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http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924002874018

A TREATISE

ON, THE

THEORY AND PRACTICE

LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

ADAPTED TO

Horth Smerica;

WITH a VIEW TO THE

IMPROVEMENT OF COUNTRY RESIDENCES. i

COMPRISING a

HISTORICAL! NOTICES AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF THE ART,
DIRECTIONS FOR LAYING OUT GROUNDS AND ARRANGING PLANTATIONS, THE
DESORIPTION AND CULTIVATION OF HARDY TREES, DECORATIVE
ACCOMPANIMENTS OF THE HOUSE AND GROUNDS,

THE FORMATION OF
PIECES OF ARTIFICIAL WATER, FLOWER GARDENS, ETO.

‘ se
WITH‘

REMARKS ON RURAL ARCHITECTURE.

BY THE LATE A. J. DOWNING, ESQ.

SEVENTH EDITION,
ENLARGED, REVISED, AND NEWLY ILLUSTRATED.

WITH A SUPPLEMENT,

CONTAINING SOME REMARKS ABOUT COUNTRY PLACES, AND THE BEST METHODS OF MAKING
THEM; ALSO, AN ACCOUNT OF THE NEWER DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN PLANTS,
LATELY INTRODUCED INTO CULTIVATION, BOTH HARDY AND HALF-HARDY.

BY

HENRY WINTHROP SARGENT.

Newo-Bork:

ORANGE JUDD AGRICULTURAL BOOK PUBLISHER,
41 PARK ROW.

1865.

» BIA IS

‘ ENTERED, aE to Act of Congress, in the year 1859,
By A. 0. MOORE & CO.,
In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the
Southern District of New York.

Joan A. Gray & GREEN, PrintuRg,
16 & 18 Jacob Street, N.Y.

TO

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, LL.D.,
EX-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES;

THE LOVER OF RURAL PURSUITS,

AS WELL AS
THE DISTINGUISHED PATRIOT, STATESMAN,
AND SAGE;

THIS VOLUME
BY PERMISSION,
IS RESPECTFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY
DEDICATED,

BY HIS FRIEND,

THE AUTHOR.

PREFACE

TO THE FOURTH EDITION.

Ir is even more gratifying to the author of this work to
know, from actual observation, that the public taste in
Rural Embellishment has, within a few years past, made
the most rapid progress in this country, than to feel assured
by the call for a fourth edition, that his own imperfect
labors for the accomplishment of that end have been most
kindly appreciated.

In the present edition considerable alterations and
amendments have been made in some portions—especially
in that section relating to the nature of the Beautiful and
the Picturesque. The difference among critics regarding
natural expression and its reproduction in Landscape
Gardening, has led him more carefully to examine this
part of the subject, in order, if possible, to present it in
the clearest and most definite manner.

The whole work has also been revised, and more
copiously illustrated, and is now offered in a more com-
plete form than in any previous edition.

A. J. D.
Newburgh, New York, Jan. 1849.

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 surrounded 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, pro-
fessional talent is seldom employed in Architecture or
Landscape Gardening, but almost every man fancies
himself an amateur, and endeavors to plan and arrange his
own residence. With but little practical knowledge, and
few correct principles 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 subject in question labor 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
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

vill PREFACE.

desideratum so much felt at present. While we have
treatises, in abundance, on the various departments of the
arts and sciences, there has not appeared even a single
essay on the elegant art of Landscape Gardening. Hun-
dreds 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 principles, with the
knowledge of which they would find it comparatively 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 com-
mensurate 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 endeavored to adapt my suggestions 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 energy to subdue and improve its vast territory, has,
until lately, left but little time to cultivate a taste for Rural
Embellishment. 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 enjoyments 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 constant 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 happiness. “In the midst of the
continual movement which agitates a democratic com-
munity,” says the most philosophical writer who has yet
discussed our institutions, “the tie which unites one
generation to another is relaxed or broken ; every man

PREFACE. ix

readily loses the trace of the ideas of his forefathers, 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
enjoyment, 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 satisfaction, than that of cultivating the earth:
and adorning our own property. “God Almighty first
planted a garden; and, indeed, it is the purest of humam
pleasures,” says Lord Bacon. And as the first man was
shut out from the garden, 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 practice 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 con-
tributes 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 comparatively shut up from the world, in the
private gallery. But the sylvan and floral collections,—
the groves and gardens,’ 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, gradually, but
certainly, creep beyond the nominal boundaries of the

x PREFACE.

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
familiar to the reader most of the beautiful sylvan ma-
terials of the art, and by describing their peculiar effects
in Landscape Gardening, to encourage a taste among
general readers. And I have also endeavored to place
before the amateur such directions and guiding principles
as, it is hoped, will assist him materially in laying out
his grounds and arranging the general scenery of his
residence.

The lively interest of late manifested in Rural Architec-
ture, and its close connexion with Landscape Gardening,
have induced me to devote a portion of this work to the
consideration of buildings i in rural scenery.

I take pleasure in acknowledging my obligations and
returning thanks to my valued correspondent, J. C. Loudon,
Esq., F. L. S., etce., of London, the most distinguished
gardening author of the age, for the illustrations and
description of the English Suburban Cottage in the
Appendix; to the several 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 Philadelphia, architects, for architectural
drawings and descriptions.

PREFACE TO SIXTH EDITION.

AurTHouGH our advance in rural life has not attained,
and may never reach, the extent mentioned by Mr. Down-
mN@, in his account of his visit to Woburn Abbey, where
he says, “ there are 20,000 country houses in England, each
larger than the President’s house at Washington ;” yet our
progress has been very great—partly, perhaps, from the
increasing discomfort and expense of our large cities,
and the great facilities which our numerous railways and
steamers offer to business persons to reside permanently
in the country ; but more, let us hope, from an improving
taste, and love for rural life, which is always one of the
agreeable and graceful accompaniments of increasing
civilization.

As a country advances in age, she improves in a taste
for all the elegant and artistic pursuits of life, which
naturally follow in the train of wealth and refinement.
The sword is turned into the pruning-hook, while “arma
cedunt toga.”

If one could compare the extremely crude condition
of our rural knowledge, upon the first appearance
of this book, with the vast progress since made, both
in the useful and ornamental cultivation of the soil,
it would seem difficult to realize that a nation could move
with such giant strides. Still, though much has been
done, much yet remains to do. Those who have already
put their hand to the plough, do not desire to turn back,
they wish only to know how to go on; want of further
information, like the cry of Ajax,

“Give me to see—”

pervades the whole land.
xi

xii PREFACE,

“What shall I plant?” seems one of the great in-
quiries, in attempting to answer which, the Editor of this
New Edition has endeavored to give a list of such of the
newer trees and shrubs as have come into notice within
the past ten years, with such descriptions of their habits
and character as his own information, together with the
experience of others (both, he regrets to say, very mea-
gre), will enable him to give.

With regard to the acclimatizing of Evergreens, he
would have preferred to have had the experience of
another year, in order to test still further certain varie-
ties, as yet comparatively untried; but perhaps some
future edition may enable him to do this.

In conclusion, he would beg to acknowledge the assist-
ance he has derived, in the identification and classification
of new and doubtful varieties, from Mr. Gordon’s excel-

‘lent work on “The Pinetum,” and also from the very
complete and thorough “Traite Général des Coniféres,”
par M. Carriére.

To those gentlemen, in this country, who have given
him the result of their experience in acclimatizing Ever-
greens, he desires also to make his acknowledgments.

HH. W.S.

Woornetus, FisHxitt Lanpine, Ducssss Co.,
New York, January, 1859, }

CONTENTS.

SECTION I.
HISTORICAL SKETCHES.

Oxzsects of the art. Origin of the modern and natural style. Influence
of the English poets and writers. Examples of the art abroad. Land-
scape Gardening in North America, and examples now existing.

ep ae
SECTION II.

BEAUTIES OF LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Capacities of the art. The beauties of the ancient style. The Beautiful
and the Picturesque. Nature and principles of Landscape Gardening as
an imitative art. The Production of Beautiful Landscape. Of Picturesque
do. Simple beauty of the art, The principles of Unity, Harmony, and
Variety. a

SECTION III.
WOOD AND PLANTATIONS.

The beauty of trees in rural embellishments. Pleasure resulting from
their cultivation. Plantations in the ancient style. In the modern style.
Grouping trees. Arrangement and grouping in the Graceful school. In
the Picturesque school. Illustrations in planting villa, ferme ornée, and
cottage grounds. General classification of trees as to forms, with leading
characteristics of each class.

SECTION Iv. /!7
DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL 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. :

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
composition. Their cultivation, etc.

xiv CONTENTS.

SECTION VI.
VINES AND OLIMBING PLANTS.

Value of this kind of vegetation ; fine natural effects. Remarss on the
proper mode of introducing vines. Beautiful effects of climbing plants
in connection with buildings.

SECTION VII.
TREATMENT OF GROUND—FORMATION OF WALKS.

Nature of operations on ground. Treatment of flowing and of irregular
surfaces to heighten their expression. Of flats or level surfaces. Rocks
ag materials in landscape. Laying out roads and walks; the approach.
Rules by Repton. The drive and minor walks. The introduction of
fences. Verdant hedges.

SECTION VIII.
TREATMENT OF WATER.

Beautiful effects of this element in nature. In what cases it is desirable
to attempt the formation of artificial pieces of water. Regular forms
unpleasing. Directions for the formation of ponds or lakes in the irreg-
ular manner. Study of natural lakes. Islands. Planting the margin.
Treatment of natural brooks and rivulets. Cascades and water-falls.
Legitimate sphere of the art in this department.

SECTION IX.
LANDSCAPE OR RURAL ARCHITECTURE.

Difference between a city and country house. The characteristic fea-
tures of a country house. Examination of the leading principles in Rural
Architecture. The harmonious union of buildings and scenery. The
different styles. The Grecian style. Its defects for domestic purposes.
The Roman style. ThelItalian style. Swiss style. The pointed or Gothic
style. Castellated buildings. The Tudor mansion. The Elizabethan style.
The old English cottage. Entrance lodges, ,

SECTION X.
EMBELLISHMENTS ; ARCHITECTURAL, RUSTIO, AND FLORAL.

Value of a proper connection between the house and grounds. Beauty
of the architectural terrace, and its application to villas and cottages.
Use of vases of different descriptions. Architectural flower-garden.
Irregular fower-garden. French flower-garden. English flower-garden
Mingled flower-garden. Selections of showy plants, flowering in succes-
sion. Arrangement of the shrubbery. The conservatory and green-
house. Openand covered seats, Pavilions. Prospect towers. Bridges.

Rockwork. Fountains of various descriptions, Judicious introduction
of decorations.

CONTENTS. xv

APPENDIX.

Norzs on transplanting trees. Reasons for frequent failures in removing
large trees. Directions for performing this operation. Preparing trees
for removal. Transplanting evergreens.

On the treatment of Lawns. Use of machines for mowing the Lawn,

SUPPLEMENT.

SECTION I.

_ Progress of Landscape Gardening since Mr. Downing’s death. Forma-
tion of new places. Commonerrors. The Lawn.

SECTION II.

How to make a Country Place. Commencing without trees. Com-
mencing in a wood. History of Wopznerne. History of WELLEsLEy.
Italian scenery.

SECTION III.

The newer deciduous ornamental trees and shrubs.

SECTION IV.

The newer hali-hardy Evergreen trees and shrubs. Acclimatizing and
employing them. Tabular view of Hardihood in different parts of the
United States.

SECTION V.

Historical notices. Examples of Landscape Gardening, and Rural
Architecture in the United States.

SECTION VI.

Historical notices continued. Rural Cemeteries. Crnrrat Pars, New
York. LizwEiyn Pars, New Jersey. Cxinron Park, etc.

INDEX,

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS,

ENGRAVINGS

ON STEEL.

Portrait of A J. Downtne. Frontispiece,

Paon,
PLATE I. Burruzwoop. Residence of Robt. Donaldson, Esq.....--:.e+++e+5 17
Il. Woprenzruz, Residence of H. W. Sargent, Esq............--+- » 425
XII, Wraure8izy. Residence of H. H. Hunnewell, Esq......sececesseeee 444
IV. Frencn ParTerre at Wellesley, .......0+-eeeeeee . 448
Vv [rattan GARDEN at Wellesley..... aoe 482
Vi Lirw21uyn Park, Orange, N.Je...seccserecseenseecsennecseceene 568
ENGRAVINGS ON WOOD.
Pack, Paar,
Fig, 1. View at Hyde Park.,....... 29 Fig. 54. Residence of T. W. Ludlow. 858
& Manor of Livingsto: 29 55. srl of Washington
3. Montgomery Place.. 1 ee a eee atefots heist)
6. Beaverwick .... 85

7, Residence of *

32. The Furopean Linden.
85. The Weeping Larch.
86. The Magnolia..... G

49. Residence of A. J. Downing. 844
50. Residence of Mr. Rathbone.. . 847

738. Gonna atary at
. ery
88. View ‘from
the.

Snort

deneth:
91. The Dwarf Horse Ches!
92, The Weeping Elm.
98, The Weeping Juni,
94, The Scaled

101, View in Cenrrat PARK... 568
102. The Sure. rabaed effect. 563
108. View of Water Terrace in
CENTRAL Park.......... . 565
104, Same, before improvement. 585

ENGEAVINGS

Fig. 98 Plan of Centra Parx.... 661

99, Original Condition of the
561

Grounds... ...cseseee
ARK cscs cseveveecssces TO

108, Entrance’ ‘to Lizwstiyx

ON STONE.

Fig. 106. A, ‘W. part of Lrzwziirx

Park
107. Arcade Cottage Grounds... 578
108 = =Do, Cottage Plan... .- 573

xvi

ESSAY ON LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

SECTION L.

HISTORICAL SKETCIIES.

Objects of the Art. Sketch of the rise and progress of the Modern style. Influence
of the English poets and writers. Examples of the Art abroad. Landscape Garden-
ing in North America, and examples now existing.

“« L’un a nos yeux présente
D’un dessein régulier l’ordonnance imposante,
Préte aux champs des beautés qu’ils ne connaissaient pas,
Dune pompe étrangére embellit leur appas,
Donne aux arbres des lois, aux ondes des entraves,
Et, despote orgueilleux, brille entouré d’esclaves ;
Son air est moins riant et plus majestueux
Tautre, de la nature amant respectueux,
L’orne sans la farder, traite avec indulgence
Ses caprices charmants, sa noble négligence,
Sa marche irréguliére, et fait naitre avec art
Des beautés du désordre, et méme du hasard.”

Dewiute.

UR first, most

endearing, and

most sacred associations,” says the amiable Mrs. Hofland,
y

“are connected with gardens; our most simple and most
2

18 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

refined perceptions of beauty 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 enjoy ment 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 combin-
ing 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 everything 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 our nature.

This embellishment of nature, which we call Landscape

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 19
i.

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 sur-
face, and agreeably curved walks; but our art, to appear
to advantage, requires some extent of surface—its lines
should lose themselves indefinitely, and unite agreeably and
gradually 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 ¢ive us results scarcely less
beautiful than those produced by its finest efforts abroad.
The lovely villa residences of our noble river and lake
margins, when well treated—even in a few acres of taste-
ful fore-ground,—seem so entirely to appropriate the whole
adjacent landscape, and to mingle so sweetly in their out-
lines 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

20 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
general 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 em-
bellishments ; but he will rather seek to delight us by the
good taste evinced in the tasteful simplicity of the whole
arrangement. 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 display—too many vases, temples, and seats,—
and too little purity and simplicity of general effect.

The inquiring reader will perhaps be glad to have a
glance at the history and progress of the art of tasteful
gardening ; a recurrence to which, as well as to the history
of the fine arts, will afford abundant proof that, in the first
stage or intancy of all these arts, while the perception of
their ultimate capabilities is yet crude and imperfect, man.
kind 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
form of a human figure, or in painting, to represent that of
a tree: the skill of the artist, in effecting an imitation suc-
cessfully, being sufficient to excite the astonishment and
admiration of those who had not yet made such advances
as to enable them o appreciate the superior beauty of
expression.

Landscape Gardening is, indeed, only a modern word.
first coined, we believe, by Shenstone.

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 21

The most distinguished English Landscape Gardeners
of 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 labors 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. Although 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 Land-
scape Gardening and Rural Architecture ; and fitness, good
sense, and beauty, are combined with much unity of feeling
in all his works.

As the modern style owes its origin mainly to the
English, so it has also been developed and carried to its
greatest perfection 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

* While we are revising the second edition, we regret deeply to learn the death
of Mr. Loudon. His herculean labors 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 popularize, and render universal, a taste for Gardening and
Domestic Architecture.

22 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 emerald greenness—
studded with noble oaks and other forest trees which
number centuries of growth and maturity ; these advan-
tages, 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
residences, 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:
Chatsworth, the varied and magnificent seat of the Duke
of Devonshire, where there are scenes illustrative of almost
every style of the art: and Woburn Abbey, the grounds
of which are full of the choicest specimens of trees and
plants, and where the park, like that of Ashbridge,
Arundel Castle, 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 multi-
tude of examples of the modern style of landscape
gardening, which is there called the English or naturai
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 accompaniments of vases, statues, busts, etc..,

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 23

the passion for which pervades 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 ornaments, interspersed with
fountains and jets-d’eau, than from the beauty or rarity
of their vegetation, or from their arrangement.

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 we 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 sufficient to enable. them to enjoy the
pleasures of a country life, and who desire in their private
residences so much of the beauties of landscape gardening
and .rural embellishment as may be had without any
enormous 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 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

24 ‘ LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

feeling, a taste, or an improvement, is contagious; and
once fairly appreciated and established 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 everything
is so much the subject of criticism.

With regard to the literature and practice of Landscape
Gardening as an art, in North America, almost everything
is yet before us, comparatively little having yet been
done. Almost all the improvements of the grounds 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 American Gardener's Calendar, by Bernard
McMahon of Philadelphia. The only practitioner of the
art, of any note, was the late M. Parmentier of Brooklyn,
Long Island.

