campanula persicifolia, pi. ; double peach-leaved Campanula ;
white.
2. Antirhinum majus ; red and white Snap dragons.
2. Geranium sanguineum ; bloody Geranium ; red.
1. Viscaria vulgaris, pi. ; white and red Viscaria.
2. CEnothera fruticosa ; shrubby Evening Primrose ; yellow.
1. Eschscholtzia californica ; golden Escscholtzia ; yellow.
1. Lychnis fulgens ; fulgent Lychnis; red.
1. Dianihus chinensis ; Indian Pinks ; variegated.
2. Dianihus caryophyllus ; Carnation ; variegated.
1. Verbena muUiJida ; cut-leaved Verbena ; purple.
1. Verbena Lamberti ; Lambert's Verbena ; purple.
2. Campanula grandijlora ; large blue Bell-flower.
3. Aconilum Napellus ; Monks hood ; purple.
3. Aconitum Napellus, variegated ; purple and white Monks Hood.
3. Campanula rapunculoides ; nodding Bell-flower ; blue.
2. Clematis integrifolia ; Austrian blue Clematis.
3. Verbascum phcenecium ; purple Mullein.
3. Clematis eretta ; upright Clematis ; white.
3. Linum perrene ; perennial Flax ; blue.
3. PcBonia Humei ; double blush Poeony.
3. Pceonia fragrans ; double fragrant Poeony ; rose.
52
410 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
3. PcBonia whitleji ; double white Pceony.
3. Gaillardia aristata ; bristly Gaillardia ; yellow.
2. Asphodelus ramosus : branchy Asphodel ; white.
2. Pentstemon speciosa ; showy Pentstemon ; blue.
1. Irish Susana ; Chalcedonian Iris ; mottled.
July.
2. Dictamnus Fraxinella ; purple Fraxinella.
2. Dictamnus alba ; white Fraxinella.
1. Pentstemon Ricliardsonii ; Richardson's Pentstemon ; purple.
1. Pentstemon pubescens ; downy Pentstemon ; lilac.
2. Anch§sa officinalis ; common Bugloss ; blue.
1. Campanula carpatica; Carpathian Bell-flower; blue.
2. Monarda didyma ; scarlet Balm.
2. Oenothera Fraseri ; Eraser's Evening Primrose ; yellow.
2. CEnolhera macrocarpa ; large podded Evening Primrose ; yel-
low.
1. Sedum populifolium ; poplar-leaved Sedum ; white.
2. Campanula Trachelium, pi ; double white, and blue Bell-
flowers.
2. Potentilla Russelliana ; Russell's Cinquefoil ; red.
1. Dianlhus deltoides ; Mountain Pink ; red.
1. Veronica mar itima ; Maritime Speedwell ; blue.
3. Delphinium elatum ; Bee Larkspur ; blue.
2. Delphinium speciosum ; showy Larkspur ; blue.
2. Campanula macrantha ; large blue Bell-flower.
3. Pentstemon Digitalis ; Missouri Pentstemon ; white.
3. Hibiscus palustris ; swamp Hibiscus ; red.
3. Lychnis Chalcedonica ; single and double scarlet Lychnis.
2. Chelone Lyoni ; purple Chelone.
2. Chelone barbata ; bearded Chelone ; orange.
2. Dracocephalum grandiflorum ; Dragon's Head ; purple.
3. Lythrum latifolium ; Perennial Pea ; purple.
August.
2. Catananche ccereulea ; blue Catananche.
1. Corydalis formosa ; red Fumitory.
1. Phlox carnea ; flesh coloured Phlox.
2. Asclepias tuberosa ; orange Swallowort.
2. Veronica carnea ; flesh coloured Speedwell.
2. Gaillardia bicolor ; orange Gaillardia.
2. Hemerocallis japonica ; Japan Day-Lily ; white.
2. Dianthus superbus; superb fringed Pink ; white.
EMBELLISHMENTS. 411
2. Lobelia cardinalis ; Cardinal-flower ; red.
1. Lychnis coronata ; Chinese orange Lychnis.
2. Lyihrum Salicaria ; Willow Herb ; purple.
3. Yucca filamentosa; Adam's Thread ; white.
3. Yucca flaccida ; Flaccid Yucca ; white.
3. Phlox 'paniculata ; panicled Phlox; purple and white.
3. Campanula pyramidalis ; pyramidal Bell-flower ; bl ue and
white.
2. Liatris squarrosa ; Blazing Star ; blue.
3. Epilobium spicaium ; purple spiked Epilobiura.
2. Coreopsis tenuifolia ; fine-leaved Coreopsis ; yellow.
3. Cassia marylandica ; Maryland Cassia ; yellow.
September and October,
1. Achillea Ptarmica, pi. ; double Milfoil ; white.
2. Coreopsis grandiflora ; large yellow Coreopsis.
1. Aster linifolius ; fine-leaved Aster ; white.
2. Eupatorium ccelesdnum ; azure blue Eupatorium.
2. Phlox ivheeleriana ; Wheeler's Phlox ; red.
3. Aster macrophyllus ; broad-leaved Aster ; white.
3. Eupatorium aromaticum ; Fragrant Eupatorium ; white.
3. Liatris elegans ; elegant Blazing Star; purple.
3. Liatris spicata and scariosa ; blue Blazing Stars.
1. Gentania Saponaria ; Soapwort Gentian ; blue.
3. Aster novcB-anglicc ; New-England Aster ; purple.
3. Echinops ritro; Globe Thistle.
8. Chrysanthemum indicum ; Astemesias, many sorts and colours.
The shrubbery is so generally situated in the neighbour-
hood of the flower-garden and the house, that we shall here
offer a few remarks on its arrangement and distribution.
A collection of flowering shrubs is so ornamental, that to
a greater or less extent, it is to be found in almost every resi-
dence of the most moderate size: the manner in which the
shrubs are disposed, must necessarily depend in a great de-
gree, upon the size of the grounds, the use or enjoyment to
be derived from them, and the prevailing character of the
scenery.
It is evident, on a moment's reflection, that shrubs being
412
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
intrinsically more ornamental than trees, on account of
the beauty and abundance of their flowers, they will gene-
rally be placed near and about the house, in order that
their gay blossoms and fine fragrance may be more constant-
ly enjoyed, than if they were scattered indiscriminately over
the grounds.
Where a place is limited in size, and the whole lawn and
plantations partake of the jileasure-grotind character, shrubs
of all descriptions may be grouped with good effect, in the
same manner as trees, throughout the grounds. The finer
and rarer species being disposed about the dwelling, and the
more hardy and common sorts along the walks, and in
groups, in different situations near the eye.
When, however, the residence is of larger size, and the
grounds have a park-like extent and character, the introduc-
tion of shrubs might interfere with the noble and dignified
expression of lofty full grown trees, except perhaps, they
were planted here and there, among large groups, as under-
wood ; or if cattle or sheep were allowed to graze in the
park, it would of course be impossible to preserve plantations
of shrubs there. When this is the case, however, a portion
near the house is divided from the park (by a wire fence or
some inconspicuous barrier,) for the pleasure-ground, where
the shrubs are disposed in belts, groups, etc., as in the first
case alluded to.
There are two methods of grouping shrubs upon lawns
which may separately be considered, in combination with
graceful and with picturesque scenery.
In the first case, where the character of the scene, of the
plantations of trees, etc., is that of polished beauty, the belts
of shrubs may be arranged similar to herbaceous flowering
plants, in arabesque beds, along the walks, as in Fig. 77,
EMBELLISHMENTS. 413
page 404. In this case, the shrubs alone, arranged with
relation to their height, may occupy the beds, or if preferred,
shrubs and flowers may be intermingled. Those who have
seen the shrubbery at Hyde Park, the residence of the late
Dr. Hosack, which borders the walk leading from the man-
sion, to the hot-houses, will be able to recall a fine example
of this mode of mingling woody and herbaceous plants.
The belts or borders occupied by the shrubbery and flower-
garden there, are perhaps from 25 to 35 feet in width, com-
pletely filled with a collection of shrubs and herbaceous plants ;
the smallest of the latter being quite near the walk ; these
succeeded by taller species receding from the front of the
border, then follow shrubs of moderate size, advancing in
height until the back ground of the whole is a rich mass of
tall shrubs and trees of moderate size. The effect of this belt
on so large a scale, in high keeping, is remarkably striking
and elegant.
Where -picturesque effect is the object aimed at in the
pleasure-grounds, it may be attained in another way ; that
is, by planting irregular groups of the most vigorous and
thrifty growing shrubs in lawn, without placing them in
regular dug beds or belts ; but instead of this, keeping the
grass from growing and the soil somewhat loose, for a few
inches round their stems, (which will not be apparent at a
short distance.) In the case of many of the hardier shrubs,
after they become well established, even this care will not
be requisite, and the grass only, will require to be kept short
by clipping it when the laAvn is mown.
As in picturesque scenes, every thing depends upon group-
ing icell, it will be found that shrubs may be employed with
excellent effect, in connecting single trees, or finishing a
group composed of large trees, or giving fulness to groups
414 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
of tall trees newly planted on a lawn, or effecting a union
between buildings and ground. It is true that it requires
something of an artist's feeling and perception of the pictu-
resque to do these successfully, but the result is so much the
more pleasing and satisfactory when it is well executed.
When walks are continued from the house through dis-
tant parts of the pleasure-grounds, groups of shrubs may be
planted along their margins, here and there, with excellent
effect. They do not shut out or obstruct the view like large
trees, while they impart an interest to an otherwise tame and
spiritless walk. Placed in the projecting bay, round which
the walk curves so as to appear to be a reason for its taking
that direction, they conceal also the portion of the walk in
advance, and thus enhance the interest doubly. The neigh-
bourhood of rustic seats, or resting points, are also fit places
for the assemblage of a group or groups of shrubs.
For the use of those who require some guide in the selec-
tion of species, we subjoin the accompanying list of hardy
and showy shrubs, which are at the same time easily procured
in the United States. A great number of additional species
and varieties, and many more rare, might be enumerated,
but such will be sufficiently familiar to the connoisseur
already ; and what we have said respecting botanical rarities
in flowering plants may be applied with equal force to shrubs,
viz : that in order to produce a billiant effect, a few well
chosen species, often-repeated, are more effective than a great
and ill-assorted melange.
In the following list, the shrubs are divided into two clas-
ses— No. 1 designating those of medium size, or low growth^
and No. 2, those which are of the largest size.
EMBELLISHMNTS. 415
Flowering in April.
1. Daphne mezereum, The pink Mezereum, D. M. album, the
white Mezereum.
2. Sheperdia argentea, the Buifaio berry ; yellow.
1. ZanlhorMza apiifolia, the parsley-leaved Yellow-root ; brown.
1. Cydonia japonica, the Japan Quince ; scarlet.
1. Cydonica japonica alba, the Japan Quince ; white.
2. Amelanchier Botryapium, the snowy Medlar.
1. Ribes aureum, the Missouri Currant ; yellow.
1. Coronilla Emerus, the Scorpion Senna ; yellow.
2. Magnolia conspicua, the Chinese chandelier Magnolia ; white.
May.
2. Crategus oxycantha, the scarlet Hawthorn.
2. Crategus oxycantha, Jl. pleno, the double white Hawthorn.
2. Chionanihus virginica, the white Fringe tree.
1. Chionanthus latifolius, the broad-leaved Fringe tree ; white.
1. Azalea : many fine varieties ; red, white and yellow.
1. Calycanthus jlorida, the Sweet-scented-shrub ; brown.
1. Magnolia purpurea, the Chinese purple Magnolia.
2. Halesia telraptera, the silver Bell tree ; white.
2. Syringa vulgar-is, the common white and red Lilacs.
1. Syringa persica, the Persian Lilac : white and purple.
1. Syringa persica laciniata, the Persian cut-leaved Lilac ; pur-
ple.
I. Kerriaox Corchorus japonica, the Japan Globe flower; yellow.
1. Lonicera tartarica, the Tartarian upright Honeysuckles ; red
and white.
1. Philadelphus coronarius, the common Syringe, and the double
Syringo ; white.
1. Spiraea hypericifolia, the St. Stephen's wreath ; white.
L Spiraa corymbosa, the cluster flowering Spirea ; white.
1. Ribes sanguineum, the scarlet flowering Currant.
1. Amygdalus pumila, pi. the double dwarf Almond ; pink.
1. Caragana Chamlagn, the Siberian Pea tree ; yellow.
2. Magnolia soulangeana, the Soulange Magnolia ; purple.
1. Paonia Moutan banksia, and rosea, the Chinese tree Pseo-
nias ; purple.
1. jBen^^amia/rflg-i/era, the red berried Benthamia; yellow.
June.
1. Amorphafruticosa, the Indigo Shrub ; purple.
416 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
2. Coluiea arborescens, the yellow Bladder-senna.
1. Coluiea cruenta, the red Bladder-senna.
1. Cyiisus capitatus, the cluster-flowered Cytissus ; yellow.
1. Siuariia virginica, the white Stuartia.
1. Cornus sanguinea, the bloody twig Dogwood ; white.
1. Hydrangea quercifolia, the oak-leaved Hydrangea ; white.
2. Philadelphus grandiflorus, the large flowering Syringo ; white.
2. Viburnum Opulus, the Snow-ball ; white.
2. iVfag"?ioZmg"Zawcfl!, the swamp Magnolia ; white.
1. Robiniahispida, the Rose-acacia.
July.
1. Spirea bella, the beautiful Spirea ; red.
2. Sophorajaponica, the Japan Sophora ; white.
2. Sophora japonica pendula, the weeping Sophora ; white.
2. Rhus Coiinus, the Venetian Fringe tree ; yellow. (Brown
tufts.)
1. Ligustrum vulgare, the common Privet ; white.
2. Cyiisus Laburnum, the Laburnum ; yellow.
2. Cytisus I. quercifolia, the oak-leaved Laburnum ; white.
1. Cyiisus purpureu, the purple Laburnum.
1. Cyiisus argenieus, the silvery Cytissus ; yellow.
1. Cytisus nigricans, the black rooted Cytissus ; yellow.
2. Kcelreuteria paniculaia, the Japan Kcelreuteria ; yellow.
August and September.
1. Cleihra alnifolia, the alder-leaved Clethra ; white.
1. Symphoria racemosa, the Snowberry; (in fruit,) white.
2. Hibiscus syriacus, the double purple, double white, double
striped, double blue, and variegated leaved Altheas.
1. Spircea tomeniosa, the tomentose Spirea; red.
2. Magnolia glauca, thompsoniana, the late flowering Magnolia ;
white.
1. Baccharis halimifolia, the Groundsel tree ; white tufts.
2. Euonymus europccus, the European Strawberry tree, (in
fruit,) red.
2. Euonymus europccus aZfia, the European Strawberry-tree ; the
fruit white.
2. Euonymus laiif alius, the broad -leaved Strawberry tree ; red.
1. Daphne mezereum, auiumnalis, the autumnal Mezereum.
Besides the above, there are a great number of charming
varieties of hardy roses, some of which may be grown in the
EMBELLISHMENTS. 417
common way on their own roots, and others grafted on stocks,
two, three, or four feet high, as standards or tree-roses. The
effect of the latter, if such varieties as George the Fourth,
La Cerisette, Pallagi, or any of the new hybrid roses are
g rown as standards, is wonderfully brilliant, when they are
in full bloom. Perhaps the situation where tiiey are displayed
to the greatest advantage is, in the centre of small round,
•oval, or square beds in the flower-garden, Avhere the remain-
der of the plants composing the bed are of dwarfish growth,
so as not to hide the stem and head of the tree-roses.
There are, unfortunately, but few evei'green shrubs that
will endure the protracted cold of the winters of the north-
ern states. The fine Hollies, Portugal Laurels, Laurusti-
nuses, etc., which are the glory of English gardens in autumn
and winter, are not hardy enough to endure the depressed
temperature of ten degrees below zero. South of Philadel-
phia, these beautiful exotic evergreens may be acclimated
with good success, and will add greatly to the interest of
the shrubbery and grounds in Avinter.
Besides the Balsam firs, and the Spruce firs, the Arbor
Vitas, and other evergreen trees which we have described in
the previous pages of this volume, the following hardy spe-
cies of evergreen shrubs may be introduced with advantage
in the pleasure-ground groups, viz : —
Rhododendron maximum, the American rose bay or big Laurel ;
white and pink, several varieties, (in shaded places).
Kalmia latifolia, the common Laurel ; several colours.
Junherus suecia, the Swedish Juniper.
Juniperis communis, the Irish Juniper.
Buxus arborescens, the common Tree-box, the Gold striped Tree-
box, and the Silver striped Tree-box.
Ilex opaca, the American Holly.
Crategus pyracantha, the Evergreen Thorn.
Mahonia aquifoUa, the Holly leaved Berberry.
53
418 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
The Conservatory or the Green-House is an elegant and
delightful appendage to the villa or mansion, when there is
a taste for plants among the different members of a family.