M. André Parmentier was the brother of that celebrated
horticulturist, the Chevalier 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

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 25

style of laying out grounds, combined with a scientific
arrangement of plants, which excited public curiosity, and
contributed not a little to the dissemination of a taste for
the natural 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 improved, but furnished the plants and
trees necessary to carry out his designs. Several plans
were prepared by him for residences of note in the South-
ern 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 flourish 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 geome-
tric style of laying out grounds. In short, we consider M_
Parmentier’s labors and examples as having effected,
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 especially to record here the celebrated seats of.
Chancellor Livingston, Wm. Hamilton, Esq., Theodore
Lyman, Esq., and Judge Peters. ,

Woodlands, the seat of the Hamilton family, near

26 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Philadelphia, 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 contained all the richest treasures
of the exotic flora, and among other excellent gardeners
employed, was the distinguished 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 arrested by two very
large specimens of that curious tree, the Japanese Ginko
(Salisburia), 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 un-
healthiness 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 agriculturist,
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 vistas
terminated by obelisks, a garden adorned with marble
vases, busts, and statues, and pleasure grounds filled with

HISTORICAL NOTICES. Q7

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
canadensis). 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 beheld.

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 water-works, parterres and an exten-
sive range of hothouses. The effect 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 neighborhood of that city.

On the Hudson, the show place of the last age was the
still interesting Clermont, then the residence of Chancellor
Livingston. Its level or gently undulating lawn, four or

28 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

five miles in length, the rich native woods, and the long
vistas of planted avenues, added to its fine water view,
rendered 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 the grounds
at Waltham House bear witness to a refined and elegant
taste in rural improvement. A fine level park, a mile in
length, enriched 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 an-
cient style, in the earliest period of the history of Land-
scape 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 por-
tion of the Hudson. The natural scenery is of the finest
character, and places but a mile or two apart often
possess, from the constantly varying forms of the water,
shores, and distant hills, widely different kinds of home
landscape and distant view. Standing in the grounds of
some of the finest of these seats, the eye beholds only the

Fic. 1.—View in the Grounds at Hyde Park

Fic. 2.—The Manor of Livingston,

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 29

soft foreground of smooth lawn,. the rich groups of trees
shutting out all neighboring 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, sa
fortunately are these disposed by,nature, seems to appro-
priate the whole scenery round, ‘arid: 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 enumerate
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 Land-
scape 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 neighborhood 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 judi-

30 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

cious 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 numerous 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 de-
lightful drive within itself, as the whole estate numbered
about seven hundred acres. The plans for laying out the
grounds: were furnished 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, lately the seat of Mrs. Mary
Livingston (but now of Jacob Le Roy, Esq.), 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. The 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, everywhere, short and velvet-like, the gravel-roads
scrupulously 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 about the whole demesne.
Blithewood, formerly the seat. of R. Donaldson, Esq.,
(now John Bard, Esq.), near Barrytown, on the Hudson,
is one of the most charming villa residences in the
Union. The natural scenery here, is nowhere sur-
passed 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

Fic. 3.—Montgomery Place, Seat of Mrs, Edward Livingston.

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 31

grandly closing in with the tall blue summits of tne distant
Kaatskills. The smiling, gently varied lawn 1s studded
with groups and masses of fine forest and ornamental
trees, beneath which are walks leading in easy curves to
rustic seats, and summer houses placed in secluded spots,
or to openings. affording most lovery prospects. (See
Frontispiece.) 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 grounds 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 a distance of half a mile. There are also, within the
grounds, a pretty gardener’s lodge, in the rural cottage
style,.and a new entrance lodge by the gate, in the
bracketed mode; in short, we can recall no place of
moderate extent, where nature and tasteful art are both
80 harmoniously combined to express grace and elegance.

Montgomery Place, the residence of Mrs. Edward

‘Livingston, which is also situated on the Hudson, near
Barrytown, deserves a more extended notice than our
present limits allow, for it is, as a whole, nowhere sur-
passed in America, in point of location, natural beauty, or
the landscape gardening charms which it exhibits.

It is one of our oldest improved country seats, having
been originally the residence of Gen. Montgomery, the hero
of Quebec. On the death of his widow it passed into the
hands of her brother, Edward Livingston, Esq., the late
minister to France, and up to the present moment has

32 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

always received the most tasteful and judicious treat
ment.

The lover of the expressive in nature, or the beautiful in
art, will find here innumerable subjects for his study.
The natural scenery in many portions approaches the cha-
racter of. grandeur, and the.foreground of rich woods and

lawns, stretching out on all sides of the mountain, completes
a home landscape of dignified and elegant seclusion, rarely
surpassed in any country. ‘

Among the fine features of this estate are the wilder-
ness, a richly wooded and highly picturesque valley, filled
with the richest growth of trees, and threaded with dark,
intricate, and mazy walks, along which are placed a

‘aa

ON variety of rustic
seats (Fig. 4).
This valley - is
musical with the
- sound of water-
‘, falls, of which
S there are several
® fine ones in the
F bold impetuous
stream which
finds its course
through the low.

BS
‘ad NY ANF ASON $C.

ne of the Rustic Seats at Montgomery Place] €F part of the
wilderness. Near the further end of the valley is a beauti-
ful lake (Fig. 5), half of which lies cool and dark under the
shadow of tall trees, while the other half gleams in the
open sunlight. :

In a part of the lawn, near the house, yet so surrounded
by a dark setting of trees and shrubs as to form a rich

HISTORICAL NOTIVES. 33

picture by itself, is one of the most perfect flower gardens
in the country, laid out in the arabesque manner, and glow-
ing with masses of the gayest colors—each bed being com-
posed wholly of a single hue. A large conservatory, an
exotic garden, an arboretum, etc., are among the features
of interest in this admirable residence. Including a drive
through a fine bit of natural wood, south of the mansion,
there are five miles of highly varied and picturesque pri-
vate roads and walks, through the pleasure-grounds of
Montgomery Place.

AESy

aw

eucat
FUPBES. SE

SEES, si i ANS
[Fig.5. The Lake at Montgomery Place.)

Ellerslie is the seat of William Kelly, Esq. It is three
miles below Rhinebeck. It comprises over six hundred
acres, and is one of our finest examples of high keeping
and good management, both in an ornamental and an
agricultural point of view. The house is conspicuously
placed on a commanding natural terrace, with a fair fore-
ground of park surface below it, studded with beautiful

groups of elms and oaks, and a very fine reach of river and
: 3

34 LANDSC. PE GARDENING.

distant hills. This is one of the most celebrated places on
the Hudson, and there are few that so well pay tne lover
of improved landscape for a visit.

Just below Ellerslie are the fine mansion and pleasing
grounds of Wm. Emmet, Esq.,—the former a stone edifice,
in the castellated style, and the latter forming a most
agreeable point on the margin of the river.

The seat of Mrs. Gardiner Howland, near New Ham-
burgh, is not only beautiful in situation, but is laid out
with great care, and is especially remarkable for the
many rare trees and shrubs collected in its grounds.

Wodenethe, near Fishkill landing, is the seat of H. W.
Sargent, Esq., and is a bijou full of interest for the lover
of rural beauty; abounding in rare trees, shrubs, and
plants, as well as vases, and objects of rural embeliish-
ment of all kinds.

Kenwood, formerly the residence of J. Rathbone, Esq.,
is one mile south of Albany. Ten years ago this spot was a
wild and densely wooded hill, almost inaccessible. With
great taste and industry Mr. Rathbone has converted it
into a country residence of much picturesque beauty,
erected in the Tudor style, one of the best villas in the
country, with a gate-lodge in the same mode, and laid out
the grounds with remarkable skill and good taste. There
are about 1200 acres in this estate, and pleasure grounds,
forcing houses, and gardens, are now flourishing where ali
was so lately in the rudest state of nature ; while, by the
judicious preservation of natural wood, the effect of a long
cultivated demesne has been given to the whole. _

The Manor House of the “ Patroon” (as the eldest son
of the Van Rensselaer family is called) is in the northern
suburbs of the city of Albany. The mansion, greatly

Fig. 6.—Beaverwyck, the Seat of Wm. P, Van Rensselaer, Esq.

Fia. 7.—Cottage Residence of Wm. H. Aspinwall, Esq.

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 35

enlarged and improved a few years since, from the designs
of Upjohn, is one of the largest and most admirable in all
respects, to be found in the country, and the’ pleasure-
grounds in the rear of the house are tasteful and beau-
tiful.

Beaverwyck, a little north of Albany, on the opposite
bank of the river, was formerly the seat of Wm. P. Van
Rensselaer, Esq. The whole estate is ten or twelve miles
square, including the village of Bath on the river shore,
and a large farming district. The home residence em-
braces several hundred 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 adjoining conservatory
—is perhaps the most splendid in the Union. The grounds
are yet newly laid out, but with much judgment; and siz
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
seeing the near and distant views to the best advantage. *-

At Tarrytown, is the cottage residence of Washington
Irving, which is, in location and accessories, almost’ the
beau ideal of a cottage ornée. The charming manner in
which the wild foot-paths, in the neighborhood of this cot-
tage, are conducted among the picturesque dells and banks,
. is precisely what one would look for here. A little below,
Mr. Sheldon’s cottage (now Mr. Hoag’s), with its pretty
lawn and its charming brook, is one of the best specimens

36 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

of this kind of residence on the river. At Hastings, four
or five miles south, is the agreeable seat of Robt. B. Min-
turn, Esq.

About twelve miles from New York, on the Sound, is
Hunter’s 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
simple in its exterior, but internally, is filled with rich
treasures of art. The seat of James Munroe, Esq., on the
East river in this neighborhood, 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 Land-
scape Gardening. The house is in the English cottage
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 surface 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
wooden 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. 7.)

The seat of the Wadsworth family, at Geneseo, is the
finest in the interior of the state of New York. N othing.
indeed, can well be more magnificent than the meadow park
at Geneseo. It is more than a thousand acres in extent,
lying on each side of the Genesee river, and is filled with
thousands of the noblest oaks and elms, many of which, but

HISTORICAL NOTICES 37

more especially the oaks, are such trees as we sev in the
pictures of Claude, or our own Durand ; richly developed,
their trunks and branches grand and majestic, their heads
full of breadth and grandeur of outline.

These oaks, distributed over a nearly level surface, with
the trees disposed either singly or in the finest groups, as
if most tastefully planted centuries ago, are solely the work
of nature; and yet so entirely is the whole like the
grandest planted park, that it is difficult to believe that
all is not the work of some master of art, and intended for
the accompaniment of a magnificent residence. Some of
the trees are five or six hundred years old.

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
Hillhouse, 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, ad-
mirably 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-

38 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

ing admirable hints for a class of residence like fy 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 enjoy-
ment in his grounds that thé largest estate will afford, so
far as regards the interest of trees and plants, tasteful ar-
rangement, 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 pro-
gress, 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. Cushing, 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. 8.)

The seat of Col. Perkins, at Brookline, is one of the
most interesting in this neighborhood. The very beautiful
lawn here, abounds with exquisite trees, finely disposed ;
among them, some larches and Norway firs, with many
other rare trees of uncommon beauty of form. Ata short
distance is the villa residence of Theodore Lyman, Esq.,
remarkable for the unusually fine avenue of Elms leading
to the house, and for the beautiful architectural taste dis-
played in the dwelling itself. The seat of the Hon. John

Fic. 8.—Belmont Place, near Boston, the seat of J. P. Cushing, Esq.

Fia. 9.—Mr. Dunn’s Cottage, Mount. Holly, N. J.

HISTORICAL NOTICES, 39

Lowell, at Roxbury, possesses also many interesting gar-
dening features.*

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 ex-
ceedingly flowing and graceful, and it is varied by two or
three singular little dimples, or hollows, which add to its
effect. The perfect order of the grounds; 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

* We Americans are proverbially impatient of delay, and a few years in
prospect appear an endless futurity. So much is this the feeling with many,
that we verily believe there are hundreds of our country places, which 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
he shall never see arriving at maturity, and even many who are younger, con-
ceive 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 trees, many of them
apparently full grown, the whole of which 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 umbrageous woods and groves, planted by our own
hands, and whose growth has become almost identified with our own pro-
gress and existeuce.

40 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

and artistical harmony, and beauty. Mr. Perkins has just
rebuilt the house, in the style of a French maison de cam-
pagne; ard Pine Bank is now adorned with a most
complete residence in the latest continental taste, from
the designs of M. Lémoulnier.

On the other side of the lake is the cottage of Thomas
Lee, Esq. Enthusiastically fond of botany, and gardening
in allits departments, Mr. Lee has here formed a residence
of 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 neighborhood 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 pendent 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 manner quite bewildering to the stranger
who attempts to thread them alone; and there are more
hints here for the lover of the picturesque in lanes, than

HISTORICAL NOTICES, 41

we ever saw assembled together in so small a com-
pass.

In the environs of New Bedford are many beautiful resi-
dences. Among these, we desire particularly to notice the
residence of James Arnold, Esq. There is scarcely a small
place in New England, where the pleasure-grounds are 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, shady bowers,
and rustic seats, all most agreeably combined, render this
a very interesting and instructive suburban seat. (Fig. 11.)

In New Jersey, the grounds of the Count de Survilliers,
at Bordentown, were veryextensive ; and although the sur-
face is mostly flat, it has been well varied by extensive
plantations. At Mount Holly, about twenty miles from
Camden, is Mr. Dunn’s unique, semi-oriental cottage, with
a considerable extent of pleasure ground, newly planted.
after the designs of Mr. Notman. (Fig. 9.) .

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 George Sheaff, Esq., one of the most
remarkable in Pennsylvania, in many respects, is twelve
miles north of Philadelphia. The house is a large and re-
spectable mansion of stone, surrounded 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. 10.) Among the sylvan features here,
most interesting, are also the handsome evergreens, chiefly
Balsam or Balm of Gilead firs, some of which are now

“

42 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 despairing planters, when we reflect how
comparatively slow growing is this tree. This whole es-
tate 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, superior to it.*

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,
comprising 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. 11.) 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 élegant than any plant house, connected with a dwell-
ing, that we remember to have seen. :

* The farm is 300 acres in extent, and, in the time of De Witt Clinton, wus
pronounced by him the model farm of the United States. At the present time
we 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 Eng-
lish manner, he saw in America, Indeed, the large and regular fields, filled
with luxuriant crops, everywhere of an exact evenness of growth, and every-
where free from weeds of any sort ; the perfect system of manuring and cul-
ture ; the simple and complete fences; the fine stock ; the very spacious barns,
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 agricul-
tural, as well as ornamental point of view.

Fic, 1°.—The Seat of George Sheaff, Esq.

"s Residence,

.—Mrs, Camac

Fie. 11

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 43

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 halls, 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.

The villa residence of Alexander Brown, Esq., is situated
on the Delaware, a few miles from 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. The 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
general, 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 bor-
ders of our towns and cities. Though the possessors of

44 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

these can scarcely hope to introduce anything approach ng
to a landscape garden style, in laying out their limited
grounds, still they may be greatly benefited by an ac-
quaintance with the beauties and the pleasures of this
species of rural embellishment. 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 endeavor, in the following pages, to give
such a view of modern Landscape Gardening, as will enable
the improver to proceed with his fascinating operations, in
embellishing the country residence, in a practical mode,
based: upon what are now generally received as the correct
principles of the art, we would desire the novice, after
making himself 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.

oe

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE AhT 4

SECTION II.

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART.

Capacities of the art. The beauties of the ancient style. The modernstyle. The Beautt-
ful and the Picturesque: their distinctive characteristics, Illustrations drawn from
Nature and Painting. Nature and principles of Landscape Gardening as an Imitative
art. Distinction between the Beautiful and Picturesque. 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,

«Tl est des soins plus doux, un art plus enchanteur.
C’est peu de charmer l’qil, il faut parler au cceur.
Avez-vous dont connu ces rapports invisibles,
Des corps inanimés et des étres sensibles?
Avez-vous entendu des eaux, des prés, des bois,
La muette éloquence et la secréte voix?
Rendez-nous ces effets.” Les Jardins, Book 7.

EFORE we proceed to a detailed and
more practical consideration of the subject,

let us occupy ourselves for a moment with

the consideration of the different results
which are to be sought after, or, in other
* words, what kinds of beauty we may hope to
produce by Landscape Gardening. To attempt the smallest
work in any art, without knowing either the capacities of

46 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. ,

that art, or the schools, or modes, by which it has previous-
ly been characterized, 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 produc-
tion ; or of judging its merit, comparatively, as a work of

taste and imagination.

. cae Ss
[Fig. 12. The Geome

tric style, from an old print.)

The beauties elicited by the ancient style of gardening |
were those of regularity, symmetry, and the display of
labored art. These were attained in a merely mechanical
manner, and usually involved little or no theory. The
geometrical form and lines of the buildings were only ex-
tended and carried out in the garden. In the best classical
models, the art of the sculptor conferred dignity and ele-
gance on the garden, bythe fine forms of marble vases and
statues ; in the more intricate and labored specimens of the

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART, 47

Dutch school, prevalent,in England in the time of William
IV. (Fig. 12), the results evince a fertility of odd conceits,
rather than the exercise of taste or imagination. Indeed,
as, 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 ma-
thematical forms, so, to lay out a garden in the geometric
style, became little more than a formal routine, and it was
only after the superior interest of a more natural manner
was enforced by men of genius, that natural beauty of
expression was recognised, and Landscape Gardening was
raised to the rank of a fine art. _

The ancient style of gardening may, however, be intro-
duced with good effect 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 are 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 armor or furniture, as
curious specimens of antique taste and custom.*

* There has been a great revival of this kind of garden in England the past
ten years—more, perhaps, inclining to the Italian school than the Dutch.
Chatsworth, Woburn Abbey, Castle Howard, Bowood, Eaton Hall, and, in fact,
most of the great places, have more or less adopted the Italian or Architec-
tural school on one or more sides of the house, as a sort of connection betwech
‘art and nature. Trentham (the Duke of Sutherland’s) is, we believe, especially
rich in architectural gardens. Both here and at the other places above-men-
tioned, the grade between the house and the park is let aown, as it were, by a
series of terraces, each divided from the other by heavy stone balustrades, sur-
mounted, at regular intervals, with vases, otea either with Geraniums, or

with Yucca, Aloe, Bonapartias, and other formal plants. Flights of broad,
heavy stone or marble steps conduct from one terrace to the other, and finally

48 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. |

The earliest professors of modern Landscape Gardening
have generally agreed upon two variations, of which the
art is capable—variations no less certainly distinct, on the
one hand, than they are capable of intermingling and com-
bining, on the other. These are the beautiful and the pic-
turesque: or, to speak more definitely, the beauty charac-
terized by simple and flowing forms, and that 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 nature, perhaps some gently undulating plain,
covered with emerald turf, partially or entirely encompassed
by rich, rolling outlines of forest canopy,—its wildest ex-
panse 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 behold the azure of heaven, and its
silvery clouds, as well as the deep verdure of the luxuriant
and shadowy branches, reflected in the placid bosom of a
silvan lake; the shores of the latter swelling out, and reced-
ing, in gentle curved lines ; the banks, sometimes covered
with soft turf sprinkled with flowers, and in other portions
clothed with luxuriant masses of verdant shrubs. Here are

tothe Park. The flat of the terrace, being laid out either in the most formal

und precise parterre, or in extremely rich and intricate beds of arabesque pat-

terns in scrolls, to resemble carpets. In either case, great use is made of

statues and fountains, very elaborately and artistically designed and executed,”
and of Portugal Laurel, trimmed up to imitate orange-trees in tubs; as, also,

of the Irish and Golden Yew, and other pyramidal evergreens, either planted in

the ground, or in boxes, and, algo, of different-colored gravel in the division

of the beds, the whole producin when seen from the windows of tle house,

a brilliant combination, which, with the soft, verdant park as a background, is

inexpressibly gay and effective.—H. W. 8.

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 49

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 neighborhood--
perhaps a romantic valley, half shut in on two or more
sides by steep rocky banks, partially. concealed and over-
hung by clustering. vines, and tangled thickets of deep
foliage. Against the sky outline breaks the wild and irre-
gular 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 verdure opposed to.
dark masses of bold shadowy foliage, form prominent ob-
jects in the foreground. If water enlivens the scene, we
shall hear the murmur of the noisy brook, or the cool dash-
ing of the cascade, as it leaps over the rocky barrier. Let
the stream turn the ancient and well-worn wheel of the old.
mill in the middle ground, and we shall have an illustration.
of the picturesque, 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 some of
its purest and most simple forms. In the best pictures of
this master, we see portrayed those graceful and flowing
forms in trees, foreground, and buildings, which delight so
much the lover of noble and chaste beauty,—compositions
emanating from a harmonious soul, and inspired by a cli-
mate and a richness of nature and art seldom surpassed.

On ihe other hand, where shall we find all the elements
of the picturesque more graphically combined than in the
vigorous landscapes of Dalvator Rosa! In those rugged

50 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

scenes, even the lawless aspects of his favorite robbers and
banditti 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
embodied in the most striking manner.

In giving these illustrations of beautiful and of pictu-
resque scenes, we have not intended them to be understood
in the light of exact models for imitation in Landscape
Gardening—only as striking examples of expression in
natural scenery. Although in nature many landscapes
partake in a certain degree of both these kinds of expression,
yet it is no doubt true that the effect is more satisfactory,
where either the one or the other character predominates.
The accomplished 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 discrimi-
nation, we shall keep these expressions constantly in view,
and we hope we shall be able fully to illustrate the differ-
ence in the expression of even single trees, in this rvspect.
A few strongly marked objects, either picturesque or simply
beautiful, will often confer their character upon a whole
landscape ; as the destruction of a single group of bold
rocks, covered with wood, may render a scene, once pictu-
resque, completely insipid.

The early writers on the modern style were content witb
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 always be the result of following the

BEAUsIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 51

simplest hints derived from the free and luxuriant furms 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 understand
not only an imitation, in the grounds of a country residence,
of the agreeable forms of nature, but an expressive, harmo-
nious, and refined imitation.* In Landscape Gardening,
we should aim 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, preserving, or heightening this expression,
that we may give our landscape gardens a higher charm,
than even the polish of art can bestow.

Now, the two most forcible and complete expressions to
be found in that kind of natural scenery which may be
reproduced in Landscape Gardening, are the BrautiruL
andthe Picrurzsave. As we look upon these as quite
distinct, and as success in practical embellishment must
depend on our feeling and understanding these expressions
beforehand, it is necessary that we should attach some
definite meaning to terms which we shall be continually
obliged toemploy. This is, indeed, the more requisite, from

* « 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 b=

52 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

the vague and conflicting opinions of most preceding writers
on this branch of the subject ; some, like Repton, insisting
that they are identical; and others, like Price, that they
are widely different.

Gilpin defines Picturesque objects to be “those which
please from some quality capable of being illustrated in
painting.”

Nothing can well be more vague than such a definition
We have already described the difference between the
beautiful landscapes of Claude and the picturesque scenes
painted by Salvator. No one can deny their being essen-
tially distinct in character; and no one, we imagine, will
deny that they both please from “some quality capable of
being ‘illustrated in painting.” The beautiful female heads
of Carlo Dolce are widely different from those of the pictu-
resque peasant girls of Gerard Douw, yet both are favorite
subjects with artists. A symmetrical American elm, with
_ its wide head drooping with garlands of graceful foliage, is
very different in expression frem the wild and twisted. larch
or pine tree, which we find on the steep sides of a moun-
tain; yet both are favorite subjects with the painter. It is
clear, indeed, that there is a widely different idea hidden
under these two distinct types, in material forms.

Beauty, in all natural objects, as we conceive, arises
from their expréssion of those attributes of the Creator—
infinity, unity, symmetry, proportion, ete.—which he has
stamped more or less visibly on all his works; and a beau-
tiful living form is one in which the individual is a harmo-

properly estimated among those barren copyists which we find so many of our
flower, landscape, and portrait painters to be. But the artist stands much
higher in the scale, who, though a copyist of visible nature, is capable of seiz-
ing it with poetic feeling, and representing it in its more dignified sense 3 such,
for example, as Raphael, Poussin, Claude, &c.”—~WEINBREUNEP.

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 53

nious and well balanced development ofa fine type. Thus,
taking the most perfect specimens of beauty in the human
figure, we see in them symmetry, proportion, unity,
and grace—the presence of everything that could add
to the idea of perfected existence. In a beautiful tree,
such as a fine American elm, we see also the most complete
and perfect balance of all its parts, resulting from its
growth under the most favorable influences. It realizes,
then, perfectly, the finest form of a fine type or species of
tree. woe

But all nature is not equally Beautiful. Both in living
things and in inorganized matter, we see on all sides evi-
dences of nature struggling with opposing forces. Moun-
tains are upheaved by convulsions, valleys are broken into
fearful chasms. Certain forms of animal and vegetable life
instead of manifesting themselves in those more complete
and perfect forms of existence where the matter and spirit
are almost in perfect harmony, appear to struggle for the
full expression of their. character with the material form,
and to express it only with difficulty at last. What is
achieved with harmony, grace, dignity, almost with appa-
rent repose, by existences whose type is the Beautiful, is
done only with violence and disturbed action by the former.
This kind of manifestation in nature we call the Pictures-
que.

More concisely, the Beautiful is nature or art obeying
the universal laws of perfect existence (i. e. Beauty).
easily, freely, harmoniously, and without the display of
power. The Picturesque is nature or art obeying the same
laws rudely, violently, irregularly, and often displaying

power only.

54 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Hence we find all Beautiful forms characterized by curved
and flowing lines—lines expressive of infinity,* of grace,
and willing obedience: and all Picturesque forms character
ized by irregular and broken lines—lines expressive of vio-
lence, abrupt action, and partial disobedience, a strug-
gling of the idea with the substance or the condition of its
being. The Beautiful is an idea of beauty calmly and har-
moniously expressed ; the Picturesque an idea of beauty or
power strongly and irregularly expressed. As an example
of the Beautifulin other arts we refer to the Apollo of the
Vatican; as an example of the Picturesque, to the Laocoon

or the Dying Gladiator. In nature we would place before
the reader a finely formed elm or chestnut, whose wel

balanced head is supported on a trunk full of symmetry and
dignity, and whose branches almost sweep the turf in their
rich luxuriance ; as a picturesque contrast, some pine or
larch, whose gnarled roots grasp the rocky crag on which it
grows, and whose wild and irregular branches tell of the
storm and tempest that it has so often struggled against.
In pictures, too, one often hears the Beautiful confounded
with the Picturesque. Yet they are quite distinct; though
in many subjects they may be found harmoniously com-
bined. Some of Raphael’s angels may be taken as perfect
illustrations of the Beautiful. In their serene and heavenly

* Hogarth called the curve the line of beauty, and all artists have felt instinct-
vely its power, but Mr. Ruskin (in Modern Painters) was, we believe, the
first to suggest the cause of that power—that it expresses in its varying ten-
dencies, the infinite.

+ This also explains why trees, though they retain for the most part their
characteristic forms, vary somewhat in expression according to their situation.
Thus the larch, though always picturesque, is far more so in mountain ridges

where it is exposed to every blast, than in sheltered lawns where it only finds
wft airs and sunshine.

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE AR’. 55

countenances we see only that calm and pure existence of
which perfect beauty is the outward type; on the other hand,
Murillo’s beggar boys are only picturesque. What we ad-
mire in them (beyond admirable execution) is not their rags
or their mean apparel, but a certain irregular struggling
of abetter feeling within, against this outward poverty of
nature and condition.

Architecture borrows, partly perhaps by association, the
same expression. We firid the Beautiful in the most sym
metrical edifices, built in the finest proportions, and of the
purest materials. It is, on the other hand, in some irregu
lar castle formed for defence, some rude mill nearly as wild as
the glen where it is placed, some thatched cottage, weather
stained and: moss covered, that we find the Picturesque.
The Temple of Jupiter Olympus in all its perfect proportions
was prized by the Greeks as a model of beauty; we, who
see only a few columns and broken architraves standing
with all their exquisite mouldings obliterated by the vio
lence of time and the elements, find them Picturesque.

To return to a more practical view of the subject,
we may remark, that though we consider the Beautiful and
the Picturesque quite distinct, yet it by no means follows
that they may not be combined in the same landscape.
This is often seen in nature ; and indeed there are few
landscapes of large extent where they are not thus harmo-
niously combined.

But it must be remembered, that while Landscape Gar-
dening is an imitation of nature, yet it is rarely attempted
on so large a scale as to be capable of the same extended

_harmony and variety of expression ; and also, that in Land-
scape Gardening as in the other fine arts, we shall be more
successful by directing our efforts towards the production

56 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

of a leading character or expression, than by. endeavor-
ing to join and harmonize several.

Our own views on this subject are simply these. When
a place is small, and only permits a single phase of natural
expression, always endeavor to heighten or to make that
single expression predominate ; it should clearly either aim
only at the Beautiful or the Picturesque.

When, on the contrary, an estate of large size comes
within the scope of the Landscape Gardener, he is at liberty
to give to each separate scene its most fitting character ;
he will thus, if he is a skilful artist, be able to create great
variety both of beautiful and picturesque expression, and
he will also be able to give a higher proof of his power, viz.
by uniting all those scenes into one whole, by bringing
them all into harmony. An artist who can do this has

reached the ultimatum of his art.
Again and again has it been said, that Landscape Gar-

dening and Painting are allied. In no one point does it ap-
pear to us that they are so, more than in this—that in pro-
portion to the limited nature of the subject should simpli-
city and unity of expression be remembered. In some of
the finest smaller compositions of Raphael, or some of the
Landscapes of Claude, so fully is this borne in mind, that
every object, however small, seems to be instinct with the
same expression ; while in many of the great historical
pictures, unity and harmony are wrought out of the most
complex variety of expression.

We must not be supposed to find in nature only the
Beautiful and the Picturesque. Grandeur and Sublimity
are also expressions strongly marked in many of the noblest
portions of natural landscape. But, except in very rare
instances, they are wholly beyond the powers of the land-
scape gardener, at least in the comparatively limited scale

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 57

of his operations in this country. All that he has to do, is
to respect them where they exist in natural landscape which
forms part of his work of art, and ‘so treat the latter, as
to make it accord with, or at least not violate, the higher
and predominant expression of the whole.

There are, however, certain subordinate expressions
which may be considered as qualities of the Beautiful, and
which may originally so prevail in natural landscape, or be
so elicited or created by art, as to give a distinct character
to a small country residence, or portions of a large one.
These are simplicity, dignity, grace, elegance, gaiety,
chasteness, &c. It is not necessary that we should go
into a labored explanation of these expressions. They are
more or less familiar to all. A few fine trees, scattered
and grouped over any surface of smooth lawn, will give a
character of simple beauty; lofty trees of great age,
hills covered with rich wood, an elevation commanding a
wide country, stamp-a site with dignity ; trees of full and
graceful habit or gently curving forms in the lawn, walks,
and all other objects, will convey the idea of grace; as
finely formed and somewhat tall trees of rare species, or a
great abundance of bright climbers and gay flowering shrubs
and plants, will confer characters of elegance and gaiety.

He who would create in his pleasure grounds these more
delicate shades of expression, must become a profound stu-
dent both of nature and art; he must be able, by his
own original powers, to seize the subtle essence, the half
disclosed idea involved in the finest parts of nature, and to
reproduce and develope it in his Landscape Garden.

Leaving such, however, to a broader range of study than
a volume like this would afford, we may offer what, per-
haps, will not be unacceptable to the novice—a more de-

58 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

tailed sketch of the distinctive features of the Beautiful and
the Picturesque, as these expressions should be embodied
in Landscape Gardening.

Tue Beavrirui in Landscape Gardening (Fig. 18) is
produced by outlines whose curves are flowing and gradual,
surfaces of softness, and growth of richness and luxuriance.
In the shape of the ground, it is evinced by easy undulations
melting graduaily into each other. In the form of trees, by
smooth stems, full, round, or symmetrical heads of foliage,
and luxuriant branches often drooping tothe ground,—which
is chiefly attained by planting and grouping, to allow free
development of form ; and by selecting trees of suitable cha-
racter, 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 abruptturns. In water,
by the smooth lake with curved margin, embellished with

flowing outlines 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 ; and the Italian, Tuscan, or Venetian forms are
preferable, because these have both a polished and a
domestic air, and readily admit of the graceful accom-
paniments of vases, urns, and other harmonious
accessories. Or, if we are to have a plainer dwelling,

pee
i

Fig. 18.—Example of the Beautiful in Landscape Gardening.

. seer L
Ra Senha
Se

Fic. 16.—Example of the Picturesque in Landscape Gardening.

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF TRE ART. 59

it should be simple and symmetrical in its character, and
its veranda festooned with masses of the finest climbers.
Tue Picruresave in Landscape Gardening (Fig. 14)
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
smoothness varied by sudden variations, and in parts runs
into dingles, rocky groups, and broken banks. The trees
should 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, to produce
the Beautiful, the trees are planted singly in open groups
to allow full expansion, so for the Picturesque, the grouping
takes every variety of form; almost every object should
group with another; trees and shrubs are often planted
closely together; and intricacy and variety—thickets—
glades—and underwood—as in wild nature, are indispensa-
ble. Walks and roads are more abrupt in their windings,
turning off frequently 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 characteristic 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 frequently mown, the edges of

60 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

the walks less carefully trimmed, where the Picturesque
prevails; 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 which belongs to the
picturesque landscape, is the Gothic mansion, the old
English or the Swiss cottage, or some other striking
forms, with bold projections, deep shadows, and irregular
outlines. Rustic baskets, and similar ornaments, may
abound near the house, and in the more frequented parts
of the place.

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 fully attainea
with either expression—the picturesque cottage being as
well 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 certainly recognised as man’s
work, as one always regular and flowing. Foreign trees
of picturesque growth are as readily obtained as those of
beautiful forms. The recognition of art is, therefore,
always apparent in both modes. The evidences are
indeed stronger and more’ multiplied in the careful polish
of the Beautiful landscape,* and hence many prefer this

* The beau ideal in Landscape Gardening, as a fine art, appears to us to be
embraced in the creation of scenery full of expression, as the beautiful or Pic-
turesque, the materials of which are, to a certain extent, different from those in

wild nature, being composed of the floral and arboricultural riches of all climates,
as far as possible ; uniting in the same scene, a richness and a variety never to

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 61

species of landscape, not, as it deserves to be preferred,
because it displays the most beautiful and perfect ideas in
its outlines, the forms of its trees, and all that enters into
its composition, but chiefly because it also is marked by
that carefil polish, and that completeness, which imply
the expenditure of money, which they so well know how
to value.

If we declare that the Beautiful is the more perfect
expression in landscape, we shall be called upon to explain
why the Picturesque is so much more attractive to many

minds. This, we conceive, is owing vartly to the imper-
fection of our natures by which most of us syinpathize

more with that in which the struggle between spirit and
matter is most apparent, than with that in which the
union is harmonious -and complete; and partly because
from the comparative rarity of highly picturesque land-
scape, it affects us more forcibly when brought into
contrast with our daily life. Artists, we imagine, find
somewhat of the same pleasure in studying wild land-
scape, where the very rocks and trees seem to struggle
with the elements for foothold, that they do in contem-
plating the phases of the passions and instincts of
human and animal life. The manifestation of power is
to many minds far more captivating than that of beauty.
All who enjoy the charms of Landscape Gardening,
may perhaps be divided into three classes : those who have
arrived only at certain primitive ideas of beauty which
are found in regular forms and straight lines; those who
in the Beautiful seek for the highest and most perfect
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 grourids in the natural style, as distinctly ag by the uniform
and symmetrical arrangement in the ancient style.

62 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

development of the idea in the material form ;
and those who in the Picturesque enjoy most a certain
wild and incomplete harmony between the idea and the
forms in which it is expressed.

As the two latter classes embrace the whole range
of modern Landscape Gardening, we shall keep distinctly
in view their two governing principles—the Beautiful and
the Picturesque, in treating of the practice of the art.

There are always circumstances which must exert a
controlling influence over amateurs, in this country, in
choosing between the two. These are, fixed locality, ex-
vense, individual preference in the 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 opportunity for either taste Within the last

five years, we think the Picturesque is begining to be pre-
ferred. It has, when a suitable locality offers, great advan-
tages for us. The raw materials of wood, water, and sur-
face, 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!

While, on one hand, the residences of a country of level
plains usually allow only the beauty of simple and grace-
ful forms; the larger demesne, with its swelling hills and
noble masses of wood (may we not, prospectively, say the
rolling prairie too?), should always, in the hands of the
man of wealth, be made to display all the breadth, va-
riety, and harmony of both the Beautiful and the Pictu-
resque.

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

*

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 63

character, and plants, builds, and embellishes, as he should
constautly 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 atrandom. 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 expres-
sion of sentiment, will affect not only the common eye, but
much more powerfully, the imagination, and the refined
and delicate taste.