Those who have not enjoyed it, can hardly imagine the
pleasure afforded by a well-chosen collection of exotic plants,
which, amid the genial warmth of an artificial climate, con-
tinue to put forth their lovely blossoms, and exhale their
delicious perfumes, when all out of door nature is chill and
desolate. The many hours of pleasant and healthy exercise
and recreation afforded to the ladies of a family, where they
take an interest themselves in the growth and vigour of the
plants, are certainly no trifling considerations where the
country residence is the place of habitation throughout the
whole year. Often during the inclemency of our winter and
spring months, there are days when either the excessive cold,
or the disagreeable state of the weather, prevents in a great
measure many persons, and especially females, from taking
exercise in the open air. To such, the conservatory would
be an almost endless source of enjoyment and amusement ;
and if they are true amateurs, of active exertion also. The
constant changes which daily growth and development bring
about in vegetable forms, the interest we feel in the opening
of a favourite cluster of buds, or the progress of the thrifty
and luxuriant shoots of a rare plant, are such as serve most
effectually to prevent an occupation of this nature from ever
becoming monotonous, or ennuyante.
The difference between the green-house and conserva-
tory is, that in the former, the plants are all kept in ijots and
arranged on stages, both to meet the eye agreeably, and for
more convenient growth ; while in the conservatory^ the
plants are grown in a bed or border of soil precisely as in
the open air.
EMBELLISHMENTS. 419
When either of these plant habitations is to be attached to
the house, the preference is greatly in favour of the conser-
vatory. The plants being allowed more room, have richer
and more luxuriant foliage, and grow and flower in a man-
ner altogether superior to those in pots. The allusion to
nature is also more complete in the case of plants growing
in the ground ; and from the objects all being on the
same level, and easily accessible, they are with more facility
kept in that perfect nicety and order which an elegant plant-
house should always exhibit.
On the other hand, the green-house will contain by far
the largest number of plants, and the same may be more
easily changed or renewed at any time ; so that for a particu-
lar taste, as that of a botanical amateur, who wishes to grow
a great number of species in a small space, the green-house
will be found preferable. Whenever either the conservatory
or green-house is of moderate size, and intended solely for
private recreation, we would in every case, when such a
thing is not impossible, have it attached to the house ; com-
municating by a glass door with the drawing-room, or one
of the living rooms. Nothing can be more gratifying than a
vista in winter through a glass door down the walk of a con-
servatory, bordered and overhung with the fine forms of tro-
pical vegetation, — golden oranges glowing through the dark
green foliage, and gay corrollas lighting up the branches of
Camellias, and other floral favourites. Let us add the ex-
ulting song of a few Canaries, and the enchantment is com-
plete. How much more refined and elevated is the taste
which prefers such accessories to a dwelling, rather than
costly furniture, or an extravagant display of plate !
The best and most economical form for a conservatory is
a parallelogram — the deviation from a square being greater
420 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
or less according to circumstances. When it is joined to the
dwelling by one of its sides, (in the case of the parallelogram
form,) the roof need only slope in one way, that is from the
house. When one of the ends of the conservatory joins the
dwelling, the roof should slope both ways, from the centre.
The advantage of the junction in the former case, is, that
less outer surface of the conservatory being exposed to the
cold, viz. only a side and two ends, less fuel will be required ;
the advantage in the latter case is, that the main walk lead-
ing down the conservatory, will be exactly in the line of the
vista from the drawing-room of the dwelling.
It is, we hope, almost unnecessaiy to state, that the roof of
a conservatory, or indeed any other house where plants are
to be Avell-grown, must be glazed. Opaque roofs prevent
the admission of perpendicular light, without which the
stems of vegetation are drawn up weak and feeble, and are
attracted in an unsightly manner towards the glass in front.
When the conservatory joins the house by one of its ends,
and extends out from the building to a considerable length,
the effect Avill be much more elegant ; and the plants will
thrive more perfectly, when it is glazed on all of the three
sides, so as to admit light in every direction.
The best aspect for a conservatory is directly south ; south-
east and southwest are scarcely inferior. Even east and
west exposures will do very well, where there is plenty of
glass to admit light ; for though our winters are cold, yet
there is a great abundance of sun, and bright clear atmos-
phere, both far more beneficial to plants, than the moist, foggy
vapour of an English winter, which, though mild, is com-
paratively sunless. When the conservatory adjoins, and
looks into, the flower-garden, the effect will be appropriate
and pleasing.
EMBELLISHMENTS. 421
Some few hints respecting the construction of a conserva-
tory may not be unacceptable to some of our readers. In the
first place, the roof should have a sufficient slope to carry off
the rain rapidly, to prevent leakage ; from 40 to 45 degrees is
found to be the best inclination in our climate. The roof
should by no means be glazed with large panes, because
small ones have much greater strength, which is requisite to
withstand the heavy weight of snow that often falls during
winter, as well as to resist breakage by hail storms in sum-
mer. Four or eight inches by six, is the best size for roof-
glass, and with this size the lap of the panes need not be
greater than one-eighth of an inch, while it would require
to be one-fourth of an inch, were the panes of the usual size.
On the front and sides, the sashes may be handsome, and
filled in with the best glass ; even plate-glass has been used
in many cases to our knowledge here.
In the second place, some thorough provision must be
made for warming the conservatory ; and it is by far the
best mode to have the apparatus for this purpose entirely in-
dependent of the dwelling-house ; that is, (though the fur-
nace may be in the basement,) the flues and fire should be
intended to heat the conservatory alone ; for although a con-
servatory may, if small, be heated by the same fire which
heats the kitchen or one of the living rooms, it is a much
less eflicient mode of attaining this object, and renders the
conservatory more or less liable at all times to be too hot or
too cold.
The common square flue, the sides built of bricks, and the
top and bottom of tiles manufactured for that purpose, is one
of the oldest, most simple, and least expensive methods of
heating in use. Latterly, its place has been supplied by hot
water circulated in large tubes of three or four inches in
422
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
diameter from an open boiler, and by Perkins' mode, as it is
called, which employs small pipes of an inch in diameter,
hermetrically sealed. Economy of fuel and in the time re-
quisite in attendance, are the chief merits of the hot water
systems, which however have the great additional advantage
of affording a more moist and genial temperature.
In a green-house, the flues, or hot water pipes, may be con-
cealed under the stage. In conservatories they should by all
means be placed out of sight also. To effect this, they are
generally conducted into a narrow, hollow chamber, under
the walk, which has perforated sides or a grated top, to per-
mit the escape of heated air.*
[Fig. 73. Villa at Brooklyn, N.T., with the Conaervatoiy attached.]
One of the most beautiful conservatories attached to the
dwelling, to which we can refer our readers, for an example,
is one built by J, W. Perry, Esq., Brooklyn, near New- York,
(Fig. 78,) forming the left wing of this elegant villa. Among
* The circulation of warm air is greatly accelerated, when an opening through
the outer air is permitted to enter the hot air passage, thus becoming heated and
passing into the conservatory.
EMBELLISHMENTS. 423
the most magnificent detached conservatories are those of J.
P. Gushing, Esq., at his elegant seat, Belmont Place, Water-
town, near Boston ; and that at Montgomery Place, the seat
of Mrs. Edward Livingston, on the Hudson, Fig. 79.
A conservatory is frequently made an addition to a rectan-
gular Grecian villa, as one of its wings — the other being a
living or bed-room. The more varied and irregular outline
of Gothic buildings, enables them to receive an appendage of
this nature with more facility in almost any direction, where
the aspect is suitable. Whatever be the style of the archi-
tecture of the house, that of the conservatory should in every
case conform to it, and evince a degree of enrichment ac-
cording with that of the main building.
Though a conservatory is often made an expensive luxury,
attached only to the better class of residences, there is no
reason why cottages of more humble character should not
have the same source of enjoyment, on a more moderate
scale. A small green-house, or plaid cabinet, as it is some-
times called, eight or ten feet square, communicating with the
parlour, and constructed in a simple style, may be erected
and kept up in such a manner, as to be a source of much
pleasure, for a comparatively trifling sum ; and we hope soon
to see in this country, where the comforts of life are more
equally distributed than in any other, the taste for enjoy-
ments of this kind extending itself with the means for real-
izing them, into every portion of the northern and middle
states.
Ope7i and covered seats, of various descriptions, are among
the most convenient and useful decorations for the pleasure-
grounds of a country residence. Situated in portions of the
lawn or park, somewhat distant from the house, they oifer an
agreeable place for rest or repose. If there are certain points,
from which are obtained agreeable prospects or extensive
424
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
views of the surrounding country, a seat, by designating
those points, and by affording us a convenient mode of enjoy-
ing them, has a double recommendation to our minds.
Open and covered seats are of two distinct kinds ; one
architectural, or formed after artist-Hke designs, of stone or
wood, in Grecian, Gothic, or other forms ; which may, if they
are intended to produce an elegant effect, have vases on
pedestals as accompaniments ; the other, rustic, as they are
called, which are formed out of trunks and branches of trees,
roots, etc., in their natural forms.
There are particular sites, where each of these kinds of
seats, or structures, is, in good taste, alone admissible. In
the proximity of elegant and decorated buildings where all
around has a polished air, it would evidently be doing vio-
lence to our feelings and sense of propriety to admit many
rustic seats and structures of any kind ; but architectural de-
corations and architectural seats are there correctly intro-
duced. For the same reason also, as we have already sug-
gested, that the sculptured forms of vases, etc., would be out
of keeping in scenes where nature is predominant, (as the
distant wooded parts, or walks of a residence,) architectural,
or in other words, highly artificial seats, would not be in
character : but rustic seats and structures, which, from the
nature of the materials employed and the simple manner of
their construction, appear but one remove from natural forms,
are felt at once to be in unison with the surrounding objects.
Again, the mural, and highly artistical vase, and statue,
most properly accompany the landscape garden in the
graceful school ; while rustic basket, or vase, are the most
fitting decorations of the Picturesque Landscape Garden.
The simplest variety of covered architectural seat is th e
latticed arbour for vines of various description, with the seat
underneath the canopy of foliage : this may with more pro-
EMBELLISHMENTS. 425
priety be introduced in various parts of the grounds than
any other of its class, as the luxuriance and natural graceful-
ness of the foliage which covers the arbour, in a great mea-
sure destroys, or overpowers the expression of its original
form. Lattice arbours, however, neatly formed of rough
poles and posts are much more picturesque and suitable for
wilder portions of the scenery.
The temple and the pavilion, are highly finished
forms of covered seats, which are occasionally in-
troduced in splendid places, where classic archi-
[Fig. 80.] tecture j^revails. There is a circular pavilion of
this kind at the termination of one of the walks at Mr.
Langdon's residence, Hyde Park. Fig. 80.
We consider rustic seats and structures as likely to be
much preferred in the villa and cottage residences of the
country. They have the merit of being tasteful and pictu-
resque in their appearance, and are easily constructed by the
amateur, at comparatively little or no expense. There is
scarcely a prettier or more pleasant object
for the termination of a long walk in the
7^i~7^n7 ^^ pleasure-grounds or park, than a neatly
thatched structure of rustic work, with its seat for repose, and
a view of the landscape beyond. On finding such an object,
we are never tempted to think that there has been a lavish
expenditure to serve a trifling purpose, but are gratified to
see the exercise of taste and ingenuity, which completely
answers the end in view.
Figure 81, is an example of a simple rustic seat
formed of the crooked and curved branches of the
oak, elm, or any other of our forest trees. Fig. 82,
[Fig. 82.] -g ^ ggg^^ q£ ^YiQ same character, made at the
foot of a tree, whose overhanging branches afford a fine shade.
54
426
LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
Figure 83, is a covered seat or rustic arbour, with a
thatched roof of straw. Twelve posts are set securely in the
ground, which make the frame of this structure, the open-
ings between being filled in with branches (about three
inches in diameter) of different trees— the more irregular
the better, so that the perpendicular surface of the exterior
and interior is kept nearly equal. In lieu of thatch, the roof
may be first tightly boarded, and then a covering of bark
or the slabs of trees with the bark on, overlaid and nailed
on. The figure represents the structure as formed round a
tree. For the sake of variety this might be omitted, the
[Fig. 83.]
roof formed of an open lattice work of branches like the
sides, and the whole covered by a grape, bignonia, or some
other vine or creeper of luxuriant growth. The seats are in
the interior.
Figure 84, represents a covered seat of another kind. The
central structure, which is circular, is inten-
ded for a collection of minerals, shells, or any
other curious objects for which an amateur
might have a penchant. Geological or miner-
[Fig. 84. ] alogical specimens of the adjacent neighbour-
EMBELLISHMENTS. 427
head, would be very proper for such a cabinet. The seat
surrounds it on the outside, over which is a thatched roof or
veranda, supported on rustic pillars formed of the trunks of
saplings, with the bark attached.
[Pig. 85. Rustic covered Seat. J
Many of the English country places abound with admira-
ble specimens of rustic work in their parks and pleasure-
grounds. "White Knight's, in particular, a residence of the
Duke of Marlborough has a number of beautiful structures
of this kind. Figure 85, is a view of a round seat with
thatched roof, in that demesne. Three or four rustic pillars
support the architrave, and the whole of the exterior and
interior, (being first formed of frame-work,) is covered with
straight branches of the maple and larch. The seat on the
interior, looks upon a line prospect ; and the seat on the
back of the exterior, fronts the park.
There is no limit to the variety of forms and patterns in
which these rustic seats, arbours, summer-houses, etc., can be
constructed by an artist of some fancy and ingenuity. After
the frame- work of the structure is formed of posts and rough
boards, if small straight rods about an inch in diameter, of
hazel, white birch, maple, etc., are selected in sufficient quan-
428 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
tity, they may be nailed on in squares, diamonds, medallions,
or other patterns, and have the effect of a mosaic of wood.
Among the curious results of this fancy for rustic work,
we may mention the moss-house — erected in several places
abroad. The skeleton or frame-work of the arbour or house,
is formed as we have just stated ; over this small rods half
an inch in diameter are nailed, about an inch from centre to
centre ; after the whole surface is covered with this sort of
rustic lathing, a* quantity of the softer wood-moss of different
colours is collected ; and taking small parcels in the hand at
a time, the tops being evenly arranged, the bottoms or roots
are crowded closely between the rods with a small wooden
wedge. When this is done with some little skill, the tufted
ends spread out and cover the rods entirely, showing a
smooth surface of mosses of different colours, which has an
effect not unlike that of a thick Brussells carpet.
The mosses retain their colour for a great length of time,
and when properly rammed in with the wedge, they cannot
be pulled out again without breaking their tops. The pret-
tiest example which we have seen of a handsome moss-house
in this country, is at the residence of Wm. H. Aspinwall,
Esq., on Staten Island.
A prospect tower is a most desirable and pleasant struc-
ture in certain residences. Where the view is comparatively
limited from the grounds, on account of their surface being
level, or nearly so, it often happens that the spectator, by
being raised some twenty-five or thirty feet above the sur-
face, finds himself in a totally different position, whence a
charming coup (Toeil, or bird's-eye view of the surrounding
country is obtained.
Those of our readers who may have visited the delightful
EMBELLISHMENTS. 429
garden and grounds of M. Parmentier, near
Brooklyn, some half a dozen years since,
during the hfetime of that amiable and zeal-
ous amateur of horticulture, will readily re-
[Fig. 86. Prospecl-Arbour.]
member the rustic prospect-arbour, or tower,
Fig. 86, which was situated at the extremity of his place.
It was one of the first pieces of rustic work of any size, and
displaying any ingenuity, that we remember to have seen
here ; and from its summit, though the garden walks af-
forded no prospect, a beautiful reach of the neighbourhood for
many miles was enjoyed.
Figure 87 is a design for a rustic prospect tower of three
stories in height, with a double thatched roof
It is formed of rustic pillars or columns, which
are well fixed in the ground, and which are
filled in with a fanciful lattice of rustic
branches. A spiral stair-case winds round
•■^'^ ?owerT'"" the interior to the platform of the second and
upper stories, where there are seats under the open thatched
roof.
On a ferme ornee^ where the proprietor desires to give a
picturesque appearance to the different appendages of the
place, rustic work offers an easy and convenient method of
attaining this end. The dairy is sometimes made a detached
building, and in this country it may be built of logs in a
tasteful manner with a thatched roof; the interior being
studded, lathed, and plastered in the usual way. Or the
ice-house, which generally shows but a rough gable and ridge
roof rising out of the ground, might be covered with a neat
structure in rustic work, overgrown with vines, which would
give it a pleasing or picturesque air, instead of leaving it, as
at present, an unsightly object, which we are anxious to
conceal.
430 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
A species of useful decoration, which is perhaps more
naturally suggested than any other, is the bridge. Where a
constant stream, of greater or less size, runs through the
grounds, and divides the banks on opposite sides, a bridge of
some description, if it is only a narrow plank over a rivulet,
is highly necessary. In pieces of artificial water that are
irregular in outline, a narrow strait is often purposely made,
with the view of introducing a bridge for effect.
When the stream is large and bold, a handsome architec-
tural bridge of stone or timber is by far the most suitable ;
especially if the stream is near the house, or if it is crossed
on the Approach road to the mansion ; because a character
of permanence and solidity is requisite in such cases. But
when it is only a winding rivulet or crystal brook, which
meanders along beneath the shadow of tufts of clustering fo-
liage of the pleasure-ground or park, a rustic bridge may be
A /T^^ brought in with the happiest effect. Fig.