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, by attempting only the simple and
the natural; and the unfailing way to secure this, is by
employing as leading features only trees and grass. A
soft verdant lawn, a few forest or ornamental trees
well grouped, walks, and a few flowers, give universal
pleasure ; they contain in themselves, in fact, the basis of
all our agreeable sensations in a landscape garden (na-
tural beauty, and the recognition of art); and they are
the most enduring sources of enjoyment in any place.
There are no country seats in the United States so unsa-
tisfactory and tasteless, as those in which, without any
definite aim, everything is attempted ; and a mixed jumble
of discordant forms, materials, ornaments, and decorations,
is assembled—a part in one style and a bit in another,
without the least feeling of unity or congruity. These
rural bedlams, full of all kinds of absurdities, without a
leading character or expression of any sort, cost their

64 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 cottage 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 differ-
ent modes of laying out grounds, there are certain univer-
sal and nherent beauties common to all styles, and, indeed,
to every composition in the fine arts. Of these, we shall
especially point out those growing out of the principles of
UNITY, HARMONY, and VARIETY.

Umrry, or the 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 pleasure and satisfaction, to one objéct, or one
composite sensation, at the same time. If two distinct
objects, or classes of objects, present themselves at once to
us, we can only attend satisfactorily to one, by withdraw-
ing 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 con-
structed, 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

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 65

individuals, or at two different times, as there is nothing
indicating unity of mind in its composition.

In Landscape Gardening, violations of the principle of
unity are often to be met with, and they are always indi-
cative 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 leading directly up to the house.
Such a view can never appear a satisfactory whole,

because we experience a confusion of sensations in con-
templating 1t. There 1s an evident incongruity in bringing

two modes of arranging plantations, so totally different,
under the eye at one moment, which distracts, rather thar.
pleases the mind. In this example, the avenue, taken by
itself, may be a beautiful object, and the groups and con-
nected masses may, in themselves, be elegant; 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 introduc.
tion 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

5

66 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

scattered groups, all of the same size. Even in arranging
walks, a whole will more readily be recognised, 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, can only afford pleasure for a short time
to tasteless minds, or those fona 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, everywhere, and at all periods
of time.

After unity, the principle of Variety is worthy of con-
sideration, as a fertile source of beauty in Landscape Gar-
dening. 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 dif-
ferent ways ; and by the introduction of a great number ot
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 combi-
nations of forms and colors, 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 possess 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

BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES CF THE ART. 67

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
respects, as in the color of the foliage, and similar in others
more important, 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-
scape Gardening, we may remark, that, if unity 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 endeavored to
elucidate its leading principles, clearly, to the reader.
These grand principles we shall here succinctly recapitu-
late, premising that a familiarity with them is of the very
first importance in the successful practice of this elegant
art, VIZ. :

Tue Imrration or THE Beauty or Expression, derived
from a refined perception of the sentiment of nature: Tur
Recoenition of Art, founded on the immutability of the
true, as well as the beautiful: Awp tue Propuction or
Unity, Harmony, anp Variety, in order to render com-
plete and continuous, our enjoyment of any artistical
work.

68 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Neither the professional Landscape Gardener, nor the
amateur, can hope for much success in realizing the nobler
effects of the art, unless he first make himself master of the
natural character or prevailing expression of the place to
be improved. 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 harsh-

ness, and copying her graceful touch.” When we discover
the picturesque indicated in the grounds of the residence to

be treated, let us take advantage of it; and while all harsh-
ness incompatible with scenery near the house is removed,
the original expression may in most cases be heightened, in
all rendered more elegant and appropriate, without lower-
ing it in force or spirit. In like manner good taste will
direct us to embellish scenery expressive of the Beautiful,
by the addition of forms, whether in trees, buildings, or
other objects, harmonious in character, as well as in color
and outline.

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 69

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; grouping trees.
Arrangement and grouping in the Graceful school; in the Picturesque school. Illustra-
tions in planting villa, ferme ornée, 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.”
Pops.

} MON G all the materials at our disposal
for the embellishment of country resi-
¢ dences, none are at once so highly orna-
.. mental, so indispensable, and so easily managed, as érees, or
wood. We introduce them in every part of the landscape,
—in the foreground as well as in the distance, on the tops
of the hills and in the depths of the valleys. They are, in-
deed, 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 in its prime, venerable and picturesque in its old

70 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

age, it constitutes in its various forms, sizes, and develop-
ments, the greatest charm and beauty of the earth in all
countries. The most varied outline of surface, the finest
combination of picturesque materials, the stateliest country
house would be comparatively tame and spiritless, without
the inimitable accompaniment 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 labor,—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 propor-
tions, and the character and expression of these favorite
spots almost entirely destroyed.

Wood, in its many shapes, is then one of the greatest
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 some portions, and throwing others

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 71

into stronger light, contribute greatly to produce intricacy
and variety, and confer an expression, which, without these
latter qualities, might in a great measure be wanting. By
shutting out some parts, and inclosing 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
connected in our minds with the effects produced by them
on woodland scenery. Spring is joyous and enlivening to
us, as nature then puts on her fresh livery of green, and the
trees bud and blossom with a renewed beauty, that speaks
with a mute and gentle eloquence to the heart. In sum-
mer they offer 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 nature, 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 acountry residence, we may effect the greatest alterations
and improvements within the scope of Landscape Garden-
ing. Buildings which are tame, insipid, or even mean in
appearance, may be made interesting, 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 conceal, can readily be hidden or improved by wood ;
and walks and roads, which otherwise would be but simple

(12 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

ways of approach from one point to another, are, by an
elegant arrangement 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,
exhibit as strongly art or design in the contriver, as regu-
lar architectural edifices; while, in a more elevated and
enlightened taste, we are able to dispose them in our vlea-
sure-grounds and parks, around our houses, in all the vari-
ety 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
superior 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 offered 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

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 73

returns of gratitude, raise a most delightful train of
sensations in the mind; so innocent and rational, that
they may justly rank with the mest exquisite of human
enjoyments.”

“ 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 monarchs, planted by his boyish hands and nurtured
by him in his youthful years, which have grown aged and
venerable along with him ;

“ A wood coeval with himself he sees,
And loves his own contemporary trees.”

PrAwrations in THe Ancient Srviz. In the arrange-
ment and culture of trees and plants in the ancient style
of Landscape Gardening, we discover the evidences of
the formal taste——abounding with every possible variety
of quaint conceits, and rife with whimsical expedients,
so much in fashion during the days of Henry and Eliza-
beth, and until the eighteenth century in England, and
which is still the reigning mode in Holland, and parts of
France. In these gardens, nature 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 favorites of the
gardeners of the old school.

74 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

It has been remarked, that the geometric style would
always 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 gar-
dens and pleasure-grounds in regular forms, because the
distinct exhibition of art would give more pleasure by con-
trast, than the elegant imitation of beautiful nature. That
this is true as regards the mass of uncultivated minds, we
do not deny. But at the same time we aflirm 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 sur1ounded by inimitably grand or sublime scenery,
would undoubtedly fail to excite our admiration, by at-
tempting 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 regular grass plots,
to produce something which shall be at once sufficiently
different to attract notice, and so beautiful as to 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 tan-

-gled 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

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. vis)

of a city, a species of pleasure would result from the imita-
tion 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, &c.—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 ne-
glected portions ; the whole interspersed with open glades
of turf.

In the majority of instances in the United States, the
modern style of Landscape Gardening, wherever it is ap-
preciated, 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, ete.—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 dic-
tate the assemblage of groups and masses of the rarer or
more beautiful trees and shrubs; commoner native forest
trees occupying the more distant portions of the grounds.*

* 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
considerable 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 ty
yield a little in the extent of prospect, or in the direct proximity to a certain

16 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Puanrations in tHE Mopzrn Sryzz. 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 ot
individual forms, than we see in nature ; to create variety
and intricacy in the grounds 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, un-
sightly buildings, or other offensive objects.

As uniformity, and grandeur of single effects, were the
aim of the old style of arrangement, so variety and har-
mony of the whole are the results for which we labor in
the modern landscape. And as the Avenue, or the 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 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

tocality, than to pitgn your tent in a plain,—desert-like in its bareness—on
which your leafy sensibilities must suffer for half a dozen vears 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, tne
variety of form, and the entire harmony, to be found in a fine old tree, as .v
gazing from a site where we have no interruption to a panorama of tne whole
horizon ; and we have generally found tha 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,

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 77

awkwardly planted, it is exceedingly 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 the very 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
arrange a few trees in the form of a natural and beautiful
group,—and nothing really is easier to the practised hand.
Yet experience has taught us that the generality of persons,
in commencing their first essays in ornamental planting,
almost invariably crowd their trees into a close, regular
clump, which has a most formal and unsightly appearance
as different as possible from the easy, flowing outline of
the group.

“Natural groups are full of openings and hollows, of
trees advancing before, or retiring behind each other;
all productive of intricacy, of variety, of deep shadows
and brilliant lights.”

The chief care, then, which is necessary in the forma
tion of groups, is, not to place them in any regular or
artificial manner,—as one at each corner of a triangle,
square, octagon, or other many-sided figure; but so to
dispose them, as that the whole may exhibit the variety,
connexion, 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 from the earth. This is considerable,

78 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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
different positions 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 positions (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.”
Encyclopedia of Gard.)

2 cy
o 8 a Se wo
at a Se 3 os
a
@ ® .#

[Fig. 15. Grouping of Trees,]

In the composition of larger masses, similar ruies must

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 79

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 receding back into the plantation, in order to take
off all appearance 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 9oc-
casionally, low trees should be planted on the outer edge
of the mass, to connect it with the humble yerdune 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 pre-
viously planted, 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 !

Where there are large masses of wood to regulate and
arrange, much skill, taste, and judgment, are requisite, to
enable the proprietors to preserve only what is really
beautiful and picturesque, and to remove all that is super-
fluous. 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, ta
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 remain in groups of con-
siderable 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.

80 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

-But to return to grouping; what we have already en.
deavored to render familiar to the reader, may he 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 of Landscape Gardening here-
itofore defined, that is to say, grouping and planting for
Beautiful effect, and for Picturesque effect ; as we wish it
understood that these two different expressions, in artificial
landscape, are always to a certain extent under our control.

Puantine anp Grovupine To pRoDUcE THE BEAUTIFUL.
The elementary features of this expression our readers
will remember to be fulness and softness of outline, and
perfectly luxuriant development. To insure these in plan-
tations, 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 may be taken as the type. Next, in dis-
posing 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 dis-
tance 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
togethe: 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. 16 represents a plan of trees grouped
along a road or walk, so as to develope the Beautiful.

It is proper that we should here remark, that a distinct
rpecies of after treatment is required for the two medes.
Trees, or groups, where the Beautiful is aimed at, should be

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 8]

[Fig. 16. Grouping to produce the Beautiful.!

pruned with great care, and indeed scarcely at all, except
to remedy disease, or to correct a bad form. Above all,
the full Juxuriance and development of the tree should be
encouraged by good soil, and repeated manurings when
necessary ; and that most expressively elegant fall and
droop of the branches, which so completely denotes the
Beautiful in trees, 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 Beautiful tree. We need not
add that gently sloping ground, or surfaces rolling in easy
undulations, should accompany such plantations.
Puantine anp Groupine To Ppropuce THE Picrurzsaug.
All trees are admissible in a picturesque place, but a pre-
dominance must be used by the planter of what are truly

called picturesque trees, of which the larch and fir tribe
6

82 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

and some species of oak, may be taken as examples. In
Picturesque plantations everything depends on intricacy

{Fig. 17 Grouping to produce the Picturesque.]

and 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. 17
may, as compared with Fig. 16, 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 a similar character, as the hazel,
hawthorn, etc., and formed into such picturesque and strik-

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 838

ing groups, as painters love to study and introduce intu
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
negligent manner; and the surface and grass, in parts of
the scene not immediately in the neighborhood 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
beautiful 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
eye will repose on softly rounded masses of foliage, or sin-
gle 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 sweep-
ing, perfect, and luxuriant heads of foliage, is quite the
opposite of what is the picturesque arboriculturist’s ambi-
tion. He desires to encourage a certain wildness of growth,
and allows his trees to spring up occasionally in thickets

84 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 neces-
sary, is directed rather towards increasing the naturally
striking and peculiar habit of the picturesque tree, than ©
assisting it in developing a form of unusual refinement and :
symmetry. From these remarks we think the amateur

will easily divine, that planting, grouping, and culture to

produce the Beautiful, require a much less artistic eye

(though much more care and attention) than performing

the same operations to elicit the Picturesque. The charm

of a refined and polished landscape garden, as we usually

see it in the Beautiful grounds with all the richness and

beauty developed by high culture, arises from our admira-

tion of the highest perfection, the greatest beauty of form,

to which every object can be brought ; and, in trees, a

judicious selection, with high cultivation, will always pro-

duce this effect.

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 (if he has to begin with young plantations)

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 plan.

tations or other portions of his residence, the picturesque

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 85

in its many variations. And we may add here, that effi-
cient and charming as is the assistance which all orna-
mental planters will derive from the study of the best
,andscape engravings and pictures of distinguished artists,
they are indispensably necessary to the picturesque im-
prover. 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 one 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
easier than those who strive after the Beautiful; as the
majority of the latter may be said to begin nearly anew—
choosing places not for wildness and intricacy of wood, but
for openness 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 improvements 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 pro-
duction of a whole, and the proper connexion. of the parts.

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 plan-
tations in the modern style. What would be precisely
adapted to a hilly rolling park, would often be found entire-

86 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

ly 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; un
like 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 mathe-
matical demonstration.

In all grounds to be laid out, however, which are of a
lawn or park-like extent, and call for the exercise of judg-
ment and taste, the mansion or dwelling-house, being itself
the chief or leading object in the scene, should form, as it
were, the central point, to which it should be the object of
the planter to give importance. In order to do this effec-
tually, the large 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
neighborhood, 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 neighborhood 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 connected 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 back-grownd will give dignity
and importance to the house, and at the same time effectu-
ally 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,

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 87

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 considerable magnitude,- if of moderate size, in
groups made up of a number of trees. In the lawn front
of the house, appropriate places will be found for a number
of the most elegant single trees, or small groups of trees,
remarkable for the beauty of their forms, foliage, or blos-
soms. 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 interrupt 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
distributed between should be so managed as, though in
most cases distinct, yet to appear to be the connecting
links which unite these distant shadows in the composition,
with the larger masses near the house. Sometimes seve-
ral small groups will be almost joined together ; at others
the effect may be kept up by a small group, aided by a few
neighboring single trees. This, for a park-like place.
Where the place is small, a pleasure-gsound character is
all that can be obtained. 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, partially 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

88 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

a charming variety in the scene, either when seen from a
given point or when examined in detail. It must not be
forgotten that, as a general rule, the grass or surface of
the lawn answers as the principal 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 correspond 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 wanting; 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, undoubted-
ly, variation or undulation of surface. Everything,
accordingly, which tends to preserve and strengthen this
pleasing character, should be kept constantly in view.
Where, therefore, there are no obvious objections to such
a course, the eminences, gentle swells, or hills, should be
planted, in preference to the hollows or depressions. By
planting the elevated portions of the grounds, thei:
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

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 89

the most striking part or parts of the prospect (near -he
house for example) to answer this end. This should be
‘lone, 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 connexion may be kept up by
advancing a few groups or even scattered trees into the
neighboring 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 handsome 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
connexion, 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, connexion is still easier, and where it
bounds upon one of our noble rivers, lakes, or other large
sheets of water, of course connexion is not expected ; for

90 LANDSCAPE GARI ENING.

sudden contrast and transition is there both tatu: al and
beautiful.

In all cases good taste will suggest that the more polished
parts of the lawns and grounds should, whatever character
is attempted, 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 neighborhood of the
residence, the whole evinces less polish; and gradually,
towards the furthest extremities, grows ruder, until it assi-
milates 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
moderate, 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 beautiful or picturesque expression, the efforts
of the 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 improvements in planting that will affect the general
expression of the scene, as there are but few country resi-
dences in the United States of any importance which have
not naturally some distinct landscape character; and the
labors of the improver 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 important point. This will be felt almost

ON WooD AND PLANTATIONS. 91

intuitively by persons who, perhaps, would themse'ves be
incapable of describing the cause of their gratification, but
would perceive the contrary at once; as many are unable
to analyse 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
closely, that extensive grounds naturally picturesque shall
have nothing of the softening touches of more perfect
beauty; or that a demesne characterized by the latter ex-
pression should not be occasionally 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
appropriate in a country residence. Picturesque trees
give new spirit to groups of highly 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,
something of zest or elegance may be borrowed from the
opposite character, to suit the wishes or gratify the taste
of the proprietor.

GRoUND PLANS OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTATIONS. To
‘llustrate partially our ideas on the arrangement of plan-
tations 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) repre-
sents 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

92 LANDSCAPE GARDENING

[Fig. 18, Plan of a common Farm, before any improvements.]

road, a, is the boundary on one side: dd are prettily wooded
dells or hollows, which, together with a few groups near
the proposed site of the house, c, and a few scattered single
trees, make up the aggregate of the original woody embel-
lishments of the locality.

In the next figure (Fig. 19) a ground plan of the place is
given, as it would appear after having been judiciously
laid out and planted, with several years’ growth. Ata, the
approach 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 advantage of the wooded dells, d, originally existing,
which offer some scope for varied walks concealed from
each other by the intervening masses of thicket. Jt will

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 93

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[Fig. 19. Plan of the foregoing grounds as a Country Seat, after ten years’ improvement.]

be seen here, that one of the largest masses of wood forms
a background to the house, concealing also the out-build-
ings ; 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 distant views are had through the
vistas in the lines, ee. In this manner the lawn appears
divided into four distinct lawns or areas bounded by groups
of trees, instead of being dotted over with an unmeaning
confusion of irregular masses of foliage. The form of these
areas varies also with every change of position in the spec-
tator, as seen from different portions of the grounds, or differ-
ent points in the walks ; and they can be still further varied
at pleasure by adding more single trees or small groups,
which should always, to produce variety of outline, be

94 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

placed opposite the salient parts of the wood, and not in the
recesses, which latter they would appear o diminish or
clog up. The stables are shown at f; the barn at g, and
the kitchen garden adjacent at 4; the orchard at 7; and a
small portion of the farm lands at £; 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 adjoin-
ing farm lands.

Figure 20 is the plan of an American mansion

[Fip. 20. Plan of a Mansion Residence, laid out in the natwral style.)

ON WOOD AND PLANTATICNS. 95

residence of considerable extent, only part of the farm
lands, 7, 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 naturai
stream or rivulet, which ran through the estate, has been
formed into a handsome pond, or small lake, f, which adds
much to the interest of the grounds. The approach road
breaks off from the highway 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 visitor scarcely obtains
more than a glimpse of the latter, until he arrives at the
most favorable 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 entrance
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 h,
is balanced by the dark shadows of the picturesque
plantations which surround the lake, and skirt the whole
boundary. At i, a light, inconspicuous wire fence
separates that portion of the ground, g,'ornamented with
flowering shrubs and kept mown by the scythe, from the
remainder, of a park-like 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 foliage, though easily accessible by
a short curved road, returning from the house, so as not
to present any road leading 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

96 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 hundred 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 characterized and
divided by plantations, that the whole shall appear 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
afforded the reader in the accompanying plan (Fig. 21) of
‘the grounds of Riverside Villa. This pretty villa at
Burlington, New Jersey (to which we shal: 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 anvthing
which can be supposed necessary for the convenience or
wants of the family, is lost sight of.

The house, a, stands quite near the bank of the river,

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS, 97

s
‘3

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, ce, 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 se as is the flower garden, f; and

98 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

at g, is a seat. The walk around 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 A, is situated the ice-house; d,
hot-beds ; 7, bleaching green ; 7, gardener’s house, etc. In
the rear of the latter are the stables, which are not shown
on the plan.

The embellished farm (ferme ornée) 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 kind become more general. As
regards 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. 22, is shown part
of an embellished farm, treated in the picturesque style
throughout. The various trees, 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
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 us, the approach from the public road
is at b; the dwelling atc; the barns and farm-buildings
at d; the kitchen garden at e; and the orchard at f.
About the house are distributed some groups of trees, and
here the fields, g, are kept in grass, and are either mown

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 99

me ornée).]

[Fig. 22. View ofa Picturesque farm (fer
or pastured. The fields in crops are designated h, 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 7. 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 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 like—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

100 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

only be gravelled near the house, in 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 coun-
try on a small farm, desirous of experimenting for himself
with all the new modes of culture. The small and irregu-
lar 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 ornée 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-
ranged.* In Fig. 23, 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

* For a variety of modes of treating the grounds of small places, see our
Designs for Cottage Residences.

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 10]

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 ip in an SRcOSAIE NY limited spot.

$ the Beautiful ; choosing, in this
case, shrubs of symmetrical

and grouping them somewhat
singly, and allowing every speci-
men to attain its fullest luxuri-
ance of development.

Se In making these arrangements,
[Fig. 28, Grounds of a Cottage ornée] even in the small area of a fourth
of an acre, we should study the same principles and en-
deavor 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
to afford the mind more true pleasure, than the improver
who lavishes thousands without it, creating no other emo-
tion than surprise or pity at the useless expenditure in-
curred ; and the Abbé Delille says nothing more true than

that,

«Ce noble emploi demand un artiste qui pense,
Prodigue de génie, et non pas de dépeuse.”

102 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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
zases and situations. But the knowledge they afford is so
far below 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 application to different sites, situations, and surfaces ;
developing the latent capacities of one place and heighten-
ing the charms of another.

But the leading principles as regards the formation of
plantations, which we have here endeavored briefly to
elucidate, 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, dis-
played in her majestic groups, masses, and single trees, as
well as open glades and deep thickets; of which, fortu-
nately, in most parts of our country, checkered here and
there as it is with beautiful and picturesque scenery, there
is no dearth or scarcity. Keeping these few principles in
his mind, he will be able to detect new beauties and trans-
fer them to his own estate; for nature is truly inexhaustible
in her resources of the Beautiful.

CLASSIFICATION OF TREES AS TO EXPRESSION. The
amateur who wishes to dispose his plantations in the natu-
ral style of Landscape Gardening so as to produce graceful
or picturesque landscape, will be greatly aided by a study

‘

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 103

ot the peculiar expression of trees individually and in com.
position. The effect of a certain tree singly is often ex.
ceedingly 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 further aid to this most desirable species of infor-
mation we shall offer a few remarks on the principal vari-
eties of character afforded by trees in composition.

-~ Almost all trees, with relation to forms, may be divided a
into three kinds, viz. round-headed trees, oblong or pyra-
midal trees, and spiry-topped trees; and so far as the
expressions of the different species comprised in these dis-
tinct classes are concerned, they are, especially when
viewed at a distance (as much of the wood seen in a
prospect of any extent necessarily 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
(Fig.%4. Round” whole a top or head comparatively round ;
as the oak, ash, beech, and walnut. They are generally
beautiful when young, from their smoothness, and the ele-
gance 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 dif-
ferent round-headed trees may be considered as the most
appropriate for introduction in highly-cultivated scenery,
or landscapes where the character is that of graceful or
polished beauty ; as they harmonize with almost all scenes,

‘

104 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

buildings, and natural 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 unbroken 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 round-topped trees from the irregularity in the dispo-
sition 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
resemblance to each other and show more sameness ot
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 color of objects changes
according to the different degrees of light or shade in
which they are placed, there can 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 will
be perceived that even among round-headed trees there
may be great difference in the comparative beauty of

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 105

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, surpasses in the composition of a scene one
with avery 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 ordinary loose and varied
manner of growth coinmon in the majority 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
sublimity; 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, but round-headed trees are decidedly
the chief adornment of general landscape.

Spiry-topped trees (Fig. 25) are distinguished by
straight leading stems and horizontal branches, which are
comparatively small, and taper gradually
toa point. The foliage is generally ever-

green, and in most trees of this class

Spiry-topped hangs in parallel or drooping tufts from

(Fig. 25
the branches. The various evergreen trees, composing
the spruce and fir families, 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

106 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

almost sameness, in the diffzrent 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 less pleasure 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 appearance; to say nothing of the effect
of the uniform dark color, 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 Landscape Gardener. Their general expression when
single or scattered is extremely spirited, wild, and
picturesque; and when judiciously introduced into
artificial scenery, they produce the most charming and
unique effects. “The situations 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 summits.” Fir and pine forests are
extremely dull and monotonous in sandy plains and
smooth surfaces (as in the pine barrens of the southern

states); but among the broken rocks, craggy precipices,

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 107

and otherwise endlessly varied surfaces (as in the Alps,
abroad, and the various rocky heights in the Highland
of the Hudson and the Alleghanies, at home) they are
full of variety. It will readily be seen, therefore, that
spirv-topped trees should always be planted in considerable
quantities in wild, broken, and picturesque scenes, where
they will appear perfectly in keeping, and add wonderfully
to the peculiar 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 prevailing beauty, and to complete the
finish of the picture. In smooth, level surfaces, though
spiry-topped trees cannot be thus extensively employeq
they are by no means to be neglected or thought valueless,
but may be so combined and mingled 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 color, 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 bordering a large mass of
deciduous trees, have great power in adding 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 profusely
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

108 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

should, in all scenes where an expression of peculiarly
irregular kind is not aimed at.

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 conjunction 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-
topped trees in having upright branches instead

a oof horizontal ones, and in forming a conical or
(eet tnoet pyramidal 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 representa-
tive 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 produce 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
effectually, 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 better in appearance
than a tall, stiff, gigantic hedge. Examples of this can be

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 109

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,
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 introduced, and mingled in small proportion
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 con-
siderable portion in the decoration 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 charac.
. teristics are gracefulness and elegance ; and we conside1
them as unfit, 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 beautiful landscape, they

110 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

are in excellent keeping, and contribute much to give
value to the leading expression.

When drooping trees are. mixed indiscriminately with
vther 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 adjoining trees. Droop-
ing trees, theréfore, 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 in pictures, only admit of occasional
employment; 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 poplar, 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 om
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
* says Gilpin, with his usual good taste, “is not
adapted to sublime objects. We wish it not to screen
the broken buttress 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

willow,’

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 111

support them. The weeping willow seeks an humble
scene—some romantic footpath bridge, which it half
conceals, or some grassy pool over which it hangs its
streaming foliage,

« And dips
Its pendent boughs, as if to drink.” #

The manner in which a picturesque bit of landscape
can be supported by picturesque spiry-topped trees, and
its expression degraded by the injudicious employment
of graceful drooping trees, will be apparent to the reader
in the two accompanying little sketches. In the first (Fig.

ar ae 27), the abrupt hill, the rapid
ce pe mountain torrent, and the distant
Alpine summits, are in fine keep-

ing with the tall spiry larches and

tia ar, eon Feectie’ firs, which, shooting up on either
side of the old bridge, occupy the foreground. In the
second (Fig. 80), there is evidently something discordant
in the scene which strikes the spectator at first sight; this
is the misplaced introduction of the large willows, which
iy \“ ~< belong to a scene very different

» in character. Imagine a removal
of the surrounding hills, and let

the rapid stream spread out into a

(Fig. 98, ‘Trees out of keeping] smooth peaceful lake with gradu-
uly retiring shores, and the blue summits 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

* Forest Scenery, p. 133.

112 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

method by which a harmonious combination of the
different forms composing them may be made so as not
to violate correct principles of taste. An indiscriminate
mixture of their different forms would, it is evident,
produce anything but an agreeable 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 expression of the
whole would be destroyed by the confusion resulting
from their discordant forms. On the other hand, the
mixture of trees that exactly correspond in their forms, if
these forms, as in oblong or drooping trees, are similar.
will infallibly create sameness. In order then to produce
beautiful variety which shall neither on the one side run
into confusion, nor on the other verge into monotony, it
is requisite to give some little attention to the harmony
of form and color in the composition of trees in artificial
plantations.

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 interposing 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
expression. 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

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 118

which, while they differ from the willow in some
particulars, agree in others. The elm has mucn 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 pendent
boughs, but resembles in the airy lightness of its leaves ;
and the three-thorned acacia, though its branches are
horizontal, has 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 composition
inharmonious to the practised eye.

To illustrate the second case, let us suppose a long
sweeping outline of maples, birches, and other light,
mellow-colored 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
manner as to peer abruptly 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 se
satisfactory and pleasing, as if there were a partial
transition from the mellow, pale green of the maples, ete.,
to the darker hues of the oak, ash, or beech, and finaily
the sombre tint of the evergreens. Thus much for the
coloring; and if, in addition to this, oblong-headed trees
or pyramidal trees were also placed near and partly
intermingled with the spiry-topped ones, the unity of the
whole composition would be still more complete.*

* Woe 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
coloring. It requires the eye and genius of a Claude or a Poussin, to

develope all these hidden beauties of harmonious combination. Gilpin rightly
8

114 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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, in small leading groups, and then
by effecting a union between 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.

{Fig. 29, Example in grouping.]

“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

says, in speaking of the dark Scotch fir, “with regard to color in general, 1
think I speak the language of painting, when I assert that the picturesque eye
makes little distinction in this matter. It has no attachment to one color in
preference to another, but considers the beauty of all coloring as resulting, not
from the colors themyelves, but almost entirely from their harmony with other
solors in their neighborhood. So that as the Scotch fir tree is combined or
stationed, it forms a beautiful umbrage or a murky spot.”

ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 115

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 distinguished 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
color 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 apparent coloring of a landscape by
distance, which painters term aérial perspective. Stand-
ing at a certain position in a scene, the coloring 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 coloring, 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 colors; plant thou on each separate part
Its proper foliage.”

Advantage may occasionally be taken of this peculiarity
in the gradation of color, in Landscape Gardening, by the
creation as it were, of an artificial distance. In grounds

* Observations on Modern Gardening.

116 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

and scenes of limited extent, the apparent size and
breadth may be increased, by planting a majority of the
trees in the foreground, of dark tints, and the boundary
with foliage of a much lighter hue.

An acquaintance, individually, with the different
species of trees of indigenous and foreign growth, which
may be cultivated with success in this climate, is
absolutely essential to the amateur or the proféssor of
Landscape Gardening. The tardiness or rapidity of their
growth, the periods at which their leaves and flowers
expand, the soils they love best, and their various habits
and charaeters, are all subjects of the highest interest td
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
embellishment 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 somewhat 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 ihe 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 apparently
disproportionate number of pages which we shall devote
to this part of our subject.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 117

SECTION IV.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL 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. The Elm, The Ash. The Linden. The Beecli. The
Poplar. The Horse-chestnut. The Birch. The Alder, The Maple. The Locust.
The Three-thorned Acacia. The Judas-tree. 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. The Salisburia. The Paulonia, The Virgilia.
The Cypress. The Larch, etc.

O gloriosi spiriti de gli boschi,
O Eco, o antri foschi, 0 chiare linfe,
O faretrate ninfe, o agresti Pani,
O Satiri e Silvani, o Fauni e Driadi,
Naiadi ed Amadriadi, o Semidee
Oreadi e Napee.—
SANNAZZARO.
“O spirits of the woods,
Echoes and solitudes and Jakes of light ;
O quivered virgins bright, Pan’s rustical
Satyrs and sylvans all, dryads and ye
That up the mountains be; and ye beneath
In meadow or in flowery heath.”

Tar Oax. Quercus.

Nat. Ord. Corylacez. Lin, Syst. Moncecia, Polyandria.

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

118 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

forest. Springing up with a noble trunk, and stretching
out its broad limbs over the soil,

* These monarchs of the wood,
Dak, 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 delivered by the priestesses, but, as was after-
wards 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
ancients. 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 com-
mon food of man; but we suppose the fruit of the chestnut
may also have been included under that term.

“That oake whose acomes 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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 119

It should not be forgotten that the oak-was worshipped
by the ancient Britons. Baal or Yiaoul (whence Yule)
was the god of fire, whose symbol was an oak. Hence at
his festival, which was at Christmas, the ceremony of kin-
dling 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 ushered in with much glee and
rejoicing once a year.

* As an ornamental object we consider the oak the most
varied in expression, the most beautiful, grand, majestic,
and picturesque of all deciduous trees. The enormous
size and extreme old age to which it attains in a favorable
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
native 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 exhibits all its magnificence. Then its deeply fur-
rowed trunk is covered with mosses ; its huge branches,
each a tree, spreading out horizontally from the trunk with
great boldness, its trunk of huge dimension, and its “high
top, bald with dry antiquity ;
istics, stamp the oak, as Virgil has expressed it in his

¥

all these, its true character.

Georgics—

120 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

« 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.”
Dryven’s Trans.

“The oak,” says Gilpin, “is confessedly the most pictu-
resque tree in itself, and the most accommodating in com.
position. It refuses no subject either in natural or in
artificial landscape. It is suited to the grandest, and may
with propriety be intreduced 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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 12]

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 dispo-
sition, 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
and air, and a deep mellow soil, are highly necessary to its
fullest amplitude. For this reason, the oaks of our forests,

{Fig. 80, The Charter Oak, Hartford.]

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 por-
tion of the United States. Here and there, however,
throughout our country may be seen a solitary oak of great

122 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

age and immense size, which attests the fitness of the soil
and climate, and displays 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 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 existing in a green old age, one of the most
interesting monuments 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
circumference 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.

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
inestimable value for ship-building; the Spanish oak (Q.
falcata) ; the Red oak (Q. rubra), etc., the bark of which
is extensively used in tanning; the Quercitron 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 fcr timber. We shall

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 123

here describe only a few of those which are most entitled
to the consideration of the planter, either for their valuable
properties or as ornamental trees, and calculated for plant-
ing in woods or single masses.

The White oak. (Quercus alba.) This is one of the most
common of the American oaks, being very generally dis-
tributed 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 de-
pends much upon this circumstance. It may readily be
known even in winter by its whitish bark, and by the dry
and withered leaves which 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 valuable
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 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

124 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

peculiar advantage 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 ia
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 genus, 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 Chest-
nut white oak. When beginning to open in the spring
they are covered with a thick down; but when fully ex-
panded they are perfectly smooth and of a delicate texture.
Michaux.

Chestnut White oak. (Quercus Prinus palustris.)
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
neighborhood of swamps and low grounds, it grows with
wonderful rapidity in a good, moderately dry soil, and
from the beauty of its fine spreading head, and the
quickness of its growth, is highly deserving of introduction
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 regularly 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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 125

their growth, and more clustering, as it were, round the
central trunk, than other species. The beauty of its long
pointed leaves, and their peculiar mode of growth,
recommend it to mingle with other trees, to which it
will add variety.

The Pin oak. (Q. palustris.) The Pin oak forms a
tree in moist situations, varying in height from 60 to 80
feet. The great number of small branches intermingleu
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.

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
further north. The stem of this tree is remarkably smooth
in every stage of its growth. It is so different in
appearance and character 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 into landscapes for its
singularity as an oak, and its lightness and elegance of
foliage individually.

The Mossy-cup oak. (Q. oliveformis) 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

126 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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
middle 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 bottom. The great and peculiar beauty of this tree,
we conceive to be its property of assuming a deep scarlet
tint in autumn. At that period it may, at a great
distance, be distinguished from all other oaks, and indeed
from every other forest tree. It is highly worthy of a
place in every plantation.

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
nigh, 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.robur.) This 1s the great
representative of the family in Europe, and is one of the

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 127

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 partially evergreen in winter,
remarkably luxuriant in their growth, attaining a height
of seventy or eighty feet, and elegant in foliage and
outline. The Lucombe and Fulham oaks grow from one
to five feet in a season; the trees assume 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. Suber), 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

128 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

is obtained ; and the Italian Esculent oak (Q. Esculus),
with sweet nutritious acorns. Those, however, who
wish to investigate them, will pursue this subject further
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 indigenous 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 transplanted very young, or, which is
preferable, raised from the acorn sown where it is finally
toremain. This is necessary on account of the very
large tap roots of this genus of trees, which are either
entirely destroyed or greatly injured by removal. Trans-
planting this genus of trees should be performed either
early in autumn, as soon as the leaves fall or become
brown, or in spring before the abundant rains commence

Tue Exum. Ulmus

Nat. Ord. Ulmacezx. Lin. Syst. Pentandria, Digynia.