M ^^^js^i^^^^^ ^Sj is ^ rustic bridge erected under our
•j^^^^^^^^^' direction. The foundation is made by
[Fig. 88. Ruatic Bridge.] laying dowu a few large square stones
beneath the surface on both sides of the stream to be span-
ned ; upon these are stretched two round posts or sleepers
with the bark on, about eight or ten inches in diameter. The
rustic hand-rail is framed into these two sleepers. The floor
of the bridge is made by laying down small posts of equal
size, about four or six inches in diameter, crosswise upon the
sleepers, and nailing them down securely. The bark is
allowed to remain on in every piece of wood employed in the
construction of this little bridge ; and when the wood is cut
at the proper season, (durable kinds being chosen,) such a
bridge, well made, will remain in excellent order for many
years.
EMBELLISHMENTS.
431
Rockwork is another kind of decoration sometimes intro-
duced in particular portions of the scenery of a residence, Fig.
89. Wlien weU executed, that is, so as to have a natural
and harmonious expression, the effect is highly pleasing.
We have seen, however, in places where a high keeping and
[Fig. 89. Rockwork.]
good taste otherwise prevailed, such a barbarous melange^ or
confused pile of stones mingled with soil, and planted over
with dwarfish plants dignified with the name of rockwork,
that we have been led to believe that it is much better to
attempt nothing of the kind, unless there is a suitable place
for its display, and at the same time, the person attempting it
is sufficiently an artist, imbued with the spirit of nature in
her various compositions and combinations, to be able to
produce something higher than a caricature of her works.
The object of rockicork is to produce in scenery or por-
tions of a scene, naturally, or in a great measure destitute of
groups of rocks and their accompanying drapery of plants
and foliage, something of the picturesque efiect which such
natural assemblages confer. To succeed in this, it is evident
that we must not heap up little hillocks of mould and smooth
stones, in the midst of an open lawn, or the centre of a flower-
432 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
garden. But if we can make choice of a situation where a
rocky bank or knoll already partially exists, or would be in
keeping with the form of the ground and the character of
the scene, then we may introduce such accompaniments
with the best possible hope of success.
It often happens in a place of considerable extent, that
somewhere in conducting the walks through the grounds,
we meet with a ridge with a small rocky face, or perhaps
with a large rugged single rock, or a bank where rocky
summits just protrude themselves through the surface. The
common feeling against such uncouth objects, would direct
them to be cleared away at once out of sight. But let us take
the case of the large rugged rock, and commence our pictu-
resque operations upon it. We will begin by collecting from
some rocky hill or valley in the neighbourhood of the estate,
a sufficient quantity of rugged rocks, in size from a few
pounds to half a ton or more, if necessary, preferring always
such as are already coated with mosses and lichens. These
we will assemble around the base of the large rock, in an
irregular somewhat pyramidal group, bedding them some-
times partially, sometimes almost entirely in soil heaped in
irregular piles around the rock. The rocks must be arranged
in a natural manner, avoiding all regularity and appearance
of formal art, but placing them sometimes in groups of half
a dozen together, overhanging each other, and sometimes half
bedded in the soil, and a little distance apart. There are no
rules to be given for such operations, but the study of natu-
ral groups, of a character similar to that 'which we wish to
produce, will afford sufficient hints if the artist is
"Prodiguede genie,"
and has a perception of the natural beauty which he desires
to imitate.
EMBELLISHMENTS. 433
The rockwork once formed, choice trailing, creeping and
alpine plants, such as delight naturally in similar situations,
may be planted in the soil which fills the interstices between
the rocks : when these grow to fill their proper places, partly
concealing and adorning the rocks with their neat green
foliage and pretty blossoms, the effect of the whole, if pro-
perly done, will be like some exquisite portion of a rocky
bank in wild scenery, and will be found to give an air at
once striking and picturesque to the little scene where it is
situated.
In small places where the grounds are extremely limited,
and the owner wishes to form a rockwork for the growth of
alpine and other similar plants, if there are no natural in-
dications of a rocky surface, a rockwork may sometimes be
introduced without violating good taste by preparing natu-
ral indications artificially, if we may use such a term. If
a few of the rocks to be employed in the rockwork are sunk
half or three-fourths their depth in the soil near the site of
the proposed rockwork, so as to have the appearance of a
rocky ridge just croppitig- oict^ as the geologists say, then the
rock work will, to the eye of a spectator, seem to be con-
nected with, and growing out of this rocky spur or ridge
below : or, in other words, there will be an obvious reason
for its being situated there, instead of its presenting a wholly
artificial appearance.
In a previous page, when treating of the banks of pieces of
water formed by art, we endeavoured to show how the
natural appearance of such banks would be improved by the
judicious introduction of rocks partially imbedded into and
holding them up. Such situations, in the case of a small
lake or pond, or a brook, are admirable sites for rockwork.
Where the materials of a suitable kind are abundant, and
55
434 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
tasteful ingenuity is not wanting, surprising effects may be
produced in a small space. Caves and grottoes, where ferns
and mosses would thrive admirably with the gentle drip
from the roof, might be made of the overarching rocks ar-
ranged so as to appear like small natural caverns. Let the
exterior be partially planted with low shrubs and climbing
plants, as the wild Clematis, and the effect of such bits of
landscape could not but be agreeable in secluded portions of
the grounds.
In many parts of the country, the secondary blue limestone
abounds, which, in the small masses found loose in the woods,
covered with mosses and ferns, affords the very finest material
for artificial rockwork.*
After all, much the safest way is never to introduce rock-
work of any description, unless we feel certain that it will
have a good effect. When a place is naturally picturesque,
and abounds here and there with rocky banks, etc., little
should be done but to heighten and aid the expressions of
these, if they are wanting in spirit, by adding something
more ; or softening and giving elegance to the expression,
if too wild, by planting the same with beautiful shrubs and
climbers. On a tame sandy level, where rocks of any kind
are unknown, their introduction in rockworl^s, nine times in
ten, is more likely to give rise to emotions of the ridiculous,
than those of the sublime or picturesque.
* Our readers may see an engraving and description of a superb extravaganza
in rockwork in a late number of Loudon's Gardener's Magazine. Lady Broughton,
of Hoole House, Chester, England, has succeeded in forming, round a natural
valley, an imitation of the hills, glaciers, and scenery of a. passage in Switzerland.
The whole is done in rockwork, the snow-covered summits being represented
in white spar. The appropriate plants, trees, and shrubs on a small scale, are
introduced, and the illusion, to a spectator standing in the valley surrounded by
these glaciers, is said to be wonderfully striking and complete.
EMBELLISHMENTS.
435
Fountains are highly elegant garden decorations, rarely
seen in this country; which is owing, not so much, we ap-
prehend, to any great cost incurred in putting them up, or
any want of appreciation of their sparkling and enlivening
effect in garden scenery, as to the fact that there are few arti-
zans here, as abroad, whose business it is to construct and
fit up architectural, and other jets d^eau.
The first requisite, where a fountain is a desideratum, is a
constant supply of water, either from a natural source, or an
artificial reservoir, some distance higher than the level of the
' surface whence the jet or fountain is to rise. Where there is
[Pig. 90. Deeign for a Fountain.]
a pond, or other body of water, on a higher level than the
proposed fountain, it is only necessary to lay pipes under the
surface to conduct the supply of water to the required spot ;
but where there is no such head of water, the latter must be
provided from a reservoir artificially prepared, and kept con-
stantly full.
There are two very simple and cheap modes of efiecting
4.36 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
this, which we shall lay before our readers, and one or the
other of which may be adopted in almost every locality.
The first is to provide a large flat cistern of sufficient size,
which is to be placed under the roof in the upper story of
one of the outbuildings, the carriage-house for example, and
receive its supplies from the water collected on the roof
of the building ; the amount of water collected in this way
from a roof of moderate size being much more than is gene-
rally supposed. The second is to sink a well of capacious
size, (where such is not already at command,) in some part
of the grounds where it will not be conspicuous, and over it
to erect a small tower, the top of which shall contain a cis-
tern and a small horizontal windmill ; which being kept in
motion by the wind more or less almost every day in sum-
mer, will raise a sufficient quantity of water to keep the re-
servoir supplied from the well below. In either of these
cases, it is only necessary to carry leaden pipes from the cis-
tern, (under the surface, below the reach of frost,) to the place
where the jet is to issue ; the supply in both these cases will,
if properly arranged, be more than enough for the consump-
tion of the fountain during the hours when it will be neces-
sary for it to play ; viz. from sunrise to evening.
The steam engine is often employed to force up water for
the supply of fountains in many of the large public and
royal gardens ; but there are few cases in this country
where private expenditures of this kind would be justifiable.
"In conducting the water from the cistern or reservoir to
the jet or fountain, the following particulars require to be at-
tended to : — In the first place, all the pipes must be laid
sufficiently deep in the earth, or otherwise placed and protected
so as to prevent the possibility of their being reached by frost ;
next, as a general rule, the diameter of the orifice from which
EMBELLISHMENTS. 437
the jet of water proceeds, technically called the bore of the
quill, ought to be four times less than the bore of the conduit
pipe ; that is, the quill and the pipe ought to be in a quad-
ruple proportion to each other. There are several sorts of
quills or spouts, which throw the water up or down, into a
variety of forms : such as fans, parasols, sheaves, showers,
mushrooms, inverted bells, etc. The larger the conduit pipes
are, the more freely will the jets display their different forms ;
and the fewer the holes in the quill or jet, (for sometimes
this is pierced like the rose of a watering pot,) the greater
certainty there will be of the form continuing the same ; be-
cause the risk of any of the holes choking up will be less.
The diameter of a conduit pipe, ought, in no case, to be less
than one inch ; but for jets of very large size, the diameter
ought to be two inches. Where the conduit pipes are of
great length, say upwards of 1000 feet, it is found advan-
tageous to begin, at the reservoir or cistern, with pipes of a
diameter somewhat greater than those which deliver the
water to the quills, because the water, in a pipe of uniform
diameter of so great a length, is found to lose much of its
strength, and become what is technically called sleepy :
while the diiferent sizes quicken it, and redouble its force.
For example, in a conduit pipe of 1800 feet in length, the
first six hundred feet may be laid with pipes of eight inches
in diameter, the next 600 feet with pipes of six inches in
diameter, and the last 600 feet with pipes of four inches in
diameter. In conduits not exceeding 900 feet, the same
diameter may be continued throughout. When several jets
are to play, in several fountains, or in the same, it is not
necessary to lay a fresh pipe from each jet to the reseiwoir ;
a main of sufficient size, with branch pipes to each jet, be-
ing all that is required. Wliere the_conduit pipe enters the
438 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
reservoir or cistern, it ought to be of increased diameter, and
the grating placed over it to keep out leaves and other mat-
ters which might choke it up, ought to be semi-globular or
conical ; so that the area of the number of holes in it, may
exceed the area of the orifice of the conduit pipe. The ob-
ject is to prevent any diminution of pressure from the body
of water in the cistern, and to facilitate the flow of the water.
Where the conduit pipe joins the fountain, there, of course,
ought to be a cock for turning the water off and on ; and
particular care must be taken that as much water may pass
through the oval hole of this cock as passes through the cir-
cular hole of the pipe. In conduit pipes^ all elbows, bend-
ings, and right angles should be avoided as much as possible,
since they diminish the force of the water. In very long
conduit pipes, air-holes formed by soldering on upright pieces
of pipe, terminating in inverted valves or suckers, should be
made at convenient distances, and protected by shafts built
of stone or brick, and covered with moveable gratings, in or-
der to let out the air. Where pipes ascend and descend, on
very irregular surfaces, the strain on the lowest parts of the
pipe is always the greatest ; unless care is taken to relieve
this, by the judicious disposition of cocks and air-holes.
Without this precaution, pipes conducted over irregular sur-
faces will not last nearly so long as those conducted over a
level." — Encycl. of Cottage^ Farm, and Villa Architecture,
page 989.
Where the reservoir is but a short distance, as from a dozen
to fifty yards, all that is necessary is to lay the conduit pipes
on a regular uniform slope, to secure a steady uninterrupted
flow of water. Owing to the friction in the pipes, and the
pressure of the atmosphere, the water in the fountain, will
of course, in no case, rise quite as high as the level of the
EMBELLISHMENTS.
439
water in the reservoir ; but it will nearly as high. For ex-
ample, if the reservoir is ten feet four inches high, the water
in the jet will only rise ten feet, and in like proportion for
the different heights. The following table* shows with a
given height of reservoirs and diameter of conduit pipes and
orifices,
fountain
the height to which the water will rise in the
Height of the
Diameter of the
Diameters of the
Height the water
Reservoir.
Conduit pipes.
Orifices.
will rise to.
Feet. 1 Inches.
Inches. | Lines.
Lines. | Farts.
Feet. 1 Inches.
5 1
0 22
4 0
5 0
10 4
0 25
5 0
10 0
15 9
2i 0
6 0
15 0
21 4
2^ 0
6i 0
20 0
33 0
3 0
7 0
30 0
45 4
4i 0
7 8
40 0
.58 4
5 0
8 10
50 0
72 0
5J 0
10 12
60 0
86 4
6 0
12 14
70 0
100 0
7 0
12 15
80 0
[Fig. 91.]
A simple jet, (Fig. 91,) issuing from a circular basin of
water, or a cluster of perpendicular jets (candelabra jets) is
at once the simplest and most pleasing of foun-
tains. Such are almost the only kinds of
fountains which can be introduced with pro-
priety in simple scenes where the predominate
objects are sylvan, and not architectural.
Weeping, or Tazza Fountains, as they are called, are
simple and highly pleasing objects which require only a
'^i^r'^''';'''''''^'^''^^^ very moderate supply of water com-
!,'i,'i.';i,' pared with that demanded by a con-
. , , stant and powerful jet. The conduit
'ii'll;! pipe rises through and fills the vase,
[Fig. 92. Tazza Fountain.] whlch Is SO fomied as to ovorflow
Switzer's Introducttbn to a general system of Hydrostatics.
440 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
round its entire margin. Figure 92 represents a beautiful
Grecian vase for tazza fountains. The ordinary jet and the
tazza fountain may be combined in one, when the supply of
water is sufficient, by carrying the conduit pipe to the level
of the top of the vase, from which the water rises perpen-
dicularly, then falls back into the vase and overflows as
before.
We might enumerate and figure a great many other
designs for fountains; but the connoisseur will receive
more ample information on this head than we are able to
afford, from the numerous French works devoted to this
branch of Rural Embellishment.
A species of rustic fountain which has a good effect, is
make by introducing the conduit pipe or pipes among the
groups of rockivork alluded to, from whence (the orifice of
the pipe being concealed or disguised,) the water issues
among the rocks either in the form of a cascade, a weeping
fountain, or a perpendicular jet. A little basin of water is
formed at the foot or in the midst of the rockwork ; and the
cool moist atmosphere afforded by the trickling streams,
would offer a most congenial site for aquatic plants, ferns,
and mosses.
Fountains of a highly artificial character are happily situ-
ated only when they are placed in the neighbourhood of
buildings and architectural forms. When only a single
fountain can be maintained in a residence, the centre of the
flower-garden, or the neighbourhood of the piazza or terrace-
walk is, we think, much the most appropriate situation for
it. There the liquid element, dancing and sparkling in
the sunshine, is an agreeable feature in the scene, as viewed
from the windows of the rooms ; and the falling watery
spray diffusing coolness around is no less delightful in the
su rrounding stillness of a summer evening.
EMBELLISHMENTS. 441
After all that \vc have said respecting architectural and
rustic decorations of the grounds, we must admit that it re-
quires a great deal of good taste and judgment, to introduce
and distribute them so as to be in good keeping with the
scenery of country residences. A country residence, where
the house with a few tasteful groups of flowers and shrubs,
and a pretty lawn, with clusters and groups of luxuriant trees,
are all in high keeping and evincing high order, is far more
beautiful and pleasing than the same place, or even one of
much larger extent, where a profusion of statues, vases, and
fountains, or rockwork and rustic seats are distributed
throughout the garden and grounds, while the latter, in
themselves, show slovenly keeping, and a crude and meagre
knowledge of design in Landscape Gardening.
Unity of expression, is the maxim and guide in this
department of the art, as in every other. Decorations can
never be introduced with good effect, when they are at '
variance with the character of surrounding objects. A
beautiful Grecian villa may, with the greatest propriety, re-
ceive the decorative accompaniments of elegant vases, sun-
dials, or statues, should the proprietor choose to display his
wealth and taste in this manner ; but these decorations
would be totally misapplied in the case of a plain square
edifice, evincing no architectural style in itself.
In addition to this, there is great danger that a mere lover
of fine vases may run into the error of assembling these
objects indiscriminately in different parts of his grounds,
where they have really no place, but interfere with the quiet
character of surrounding nature. He may overload the
grounds with an unmeaning distribution of sculpturesque or
artificial forms, instead of working up those parts where art
predominates in such a manner, by means of appropriate
56
442 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
decorations, as to heighten by contrast, the beauty of the
whole adjacent landscape.
With regard to pavilions, summer-houses, rustic seats, and
garden edifices of like character, they should, if possible, in
all cases be introduced where they are manifestly appropriate
or in harmony with the scene. Thus a grotto should not
be formed in the side of an open bank, but in a deep
shadowy recess; a classic temple or pavilion may crown
a beautiful and prominent knoll, and a rustic covered seat
may occupy a secluded, quiet portion of the grounds, where
Yindisturbed meditation may be enjoyed. As our favourite
Delille says :
" Sachez ce qui convient ou nuit au caractere.
Un rednit ecarte, dans un lieu solitaire,
Peint mieux la solitude encore et I'abandon.
Montrez-vous done fidele a chaque expression ;
N'allez pas au grand jour offrir un ermitage -.
Ne cachez point un temple au fond d'un bois saiivage."
Les Jardins.
Or if certain objects are unavoidably placed in situations
of inimical expression, the artist should labour to alter the
character of the locality. How much this can be done by the
proper choice of trees and shrubs, and the proper arrange-
ment of plantations, those who have seen the difference in
aspect of certain favourite localities of wild nature, as covered
with wood, or as denuded by the axe, can well judge.
And we hope the amateur, who has made himself familiar
with the habits and peculiar expressions of different trees, as
pointed out in this work, will not find himself at a loss to
effect such changes, by the aid of time, with ease and
facility.
Library
N. C. State College
APPENDIX.
Notes on transplanting trees. Reasons for frequent failures in removing large trees. Direc-
tions for performing this operation. Selection of subjects. Preparing trees for removal.
Transplanting evergreens.
Theee is no subject on which the professional horticulturist is more
frequently consulted in America, than transplanting trees. And, as it
is an essential branch of Landscape Gardening, indeed perhaps the most
important and necessary one to be practically understood in the improve-
ment or embellishment of new country residences, we shall offer a few
remarks here, with the hope of rendering it a more easy and successful
practice in the hands of amateurs.
Although there are great numbers of acres of beautiful woods and
groves, the natural growth of the soil, in most of the older states, yet a
considerable portion of our ordinary country seats are meagerly clothed
with trees, while many beautiful sites for residences have, in past years,
been so denuded, that the nakedness of their appearance constitutes a se-
rious objection to ihem as places of residence. To be able, therefore, to
transplant, from natural copses, trees of ten or twenty years growth, is so
universally a desideratum, that great numbers of experiments are made
annually with this view ; — though few persons succeed in obtaining what
they desire, viz., the immediate effect of wood ; partly from a want of
knowledge of the nature of vegetable physiology, and partly from mal-
practice in the operation of removal itself.
When the admirably written "Planter's Guide," by Sir Henry Steu-
art, made its appearance some ten years ago, not only describing minutely
444
APPENDIX.
the whole theory of transplanting nearly full grown trees, but placing
before its readers a report of a committee of the Highland Society of
Edinburgh attesting the complete success of the practice, as exemplified
in the woods, copses, and groups, which, removed by the transplanting
machine, beautified with their verdure and luxuriance the baronet's own
park, the whole matter of transplanting was apparently cleared up, and
numbers of individuals in this country, with sanguine hopes of success,
set about the removal of large forest trees.
Of the numerous trials made upon this method, with trees of extra size,
we have known but a very few instances of even tolerable success. This
is no doubt owing partly to the want of care and skill in the practical
part of the process, — but mainly to the ungenial nature of our climate.
The climate of Scotland during four fifths of the year, is in some re-
spects the exact opposite of that of the United States. An atmosphere,
which for full nine months of the twelve, is copiously charged with fogs,
mist, and dampness, may undoubtedly be considered as the most favour-
able in the world, for restoring the weakened or impaired vital action of
large transplanted trees. In this country, on the contrary, the dry at-
mosphere, and constant evaporation under the brilliant sun of our sum-
mers, are most important obstacles with which the transplanter has to
contend, and which render complete success so much more difficult here
than in Scotland. And we would therefore rarely attempt in this country
the extensive removal of trees larger than twenty feet in height. When
of the size of fifteen feet they are sufiiciently large to produce very consider-
able immediate effect, while they are not so large as to be costly or
very difficult to remove, or to suffer greatly by the change of position like
older ones.
The great want of success in transplanting trees of moderate size in this
country arises, as we conceive, mainly from two causes ; the first, a want
of skill in performing the operation, arising chiefly from ignorance of the
nature of the vital action of plants, in roots, branches, etc., and the
second, a bad or improper selection of subjects on which the operation
is to be performed. Either of these causes would account for bad suc-
cess in removals ; and where, as is frequently the case, both are com-
bined, total failure can scarcely be a matter of surprise to those really
familiar with the matter.
An uninformed spectator, who should witness for the first time the re-
APPENDIX. 445
moval of a forest tree, as ordinarily performed by many persons, would
scarcely suppose that any. thing beyond mere physical strength was re-
quired. Commencing as near the tree as possible, cutting off many of
the roots, with the very smallest degree of reluctance, wrenching the
remaining mass out of their bed as speedily and almost as roughly as
possible, the operator hastens to complete his destructive process by
cutting off the best part of the head of the tree, to make it correspond
with the reduced state of the roots. Arrived at the hole prepared for its
reception, his replanting consists in shoveling in, while the tree is held
upright, the surrounding soil, — paying little or no regard to filling up all
the small interstices among the roots, — and finally, after treading the
earth as hard as possible, completing the whole by pouring two or three
pails of water upon the top of the ground. How any reflecting person,
who looks upon a plant as a delicately organized individual, can reasona-
bly expect or hope for success after such treatment in transplanting, is
what we never could fully understand ! And it has always, therefore,
appeared pretty evident, that all such operators must have very crude
and imperfect notions of vegetable physiology, or the structure and
functions of plants.
The first and most important consideration in transplanting should be
the preservation of the roots. By this we do not mean a certain bulk of
the larger and more important ones only, but as far as possible all the
numerous small fibres and rootlets so indispensably necessary in assist-
ing the tree to recover from the shock of removal. The coarser and
larger roots serve to secure the tree in its position and convey the fluids,
but it is by means of the small fibrous roots, or the delicate and nume-
rous points of these fibres called spongioles, that the food of plants is
imbibed, and the destruction of such is, manifestly, in the highest de-
gree fatal to the success of the transplanted tree. To avoid this as far as
practicable, we should, in removing a tree, commence at such a distance
as to include a circumference large enough to comprise the great majori-
ty of the roots. At that distance from the trunk we shall find most of
the smaller roots, which should be carefully loosened from the soil, with
as little injury as possible ; the earth should be gently and gradually
removed from the larger roots, as we proceed onward from the extremity
of the circle to the centre, and when we reach the nucleus of roots sur-
rounding the trunk, and fairly undermine the whole, we shall find our-
446 APPENDIX.
eelves in possession of a tree in such a perfect condition, that even when
of considerable size, we may confidently hope for a speedy recovery of
its former luxuriance after being replanted.
Now to remove a tree in this manner, requires not only a considerable
degree of experience, which is only to be acquired by practice, but also
much patience and per sever a7ice whWe engaged in the work. It is not a
difficult task to remove, in a careless manner, four or five trees in a day,
of fifteen feet in height, by the assistance of three or four men and proper
implements of removal ; while one or two trees only can be removed if
the roots and branches are preserved entire or nearly so. Yet in the lat-
ter case, if the work be well performed, we shall have the satisfaction of
beholding the subjects, when removed, soon taking fresh root, and becom-
ing vigorous healthy trees with fine luxuriant heads ; while three-fourths
of the former will most probably perish, and the remainder struggle for
several years, under the loss of so large a portion of their roots and
branches, before they entirely recover and put on the appearance of
handsome trees.
When a tree is carelessly transplanted, and the roots much mutilated,
the operator feels obliged to reduce the top accordingly ; as experience
teaches him, that although the leaves may expand, yet they will soon
perish without a fresh supply of food from the roots. But when the
largest portion of th| roots are carefully taken up with the tree, pruning
may be nearly or entirely dispensed with, and thus the original symmetry
and beauty of the head retained. When this is the case, the leaves
contribute as much, by their peculiar action in elaborating the sap,
towards re-establishing the tree, as the roots ; and indeed the two act so
reciprocally with each other, that any considerable injury to the one,
always afiects the other. " The functions of respiration, perspiration,
and digestion," says Professor Lindley, "which are the particular offices
of leaves, are essential to the health of a plant : its healthiness being in
proportion to the degree in which these functions are duly performed.
The leaf is in reality a natural contrivance for exposing a large surface
to the influence of external agents, by whose assistance the crude sap con-
tained in the stem is altered and rendered suitable to the particular wants
of the species, and for returning into the general circulation, the fluids
in their matured condition. In a word, the leaf of a plant is its lungs and
APPENDIX. 447
stomach traversed by a system of veins,"* All the prunning, therefore,
that is necessary, vi^hen a tree is properly transplanted, will be comprised
in paring smooth all bruises, or accidental injuries, received by the roots
or branches during the operation, or the removal of a few that may
interfere with elegance of form in the head.
Next in importance to the requisite care in performing the operation of
transplanting, is the proper dioice of indimdul trees to he transplanted. In
making selections for removal among our fine forest trees, it should
never be forgotten that there are two distinct kinds of subjects even of
the same species of every tree, viz : those that grow among and sur-
rounded by other trees or woods, and those which grow alone, in free
open exposures, where they are acted upon by the winds, storms, and
sunshine, at all times and seasons. The former class it will always be
exceedingly difficult to transplant successfully, even with the greatest
care ; while the latter may always be removed with comparatively little
risk of failure.
Any one who is at all familiar with the growth of trees in woods or
groves somewhat dense, is also aware of the great difference in the ex-
ternal appearance between such trees and those which stand singly in
open spaces. In thick woods, trees are found to have tall, slender trunks
with comparatively few branches except at the top, smooth and thin bark,
and they are scantily provided with roots, but especially with the small
fibres so essentially necessary to insure the growth of the tree when
transplanted. Those, on the other hand, which stand isolated, have
short thick stems, numerous branches, thick bark and a great abundance
of root and small fibres. The latter, accustomed to the full influence of
the weather, to cold winds, as well as open sunshine, have, what Sir
Henry Steuart has aptly denominated, the "protecting properties" well
developed : being robust and hardy, they are well calculated to endure
the violence of the removal, while trees growing in the midst of a wood,
sheltered from the tempests by their fellows, and scarcely ever receiving
the sun and air freely except at their topmost branches, are too feeble
to withstand the change of situation, when removed to an open lawn,
even when they are carefully transplanted.
" Of trees in open exposures," says Sir Henry, " we find that their
* Theory of florticulture.
448 APPENDIX.
peculiar properties contribute, in a remarkable manner, to their health
and prosperity. In the first place, their shortness and greater girth of
stem, in contradistinction to others in the interior of woods, are obviously
intended to give to the former greater strength to resist the winds, and
a shorter lever to act upon the roots. Secondly, their larger heads, with
spreading branches, in consequence of the free access of light, are as
plainly formed for the nourishment, as well as the balancing of so large
a trunk, and also for furnishing a cover to shield it from the elements.
Thirdly, their superior thickness and induration of bark is, in like man-
ner, bestowed for the protection of the sap-vessels, that lie immediately
under it, and which, without such defence from cold, could not perform
their functions. Fourthly, their greater number and variety of roots are
for the double purpose of nourishment and strength ; nourishment to
support a mass of such magnitude, and strength to contend with the
fury of the blast. Such are the obvious purposes for which the unvary-
ing characteristics of trees in open exposures are conferred upon them.
Nor are they conferred equally and indiscriminately upon all trees so
situated. They seem, by the economy of nature, to be peculiar adapta-
tions to the circumstances and wants of each individual, uniformly be-
stowed in the ratio of exposure, greater where that is more conspicuous
and uniformly decreasing, as it becomes less."*
Trees in which the protecting properties are well developed are fre-
quently to be met with on the skirts of woods : but those standing singly
here and there through the cultivated fields and meadows of our farm
lands, where the roots have extended themselves freely in the mellow soil,
are the finest subjects for removal into the lawn, park, or pleasure-
ground.
The machine used in removing trees of moderate size is of simple con-
struction ; consisting of a pair of strong wheels about five feet high, a
stout axle, and a pole about twelve feet long. In transplanting, the
wheels and axle are brought close to the trunk of the tree, the pole is
firmly lashed to the stem, and when the soil is sufficiently removed and
loosened about the roots, the pole, with the tree attached, is drawn down to
a horizontal position, by the aid of men and a pair of horses. When the
tree is thus drawn out of the hole, it is well secured and properly ba-
lanced upon the machine, the horses are fastened in front of the mass of
* The Planter's Guide, p. 105.
APPENDIX. 44&
roots by gearings attached to the axle, and the whole is transported to
the destined location.
In order more effectually to insure the growth of large specimens when
transplanted, a mode of preparing beforehand a supply of young roots, is
practised by skilful operators. This consists in removing the top soil,
partially undermining the tree, and shortening back many of the roots ;
and afterwards replacing the former soil by rich mould or soil well ma-
nured. This is suffered to remain at least one year, and often three or
four years ; the tree, stimulated by tlie fresh supply of food, throws out an
abundance of small fibres, which render success, when the time for re-
moval arrives, comparatively certain.
It may be well to remark here, that before large trees are transplanted
into their final situations, the latter should be well prepared by trench-
ing, or digging the soil two to three feet deep ; intermingling throughout
the whole a liberal portion of well decomposed manure, or rich compost.
To those who are in the habit of planting trees of any size in unpre-
pared ground, or that merely prepared by digging one spit deep and
turning in a little surface manure, it is inconceivable how much more
rapid is the growth, and how astonishingly luxuriant the appearance of
trees when removed into ground properly prepared. It is not too much
to affirm, that young trees under favourable circumstances, — in soil so
prepared, — will advance more rapidly and attain a larger stature in eight
years, than those planted in the ordinary way, without deepening the soil,
will in twenty ; and trees of larger size in proportion, — a gain of growth
surely worth the trifling expense incurred in the first instance. And
the same observation will apply to all planting. A little extra labour
and cost expended in preparing the soil will, for a long time, secure a
surprising rapidity of growth.
In the actual planting of the tree, the chief point lies in bringing
every small fibre in contact with the soil, so that no hollows or inter-
stices are left, which may produce mouldiness and decay of the roots.
To avoid this the soil must be pulverized with the spade before filling in,
and one of the workmen, with his hands and a flat dibble of wood,
should fill up all cavities, and lay out the small roots before covering
them in their natural position. When watering is thought advisable,
(and we practice it almost invariably,) it should always be done while
the planting is going forward. Poured in the hole when the roots are
57
450 APPENDIX.
just covered with soil, it serves to settle the loose earth compactly
around the various roots, and thus both furnishes a supply of moisture,
and brings the pulverized mould in proper contact for growth. Trees
well watered when planted in this way, will rarely require it afterwards;
and should they do so, the better way is to remove two or three inches
of the top soil, and give the lower stratum a copious supply ; when, the
water having been absorbed, the surface should again be replaced.
There is no practice more mischievous to newly moved trees, than
that of pouring water, during hot weather, upon the surface of the ground
above the roots. Acted upon by the sun and wind, this surface becomes
baked, and but little water reaches the roots ; or just sufficient perhaps
to afford a momentary stimulus, to be followed by increased sensibility
to the parching drought.
With respect to the proper seasons for transplanting, we may remark
that, except in extreme northern latitude, autumn planting is generally
preferred for large, hardy, deciduous trees. It may commence as soon as
the leaves fall, and may be continued until winter. In planting large
trees in spring, we should commence as early as possible, to give them
the benefit of the April rains ; if it should be deferred to a later period,
the trees will be likely to suffer greatly by the hot summer sun before
they are well established.
The transplanting of ererg'reens is generally considered so much more
difficult than that of deciduous trees, and so many persons who have
tolerable success in the latter, fail in the former, that we may perhaps
be expected to point out the reason of these frequent failures.
Most of our horticultural maxims are derived from English authors, and
among them, that of always planting evergreens either in August, or late
in autumn. At both these seasons, it is nearly impossible to succeed in
the temperate portions of the United States, from the different character
ofvour climate at these seasons. The genial moisture of the English
climate, renders transplanting comparatively easy at all seasons, but
especially in v^inter ; while in this country, our Augusts are dry and
hot, and our winters generally dry and cold. If planted in the latter part
of summer, evergreens become parched in their foliage, and soon perish.
If planted in autumn or early winter, the severe cold that ensues, to
which the newly disturbed plant is peculiarly alive, paralyzes vital
action, and the tree is so much enfeebled that, when spring arrives, it
APPENDIX. 451
survives but a short period. The only period, therefore, that remains
for the successful removal of evergreens here, is the spring. When
planted as eariy as practicable in the spring, so as to have the full bene-
fit of the abundant rains so beneficial to vegetation at that season, they
will almost immediately protrude nevp- shoots, and regain their former
vigour.
Evergreens are, in their roots, much more delicate and impatient of
dryness than deciduous trees ; and this should be borne in mind while
transplanting them. For this reason, experienced planters always
choose a w^et or misty day for their removal ; and, in dry weather, we
would always recommend the roots to be kept watered and covered
from the air by mats during transportation. When proper regard is
paid to this point, and to judicious selection of the season, evergreens
will not be found more difficult of removal than other trees.