We have ascribed to the oak the character of pre-

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 129

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 cf its
trunk, while the branches are comparatively tapering and
slender, forming themselves, in most of the species, into
long ana graceful curves. The flowers are of a choculate
or purple color, 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 stanza:

* Come olmo, a cui la pampinosa pianta
Cupida s’avviticchi e si marite ;
Se ferto 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 avenues, along the highways in France and Germany,
growing 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 extensive 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
9

130 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 developes its fine ample form in the
most perfect manner. Its branches first spring up em-
bracing the centre, then bend off in finely diverging lines,
until in old trees they often sweep the ground with their
loose pendent 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 embosom the shadows as
finely as almost any other tree, the oak excepted. We
consider it peculiarly adapted for planting, in scenes
where the expression of elegant or classical beauty is
desired. In autumn the foliage assumes a lively yellow
tint, contrasting well with the richer and more glowing
colors 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
purposes, and is as great a favorite here as in Europe for
planting in public squares and along the highways.
Beautiful specimens may be seen in Cambridge, Mass.,
and very fine avenues of this tree are growing with great
luxuriance 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

* The great elm of Boston Common is 22 feet in circumference

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 13]

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 mo-
notony ; 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. (Ulmus 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 alternate, 3 or 4 inches long, unequal in size
at the base, borne on petioles half an inch to an inch in
length, oval, acuminate, 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 color, 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 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 the Ohio rivers.

The Red or Slippery elm. (U. fulva.) A tree of

132 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 development 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 color. 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
Virginia. 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 color, are produced 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
more fine varieties of this species cultivated in the
English nurseries, among which the most remarkable are

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 183,

the Twisted elm (U. c. tortuosa), the trunk of which is
singularly marked with hollows and protuberances, and
the grain of the wood curiously twisted together: the
Kidbrook elm (U. c. virens), which is a sub-evergreen :
the Gold and Silver striped elms, with variegated leaves,
and the Narrow-leaved elm (U. c. viminalis), which
resembles the birch: the Cork-barked elm (U.c. suberosa),
the young branches of which are covered with cork, ete.

The latter is one of the hardiest and most vigorous
of all ornamental trees in this climate. It thrives in
almost every soil, and its rich, dark foliage, which hangs
late in autumn, and its somewhat picturesque form,
should recommend it to every planter.

The Scotch or Wych elm. (U. montana.) This isa
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, drooping at the extremities. The bark on
the branches is comparatively 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 ornamental
varieties are the Spiry-topped elm (U. m. fastigiata),
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

* Sir Thos. Lauder, in Gilpin, 1. 91.

134 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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, 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 remarkably 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 young 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-removed 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.

Tue Prawns or Burronwoop Trer. Platanus.

Nat. Ord. Platanacee. Lin. Syst. Monecia, Polyandria.

The plane, Platanus derives its name from rharus,
broad, on account of the broad, umbrageous nature of its
branches. It is a well known tree of the very largest

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 135

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 neighborhood
of the public schools, and all those favorite avenues where
ihe Grecian philosophers were accustomed to resort, were
planted with these trees; and beneath their shade
Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates, delivered the choicest
wisdom and eloquence of those classic days. The
Eastern plane (Platanus 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,
alluvial 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 circumference; and a specimen has
lately been cut on the banks of the Genesee river, of such
enormous size, that a section of the trunk was hollowed
out and furnished as a small room, capable of containing

1386 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

fourteen persons.* On the margins of the great western
rivers it sometimes rises up seventy feet, and then expands
into a fine, lofty head, surpassing in grandeur ail its
neighbors of the forest. The large branches of the plane
shoot out in a horizontal direction; the trunk generally
ascending in a regular, stately, and uninterrupted manner
The blossoms are small greenish balls appearing in spring,
and the fertile ones grow to an inch in diameter, assuming
a deep brownish color, 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 different parts of the
trunk, and is cast off. This gives the trunk 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

* A buttonwood on the Montezuma estate, Jefferson, 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,
TV. 427.)

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 137

extreme vigor and luxuriance of growth. In a good soil it
will readily 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. When 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 considerable 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 every side, it is
certainly a very majestic tree. The color 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 hung, even to their furthest ends, with the
numerous round russet-balls, or seed-vessels, each sus-
pended by a slender cord, and swinging about in the air.
The outline 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 detached, 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 vigor
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

138 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 sur-
face 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 favorite 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 cul-
tivated, the chief of which is the Maple-leaved plane (P. O.
acerifolia).

Tue Aso Trez. Frazinus.
Nat. Ord. Oleacez. 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 elasticity are required ; for in these qualities the ash is

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 139

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 diameter. When exposed on all sides it forms a beau-
tiful, round, compact 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
found in the greatest luxuriance and beauty on the banks
and margins of rivers where the soil is partially dry, yet
where the roots can easily penetrate down to the moisture.
The European ash is remarkable for its hardy nature, being
often found in great vigor on steep rocky hills, and amid
crevices where most other trees flourish badly. Southey
alludes to this in the following lines :—

“ Grey as the stone to which it clung, half root,
Half trunk, the young ash rises from the rock.”

As the ash grows strongly, and the roots, which extend
to a great distance, ramify near the surface, it exhausts the
soil underneath and around 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 excel-
lent effect, seen from the windows of the house; but we
would chiefly employ it for the grand masses, and to inter-
mingle with other large groups of trees in an extensive
plantation. When the ash is young 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 forest beauties, Mr. Gilpin,
says of the ash. “The ash generally carries its principal

140 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,

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 lightness of the spray, the
whole forms an elegant depending foliage. Nothing cap
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 pendent branches.” —(Forest Scenery,
p. 82.)
The highest and most characteristic beauty of the Ame-
rican White ash (and we consider it the finest of all the
species) is the coloring which its leaves put on in autumn.
Gilpin complains that the leaf of the Kuropean 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 northern 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 color, though not lively, is so full and rich as to pro-
duce 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 greyish white or
ash-colored branches are pleasing in tint, compared with
those of other deciduous trees.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 141

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 color 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 leaflets, terminated by an odd one; the whole
twelve or fourteen inches long. Larly in spring they are
covered with a light down which disappears as summer
advances, when they become quite smooth, of a light green
color above and whitish beneath. The foliage, as well as
the timber of our White.ash, is finer than that of the com-
mon European ash, and the tree is much prized in France
and Germany.

The Black ash (fF. sambucifolia), sometimes called the
Water ash, requires a moist soil to thrive well, and is seen

n the greatest perfection on the borders of swamps. Its
buds are of a deep blue ; the young shoots of a bright green,
sprinkled with dots of the same color, which disappear as
the season 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, found in Pennsylvania:
the Green ash (F. viridis), which also grows in Pennsy]-
vania, and is remarkable for the brilliant green of both sides
of the leaves: the Blue ash (F. Quadrangulata), a beauti-
ful tree of Kentucky, 70 feet high, distinguished by the four
opposite membranes of a greenish color, found on the young

142 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

shoots: and the Carolina ash (7! platycarpa), a small tree,
the leaves of which are covered with a thick down in
spring.

The common European ash (J excelsior) strongly re-
sembles 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. 31, is a very remarkable variety

[Fig. 81. The Weeping Ash.j

of the European ash, with pendulous or weeping branches;
and is worthy a place in every lawn for its curious ramifi-
cation, 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

Fra, 82.—The Evcrorean LINDEN, at Presqu-ile,

the Residence of Mrs, Denning.
Age, 44 years, Height, 57 feet,

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 143

unique, either when ‘leafless, or in full foliage, that it has
long been one of our greatest favorites.

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 flow-
ers, borne on the terminal branches in May and June. The
foliage 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 in medicine.

Tar Lime or Linpen Tres. Tilia.
Nat. Ord. Tilacee. Lin. Syst. Polyandria, Monogynia.

This tree, or rather the American’ sort, is well known
among us by the name of basswood. It is a rapidly grow-
ing, 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 favor of geometric plantations. In Germany
and Holland it is a great favorite 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

* Ornus Europeus of Persoon, and the European botanists. Beck remarks
that the American kind is so little known, that it is difficult to determing
whether it is a different species or only a mere variety of the European.

144 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 European lime ‘is also much planted in our cities; and
some avenues of it may be seen in Philadelphia, particu-
larly before the State-house in Chestnut-street. The bass-
wood 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 considered too soft to be of much value, but in
England it was formerly 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 every commercial country,
are prepared from the inner bark of this tree. The sap
affords a sugar like the maple, although in less quantities ;
and it is stated in the Encyclopedia 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 produced in these forests sells at more
than double the price of any other, and is used extensively
in medicine and for liqueurs.”

* 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
tegether 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. Lauder

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 145

_ The leaves of the lime are large and handsome, heart-
shaped in form, and pleasing in color. 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 favorite tree in the ancient style of gardening;
as it bore the shears well, and was readily clipt into all
manner of curious and fantastic shapes. When planted
singly on a lawn, and allowed to develope 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 upwards 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 odor of its flowers is an addi-
tional recommendation, as well as its free growth and
handsome leaves. Were it not that of late it is so liable to -
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
odor 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
10

146 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

more vigorous shoots than the European species. I
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
greyish.

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 obliquely 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 denotés, 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, a native of Florida, though hardy
enough, as experience proves, to bear our northern
winters.

The European lime (T. Europea) 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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 147

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 coloring 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 vigorous shoots again. All the species are
easily increased by layers. ”

Tue Bezcu Tres. Fagus.
Nat. Ord. Corylaceer. Lin. Syst. Monecia, Polyandria.

The Beech is a large, compact, and lofty tree, with a
greyish bark and finely divided spray, and is a common
inhabitant 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 favorable ;
hundreds of acres being sometimes covered with this
single kind of timber. Such tracts are familiarly known

148 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 appears 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 patule 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, is 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 collected in that department in a single
season. They are reduced, when perfectly ripe, to a fine
paste, and the oil is extracted 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.

The beech is quite handsome and graceful when young,
and when large it forms one of the heaviest and grandest
of beautiful park trees. From this massy quality, how-
ever, it is excellently adapted to mingle with other trees
when a thick anc impenetrable mass of foliage is desired ;

‘

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 149

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,
grey 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 grey, 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 color of its wood, loves a still colder climate than the
other, and is found in the greatest perfection in British
America. The leaves are divided into coarser teeth on
the margin than the foregoing species. The nuts are much
smaller, and the whole tree forms a lower and more spread-
ing head.

The European beech (Ff. 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
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

150 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 par
ticularly when it reaches a good size, one of the strangest
anomalies among trees, in the hue of its foliage. There is
also a variety called the copper-colored beech, with paler
purple leaves ;* and a more rare English variety (F. s. pen-
dula), the Weeping beech, with graceful pendent branches

Tue Hornseam (Carpinus Americana), and the Jron-
woop (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.

Tue Poprar Tres. Poputus.
Nat. Ord. Salicacee. Lin. Syst. Dicecia, Octandria.

Arbor 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
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

* 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 fect
igh, with a broad and finely formed head,

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 151

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
Anierican 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
whiteness of the under side of the foliage ; and the Lom
bardy poplar, which

“ Shoots up its spire, and shakes its leaves in the sun,”
Procror.

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 iegend 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,
F’er since, a troubled consciousness.”

In Landscape Gardening the poplar isnot highly esteemed; -
but it is a valuable tree when judiciously employed, and
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 Cotton-
wood and Balsam poplars. One of the handsomest sorts
is the Silver poplar. At some distance, the downy under
surfaces of the leaves, tnrned up by the wind, give it very

152 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

much the aspect of a tree covered with white blossoms.
This effect is the more striking, 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 autumn. Its growth is very
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 om
houses, and in many places in straight rows along the high
ways 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 imparts 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 com-
pletely overpowering the building, without imparting any
of that grandeur of character conferréd by an old oak, or
other spreading tree. It should be introduced but sparingly
in landscape composition, as the moment it is made com-
mon in any scene, it gives an air of sameness and formality,
ana all the spirited effect is lost which its sparing introduc-
tion among other trees produces. The Lombardy poplar

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 153

t3 so well adapted to confined 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
cultivated 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 con-
ceive 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 Tachamahaca or
Balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), chiefly found in
Northern 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 medi-
cinally 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
part of this state, a fine tree, with smooth, unequally-toothed,
wide cordate leaves ; and the Carolina poplar (P. angulata),

154 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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, ete.
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. Greca) 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 color. The Necklace-bearing poplar (P. monilifera), sc
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
of the Po, where it is sometimes called the Cypress poplar

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 155

from its resembance 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
propagated by suckers from the root.

Tue Horss-cuestnut Tree. AUsculus.
Nat. Ord. AEsculacez. 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 mot-
tled with red and yellow. It isa native of Middle Asia,
but flourishes well in the temperate climates of both hemi-
spheres. 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,
being too regularly rounded in its outlines, and too compact
and close in its surface, to produce a spirited effect in light
and shade. But it is nevertheless one of the most beautiful
exotic trees which will bear the open air in this climate.
The leaves, each made of clusters of six or seven leaflets,
are of a fine dark-green color; the whole head of foliage

156 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

has much grandeur and richness in its depth of hue and
massiness of outline; and the regular, rounded, pyramidal
shape, is something so different from that of most of our
indigenous trees, as to strike the spectator with an air of
novelty and distinctness. The great beauty of the Horse-
chestnut is the splendor 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
luxuriance and profusion over the surface of the foliage,
and at the extremity of the branches, give the whole tree
the aspect rather 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 ad-
vances) sweep the green sward with their drooping foliage.
Like the lime tree, however, care must be taken, in the
modern style, to introduce 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 ad-
mirably 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 blos-
som 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 growth of the young shoots, leaves,

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 157

flowers, and all, is completed in about three or four weeks
When the leaves first unfold, they are clothed with a
copious cotton-like down, which falls off 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, however, 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
common one (4ésculus Hippocastanum) is incomparably
the finest. The American sorts are the following: (4is-
culus Ohioensis,) or Ohio Buckeye, as it is called in the
western states; a small sized tree, with palmated leaves
consisting 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 (Aiscu-
lus rubicunda) is a small tree with scarlet flowers; and the
Smooth-leaved (4. glabra) has pale yellow flowers. All
the foregoing have prickly fruit. Besides these are two
small Horse-chestriuts with smooth fruit, which thence
properly belong to the genus Pavia, viz. the Yellow-flow-
ered 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.

158 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Tue Bircu Trez. Betula.
Nat. Ord. Betulacee. Lin. Syst. Moncecia, Polyandria.

The Birch trees are common inhabitants of the forests
of all cold and elevated countries. They are remarkable
for their smooth, silvery-white, or reddish colored stems,
delicate 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 found growing in Greenland and Kams-
chatka, as far north as the 58th and 60th degree of
latitude, and on the Alps in Switzerland, according to
that learned botanist, M. DeCandolle, 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 reindeer; 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, unfrequented 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.*

s
* The following interesting description of their manufacture, we quote from
Michaux. “The most important purpose to which the Canoe birch is applied.
and one in which its nlace is supplied by no other tree, is the construction of

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, 159

The wood of our Black birch is by far the finest ; and,
as it assumes a beautiful rosy color when polished, and is
next in texture to the wild Cherry tree, it is considerably
esteemed 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 birch wine, and is described as being a remarkably
pleasant and healthy beverage.

Though perhaps too common in some districts of our
country 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 favorite ;
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

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 ones, on opposite sides of the tree: after which, by intro-
ducing 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 Canadians, in their long journeys through
the interior of the country: they are light, and-very easily transported on the
shoulders from one lake to another, which is called the portage. A canoa
caleulated for four persons, with their baggage, weighs from forty to fifty
pounds ; and somé of them are made to carry fifteen passengers.”

160 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

of trees; but the European weeping birch is peculiarly
pleasing as it grows 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
delicious, 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 situa-
tions, and offers the most pleasing variety to he eye, when

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 161

seen in connexion with other foliage. Several kinds, as
the Yellow and the Black birches, are really stately trees,
and form fine groups by themselves. Indeed, most beauti-
ful 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 & 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 color.

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 fore-
going, is covered with silvery bark: the branches are
slender, and generally drooping when the tree attains con

siderable size. The leaves are smooth on both surfaces,
11

162 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

heart-shaped at the 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 diffused over the middle and southern states.
In color and appearance the bark much resembles that of
the cherry tree; on old trees, at the close of winter, it is
frequently 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 silvery 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 remark-
able for the color and arrangement of its outer bark, which
is of a brilliant golden yellow, and is frequently seen divided
into fine strips rolled backwards 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 oirch (B. rubra) belongs chiefly to the south,
being scarcely ever seen north of Virginia. It prefers the
moist soil of river banks, where i+ reaches a noble height

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 168

It takes its name from the cinnamon or reddish color of the
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
color, 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 Euro-
pean sort which it is very desirable to introduce into our
collections

Tue Auper Trez. Alnus.
Nat. Ord. Betulacer. Lin, Syst. Moneecia, 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 situations, 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

164 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

serrated in their margins, and dark green in color. The
tree rapidly forms an agreeable pyramidal head of foliage.
when growing in damp 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 Surrey, through the
sweet vales of Dorking and Mickleham, 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 everywhere 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 found 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 round, 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 ground, which take root and become
trees speedily. There are two principal varieties, the

* Lauder’s Gilpin, i. p. 136.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 165

common alder (A. glutinosa), and the cut-leaved alder
(A. glutinosa laciniata). The latter is much the hand
somer tree, and is also the rarest in our nurseries.

Tue Marie Tree. Acer.
Nat. Ord. Aceracee. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Monecia.

The great esteem in which the maples are he.a in the
middle 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 consist in the rapidity of their growth, the beauty
of their form, the fine verdure of their foliage, and in some
sorts, the elegance of their blossoms. Among all the spe-
cies, both native and foreign, we consider the Scarlet-
flowering maple as decidedly the most ornamental species.
In the spring this tree bursts out in gay tufts of red blos-
soms, which enliven both its own branches and the sur-
rounding 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 willows 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 delightful 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

166 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

spreading tree, perhaps the White maple deserves 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 consideration 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 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 coloring exhibited on many of our fine
river shores in a warm dry autumn, is perhaps superior to
anything of the kind in the world: and the leading and
most brilliant colors, viz. orange and scarlet, are pro-
duced 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. Very beautiful
effects can be produced by planting the Scarlet and Sugar
maples in the near neighborhood 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 kaleidoscope ground, harmo-
nious 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 o1

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, 167

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 pleasing softness and roundness of outline.
In bold or picturesque 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 acknow-
.edged claims for beauty, shade, and shelter. It bears
pruning remarkably 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 (Acer saccharinum) is a very abundant
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
flowers 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 areripe in October. From certain parts of the trunks
of old Sugar maples, the fine wood called bird’s-eye maple

168 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 flavor and appearance ; and it has been
demonstrated that the planting of maple orchards, for the
production of sugar, would be a profitable investment.*

The Scarlet-flowering maple (A. rubrum) is found
chiefly on the borders of rivers, or in swamps ; jhe latter
place appears 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 distinguished when young from the
former, by the bark of the trunk, which is grey, 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. West of the Alleghany mountains it is seen in
perfection, and is well known as the White maple. Its
flowers are pale; the leaves are divided into four lobes,
and have a beautiful white under surface. Michaux,
speaking of this tree, says: “In no part of the United

* A. nigrum is a variety omitted by Mr. Downing, though quite well known
at the time he wrote. It differs from A. saccharinum, in having much larger
leaves, and the bark of a darker color; besides which, the sap is more abund-

ant, and much sweeter, and is considered at the West much the finer tree of
the two.—Ll. W. S,

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 169

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 hright
green above ; and the alternate reflection 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 re-
gions of solitude and silence, I contemplated 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 exceedingly 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 Burlington, 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 {

*N. A. Sylva, i. 214. t+ Negundo fraxinifolium.
¢ Mr. Douglas has discovered a very superb maple (A. macrophyllum), on
the Columbia river, with very large leaves, and fine fragrant yellow. blosscms

170 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Among the finest foreign sorts is the Norway maple
(A. platanoides), with leaves intermediate in appearance
between 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 maple (A. pseudo-platanus). The latfer also
considerably resembles the plane ; but the leaves, like these
of the common maple, are smoother. They are five-lobed,
acute in the divisions, 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 color. It is much esteemed as a shade-tree
in Scotland and some parts of the Continent, and grows
with vigor, producing a large head, and widely spreading
branches.