Another mode of transplanting large evergreens, which is very success-
fully practised among us, is that of removing them with frozen balls of
earth in mid-winter. When skilfully performed, it is perhaps the
most complete of all modes, and is so different from the common method,
that the objection we have just made to winter planting, does not apply
to this case. The trees to be removed are selected, the situations chosen,
and the holes dug, while the ground is yet open in autumn. When the
ground is somewhat frozen, the operator proceeds to dig a trench around
the tree at some distance, gradually undermining it, and leaving all the
principal mass of roots embodied in the ball of earth. The whole ball is
then left to freeze pretty thoroughly, (generally till snow covers the
ground,) when a large sled drawn by oxen, is brought as near as possible,
the ball of earth containing the tree rolled upon it, and the whole is
easily transported to the hole previously prepared, where it is placed in
the proper position ; and as soon as the weather becomes mild, the earth
is properly filled in around the ball. A tree, either evergreen or decidu-
ous, may be transplanted in this way, so as scarcely to show, at the return
of growth, any ill effects from its change of location.
II.
Description of an English Suburban residence, Cheshttnt Cottage. With views and plans
showing the arrangement of the house and grounds. And the mode of managing the whole
premises.
[The following description of an interesting suburban residence near
452
APPENDIX.
London, with the numerous engravings illustrating it, has been kindly
furnished us for this work by J. C. Loudon, Esq. It was originally pub-
lished in his " Gardener's Magazine," and affords an admirable illustra-
tion of this class of residences : showing what may be done, and how
much beauty and enjoyment realized, on a comparatively limited space
of ground.]
Cheshunt Cottage, the Residence of Wm. Harrison, Esq.
F. L. S. ETC.
" All that can render a country seat delightful, and a well furnished library in the house."
(Evelyn's Memoirs by Bray, vol. i. p. 432.)
The sides of the road from London to Cheshunt, by Stoke Newington,
Edmonton, and Enfield Wash, are thickly studded with suburban houses
and gardens the whole distance : but, by going straight on through the
Ball's Pond Turnpike, and taking the country road leading out of Newing-
iVom the Road.]
ton Green, called the Green Lanes, between the Tottenham and Edmon-
ton road and the Barnet Road, and threading our way through numerous
interesting lanes, we may pass through very rural and umbrageous
scenery, with the appearance of but few houses of any kind. Indeed, it ■
may be mentioned as one of the most remarkable circumstances in the
state of the country in the neighbourhood of London, that, while all the
APPENDIX.
453
454
APPENDIX.
main roads are bordered by houses for some miles from town, so as almost
to resemble streets, there are tracts which lie between the main roads,
and quite near town, which have undergone little or no change in the
nature of their occupation for several, and apparently many, generations ;
at all events, not since the days of Queen Elizabeth. The tracts of
country to which we allude are in pasture or meadow, with crooked ir-
regular hedges, numerous stiles and footpaths, and occasional houses by
the roadsides ; the farms characterized by large hay-barns. Scenery of
this kind is never seen by the citizen who goes to his country seat along
the public road, in his family carriage or in a stage-coach ; and it is ac-
cordingly only known to pedestrians, and such as are not afraid of driving
their horses over rough roads, or meeting wagons or hay-carts in narrow
lanes. The road through the Green Lanes to Enfield is an excellent
turnpike road, always in a good state, with occasional villas near Bour
Farm and Palmer's Green ; and near Enfield, at Forty Hill, there is a
handsome church, built and endowed by Mr. Myers, opposite to his park,
which is filled with large and handsome trees. Afterwards it passes the
celebrated park of Theobalds, near where formerly stood a royal palace,
the favourite residence of James I., and winds in the most agreeable and
picturesque manner under the shade of overhanging trees. Having made
several turns, it leads to a lane with a brook which runs parallel to the
road, a foot-bridge across which forms the entrance to Mr. Harrison's
cottage, as exhibited in the view Fig. 1.
The ground occupied by Mr. Harrison's cottage and gardens is about
seven acres, exclusive of two adjoining grass fields. The grounds lie
entirely on one side of the house, as shown in the plan. Fig. 13, in pp.
476, 477. The surface of the whole is flat, and nothing is seen in the
horizon in any direction but distant trees. The beauties of the place, to
a stranger at his first glance, appear of the quiet and melancholy kind, as
shown in the Figs. 2, 3 ; the one looking to the right from the drawing-
room window and the other to the left : but, upon a nearer examination
by a person conversant with the subjects of botany and gardening, and
knowing in what rural comfort consists, these views will be found to be
full of intense interest, and to afford many instructive hints to the pos-
sessors of suburban villas or cottages.
In building the house and laying out the grounds, Mr. Harrison was
his own architect and Landscape Gardener ; not only devising the gene-
APPENDIX.
455
jiiiiMPiiii'liliTji'yli^kf
,|1 I' II fill I\'H ' V«vi.>^^^^
456 APPENDIX.
ral design, but furnishing working-drawings of all the details of the inte-
rior of the cottage. His reason for fixing on the present situation for the
house was, the vicinity (the grounds joining) of a house and walk be-
longing to a relation of his late wife. This circumstance is mentioned
as accounting in one so fond of a garden, for fixing on a spot which had
neither tree nor shrub in it when he first inhabited it. Mr. Harrison in-
forms us, and we record it for the use of amateurs commencing, or ex-
tending, or improving gardens, that he commenced his operations about
thirty years ago, by purchasing, at a large nursery sale, large lots of ever-
greens, not 6 inch, high, in beds of one hundred each, such as laurels, Por-
tugal laurels, laurustinuses, bays, hollies, &c. ; with many lots of decid-
uous trees, in smaller numbers, which he planted in a nursery on his own
ground ; and at intervals, as he from time to time extended his garden,
he took out every second plant, which, with occasional particular trees
and shrubs from nursery grounds, constituted a continual supply for im-
provement and extension. This, with the hospital ground mentioned
hereafter, furnished the means of extensions and improvements at no
other expense than labour, which, when completed, gave the place the
appearance of an old garden ; the plants being larger than could be ob-
tained, or, if obtained, safely transplanted, from nurseries. This is an
important consideration, in addition to that of economy, well worth the
attention of amateur improvers of grounds or gardens.
By inspecting the plan. Fig. 4, it will be found that the house contains,
on the ground floor, three good living rooms, and two other rooms (n and
g) particularly appropriate to the residence of an amateur fond of botany
and gardening ; and that it is replete with every description of accomo-
dation and convenience requisite for the enjoyment of all the comforts
and luxuries that a man of taste can desire for himself or his friends.
In laying out the grounds, the first object was to insure agricultural
and gardening comforts ; and hence the completeness of the farm-yard,
and of the hot-house and frame departments, as exhibited in the plan,
Fig. 6. On the side of the grounds opposite to the hot-houses and flower-
garden are the kitchen-garden and orchard ; and though in most situa-
tions it would have been more convenient to have had the farm buildings,
the kitchen garden, and the hot-houses on the same side as the kitchen
offices, yet in this case no inconvenience results from their separation ; be-
cause the public road, as will be seen by the plan, Fig. 13, forms a ready
APPENDIX.
457
4S8 APPENDIX.
medium of communication between them, in cases in which the commu-
nication through the ornamented ground would be unsightly or inconve-
nient. In arranging the pleasure-ground, the great object, as in all simi-
lar cases, was to introduce as much variety as could be conveniently
done in a comparatively limited space. This has been effected chiefly,
by distributing over the lawn a collection of trees and shrubs ; by form-
ing a small piece of water, and disposing of the earth excavated into hilly
inequalities ; and by walks leading to different points of view, indicated
by different kinds of covered seats or garden structures. In conducting
the walks, and distributing the trees and shrubs, considerable skill and
taste have been displayed in concealing the distant walks, and those
which cross the lawn in different directions, from the windows of the
living-rooms ; and also in never showing any walk but the one which is
being walked on, to a spectator making the circuit of the grounds.
Before we enter into further details, we shall describe, first, the plan of
the house ; secondly, that of the farm and garden offices and tlie hot-
houses ; and, thirdly, the general plan of the grounds.
The house, in its external form and interior arrangement, is to be con-
sidered as a cottage, or rather as a villa assuming a cottage character.
Hence, the centre part of the house, over the dining and drawing-rooms,
appears from the elevation of the entrance front, to be only two stories
high. There is, however, a concealed story over part of the offices, for
servants' bedrooms.
The house of which Fig. 4, is an enlarged plan, consists of :
a, The porch, entered from a bridge thrown across the brook, 4, as shown
in Fig. 4.
b b, Passage from which are seen the stairs to the bedrooms ; and in which,
at ii, there is a jib-door and a ventilating window, to prevent the
possibility of the smell from the kitchen or offices, or water-closet,
penetrating to the other parts of the passage.
c, Recess for coats, hats, etc., fitted up with a hat and umbrella-stand,
tables, etc.
d, drawing-room, with a recess at the further end, fitted up with a sofa
and a writing-table.
e, Dining-room, with a recess for the largest sideboard, and another for a
smaller sideboard and cellarets.
APPENDIX.
459
/, Library, chiefly lighted from the roof, but having one window to the
garden, and a glass door to the porch, h, also looking into the garden,
and from which the view, Fig. 5, is obtained. This room is fitted up with
[Fig. 5. View from tlie Library Porch.]
book-cases all round ; those on each side of the fire-place being over
large cabinets, about 4 ft. 6 in. high, filled with a collection of shells,
minerals, and organic remains, etc. ; and, to save the space that would
otherwise be lost at the angles, pentagonal closets are formed there, in
which maps, and various articles that cannot be conveniently put on
the regular book-shelves, are kept. The doors to these corner closets
are not more than 9 in. in width, and they are of panelled wainscoat.
The shelves are fitted in front with mahogany double reeds, fixing the
cloth which protects the tops of the books, thus giving the appearance
of mahogany.
g, Museum for specimens of minerals and other curiosities, entered from
the porch, 7;, and lighted from that porch and from a window in the roof.
h, Porch leading to the garden from the library and museum.
t, Ladies' water-closet kept warm by the heat from the back of the
servants' hall fire ; the back of the fire-place being a cast iron plate.
ii, Jib-door, h, Plate-closet.
I, Butler's pantry, lighted from the roof.
460 APPENDIX.
m, China-closet, lighted from the roof.
n, Room serving as a passage between the dining-room and the garden,
and also between the dining-room and the water-closet i, containing a
turning- lathe, a carpenter's work bench, a complete set of carpenters'
tools, garden tools for pruning, etc., of all sorts ; spuds with handles,
graduated with feet and inches, fishing tackle, archery articles, etc.
0, Inner wine-cellar, where the principal stock of wine is kept. There is
a ventilating opening from this cellar into the passage 6.
f, Servants' hall,
q, Outer wine-cellar, where the wine given out weekly for use is placed,
and entered in the butler's book. Between q and the passage 6, are
seen the stairs leading to the servants' bedrooms, r. Beer-cellar.
s, Kitchen, lighted from the roof, and from a window on one side.
ss, Scullery, lighted from one side, t, Housekeeper's closet, u. Coal-
cellar, r, Larder. 2i), Bottle rack, a:. Safe for cold meat. ?/> Wash-
house.
z. Knife-house, c^, filtering apparatus. 1, Ash-pit. 2, Coal-house.
3, Fire-place to the vinery at 10, in the kitchen-garden 9.
4 4, Brook. 5 5, Public road. 6, Kitchen-court.
7, Concealed path to gentleipen's water-closet.
8, Plantation of evergreens. 9, Kitchen-garden.
10, Vinery. 11, House servants' water-closet.
12, Servants' entrance.
Though it cannot be said that the arrangement of the offices of this
house is so good as it would be, if they were placed on each side of a
straight passage ; yet it will not be denied, that these offices include
every thing that is desirable for comfort and even luxury. The chief
difficulty which occurs to a stranger, in looking at the plan, is, to dis-
cover how several of the rooms which compose the offices are lighted ;
and this, it may be necessary to state, is chiefly effected from the roof;
a mode which, in the case of some rooms, such as a butler's pantry, china-
closet, plate-room, etc., is to be preferred ; but which in most cases it is
desirable to avoid.
The three windows to the three principal rooms being on the same side
of the house, and adjoining each other, must necesssrily have a sameness
of view ; but the quiet character intended to be produced by the idea of a
cottage by a road side, may be supposed to account for circumstances of
this kind, and for various others.
APPENDIX. 461
The following are the details of the farmyard, garden offices, and hot-
houses, as exhibited in Fig. 6 : —
1, Rustic alcove, forming a recess under a thatched roof, which covers
the space from the green-house, 3, to the houses or yards, 70, 71, and
72. This rustic alcove has the floor paved with small pebbles, and the
sides and ceiling lined with young fir-wood, with the bark on. There
is a disguised door on the right, which leads to 69, a house for grinding-
mills and other machines ; and on the left, which leads to 2, the ship-
room. In the upper part of the central compartment, in a square re-
cess fronting the entrance, is a white marble statue of the Indian god
Gaudama, or Gaudmia. Three Elizabethan benches, each as long as
one of the sides of the alcove, are placed so as to disguise the doors.
The external appearance of this alcove is shown in Fig. 7.
2, Ship-room, paved with slate, and with the walls finished in stucco, and
ceiling with beams painted like oak, to which are hung Indian spears,
and other curiosities, and serving to contain models of ships and vessels
of various sorts during winter. These are placed on the pond in the
summer season ; square-rigged vessels at fixed anchorage, and the
fore-and-aft-rigged ones, whose sails traverse, such as schooners, cut-
ters and coasting vessels, with cables of lengths to allow of their sailing
without touching the edge of the pond ; and these continue constantly
traversing the pond when there is any wind. This room also contains
a variety of the warlike instruments of the savages of different coun-
tries, a bust of Lord Nelson, one of the Duke of Wellington, some
pictures in mosaic, and a number of East Indian curiosities. It serves
also, as a lobby to the orangery.
3, The orangery. The paths are of slate, and the centre bed, or pit, for
the orange trees, is covered with an open wooden grating, on which are
placed the smaller pots ; while the larger ones, and the boxes and tubs,
are let down through openings made in the grating, as deep as it may
be necessary for the proper effect of the heads of the trees. This house,
and that for Orchidacese, are heated from the boiler indicated at 61.
4, Orchidaceous and fern house, in which a is the stage for Orchidk-
cese, and b a cone of rockwork, chiefly of vitrified bricks, for ferns.
These ferns, amounting to above two dozen species, all sprang up ac-
cidentally from the soil attached to some plants which were sent to Mr.
Harrison from Rio Janeiro and other parts of South America. The
462
APPENDIX.
avay©
crig. 6.]
r
APPENDIX.
463
IFig. 6.]
464 APPENDIX.
shelves round the house are also occupied with Orchidices, all of
which are in pots, in order that, when they come into flower, they
may be removed to the green-house ; as, when thus treated, as prac-
tised by the Duke of Devonshire at Chatsworth, they continue much
longer in bloom, than when kept in the degree of heat necessary for
their growth.
4 c, Lobby between the orangery (3) and the conservatory (5.)
4 d. An aviary for canaries, separated from the conservatory and the
lobby by a wire grating, and from, the orchidaceous house by a wall.
Both the aviary and the lobby have a glass roof in the same plane as
that of the conservatory, as may be seen in Fig. 8, in p. 466. In the
winter season the temperature of the aviary being the same as that of
the conservatory, the birds require little or no care, except giving them
food ; while they sing freely at that season, and greatly enliven this
part of the garden scenery.
5, Conservatory, with vines under the rafters. The walks are slate, the
shrubs are planted in a bed of free soil edged with slate, and the back
wall is covered with different species of Passifldra, and with the Tacsd-
nia pinnatistipula.
6, Camellia-house. The camellias kept in pots ; the rafters covered with
vines, and the back wall with passifl6ras and other climbers. This
house, and also 5, are heated from one boiler, as indicated at 64.
7, Geranium-house. The roof is in the ridge and furrow manner of Mr.
Paxton. This house, and also 8, 9, and 10, are heated from the boiler
indicated at 89.
8, Botanic stove. The roof is in the ridge and furrow manner of Paxton.
The sides of the pit are formed of slabs of slate ; and there is a slate
box at e, containing a plant of Musa Cavendishzi with a spike of fruit,
two or three of which ripen off weekly. F. is a cistern for stove aqua-
tics. There is a plant of Brugmansia suav6lens (Datura arbbrea L.)
15 ft. high, with a head 13 ft. in diameter. When we saw it, Aug.
10th, 277 blossoms were expanded at once, producing an effect upon
the spectator under the tree, when looking up, which no language can
describe. Last year it produced successions of blossoms, in one of
which 600 were fully expanded at one time. This year it has had
five successions of blossoms, and another is now coming out as the
plant expands in growth. There is a large Brugmansia coccinea in
this house. Both these plants are in the free soil.
APPENDIX.
465
[Fig. 7. Rustic Alcove.]
9, House for Cape heaths.
10, Pinery. The roof of this house is in the ridge and furrow manner,
in imitation of Mr. Paxton's mode ; from which it differs, in having the
ridge about one-third higher in proportion to the breadth, in having the
sash-bar deeper, and placed at right angles to the crown of the ridge
and to the furrow, and in having the panes of twice the size which they
are in Mr. Paxton's roof. This house was built by Mr. Harrison's
carpenter, from the general idea given to him ; and before he had been
to Chatsworth to examine the original house with this kind of roof,
built there by Mr. Paxton.
11, Cucumber-pit, on M'Phail's plan.
12, Succession pine-pit, also on M'Phail's plan, in order to be heated
with dung linings.
13, Melon-pit.
14, Dutch cold-pit, for preserving lettuces, cauliflowers, etc., during
winter.
15, Tool-house and potting-shed ; the tools regularly hung on irons fixed
to the ceiling, or set against the wall, or laid on shelves, the place
for each sort of tool or implement, ropes, etc., being painted in large
white letters on black boards. The following rules are painted on a
board which is hung up in the tool-house : —
59
466
APPENDIX,
APPENDIX. 467
** Rules to be observed by all persons working on these Premises, Master
and Men.
" I. For every tool or implement of any description not returned to the
usual place at night, or returned to a wrong place not appointed for it, or
returned or hung up in a dirty or unfit state for work, the forfeit is 3d.
•' II. For every heap of sweepings or rakings left at night uncleared,
forfeit Sd.
" III. Every penson making use of bad language to any person on
these premises shall forfeit, for each and every such offence, Gd.
" IV. Every person found drunk on these premises shall forfeit one
shilling ; and, if he be in regular employment on the premises, he shall
ba suspended from his employment one day for every hour he loses
through drunkenness.
"V. Every person who shall knowingly conceal or screen any per-
son offending, shall be fined double the amount of the fine for the offence
he so conceals, in addition to the fine of the offending party.
" VI. All forfeits to be paid to the gardener, on or before the Saturday
night following. If any person working regularly on the premises fail to
conform to the above rules and regulations, the gardener shall be at
liberty to stop his fines from his wages. Further, should any foreman
or journeyman fail to comply with the above rules and regulations (with
a knowledge of them,) the gardener shall be at liberty to seize and sell
his tools or part of them, to pay such fines, in one month from the time
the offence was committed.
" VII. All fines to be expended in a supper, yearly, to all the parties
who have been fined."
When these rules were first adopted, the fines were sufficient to afford
an annual supper, with beer, etc. ; but of late the amount has been so
small, that Mr. Harrison has found it necessary to add to it to supply beer,
etc., for the supper ; a proof of the excellent working of the rules. Mr.
Harrison remarks that these rules were established about eleven years
ago, and that they have been most effective in preventing all slovenly
practices ; an advantage which he considers as thus purchased at a very
cheap rate.
16, Mushrooom-shed, in which the mushrooms are grown in Oldacre'a
manner.
468 f^i APPENDIX.
17, Wood-yard, shaded by three elm trees.
18 18, Calf-pens. 19, Cow-house. 20, Tool-house.
21, Pig'geries.
22, 23, 24, Places for fattening poultry, on Mowbray's plan, not, as
usual, in coops. Between this and 25, is a privy for the head gardener.
25, Place for meat for the pigs, which is passed through a shoot to 26.
26, Two tanks sunk in the ground, covered with hinged flaps, the upper
edges of which lap under the plate above, so as to shoot off the rain, for
souring the food intended for the pigs. One tank, which is much
smaller than the other, is used chiefly for milk and meal for the fatten-
ing pigs, and sows with pigs ; and the other for the wash and other
refuse from the house, for the store pigs, which, with the refuse from
the garden, apple-loft, etc., amply supplies the store pigs and sows,
without any purchased food, except when they have pigs sucking.
The good effect of the fermentation or souring is accounted for by
chemists, who have found that it ruptures the ultimate particles of the
meal or other food ; a subject treated in detail in the Quarterly Jour-
nal of Agriculture, vol. vii. p. 445. According to the doctrine there
laid down, the globules of meal, or farinaceous matter of the roots and
seeds of plants, lie closely compacted together, within membranes so
exquisitely thin and transparent that their texture is scarcely to be
discerned with the most powerful microscope. Each farinaceous par-
ticle is, therefore, considered as enveloped in a vesicle, which it is
necessary to burst, in order to allow the soluble or nutritious part to
escape. This bursting is effected by boiling, or other modes of cook-
ery ; and also, to a certain extent, by the stomach, when too much food
is not taken at a time ; but it is also effected by the heat and decom-
position produced by fermentation ; and, hence, fermented food, like
food which has been cooked, is more easily digested than uncooked or
unfermented food. Plants are nourished by the ultimate particles of
manure in the same way that animals are nourished by the ultimate
particles of food ; and hence fermentation is as essential to the dung-
hill as cookery is to food. The young gardener, as well as the young
farmer, may learn from this the vast importance of fermentation, in
preparing the food both for plants and animals.
27, Furnace and boiler, for boiling dogs' meat, heating pitch, etc. ; placed
in this distant and concealed spot to prevent risk from fire when pitch
APPENDIX. 469
or tar is boiled ; and, when meat is boiled for dogs, to prevent the
smell from reaching the garden. The reason why it is found necessa-
ry to have a boiler for tar is, that, most of the farm-buildings and
garden-offices being of wood, it is found conducive to their preservation
occasionally to coat them with tar heated to its boiling point.
28, Open shed for lumber.
29, Dog-kennel ; adjoining which is a privy for the under gardeners.
30, Hay-barn. 31, Lean-to for straw.
32 32, Places for loaded hay-carts to unload, or to remain in when loaded
during the night, in order to be ready to cart to town or to market
early in the morning.
33, House for lumber, wood, etc. 34, Duck-house.
35 35, Houses for geese and turkeys.
36, Open shed for carts and farm implements.
37, Pond, surrounded by rockwork and quince trees.
38, House for a spring-cart. 39, Coal-house for Mr. Pratt.
40 40, Places for young chickens. 41, Yard to chicken-houses.
42. Hatching-house for hens, containing boxes, each 1 ft. square within,
with an opening in front 7 in. wide and 7 in. high, the top being arched,
so that the sides of the opening are only 5 in. high.
43, Lobby to Mr. Pratt's house. 44, His kitchen.
45, Living-room.
46, Oven, opening to 47.
47, Brewhouse, bakehouse, and scullery, containing a copper for brew-
ing, another for the dairy utensils, and a third for washing besides the
oven already mentioned.
48, Dairy. The milk dishes are of white earthenware ; zinc having
been tried, but having been found not to throw up the cream so speedily
and effectively as had been promised. One zinc dish, with handles,
is used for clotted cream, which is regularly made during the whole of
the fruit season, and occasionally for dinner parties, for preserved
tarts, etc. We observed here small tin cases for sending eggs and
butter to town. The butter, wrapped in leaves, or a butter cloth is
placed in the bottom of a tin box about a foot square, so as to fill the
box completely ; and another tin box is placed over it, the inner box
resting on a rebate, to prevent its crushing the butter below it. In
this latter box, the eggs are packed in bran, after which the cover of
470 APPENDIX.
the outer one is put on, and the whole may then be sent to any dis-
tance by coach. The dairy is supplied with water from a pump in
the scullery ; the water being conveniently distributed in both places
by open tubes and pipes.
49, Coachman's living-room.
50, Coachman's kitchen, and stairs to two bedrooms over.
51, Court for enclosing the coachman's children.
52, Lobby to the dairy. .53, Lobby to Mr. Pratt's brew-house.
54, Cellar. 55, Chicken-yard.
56, Farmer's yard.
57, A gravelled court separating the coach-yard, 59, from the stable-
yard, 56.
55, Place for slaughtering in. 59, Stable-yard.
60, Shed for compost, and various other garden materials ; such as a tub
for liquid manure, in which it ferments and forms a scum on the top,
while the liquid is drawn off below by a faucet with a screw spigot,
such as is common in Derbyshire and other parts of the north, which
admits the water to come out through the under side of the faucet.
Here are also kept paint pots, oil cans, boxes, baskets, and a variety
of other matters. The whole of this shed is kept warm by the heat
which escapes from the fire-place in 61, and from the back of the
orchidaceous house, 4.
61, Fire-place and boiler for heating the orchidaceous house.
62, Place for arranging garden pots.
63, Shed, with roof of patent slates, which becomes a cheap mode of roof-
ing in consequence of requiring so few rafters, amply lighted from the
roof, and kept warm in the winter time by the heat proceeding from
the boilers at 61 and 64. This shed contains a potting-bench, cistern
of water, and compartments for mould ; and, being lofty, it contains
in the upper part two apartments enclosed by wirework, for curious
foreign pigeons or other birds. On the ground are set, during the
winter season, the large agaves and other succulent plants which are
then in a dormant state, and which are kept in the open garden during
summer. On the whole, this is an exceedingly convenient working-
shed ; being central to the houses 3, 4, 5, and 6 ; being kept comfort-
ably warm by the boilers ; being well lighted from the roof; and
having the two windows indicated at 62, before which is the potting-
bench.
APPENDIX.
471
64, Fire-place to the conservatory and camellia-house.
65, Place for keeping food for the rabbits and pigeons, with stairs to the
pigeon-house, which is placed over it.
[t g 9 \ ew 1 um t>e Ch nese Tenj le 1
66, Rabbit-house containing twenty-one hutches, each of which is a cubic
box of 20 in. on the side. Each box is in two divisions, an eating-place
and a sleeping-place; the sleeping-place is 8 in. wide, and is entered
by an opening in the back part of the partition. Both divisions have
an outer door in front ; and, in order that the door ^of the sleeping-
place may not be opened by any stranger, it is fastened by an iron pin,
which cannot be seen or touched till the door of the eating-place is
opened. Mr. Pratt pointed this out to us as an improvement in the
construction of rabbit-hutches, well deserving of imitation wherever
there is any chance of boys or idle persons getting into the rabbit-
house. The rabbits are fed on garden vegetables and bran, barley,
oatmeal, and hay, making frequent changes ; the vegetables being
gathered three or four days before being used, and laid in a heap to
sweat, in order to deprive them of a portion of their moisture. Salt is
also given occasionally with the bran. Cleanliness, and frequent
change of food, have now, for five years, kept the rabbits in constant
472 APPENDIX.
health. It ought never to be forgotten, that attention to the above
rules, in partially drying green succulent vegetables, is essential to
the thriving of rabbits kept in hutches ; and, hence, in London and
other large towns, instead of fresh vegetables, they are fed with
clover hay. One of the kinds of rabbit bred at Mr. Harrison's is the
hare rabbit, mentioned in the Encyclopedia of Agriculture, 5 7355, the
flesh of which resembles that of the hare, in quantity and flavour.
Mr. Pratt has fed rabbits here, which, when killed, weighed 11 lbs.
We can testify to their excellence when cooked.
67, Coach-house, with stairs to hay-loft. 63, Stable.
69, Mill-house, containing mills for bruising corn for poultry, a portable
flour mill, a lathe, and grinding-machine for sharpening garden instru-
ments and similar articles. In the Angel Inn in Oxford, some years
ago, a lathe of this sort was used for cleaning shoes, the brushes being
fixed to the circumference of the wheel, and the shoes apphed to them,
while the wheel was turned round by a tread lever, or treadle.
70, Root-house, containing bins for keeping different kinds of potatoes,
carrots, parsnips, Jerusalem artichokes, beets, and yellow, French, and
white turnips, with shelves for onions ; and a loft over, which is used
as a fruit room. The fruit is kept partly on shelves, and partly on cup-
board trays.
71, Store place for beer or ale, which is brewed by Mr. Pratt for the use
of the family in London, as well as Cheshunt ; here is also a regular
staircase to the fruit-room.
72, Harness-room, properly fitted up with every convenience, and warmed
by a stove.
73, A lobby or court to a door which opens to the brook, for the purpose
of clearing out an excavation made in the bottom of the channel, in
order to intercept mud, and thus render the water quite clear where it
passes along the pleasure-ground, and is seen from the library win-
dow and the grand walk, (Fig. 5, p. 459.) The whole of any mud
which may collect in the brook may be wheeled up a plank through
this door, without dirtying the walk.
74 74, The brook.
75, Foot entrance to Mr. Pratt's house, the coachman's house, the dairy,
etc.
76, Carriage entrance to the stable-court, garden offices, farm-yard, etc.
APPENDIX.
473
77, Private entrance to the garden, over the rustic bridge shown in
Fig. 5.
78, Masses of vitrified bricks and blocks of stone, distributed among lawn
and shrubs ; among which, large plants of agave, and other rock exot-
ics, are placed in the summer season. The pots and tubs being con-
cealed by covering them with the stones forming the masses of rock-
work. Here the semicircular space surrounded by rock contains a col-
lection of Himalayan rhododendrons, etc., in pots, many of them seed-
lings which have not yet flowered.
79 79, American shrubbery, consisting chiefly of rhododendrons, azaleas
magnolias, etc., growing in peat earth kept moist by the brook.
80, American garden consisting of choice American shrubs, and Ameri-
can herbaceous plants. In the centre of the circle a handsome tazza
vase on a bold pedestal.
81, Two semicircles for dahlias ; the surrounding compartments con-
taining a collection of roses.
82, Garden of florist's flowers.
83 83, Garden of herbaceous plants, chiefly annuals. The walks in all
[Fig. 10. L'lsiani view of Ihe House ami Teat, across ihe Pond.]
these gardens are edged with slate. The bed 83t contains a collection
of choice standard roses. 84, Dahlias.
85, Double ascent of the steps to a mound formed of the earth removed
in excavating for the pond. From the platform to which these steps
60
474
APPENDIX.
lead, there is a circuitous path to the Chinese temple ; and the steps are
ornameoted with Chinese vases, thus affording a note of preparation
for the Chinese temple. The outer sides of the steps are formed of
rockwork, and between the two stairs is a pedestal with Chinese or-
naments.
86, The Chinese temple, on the highest part of the mount formed of the
soil taken from the excavation now constituting the pond. The view
from the interior of this temple is shown in Fig. 9, p. 471.
87, Rustic steps descending from the Chinese temple to the walk which
borders the pond. 88, The pond.
89, Open tent, with sheet-iron roof supported by iron rods. This struc-
ture may be seen in the view Fig. 10.
90 90, Masses of evergreens and deciduous trees and shrubs.
91, Grotto, made late last year, not yet completed. It was formerly an
outer ice-house, but it failed as such. The entrance is surrounded by
rockwork, and the interior in the form of a horseshoe, furnished with
a wooden bench as a seat. Over this grotto, is an unbrella tent, as
shown in the view Fig. 11. 92, Dahlias.
[Fig. 11. Grotto, with Umbrella Tent over.]
93, Slip of ground for compost, and various other materials requisite for
the garden and farm-yard; communicating with the frame-ground by
the door 94, with the farmyard by the gate 95, and with the farm by
the" gate 96.
APPENDIX.
475
94, Door from the frame-ground to the slip behind.
95, Gate from the slip to the farmyard.
96, A gate from the slip to the fields of the farm.
97, Grass field, forming part of the farm.
Fig. 13, in p. 476, 477, is a vertical profile of the gardens and plea-
sure-ground, with the farmyard, and a small portion of the farm. This
view shows : —
1, The house. 2, The domestic offices and yard. 3, Vinery in a small
garden.
4, Back entrance to the domestic offices, and the smaller kitchen-garden*
On one side of this walk is placed one of Fuller's portable ice-boxes.
5, The smaller kitchen-garden.
6, Broad border for pits ; and in which there is a cold-pit for protect-
ing vegetables during winter.
7, Boundary plantation.
8, Angular bricji wall, for the sake of having different aspects for the fruit
trees which are trained against it ; and for strength, being only one
brick in thickness for lessening the expense.
9, Pond in the largest kitchen-garden, supplied from the brook by pipes
with waste pipe to the pond on the lawn.
10, Filbert plantation.
11, Orchard and boundary plantation.
[Fig. 12. Covered Seat, of grotesque and rustic Masonry.]
12, Covered seat ; of which a view is shown in Fig. 12. In front of this
seat there is a mulberry tree of large dimehsions, which was trans-
476
APPENDIX.
[Fig- 13.]
APPENDIX.
477
[Pig. 13. J
478 APPENDIX.
planted by Mr. Harrison when it was upwards of 80 years of age.
The instruments with which a* number of large plants, particularly
shrubs, were transplanted under Mr. Harrison's directions, when the
grounds were being altered and enlarged, were described for us by
Mr. Pratt. (See Gardener^s Magazine, vol. xi. p. 134) Mr. Pratt
kept for.many years large plants which had suffered from many causes,
or which were not immediately wanted, in what he called an hospital
for these purposes.
13, A flower-garden, in which for several years a large AraucSiria brasi-
liensis stood out in the centre bed ; but it Was killed to the ground in
the winter of 1837-8
14, The rustic covered seat, shown in Fig. 14, in p. 479, and of which
Fig 15, is an elevation of the back ; showing the manner in which the
barked poles are arranged.
15, Basin of water for aquatics.
16, Rustic building, of which a view is shown in Fig. 16. In the inte-
rior is an alto-relievo of statuary marble, representing a female over a
funeral vase, surrounded by a sort of broad frame of corals, cornua Am-
monis, and large mineral specimens of different kinds.
17, Groups of roses, dahlias, and other ornamental flowers.
18, Two semicircular beds of roses.