Tue Locust Tree. Robinia.
Nat. Ord. Leguminose. Lin. Syst. Diadelphia, Decandna.

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 color, and are thinly scattered over the branches. The
white blossoms appear in June, and are highly fragrant and
beautiful; and from them the Paris perfumers distil an

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 171

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, Ist, 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. N otwith.
standing, these defects, we would not entirely banish the
locust from our pleasure-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 fra-
grant blossoms are beautiful, when in the beginning of
summer they hang in loose pendulous clusters from among
its light foliage. These will always speak sufficiently in
its favor to cause it to be planted more or less, where a
variety of trees is desired. It should, however, be re-
membered that the foliage comes out at a late period in
spring, and falls early in autumn, which we consider objec-
tions 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.
« The locust can be cultivated to advantage as a timber
tree, only upon deep, mellow, and rather rich, sandy soils;
there, its growth is wonderfully vigorous, and an immense
number may be grown upon a small area of ground.

There are but two distinct species of locust which attain

172 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,

the size of trees in this country, viz. the Yellow locust
(R. pseud-acacia), so called from the color of its wood ; and
the Honey locust (R. viscosa), a smaller tree, with reddish
flowers, 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.
umbraculifera) 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.

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.

Tus Turee-rHornep Acacia Tree. Gleditschia.

Nat. Ord. Leguminose. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Diecia.

This tree is often called the Three-thorned locust, from
some resemblance to the latter tree. Its delicate, doubly
pinnate leaves, however, are much more like those of the
Acacias, 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 fra-

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 173

grance of the latter. There is, however, a peculiar elc-
gance 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 pro-
duces very happy effects in composition with other trees.
The bark is of a pleasing brown, smooth in surface the
branches are studded over with curious, long, triply-pointed
thorns, which also often jut out in clusters,in every direc-
tion 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 Robinia viscosa.
Another recommendation of this tree, is the variety of.
picturesque shapes which it assumes in growing up; some-
times forming a tall pyramidal head of 50 or 60 feet, some-
times 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 introduced 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

174 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

larger and heavier foliage, will at once produce a charming
variety.

The Three-thorned Acacia has been strongly recom:
mended for aedges. It is too liable to become thin at the
bottom, to serve well for an outer inclosure, but if kept
well trimmed, it forms a capital farm fence and protection
against the larger animals, growing up in much less time
than the hawthorn. Like the locust, 1t has the disadvan-
tage of expanding its foliage 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-
cipal species, and is indigenous to the states west of the
Alleghanies. G. monosperma is another kind, which is
scarcely distinguishable from the Three-thorned, except in
having one-seeded pods. The seedlings raised from G.
triacanthos are often entirely destitute of thorns.

There is a fine species called the Chinese (@. 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.

Tue Jupas Tree. Cercis.
Nat. Ord, Leguminose. Ljin. Syst. Decandna, Monogynia.

A handsome low tree, about 20 feet in height, which is

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 175

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 profusion, 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-
bud. It is then one 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 poignancy, 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
American (C. Canadensis) and the European (C. Siii-
quastrum). The latter much resembles our native tree.
The flowers, however, are deeper in color; 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 influences may
be observed.

176 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Tue Cuestnut Tree. Castanea.
Nat. Ord. Corylacea. Lin. Syst. Moneecia, 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 favorite tree since a very
remote period. Among the ancients, the latter were a
common.article of food.

* Sunt nobis mitia poma,
Castanee molles, et pressi copia lactis.”
Vire. Ect. 1.

They appear to have been in 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. TT. 1.

Even to this day, in those ‘parts of France and Italy
nearest 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 unknown. There a sweet and highly nutritious
flour is prepared from them, which makes a delicious
bread. Large quantities of the fruit are therefor
annually collected in those countries, and dried and stored

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 17

away for the winter’s consumption. Old Evelyn says,
“the bread of the flour is exceedingly nutritive : it is a
robust food, and makes women well complexioned, as ]
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 chestnut 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:
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 ’ ranches, and its trunk was quite hollow. A, house was

erected in the interior, and some country people resided in
12

178 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

it, with an oven, in which, according 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 appearance 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
before Brydone, affirms that an entire flock of sheep might
be inclosed within the Etna chestnut, as in a fold.* (Ar-
boretum Brit. p. 1988.)

* One of the most celebrated Chestnut trees on record, 1s that called the
Tortworth 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.

On the estate of Marshall 8. Rice, Esq. at Newton Centre, is a venerable,
though still vigorous and beautiful chestnut tree, the dimensions of which are
believed to exceed any tree of the same species in New England. In proof of
this, we are informed that a correspondence has recently been going on, through
the medium of one of our agricultural papers, between the owner of the above
tree, and several gentlemen in this ead other States, none of whom have shown
figures exceeding tho following: size of the ‘Rice Tree’—-circumference at
base of trunk, 24 8-10 feet; height, 76 feet: spread of limbs, 98 feet. This
trée is very prolific, and has never becn known to fail of bearing alarge crop
of nuts. About five fect from the ground, the trunk divides into two well-
formed shafts, which run up to the height of thirty feet, without a branch.—
H. W. 8.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 179

In considering the chestnut as highly adapted 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 yellow blossoms, which project beyond the
mass of leaves, render it a graceful and beautiful tree.

It has long been a favorite 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
every side, like 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 favorite
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 leafless, 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,

180 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

or wide outlines of foliage. A higher kind of beauty, with
more dignity and variety, can be formed of these two
genera of trees when disposed in grand masses, than with
any other forest trees of temperate climates; 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 generally considered the same species. Varieties have
been produced in Europe, which far surpass our common
chestnuts of the woods in size, though not in delicacy and
richness of flavor. 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 Spanish 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 40 feet high. They
may be procured from the nurseries, and we can hardly
recommend to our planters more acceptable additions to
our nut-bearing forest trees.

The Chinquapin, or Dwarf chestnut (C. pumila), is
a curious 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 indi-
genous 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. == =

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 18]

As the chestnut, like the oak, forms strong tap-roots, it is
removed with some difficulty. The finest trees are pro-
duced 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.

Tue Osace Orance Trez. Maclura.
Nat. Ord. Urticacex. Lin. Syst. Dicecia, Tetrandria.

his interesting tree is found growing wild on the’
Arkansas 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-colored, 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 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 yellow color,
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 color ;
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 intro-
duction of this tree was one of the favorable results of

182 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Lewis and Clarke’s Expedition. It was named by them
in honor of the late Wm. Maclure, Esq., President of the
American Academy of Natural Sciences.

The wood is fine grained, yellow in color, 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 com-
mon name among the white inhabitants is Bodac, a cor
ruption of the term bois d’arc (bow-wood), 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 moneecious class of
plants, it does not perfect its fruit unless both the male and
female trees are growing in the same neighborhood.
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 injuri-
ous. Perhaps 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,
render it one of the most interesting of our native trees ;
while it has the same charm of rarity as an exotic, since it
was introduced 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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 183

species employed 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. Landreth 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
quite hardy when it attains a 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

* A very superb effect may be produced with this tree, by cutting it
yeverely back for several years, and compelling it, as the English call it, to
stole, by sending out a dozen leading shoots, instead of one; a plant treated in
this way, becomes, after a few years, a gigantic bush, round-headed, and most
luxuriant, and when covered with its golden fruit, peeping out from amidst its
exquisitely green foliage, it is the most superb floral ornament to a lawn that
can be conceived. We recollect a surprisingly fine specimen of an Osage
Orange treated in this way, at the late Dr. Edmondston’s, near Baltimore,
where a plant about twenty-four years old measured in circumference, one hun-
dred and siaty-fine feet! the limbs lying about with a profusion of growth
positively wonderful, and covered with fruit,—H. W. 8,

.

184 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

aspect, as all plants not perfectly hardy are much injured
by the late growth, caused by an excess of moisture and
consequent upon an immature state of the wood, which is
unable to resist the effects of a severe winter.

Tue Muueerry Tree. Morus.
Nat. Ord. Urticacee. Lin. Syst. Moneecia, Tetrandria.

The three principal species of the Mulberry, are the
common Red American, the European Black, and the
White mulberries. None of them are truly handsome in
scenery; and the two latter are generally low spreading

‘trees, valued entirely for the excellency of the fruit, or the
suitableness of the foliage for feeding silkworms. 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, therefore, duly entitled to a place
in all extensive plantations ; while the pleasant flavor 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 thevery first quality ,
when fully seasoned, it takes a dull lemon-colored hue, and
is scarcely less durable than the locust or Live oak. Like
those trees, it is much valued by ship-builders; and at
Philadelphia and Baltimore it commands a high price, for
the frame-work, knees, floor-timbers, and tree-nails of
vessels. The Red mulberry is much slower in its growth

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 185

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 found profitable to cultivate 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 nat've 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 favorite in England, and
is one of the most healthy and delicious fruits of the season.
Glover says:

+

« There the 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.”

Leoni. B. II.

We regret that so excellent a fruit should be so little
cultivated here. It succeeds extremely well in the middle

* Further experience has shown, that this tree is not to be depended upon,
at least as far north as the middle portion of the Hudson River. An admirable
substitute for the fruit, is Downing’s Seedling Mulberry, raised some years ago
by Mr. Charles Downing, of Newburgh, and while being an excellent fruit,
has, we believe, the additional merit of being ever-bearing.—H. W. 8.

186 LANDSCAPE GARDZNING.

states; and as it ripens at the very period in midsummer
when ‘fruits are scarcest, there can be no more welcome
addition 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 silkworms 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
plantations ; among them the Chinese mulberry (M. multi-
caulis) 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 silkworm, while its growth
is the most vigorous, and its leaves more easily gathered
than those of any other tree of the genus.

Ture Parse Mutperry Tree. Broussonetia.
Nat. Ord. Urticacer. 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
gardens. It is remarkable for the great variety of forms
exhibited in its foliage ; as upon young trees it is almost.

e

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 187

ur possible to find two exactly alike, though the prevailing
outlines are either heart-shaped, or more or less deeply cut
or lobed. These leaves are considered valueless for feed-
ing the silkworm; but in the South Seas the bark is woven
into dresses worn by the females; and in China and Japan
extensive 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
similar to those performed in our paper-mills. This tree
blossoms 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 dicecious ;
and the reason 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 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 further south it is considerably esteemed
as a shade-tree for lining the side-walks in cities. In win-
ter its light fawn or ash-colored bark, mottled with patches
of a darker grey, contrasts agreeably with other trees. It
has little picturesque beauty, and should never be planted
in quantities, but only in scattered specimens, to give
interest and variety to a walk in the lawn or shrubbery.

188 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Taz Sweer Gum Tree. Liquidambar.

Nat. Ord. Platanacee. Lin. Syst. Moneecia, 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 appear-
ance, and its palmate, five-lobed leaves are in outline much
like the Sugar maple, though darker in color 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 manner. The fruit is globular, somewhat
resembling that of the buttonwood, but much rougher, and
bristling with points. The male and female catkins appear
on different branches of the same tree early in 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
gum issued from its trunk in that country, to which, from
its appearance, he gave the name of liquid 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
valued in medicine as a styptic, and for its healing and
balsamic properties. “This substance, which in the shops

#N. A. Sylva, i. 315.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. ‘189

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 bal-
samic; 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
sometimes exudes from the leaves, and, by incision, small
quantities 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 witl-
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 colors almost too bright and vivid
for foliage ; forming one of the most brilliant objects in
American scenery at that period of the year. The pre-
vailing 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 occa-
sionally an orange tint is assumed. When planted in the

* Arboretum Brit. 2051.

190 LANDSCAPE GARDENING

neighborhood of our fine maples, ashes, and other trees
remarkable for their autumnal coloring, 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 styraciflua 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.

Tae Waunur Tree. Juglans.
Nat. Ord. Juglandacee. Lin. Syst. Moneecia, Polyandria.

The three trees which properly come under this head
and belong to the genus Juglans, are the Black walnut, the
European walnut, and the Butternut.

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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 191

eight pairs of opposite leaflets, terminated by an odd one
They contain a very strong aromatic odor, which is emitted
plentifully 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 flavor 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 color, when exposed to the air, is a fine, rich, dark
brown, beautifully veined in certain parts; and as it takes
a brilliant polish, it is coming into general use in the
United States for furniture, as well as for the interiot
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
inferior in the boldness of its ramification or the amplitude
of its head to the oak or chestnut; and what it lacks in
spirited outline when compared with those trees, is fully
compensated, in our estimation, by its superb and heavy
masses of foliage, which catch and throw off the broad
lights and shadows in the finest manner. When the Black
walnut stands alone on a deep fertile soil it becomes a truly
majestic tree ; and its lower branches often sweep the
ground ina graceful curve, which gives additional beauty
to its whole expression. It is admirably adapted to exten-

192 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

sive lawns, parks, or plantations, where there is no want
of room for the attainment of its full size and fair propor-
tions. 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 origi-
nally from Persia. It differs from our Black walnut (which,
however, it much resembles) in the smooth, grey bark of
the stem, the leaves composed of three or four pair of

leaflets, and in the very thin-shelled fruit, which, though
not exceeding the Black walnut in size, yet ccntains a

much larger kernel, which is generally considered more
delicate in flavor. 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 quantities 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 for this purpose) ; and the oil extracted
from the kernel is in high estimation for mixing with deli-
cate colors 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 Eyglyn, who is an enthusiastic admirer of its
beauties, mentions their fondness for this tree as in the high-
est degree praiseworthy. “The Bergstras [Bergstrasse],
which extends from Heidelberg to Darmstadt, is all planted
with walnuts ; 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

* (Juglans laciniata), Cutleaf Walnut, is a new and curious variety, with
large scalloped leaves.—H. W. 8.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 193

many miles about that country under a continual arbor 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
permitted 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 imvorted into this country in great
quantities ; 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
cultivated among us, though highly deserving more
extensive favor, 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
russet 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 foliage is then of less consequence,
and its ramification is generally beautiful.

The Butternut (J. 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

* Hunter’s Evelyn, p. 168.
13

194 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

resembles that of the Black walnut, though the leaflets are
smaller and narrower. 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 grey, 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.*

Tue Hickory Tree. Carya.
Nat. Ord. Juglandacez. Lin. Syst. Monecia, Polyandna.

‘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 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 exten-
sively employed for all purposes requiring great elasticity
and strength; as for axletrees, screws, the wooaen rings
used upon the rigging of vessels, whip-handles, and axe-

* Loudon errs greatly in his Arboretum, in supposing the butternut to be
identical 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 opin on.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 195

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 distinction 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 butter-
nut., 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
trunks, 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 constitute 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 handsome shapes during every stage of their growth,
‘and ultimately 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 in size and

196 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

delicacy of flavor 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 flavor than any other of this continent.

These trees form strong tap-roots, and are, therefore,
somewhat 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 hichory (C. alba), 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, however, 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 distinguished from the other species. The
hickory nuts of our 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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 197

New York and New Jersey, the fruit is commonly known
by the appellation of the Kisky-tom nut.*

The Pecan-nut (Pacainer of the French), (C. olivefor-
mis) is found only in the western states. It abounds on
the Missouri, Arkansas, Wabash, and Illinois Rivers, and
@ portion of the Ohio: Michaux states that there is a
swamp of 800 acres on the right bank of the Ohio,
opposite the Cumberland 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, cylindrical, and thin-shelled.
The kernel is not, like most of the hickories, divided by
partitions, and it has a very delicate and agreeable flavor.
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. +

Besides these two most valuable species, our forests
produce the Pignut hickory (C. porcina), a lofty tree with ‘
five to seven pairs of leaflets, so called from the compara
tive worthlessness of its fruit; which is very thick-shelled,
and generally is left on the ground for the swine, squirrels,
etc., to 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 of this section. The thick Shellbark hickory

* 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.
+N. A. Sylva, i. 168.

198 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

(C. laciniosa) resembles much in size and appearance the
common Shellbark; 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 Mockernut 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) isa
very inferior 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 timber are much inferior to those of all the other
hickories.

Tue Mountain Aso Tres. Pyrus.*

Na. Ord. Rosacee. Lin. Syst. Icosandria, Di-Pentagynia.

The European Mountain ash (Pyrus aucuparia) is an
elegant tree of the medium size, with an erect stem,

* Sorbus of the old Botanists.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 199

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
seattered over the outer surface of the tree, and give it 4
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 favorite with birds; and
in Germany it is called the Vogel Beerbaum, 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
Mountain 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 85 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 Thomas Lauder informs us that this
superétition is still in existence in many parts of the High-
lands, as well as in Wales. It is probable that this tree
was a groat favorite with the Druids; for it is often seen
growing near their ancient mystical circles of stones. The
dairymaid, 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 cus-
tomary in Wales to plant this tree in churchyards; and
Miss Kent in her Sylvan Sketches; makes the following
remarks :—‘In former times this tree was supposed to be

* Lightfoot, Flora Scotica.

200 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

possessed of the property of driving away witches and evu
spirits ; and this property is alluded to in one of the stanzas
of a very ancient song, called the Laidley Worm of Spin-
dieton’s Heughs.
‘ Their spells were vain ; the boys return’d
To the Queen in serrowful mood,

Crying that “ witches have no power
Where there is rowan-tree wood 2?”