19, A covered double seat, one half looking towards the roses, and the
other in the opposite direction. In the latter are kept the instruments
for playing at what is called lawn billiards, which is said to be a game
intermediate between bowls and common billiards. This game is lit-
tle known, but materials for playing at it are sold by Messrs. Cato
& Son, wire-workers, Holborn Hill, London, who send out with them
the following printed rules : —
"This game, which differs from all others, should be played on a
lawn about 12 yards square ; the socket with the ring being fixed in
the centre by a block of wood fixed into the earth. It may be played
by two or four persons, either separately, or as partners, each player
having a ball with a cue pointed to correspond. Care must be taken
to fix the ring at the end of the cue close to the ball before striking."
20, The pond. On the margin of which, at it, is the boat-house seen in
Fig. 17, in p. 483.
21, Descending steps through evergreens ; from which is seen the distant
view of the house and the tent, as in Fig. 10, in p. 473.
APPENDIX.
479
22, Dahlia plantation.
23, Chinese temple from the interior of which is obtained the view shown
in Fig. 9, in p. 471. Behind the temple, a little to one side, is the
grotto shown at 91 in the plan, Fig. 6, in p. 462, 463 ; and also in the
view. Fig. 11, in p. 474.
24, The situation of the tent shown in Fig. 10.
25, The different flower and shrub gardens described in detail in the plan.
Fig. 6, p. 462, 463.
26, The hot-houses, pits, frames, farm buildings, &c.j shown in Fig. 6.
27, Grass fields, forming part of the farm.
23, Point from which the view of the hot-houses, Fig. 8, in p. 466, is
taken; and also, turning round, the view of the house, Fig. 18, in p. 485.
29, Secret entrance to the grounds. 30, Principal entrance to the house.
31, Entrance to the stable-court and farmyard.
Remarks. — In pointing out the principal sources of the professional
instruction, which a young gardener may derive from examining this
place, we shall first direct attention to the garden structures. These,
[Fig. 14. Rustic Covered Seal, of Woodwork.]
whether of the ornamental or useful kind, are executed substantially,
and with great care and neatness; while the farm buildings, being
480
APPENDIX.
[Fig. 15. EleratioD of the Back.]
chiefly of wood show how great an extent of accommodation may he
obtained without regularity of plan, and without incurring much expense.
A good exercise for the young designer would be to distribute the
same accommodation, properly classed, along the sides of a square or
[Fig. 16. Hermit's Seat, and Clauical Vau.]
APPENDIX. 481
squares, or along the sides of a parallelogram or polygon, and either
detached from, or connected with, the horticultural buildings.
The manner in which the working-sheds are heated by the waste heat
from the furnaces, in consequence of which, in severe weather, much
more work will be done in them, and in a better manner, and in which
they are lighted, so as to serve for protecting certain kinds of plants
during winter, is worthy of imitation ; as is the mode of heating so
many different houses from only three boilers. In no garden structures
have we seen a more judicious use of the Penryhn slate ; paths, edgings,
shelves, cisterns, boxes for plants, copings, kerbs, partitions, and sub-
stitutes for dwarf walls, being all made of it. The order and neatness
with which all the different tools, utensils, &c., are kept in the horticul-
tural and farm buildings, are most exemplary, and greatly facilitate the
despatch of business.
In the farm buildings, the fittings up of the poultry-houses, the rabbit-
house, and the dairy and dairy scullery, well deserve attention ; and also
the arrangement for fermenting the food of the pigs in under-ground cis-
terns, not too warm for summer, nor so cold as to check fermentation in
winter. The manure of the horses, of the cows, of the pigs, of the rabbits
of the pigeons, and of the poultry, is kept in separate pits, that it may
be used, if desirable, in making up different composts.
There are three liquid-manure tanks, in which the liquid matter, which
in most farmyards is wasted, is fermented, and afterwards mixed up with
soil for use in the kitchen-garden, or used in forming composts for particu-
lar plants. The liquid-manure from the stables is kept apart from that
from the cow-house ; and the general drainings of the yard, and of the
frame-ground in the kitchen-garden, are fermented by themselves. The
liquid manure with which Mr. Pratt waters his plants is formed chiefly of
the sweepings of the pigeon, rabbit, and cow houses, with lime ; and is
kept in a cask in a close shed, (60 in the plan Fig. 6, in p. 462, 463,) so
that the temperature admits of its fermenting in winter, as well as in
eummer : a thick scum rises to the top of the cask, and the liquid is drawn
out from the bottom as clear as old ale. The plants which Mr. Pratt wa-
ters with this liquid are chiefly those of rapid growth, such as the Datura,
Brugmansta, and other soft-wooded tree plants which, like these, are cut
in every year, and appear to profit by the stimulating effect of this manure.
He gives it also, occasionally, to various other plants which appear to
61
482
APPENDIX.
want vigour ; but has not yet had sufficient experience of its effects, to
give a list of plants to which it ought to be applied.
In order to produce as much manure as possible, as well for the farm as
for the garden, all leaves, haulm, and waste vegetable matters, are care-
fully collected, and fermented by the addition of fresh stable dung ; and
heaps of different kinds of soils, procured from different parts of the coun-
try, are constantly kept in the slip adjoining the frame-ground, ready for
use.
The grounds being nearly level are readily supplied with water from
the ponds and from the brook ; and there are concealed wells, communica-
ting with these sources by pipes from the brook, in different parts of the
grounds, and more especially in the kitchen-garden, from Which the plants
can be abundantly watered in the growing season with comparatively
little labour; there being six different places, including the ponds and
brook, from which the gardeners take water, and all the strawberries are
planted close to the wells in the inner and outer walled gardens.
The kitchen-gardens, the hot-houses, and the store-houses and some
other structures can be locked up at pleasure, Mr. Harrison and Mr. Pratt
being the only persons having complete master keys. Part of the outer
kitchen-garden is enclosed with an open iron epike fence, 5 ft. 6 in. high,
within which and the inner walled garden are the strawberries and
choicest gooseberries, figs, etc., and these enclosures are opened only by
the master keys. The whole, therefore, of the wall and best fruit is
secured from plunder.
The beauties of this place, as has been already mentioned, depend
chiefly on the taste and judgment displayed in laying out the walks, and
distributing the trees and shrubs ; though the choice of a situation for
the pond, and the mount adjoining it, is also a matter of some consequence.
The trees and shrubs, being comparatively limited in number, consist
of one of almost every kind that is to be procured in British nurseries,
exclusive of those which are common, or not considered ornamental. In
selecting these, the more rare kinds have been procured, and planted quite
young; Mr. Harrison and Mr. Pratt having found, by experience, that
the pines and firs should be planted out when not more than of three or
four years' growth. When the plants have been in pots, the balls should
be gently broken with the hand, and afterwards all the earth washed away
from the roots by the application of water. The plant may then be placed
APPENDIX.
483
[Fig, 17. Boat Houfie and Agave Mount.]
on a hill of prepared mould, and the roots stretched out, so as to radiate
from the plant in every direction, and afterwards covered with mould.
The masses of trees and shrubs are chiefly on the mount near the lake,
and along the margin which shuts out the kitchen-garden; and in these
places they are planted in the gardenesque manner, so as to produce ir-
regular groups of trees, with masses of evergreen and deciduous shrubs
as undergrowth, intersected by glades of turf. They are scattered over
the general surface of the lawn, so as to produce a continually varying
effect, as viewed from the walks ; and so as to disguise the boundary, and
prevent the eye from seeing from one extremity of the grounds to the
other, and thus ascertain their extent. The only points at which the
lawn is seen directly across from the drawing-room window are in the
direction of Zand m, Fig. 13, in p. 476, 477; but, through these open-
ings, the grass field beyond appears united with the lawn ; so that the
extent thus given to the views from the drawing-room windows is of the
greatest assistance to the character of the place, with reference to extent.
From every other part of the grounds, the views across the lawn are in-
terrupted by some tree, bush, or object which conceals the boundary ; or,
if the boundary is seen on one side, as in passing along the walk from 16
by 18 to 22, there is ample space on the lawn side to keep up the idea
of extent.
4S4
APPENDIX.
In many situations, this walk, as seen on paper, would be considered
to be too near the boundary ; but in the grounds the narrow plantation
from 22 to 18 is of evergreens, chiefly hollies, which already partially
shut out all view of the boundary or the field, and which are ultimately
intended to spread their upper branches over the walk, so as to give it a
character of shade and gloom, different from any other in these grounds.
In general, it may be laid down as a rule, that the boundary between
a lawn and the park or field beyond should not be such as to cut the land-
scape, as it were, in two ; and another rule is, that the walks should
never be so near this fence, or should not be so conducted when near it,
as to admit of the spectator looking directly across. Indeed, in scenery,
no rule is generally more applicable than this, viz. that all straight lines,
whether fences, roads, canals, or rivers, and all regular symmetrical ob-
jects, such as buildings, should be looked at obliquely. Applying this
rule, therefore, to the scenery between the walk and the fence, from 18
to 16, we should say that either the direction of the walk ought to be al-
tered, so as to remove it further from the boundary, or the boundary ex-
tended further into the field ; and instead of being bordered by a hedge-
like fringe of shrubs, it should only be broken here and there by occa-
sional bushes and trees, connected and harmonizing in position with
other trees beyond the fence. If it were desirable to avoid altering the
boundary, then we should recommend continuing the walk which com-
mences at d near 19, by n and o o, to p near 16. If there were nothing
to see or be seen beyond the boundary, then, unless the boundary fence
were a conservative wall, that is, a wall covered with half-hardy orna-
mental plants, we should still prefer changing the direction of the walk,
so as to take away from the monotonous appearance of continually skirt-
ing the boundary. In every place, however small, there ought to be
some part left which the visiter has not seen, and which may leave the
impression on his mind, that, however much he has been shown, he has
not seen every thing. We make these observations with great deference
to Mr. Harrison, who has paid much attention to the subject of Landscape
Gardening, and shown much practical taste and good sense both in that
art and in architncture.
It is however, right to state that Mr. Harrison accords with our gene-
ral view of the subject, but " defends the walk in question as an excep-
tion founded on Iiis objects in making it ; which were, 1st, to have a
APPENDIX.
486
walk different from any other in the garden ; and 2d, a walk sheltered from
the winter southerly gales, and ornamented by the bloom of the laurus-
tinus at that season. It is, therefore, so slightly curved as merely to
avoid a straight line ; and permits an extent of length not found in any
other part to be seen on descending the elevation at the east end, or on
emerging from wood at the west end, where, when the improvements
connected with it are finished, it will enter a dense plantation, the walk
going round at the back of the building in that corner. The fence would
have been entirely excluded from either near or distant view, and the
eye carried so as not to catch a view of the grounds of the field nearer
than one hundred yards or more at the least, if the laurustinuses had not
suffered so severely in 1837-38 ; but these will, by next year, and by
trees already planted along the border, and others to be planted irregu-
larly, at intervals, in the field near the fence, in a great measure, Mr.
[Kig. 18. Garden Front of Cheshunt Cottage.]
Harrison thinks, obviate the objection made, or, at least, lessen the force
of it, as future appearances will, he thinks, prove. — W. H."
The trees and shrubs on the lawn are almost all disposed in the garden-
esque manner ; that is, so that each individual plant may assume its
natural shape and habit of growth. The masses are also chiefly planted
in the same style ; and, as the trees and shrubs advance in growth, they
are cut in, or thinned out ; so that each individual, if separated from the
486 APPENDIX.
mass to which it belongs, and considered by itself alone, shall be a
handsome plant. Atthe same time, in order to produce as much variety
as possible, the picturesque style of planting, in which trees and shrubs
are so closely grouped together as partially to injure each other's growth,
occasionally occurs, fur the sake of producing variety. With the excep-
tion of the pines and firs, the other trees have been selected more for
their picturesque effect and variety of foliage, than for their botanical
interest. Among these are the Scotch pine for its darkness ; the
Pdpulus angulata for its large leaves, and for its property of preserving
these till destroyed by severe frost, long before which all the other
poplars have become naked ; the A'cer macrophyllum, for its large
leaves ; the Montpelier maple, for its small ones ; the Negundo fra.x\ni-
f5lium, for its green-barked shoots ; the American oaks, for the singular
variety in form and colour of their foliage ; the catalpa, for its broad rich
yellowish leaves, and its showy blossoms, which appear late in the
season ; the deciduous cypress ; the bonduc, or Kentucky coffee tree ;
the cut-leaved alder; the tuilp tree; the purple beech; the purple
hazel ; the Oriental plane, of which there are several fine specimens ;
the variegated sycamore, and other variegated trees and shrubs, which
are always so beautiful in spring; those thorns and crabs which are
beautiful or remarkable for their blossoms in the spring, and for their
fruit in autumn ; the Nepal sorbus, so interesting for its large woolly
leaves, which die off of a fine straw colour; the magnolias; the rhodo-
dendrons; the heaths; the brooms; and the double-blossomed furze;
besides various striking or popular plants, such as the variegated hollies,
the scarlet arbutus, etc. Among the detached trees and small groups,
there is scarcely to be met with a single bush or tree that a general
observer will not find noticeable for something in its foliage, general
form, flowers, or fruit. The MagnbHa grandifldra var. exonitnsis flowers
freely as a standard without any protection, and was not even injured
by the winter of 1837-8 ; nor was A'rbutus procera, also unprotected.
A number of the more rare trees and shrubs, such as Araucaria brasi-
liensis, which had stood out eight years, A. Cunninghamii, Pinus insignis,
P. palustris, P. Girardidraa, P. canariensis, etc. were killed during the
winter of 183-78 ; and a number of others, which were severely
injured, are now recovering. Mr. Pratt, the head gardener, did not
begin to prune the trees which were injured till the rising of the sap
APPENDIX. 487
showed the extent of the injury that they had received. After waiting
till the middle of summer, it was found that the lauristinus, sweet bay,
Chinese privet, and various other shrubs, were alive to the height of
from 3 ft. to 5 ft. ; and, after the dead wood was cut out, the plants soon
became covered with young shoots and foliage.
The Walks are so laid out and planted as to be sheltered or bordered
by evergreens, for the sake of their lively appearance during winter.
They are also so contrived as to be shaded from the sun by deciduous trees
during summer ; while these trees being naked during winter, admit the
sun at that season to dry the ground. The walks are laid out in differ-
ent directions, in order that, from whatever point the wind may blow, at
least one walk will be sheltered from it. The greater number are in the
direction of north and south ; because walks in that direction are best
exposed to the sun in the winter season, which is the period of the year
in which the pmprietor chiefly resides here. It is always desirable, in
a small place, that all the walks should be concealed from the windows,
except that immediately under the eye ; and that, in walking through
the grounds, no path should be seen except the one walked on, and
that (except in the case of a straight avenue) only for a moderate dis-
tance. These rules (derived from the principle of variety and intricacy)
have been carefully attended to by Mr. Harrison ; and hence the walk
from a to b, in the plan Fig. 13, in p. 476, 477, is concealed by raising
the turf on the side next the house higher than on the opposite side ;
while that from c to d is concealed by the bushes and trees at c, and
more especially by a large rhododendron at ee. The walk f g h \s
concealed from the walk i; partly by a swell in the surface of the turf
on the side next i, but chiefly by the bushes whichare scattered along its
margin. At g, there is a clump which prevents any one on the walk i
from seeing the line ^/; and any one on the walk g-/ from seeing the
line i. In walking along from/ to /i, it is clear that the trees and shrubs
on the left hand will always prevent the eye from seeing the walk to any
great distance. All the other walks through the lawn are concealed in
a similar manner ; so that a person walking in the grounds never sees
any other walk than that which lies immediately before him ; and, there-
fore, in looking across the lawn, he never can discover the extent either
of what he has seen, or of what he has yet to see. To form a great num-
ber of walks of this sort, and lead the spectator over them without
488
APPENDIX.
showing him more than one walk at a time, but taking care, at the same
time, to let hira have frequent and extensive views across the lawn, and
these views always diiFerent, constitute the grand secret of making a
small place look large.
The walks are filled to the brim with gravel, kept firmly rolled, and
their grass margins are dipt, but never cut ; because the gravel, being
almost as high as the turf, the latter can never sink down, and swell out
over the former. This it invariably does when the turf is a few inches
higher than the gravel ; and, hence, paring off the part of the turf which
had projected was originally, no doubt, adopted only as a remedy for
the evil, though it is now erroneously practised by gardeners as an evi-
dence of care and good keeping. As much of the beauty of the walk
depends upon the beauty of its boundary, the feeling that this boundary
is likely to be disturbed every time the walk is cleaned, or the adjoining
turf mown, is extremely disagreeable. The freshly pared turf becomes
a spot or a scar in the scene, withdrawing the attention from the walk
["Fig. 19. View acro^-s the Waler, looliing towards the Houie.]
APPENDIX. 489
itself, and from the adjoining grounds, to a point, or rather a line,
which is in itself of little consequence, but which, by the paring, is
obtruded on the eye, so as to destroy all allusion to stability. We are
displeased with the paring of the edges, because it conveys the idea that
the walks are not finished, or that they are liable to be disturbed in this
way from time to time ; and nothing, either in grounds or in buildings,
is more unsatisfactory than an apparent want of stability or fixedness.
It is as much the nature of the ground to be fixed and immoveable, as it
is of trees and shrubs to increase in growth ; and, hence, any operation,
such as clipping, which seems to stop the growth of the one, is as un-
satisfactory to the eye as paring, which seems to derange the fixed state
of the other. Would that we could impress this on the minds of all
gardeners and their employers !
The Pond is of an irregular shape, so arranged as with the assistance
of the island to prevent the whole of it, and consequently its limited
extent, from being seen from any one point in the garden. For the same
reason, the walk only goes along one side, there being but one point on the
western side, viz : where the iron seats are close to the agaves, from
which any part of the pond can be seen. The pond i? so situated as to
form the main feature in the right-hand view from the drawing-room
window, as shown in Fig. 3, in p. 417; the wooded island, (which i«
shown rather too much in the middle in the plan, though, perhaps, not so
in reality,) disguising the boundary from that and every other point of
view. The bank of the pond on one side is rocky, and nearly perpen-
dicular ; while on the other it is sloping, and partly "covered with shrubs.
At k in Fig. 13, in p. 477, there is a boat-house, on the top of which are
several large agaves, the common, the variegated, and Agave plicatilis ;
the tubs containing which are so disguised by rockvvork, as to create an
allusion to the appearance of these plants in their native hab'tats". The
appearance of these agaves, and also of a large crassula, is indicated in
a view of the boat-house. Fig. 17, in p. 483 ; and it is only from a seat
among these agaves that any part of the pond can be seen from this side
of it. Had a walk been conducted completely round the pond, and near
its margin, the charm of partial concealment would have been entirely
lost. The high banks have been formed with earth taken out of the pond,
and these have given occasion to a considerable variety intheinclination,
as well as in the direction, of the walks. The banks are planted on the
02
490 APPENDIX.
same principle as the open lawn ; that is, with trees and shrubs having
striking foliage or showy flowers, and with a judicious mixture of ever-
greens to give the effect of cheerfulness in winter. In the water are
two large plants of Calla sethibpica Lin., which cover a space of nearly
5 ft. in diameter ; they have lived there through ten winters without any
protection, the water being 5 ft. deep ; and they flower luxuriantly every
year. The views across the water, to the house and to the other parts of
the grounds, are singularly varied, owing to the winding direction of the
walk, and the consequently changing position of the island, and of the
trees in the foreground and middle distance. One of these views may be
seen in Fig. 19, and others have been already given in p. 455, 471, 473,
483.
The Flower- Garden (25, in Fig. 13, in p. 476, 477,) is laid out, as the
ground plan indicates, in beds, everywhere bordered with slate : a flower-
garden of this kind, with the walks gravelled, having the advantage of
rendering the flowers accessible to ladies immediately after rain, when
they are often in their greatest beauty, and, at all events, in their great-
est freshness and vigour ; an advantage which is not obtained when the
beds are on turf. There are also flower-beds on turf in other parts of
the grounds : but these are filled with roses, dahlias, and other large-
growing plants in masses, the beauties of which do not require to be
closely examined.
III.
Note on the treatment of Lawns.
As a lawn is the ground work of a landscape garden, and as the man-
agement of a dressed grass surface is still a somewhat ill-understood sub-
ject with us, some of our readers will, perhaps, be glad to receive a very
few hints on this subject.
The unrivalled beauty of the " velvet lawns" of England has passed
into a proverb. This is undoubtedly owing, in some measure, to their
superior care and keeping, but mainly to the highly favourable climate of
that moist and sea-girt land. In a very dry climate it is nearly impos-
sible to preserve that emerald freshness in a grass surface, that be-
longs only to a country of " weeping skies." During all the present sea-
APPENDIX. 401
son, on the Hudson, where we write, the constant succession of showers
has given us, even in the heat of mid-summer, a softness and verdure
of lawn that can scarcely be surpassed in any climate or country.
Our climate, however, is in the middle states one of too much heat
and brilliancy of sun, to allow us to keep our lawns in the best condi-
tion without considerable care. Beautifully verdant in spring and autumn,
they are often liable to suffer from drought in midsummer. On sandy
soils, this is especially the case, while on strong loamy soils a consider-
able drought will be endured without injury to the good appearence of
the grass. It therefore is a suggestion worthy of the attention of the
lover of a fine lawn, who is looking about for a country residence, to care-
fully avoid one where the soil is sandy. The only remedy in such a soil
is a tedious and expensive one, that of constant and plentiful top-dressing
with a compost of manure and heavy soil — marsh mud — swamp muck, or
the like. Should it fortunately be the case (which is very rare,) that
the sub-stratum is loamy, deep ploughing, or trenching, by bringing up
and mixing with the light surface soil some of the heavier earth from
below, will speedily tend to remedy the evil.
In almost all cases where the soil is of good strength, a permanent
lawn may be secured by preparing the soil deeply before finally laying
it down. This may be done readily, at but little outlay, by deep ■plough-
ing— a good and cheap substitute for trenching — that is to say, making
the plough follow three times in the same furrow. This, with manure,
if necessary, will secure a depth of soil sufficient to allow the roots of
plants to strike below the effects of a surface drought.
In sowing a lawn, the best mixture of grasses that we can recommend
for this climate, is a mixture of Red-top and white Clover — two natural
grasses found by almost every road side — in the proportion of three fourths
of the former, to one of the latter.
There is a common and very absurd notion current, (which we have
several times practically disproved,) that, in order to lay down a lawn
well, it is better to sow the seed along with that of some grain ; thus,
starving the growth of a small plant by forcing it to grow with a larger
and coarser one ! A whole year is always lost by this process — indeed
more frequently two. Many trials have convinced us, that the proper
mode is to sow a heavy crop of grass at once, and we advise him who de-
sires to have speedily a handsome turf, to follow the English practice,
492 APPENDIX.
and sow from three to four bushels of seed to the acre. If this is done early
in the spring, he will have a lawn-like surface by mid-summer, and a fine
close turf the next season.
After this, the whole beauty of a lawn depends on frequent mowing.
Once a fortnight at the furthest, is the rule for all portions of the lawn
in the neighborhood of the house, or near the principal walks. A longer
growth than this, will only leave yellow and coarser stubble after mow-
ing, instead of a soft velvet surface. A broad-bladed English scythe, (to
be had at the shops of the seedsmen,) set nearly parallel to the surface,
is the instrument for the purpose, and with it a clever mower will be able
to shave within half an inch of the ground, without leaving any marks.
To free the surface from worm casts, etc., it is a common practice to roll
the previous evening as much as may be mown the next day.
As the neatness of a well kept lawn depends mainly upon the manner
in which it is mown, and as this again can only be well done where
there are no inequalities in the ground, it follows that the surface should
be kept as smooth as possible. Before sowing a lawn, too much pains
cannot be taken to render its surface smooth and even. After this, in the
spring, before the grass starts, it should be examined and all little holes
and irregularities filled up, and the same should be looked over at any
annual top-dressing that may take place. The occasional use of a heavy
roller, after rain, will also greatly tend to remedy all defects of this
nature.
Where a piece of land is long kept in lawn it must have an occasional
top-dressing — every two or three years, if the soil is rich, or every
season, if it is poor. As early as possible in the spring is the best
time to apply such a top-dressing, which may be a compost of any
decayed vegetable or animal matter — heavier and more abounding with
marsh mud, etc., just in proportion to the natural lightness of the soil.
Indeed almost every season the lawn should be looked over, all weeds
taken out, and any poor or impoverished spots plentifully top-dressed,
and, if necessary, sprinkled with a little fresh seed. Wood ashes, either
fresh or leached, is also one of the most efHcient fertilizers of a lawn.
We can already, especially in the finer places on the Hudson, and
about Boston, boast of many finely kept lawns, and we hope every day,
as the better class of country residences increases, to see this indis-
pensable feature in tasteful grounds becoming better understood and
more universal.
APPENDIX, 493
IV.
Note on professional quackery.
Landscape Gardening, like all other arts, is not free from ignorant
pretenders to knowledge, who, without a spark of appreciation for the
beautiful in nature, boldly undertake to remodel, in what they con-
sider a tasteful and fashionable style, every piece of natural landscape,
whether of a simple or highly picturesque character. They succeed
in leaving behind them, on the places they attempt to improve, indubitable
marks of their footsteps in a sort of laboured ease, and stiff striving
after grace, but they are pretty certain, also, to mar, or obliterate in a
great degree the natural charm of any fine situation. We have seen
one or two examples lately where a foreign soi-disant landscape gardener
has completely spoiled the simply grand beauty of a fine river residence,
by cutting up the breadth of a fine lawn with a ridiculous effort at
what he considered a very charming arrangement of walks and groups
of trees. In this case he only followed a mode sufficiently common
and appropriate in a level inland country, like that of Germany, from
whence he introduced it, but entirely out of keeping with the bold and
lake-like features of the landscape which he thus made discordant.
One of this kind of improvers was, some years ago, very cleverly
satirized by Mr. Peacock, an English reviewer of celebrity, in a comic
work entitled "Headlong Hall." The latter is the name of the sup-
posed seat of Lord Littlebrain, who has assembled around him during the
Christmas feastings an odd party, among whom is Mr. Milestone, the
landscape gardener, evidently a portrait of " Capability Brown." Mr.
Milestone has been examining the estate, and, full of his projected park,
is exhibiting his portfolio of drawings of the proposed improvements, to
his host and some of the guests.
" Mr. Milestone. — This, you perceive, is the natural state of one
part of the grounds. Here is a wood, never yet touched by the finger
of taste ; thick, intricate, and gloomy. Here is a little stream, dashing
from stone to stone, and overshadowed with these untrimmed boughs.
Miss Tenorina. — The sweet romantic spot ! How beautifully the
birds must sing there on a summer evening !
Miss Graziosa. — Dear sister ! how can you endure the horrid thicket ?
494 APPENDIX.
Mr. Milestone. — You are right, Miss Graziosa : your taste is correct
perfectly en regie. Now, here is the same place corrected — trimmed —
polished — decorated — adorned. Here sweeps a plantation, in that beau-
tiful regular curve : there winds a gravel walk : here are parts of the
old wood, left in these majestic circular clumps disposed at equal distan-
ces with wonderful symmetry : there are some single shrubs scattered in
elegant profusion; here a Portugal laurel, there a juniper; here a lau-
ristinus, there a spruce fir ; here a larch, there a lilac ; here a rhododen-
dron, there an arbutus. The stream, you see, is become a canal : the
banks are perfectly smooth and green, sloping to the water's edge ; and
there is Lord Littlebrain, rowing in an elegant boat.
Squire Headlong — Magical, faith!
Mr. Milestone. — Here is another part of the grounds in its natural
state. Here is a large rock, with the mountain-ash rooted in its fissures,
overgrown, as you see, with ivy and moss ; and from this part of it bursts
a little fountain, that runs bubbling down its rugged sides.
Miss Tenorina. — O how beautiful ! How I should love the melody
of that miniature cascade !
Mr. Milestone. — Beautiful, Miss Tenorina ! Hideous. Base, com-
mon, and popular. Such a thing as you may see anywhere, in wild and
mountainous districts. Now, observe the metamorphosis. Here is the
same rock, cut into the shape of a giant. In one hand he holds a horn,
through which the little fountain is thrown to a prodigious elevation. In
the other is a ponderous stone, so exactly balanced as to be apparently
ready to fall on the head of any person who may happen to be beneath :*
and there is Lord Littlebrain walking under it.
Squire Headlong. — Miraculous, by Mahomet !
Mr. Milestone. — This is the summit of a hill, covered, as you per-
ceive, with wood, and with those mossy stones scattered at random under
the trees.
Miss Tenorina. — What a delightful spot to read in, on a summer's
day ! The air must be so pure, and the wind must sound so divinely
in the tops of those old pines !
Mr. Milestone. — Bad taste. Miss Tenorina. Bad taste, I assure
you. Here is the spot improved. The trees are cut down : the stones
are cleared away : this is an octagonal pavilion, exactly on the centre of
* See Knight on Taste.
APPENDIX. 495
the summit : and there you see Lord Littlebrain, on the top of the pavi-
lion, enjoying the prospect with a telescope.
Squire Headlong. — Glorious, egad !
Mr. Milestone.— Here is a rugged mountainous road, leading through
impervious shades : the ass and the four goats characterize a wild un-
cultured scene. Here, as you perceive, it is totally changed into a beau-
tiful gravel-road, gracefully curving through a belt of limes ; and there
is Lord Littlebrain driving four-in-hand.
Squire Headlong. — Egregious, by Jupiter !
Mr. Milestone. — Here is Littlebrain Castle, a Gothic, moss-grown
structure, half-blossomed in trees. Near the casement of that turret is
an owl peeping from the ivy.
Squire Headlong. — And devilish wise he looks.
Mr. Milestone. — Here is the new house, without a tree near it,
standing in the midst of an undulating lawn : a white, polished, angular
building, reflected to a nicety in this waveless lake : and there you see
Lord Littlebrain looking out of the window."
V.
Note on Walks and Roads.
In our remarks on walks and roads we omitted to say any thing of the
best manner of making gravel walks. We may here state that, where
it can easily be procured, pure pit gravel is preferable to all other
materials for this purpose, as it binds almost at once, and becomes a
firm and solid mass nearly as hard as a stone floor. Beach gravel,
not having an}'^ mixture of loamy particles, does not become hard
until after a good deal of rolling, and a little loam is often mixed with
it to secure its tenacity and firmness. A very thin coat of gravel will
render a walk superior to a path which consists only of the natural soil,
and such surfacing, in our dry climate, (though it frequently requires
renewing) is often sufficient for distant walks, or those little used except
in fine weather. But the approach road, and all walks immediately
about the dwelling should be laid at least a foot thick with gravel, to
insure dryness, and a firm footing at all times and seasons. The lower
six inches is better executed when filled with small stones— placing the
496
APPENDIX.
six inches of gravel on the top 6f these ; and there are few new places
where this is not a convenient mode of getting rid of the small stones,
that require to be taken out Of the gardens, and various parts of the
premises undergoing improvement.
A word may be said here with regard to the colour of gravel. Un-
doubtedly in almost all examples in the natural style of landscape
gardening slate-coloured gravel, the kind common in nearly all parts of
the country, is much the most agreeable to the eye, being unobtrusive,
just differing sufficiently with the soil to be readily recognized as artisti-
cal in its effect, while it harmonizes with the colour of the ground, and
the soft tints of vegetation. A thirst after something new has induced
some persons, even in the interiour, to substitute, at considerable cost,
the white gravel of the sea-shore for the common pit or beach gravel.
The change, we think, is, in point of taste, not a happy one. The strong
white of this gravel, as the painters would say, disturbs the tone of a
simply beautiful landscape, whose prevailing tints are those of the broad
lawn and rich overshadowing trees, and the glare of these snowy white
pebbles is not, we confess, so pleasing in our eyes as the cooler and more
quite colour of the slate or gray gravel. When we add to this, that
these sea-side pebbles, seldom or never pack or become firm, it would
appear very evident that they are far less suitable for walks than the
common material. The only situation where this brilliant gravel seems to
us perfectly in keeping, is in the highly artificial garden of the ancient or
geometric style, or in the symmetrical terrace flower garden adjoining
the house. In these instances its striking appearance is in excellent
keeping with the expression of all the surrounding objects, and it renders
more forcible and striking the highly artificial and artistical character of
the scene ; and to such situations we would gladly see its use limited.
The labour and expense of keeping the roads and walks clean, and
free from weeds, in a place of large extent, (and some of our seats have
now several miles of private roads and walks within their own limits,)
is a very considerable item of the annual outlay of a country residence.
At a recent visit to Blithewood, we saw in operation there a very simple
implement, invented by R. Donaldson, Esq., the intelligent proprietor of
that beautiful place, which promises to be of important service as a
labour-saving machine in cleaning roads and walks. In Fig. 20 is
shown a sketch of this implement, in use. In general appearance it is
APPENDIX.
497
not unlike the frame of a wheelbarrow, except that instead of the two
legs it has two iron bars, reaching down to the earth, and connecting
with a transverse blade, about three inches wide, which is set nearly
parallel with the ground. The handles of the implement are held by a
workman, like those of the common double-tailed plough, while the horse
which draws it is led or ridden by a boy. With this implement, which
is three and a half feet wide, all the weeds in the space it covers are
cleared from a road or walk as rapidly as the horse can walk forward ;
and it is only necessary to follow with a rake and remove the weeds,
and the whole is in good order.
On the lower portion of the upright bars, where they rise from the
blade, there is an edge for cutting the turf on the sides of the walk,
which performs its work very well and rapidly — the horse being care-
fully led ; and it will, no doubt, answer perfectly for this purpose, in all
those walks and roads not directly around the house, or where the great-
est nicety is not required.
_ _ _ The simplicity of
this machine, the very
small cost at which
it is made, and the
great saving of ex-
pense and labour
which itsecurss, will,
we think, ren;'?r it a
valuable acquisition
to all owners of large
places, or to those
[F.g. 20. ImijlLinent m iib. at Elithew__J foi dealing grave i nds] Wlsh'Hg tO keep Up a
long series of private roads and walks in the picturesque manner. For
smaller gardens and grounds, where the most scrupulous nicety is ob-
served, there is, of course, nulhinq- tha^ will piiPOTFcdo the common hoe,
rake, and roller.
THE END.
63
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