“ 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 favorite 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 planta-
tions or collections, as it grows in almost any soil or situa-
tion, takes but little room, and is always interesting. “In
the Scottish Highlands,” says Gilpin, “on some rocky
mountain 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
@ proportion, they add some of the most picturesque furni-

* Arboretum et Frrticetum, p. 918

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 201

ture with which the sides of those rugged mountains are
invested.” We have seen the Mountain ash, here, display-
ing itself in great beauty, mingled with a group of hemlocks
from among the deep green foliage of which, the coral
berries of the former seemed to shoot out; their color
heightened by the dark back ground of evergreen
boughs.

The American Mountain ash (Pyrus Americana) is a
native of the mountains 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 color
of the fruit, which on our native tree is copper colored 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 pin-
nated, but simply serrated on the margin. It grows 30 feet

202 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

high, and as the foliage is dark green on the upper side, and
downy white beneath, it presents an effect greatly resem-
bling 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,
however, 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.

Tue Artanrus Tree. Ailantus.

Nat. Ord. Xanthoxylacee. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Monecia.

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 vigor
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
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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL’ TREES. 203

~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 tc
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
generally known by the name of the Celestial tree, and is
much planted in the streets and public squares. For such
situations 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 a picturesque tree, 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 producing 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 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.

® Annales de la Societé d’Horticulture.

204 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 propagated by suckers, and is now one of the
commonest ornamental trees sold in the nurseries. The
finest trees, however, are those raised from seed.*

Tue Kentucky Corres Trez. Gymnocladus. +

Nat. Ord. Leguminose. Lin. Syst. Dicecia, 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 Tennessee. Sixty feet is
the usual height of the Coffee tree in those soils; and
judging from specimens growing under our inspection, it
will scarcely fall short of that altitude, in well cultivated
situations, anywhere in the middle states.

When in full foliage, this is a very beautiful tree. The
whole leaf, doubly compound and composed of a great
number 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 effect by

* We think public opinion has very much changed about this tree, since the
early editions of this work. Being then but newly introduced, and having (to
Americans) the very great merit of growing with remarkable rapidity, it was
very much sought after, and is now, we think, as universally neglected. The
exceedingly disagreeable odor of its flowers and young wood, and the trouble-
some habit of suckering, have quite thrown it into disfavor, especially since its
place can be now supplied by a much more effective tree, from the same coun-
try (Japan): the Paulownia—growing with equal rapidity, and having an early
Spring bloom, of great beauty and sweetness of perfume.—H. W.S.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 205

the loose, tufted appearance of each individual leaf. The
flowers, which are white, are borne in loose spikes, in
the beginning of summer; and are succeeded by ample
brown pods, flat and somewhat curved, which contain six
or seven large grey seeds, imbedded in a sweet pulpy
substance. As the genus is dicecious, 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
pioneers 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 flavor of the Indian plant; and no
use is at present made of it in that manner. It has,
however, a fine, compact wood, highly useful in building o
cabinet-work.

The Kentucky Coffee tree is well entitled to a place in
every collection. In summer, its charming foliage and
agreeable flowers render it a highly beautiful lawn tree ;
and in winter, it is certain y one of the most novel trees,
in appearance, 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, blunt,
terminal branches, without any perceptible buds. Alto-
gether 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

206 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

in winter ; yet, as it is not so, but a rare and very unique
exception to the usual beautiful diversity of spray and
ramification, it is highly interesting to place such a tree as
the present in the neighborhood 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.*

=< ea

[Fig. 88. The Kentucky Coffee Tree.)

The seeds vegetate freely, and the tree is usually
propagated 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. [osack’s seat
Hyde Park, N. Y., which have fruited for a number of years. See Fig. 38.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 207:

Tue Wititow Trez. Saliz.

Nat. Ord. Salicacez. Lin. Syst. Dicecia, Diandria.

A very Jarge 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.* ‘They are generally remarkable for their narrow
leaves, and slender, round, and flexible branches.

There are few of these willows which are adapted ta
add to the beauty of artificial scenery; but among them
are three or four trees, which, from their peculjar
character, deserve especial notice. These are the Weep-
ing, or Babylonian willow (Salix Babylonica), the White,
or Huntington willow (8. alba), the Golden willow
(S. vitellina), the Russell willow (S. Russelliana), and the
profuse Flowering willow (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 renders 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. Salix caprea is deserving a place in collections
for the beauty of its abundant blossoms at an early and
cheerless period in the spring.

* Dr. Barratt of Middletown, Conn., who has paid great attention to the

willow, enumerates 100 species, as growing in North America, either
indigenous or introduced.

208 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

The chief, and indeed almost the only value of these
willows in Landscape Gardening, is to embellish low
grounds, streams of water, or margins of lakes. When
mingled with other treés, they often harmonize so badly
from their extremely different habits, foliage, and color,
that unless very sparingly introduced, they cannot fail to
have a bad effect. On the banks of streams, however,
they are extremely appropriate, hanging their slender
branches over the liquid element, and drawing genial
nourishment from the moistened soil.

“ Le saule incliné sur la rive penchante,
Balangant mollement sa téte 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,
connected 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.

In landscapes, the Weeping willow is peculiarly express.
ive 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
‘ntermix 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. The favorite place, where
it is most true to nature and itself, is near water,
where

* it dips
Its pendent boughs, stooping as if to drink.” Cowrer.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 209

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
surrounding 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 o1 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, mag-
nificence, or architectural beauty; as it does not in any
way contribute by its form or outline to add to or
strengthen such characteristics 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 ornamented 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 aring
or hoop, and the appearance of a branch in full foliage is
not unlike a thinly curled ringlet; whence its :commor
name. It forms a neat, middle-sized tree, with drooping
branches, though hardly so pendent as the Weeping
willow.

The uses of the willow are extremely numerous. Abroad
itis extensively cultivated in a timber and fuel,

210 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 uten-
sils, harness, cables, and even for the houses of the pea-
santry 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 plantations, 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 (S. 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 lowlands. “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 consi-
dered 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
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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, 2h

greatly used in making charcoal for the manufacture of
gunpowder.

It is almost unnecessary 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 vigor.

Tue Sassarras Tree. Laurus.
Nat. Ord. Lauraceae. 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 found, more or less plentifully, through the whole
territory of the United States. In favorable 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 favorite ingredient,
with the branches of the spruce, in the small beer made by
the country people. Medicinally, it is considered anti-
scorbutic 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.

212: LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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
partially 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, grey 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
common a tree as many of those already noticed, it is gene-
rally 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.

Tur Catatra Tree. Catalpa.

%
Nat. Ord. Bene Lin. Syst. Diandria, Monogynia.

A native of nearly all the states south and west cf Vir-
ginia, this tree has 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
Catawba 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 corrup-
tion 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,

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 213

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 color is a pure and
delicate white, and the inner 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 pendent upon the branches
during 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
plantations it is much valued 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
avery 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 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.

214 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 seasoned, to that of the locust in
durability.

Michaux 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 neighborhoods 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
extremely rapid. . C. syringafolia is the only species.*

Tae Persimon Tree. Diospyros.
Nat. Ord. Ebenacez. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Diecia.

The Highlands of the Hudson, and about the same
latitude 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 the middle states; but we have seen a

* This was quite true when the above chapter was written. Since when, we

have C. bungei, C. kamferi, and C. himmalayensis —the first two being
dwarfs.

‘DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 215

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 autumnal frosts have
mellowed it and lessened its harshness, when it becomes
quite palatable. Considerable quantities of the fruit are
annually brought into New York market and its vicinity,
from New Jersey, and sold: the produce is very abundant,
a single 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
being 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 resi-
dence. The common sort (D. Virginiana) grows readily
from the seed.

There is an European Species (Dyosporus 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
unprotected, so that it will probably not prove hardy in the
northern states.

216 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Tue Perzriner Tree. Nyssa.
Nat. Ord. Santalacezx. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Dicecia.

The Peperidge, Tupelo, or sour gum tree, as it is callea
'n 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
downwards 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
account of its beautiful, dark green, and lustrous foliage in
summer, and the brilliant fiery color 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 introduc-
tion 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 of this continent, viz. the Black gum (N. Sylvatica),

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 217

a tree of greater dimensions, and larger, more elongated
leaves, whose northern boundary is the neighborhood of
Philadelphia; the Large Tupelo (N.. 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 (NV. capitata), with long, smooth, laurel-like
leaves, and 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
southern states, and are little known north of Philadelphia.

The wood of all the foregoing trees is remarkable for
the peculiar arrangement of its fibres; which, instead of
running directly through the stem in parallel lines, are
curiously twisted and interwoven together. Owing to
this circumstance 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 wheel-
wrights, 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.

21s LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Tur Tuorn Trer. Crategus.
Nat. Ord. Rosacez. 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. ozycantha), 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 induced to mention it here, and to enforce its
claims in that point of view, as they appear to us highly
entitled to consideration. 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
indigenous kinds are the Scarlet Thorn tree (C. coccinea),
and its varieties, the Washington Thorn (C. populifolia),
and the Cockspur Thorn (C. crus-gailli) ; 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,

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, 219

poetic, and legendary associations which belong tv 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 favorite 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 dedi-
cated 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 Hawthome tree,
Which finely cloathed in a robe of white,
Fills full the wanton eye with May’s delight.
Court or Lovz.

And Herrick has left us the following lines to “Corrina
going a Maying :”

* Come, my Corrina, come ; and coming marke
How eche field turns a street, eche 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 Hawthome, 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 flics, .

220 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-like look when the tree, standing alone, is com-
pletely covered with them in October. There are some
elegant varieties of this species, which highly deserve cul.
tivation for the beauty of their flowers and foliage. Among
them we may particularly notice the Double White, with
beautiful blossoms like small white roses; the Pink and the
Scarlet flowering, both single and double, and the Varie-
gated-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 compo-
sition when it forms the undergrowth or thicket, peeping
out in all its green freshness, gay blossoms, or bright fruit,
from beneath 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 different
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 different parts
of the pleasure-ground or shrubbery.

Tue Macnoua Tres. Magnolia.
Nat. Ord. Magnoliacen. Lin. Syst. Polyandria, Polygynie.

The North American trees composing the genus Magnolia
are certainly among the most splendid productions of the
forests in any temperate climate; and when we consider

DECIDUOUS. ORNAMENTAL TREES. 221

the 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 Central Asia, it belongs exclusively to this continent, as
no individuals 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. grandiflora), 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 color. 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
several varieties, which have been raised from the seed of
this species abroad; the most beautiful is the Exmouth
Magnolia, with fine foliage, rusty beneath ; it produces its

222 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

flowers much earlier and more abundantly than the original
sort.

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. acuminata), (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.
grandiflora, are also about six inches long and four brvad,
acuminate 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
cylindrical in shape. Most of the inhabitants of the,
zountry 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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 223

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 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,
pointed at both ends; the flowers are also large, white,
and numerous ; and the conical fruit-vessel containing the
seeds, assumes a beautiful rose-color 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 Carclina. 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 diffusing a most
agreeable odor. 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

224 LANDSCAPE GARDENING:

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,
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 bouquets are gathered in the season
of its inflorescence, brought to New York and Philadel-
phia, and exposed for sale in the markets. It is rather a
large bush, than a tree; with shining, green, laurel-like
leaves, four or five inches long, somewhat 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. purpurea), which
produces an abundance of large delicate purple blossoms
early in the season ; the Yulan or Chinese White Magno-
lia (M. conspicua), a most abundant “bloomer, bearing
beautiful white, fragrant flowers in April, before the leaves
appear; and Soulange’s Magnolia (Af. Soulangiana), a
hybrid between the two foregoing, with large flowers
delicately tinted with white and purple. These succeed
well in sheltered situations, 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.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 225

rich soil; which in nearly all cases, to secure their
luxuriance, should be improved by adding thereto some
leaf mould or decayed vegetable matter from the woods
When transplanted from the nursery, they should be
preferred of small or only moderate size, as their succulent
roots are easily injured, and they recover slowly when
large. Most of them may be propagated from seed ; but
they flower sooner, grow 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 superbly beautiful objects upon
a lawn in their rich summer garniture of luxuriant foliage,
and large odoriferous flowers, that they need no further
recommendation from us to insure their regard and
admiration from all persons who have room for their
culture. If possible, situations 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.

Tue Wuitsz-woop, or Tune Tree. Liriodendron.
Nat. Ord. Magnoliacer. 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
15

226 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 states, where indeed the
growth of forest trees is astonishingly vigorous, this tree
far exceeds that altitude. The elder Michaux mentions
several which he saw in Kentucky, that were fifteen and
sixteen feet in girth; and his son confirms the measure-
ment of one, three miles and a half from Louisville, which,
at five feet from the ground, was found to be twenty-two
feet and six inches in circumference, with a corresponding
elevation of 130 feet.

The foliage is rich and glossy, and has a very peculiar
form; being cut off, 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 pleasant, 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 acone. 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 favorable 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,

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, 227

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 neighbors of the park or forest. Even when at its
loftiest elevation, 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 trunks almost archi-
tectural in their symmetry. The leaves also, from their
bitterness, are but little liable to the attacks of any insect.

228 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

This tree was introduced into England about 1668 3 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 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 light 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
extensively employed for the panels of coaches, doors,
cabinet-work, and wainscots. 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. tulipifera) ; 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.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 229

Tut Doewoop Tres. Cornus.
Nat. Ord. Cornacee. Lin. Syst. Tetrandria, Monogynia.

There are a number of small shrubs that belong to this
genus, but the common Dogwood (Cornus florida) is the
only species which has any claims to rank asa 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 a picturesque small tree, and owes
its interest chiefly to the beauty of its numerous blossoms
and fruit. The leaves are oval, about three inches 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 surrounded by the invglucrum, 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,

230 . LANDSCAPE GARDENING,

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
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 color it assumes is a deep lake-red; and it is at that
season as easily known at a distance by its fine coloring,
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
Dogwood tree should fairly come under the protection of
the picturesque planter, and well deserves a place in the
pleasure-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
Philadelphia,.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
country 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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 231

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 color of its fine oval scarlet berries.
These are as large as a small cherry, transparent, and hang
for a long time upon the tree. The leaves are 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.*

Tue Sanispuria, on Ginko TREE.
Nat. Ord, Taxacew. 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
color; 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

* (Cornus variegata), the Variegated Dogwood, with leaves curiously blotched

with white, and (C. sanguinea), with its young shoots of a bright scarlet-—very
showy in Winter, are both very desirable varieties.—H. W.S.

232 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

and Japan, the native country of this tree. They are eaten
after having been roasted or boiled, and are considered
excellent. :

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 trans-
planting. Its measurement is forty feet in elevation, and
three in circumference. 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
greyish color. 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

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 2383

near a Pagoda, an immense Ginko tree, with a trunk
nearly torty feet in circumference, and still in full vigor of
vegétation.*

Although nearly related to the Pine tribe, and forming,
apparently, the connecting link between the conifere 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 har-
monize well with buildings, we would recommend that it
be planted 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
acquisition to our catalogue of trees of the first class. It
has hitherto been propagated chiefly from layers; but cut-
tings 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
already 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.

# Bull. do la Soc. d’Agr. du départ de |’Herault. Arb. Brit.

234 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,

Tue American Cypress Tree. Taxodium.
Nat. Ord. Conifere. Lin. Syst. Moncecia, Monadelphia.

The Southern or Deciduous cypress (Tarodium disti.
chum)* is one of the most majestic, useful, and beautiful
trees of the southern part of North America. N aturally, ‘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 subjéct 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 abundantly, over a range of country more than 3000
miles in extent.

“Tn 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 scaffolds five or six feet from the ground
The roots of the largest stocks, particularly of such as are

* Cupressus disticha.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 235

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,
and I have never succeeded in obtaining shoots by wound-
ing their surface and covering them with the 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 foliage 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
separately, 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 uneven 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 orna-
mental tree ; and while, in the South, its great abundance

#N. A. Sylva. ii.:332.

286 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

causes it to be neglected or disregarded as such, its rarity
here allows us fully to appreciate its beauty. North of the
48° 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. That garden was founded by the father
of American botanists, John Bartram, who explored the
southern and western territories, 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 Cypress, a tree of noble dimensions,
measuring at this time 130 feet in height and 25 in circum-
ference. The tree was held by Bartram’s son, William,
while his father assisted in planting it, ninety-nine years

-ago. 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
neighboring 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
aresemblance 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 remarkably picturesque aspect. This is also

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 237

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.

In composition, the Cypress produces the happiest effect,
when it is planted with the hemlock and firs, with which
it harmonizes well 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
proportions, it requires a soil where its thirsty roots can
drink in a sufficient supply of moisture. There its growth
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 framework 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

238 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,

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 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.”
Br. Hau.

Tue Larcu Tres. Lariz.
Nat. Ord. Conifere. Lin. Syst. Moneecia, 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

‘ DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 239

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.

(Fig. 86. -The European Larch.]

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. It 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
perhaps more valuable, as being more rare,—the expression
of boldness and picturesqueness peculiar to itself, and

240 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 with the gloomy grandeur of those
frowning heights.

Like all highly expressive and characteristic trees, much
more care is necessary in introducing the Larch into
artificial scenery judiciously, than round-headed trees. If
planted in abundance, it becomes monotonous, from the
similitude of its form in different specimens; it should
therefore be introduced 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 pic-
turesque 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 scenery 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
necessary one to enable it to thrive well on those very
rocky and barren soils, Where it is most in character with
the surrounding objects. It is highly valuable to produce
effect or shelter 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.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 241

‘he 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 along time. Vitruvius
relates that when Cesar 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 fagots, and set fire to the whole. When,
however, all the former were consumed, he was astonished
tu find the Larch tower uninjured.*

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 ;
aud 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 walking stick, without
finding just such a proportion of red wood compared to its
diameter as a ‘ree, as you will find in the largest Larch tree
in the forest, compared 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
aud 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,
* Newton's Vitruvius, p. 40.

16

242 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

y

while those that were ‘made of the Larch remained
altogether unchanged. -

Besides the foregoing species (Larix Europea)*we have
two native sorts ‘much resembling it; which are chiefly
found:in the’ states of Maine, Vermont, and New
Hampshire. These are known by the names of the Red
Larch (L. Microcarpa).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 moisture can be commanded, as their peculiar
forms are striking, though not so finely picturesque as that
of the European species.

* A very curious and remarkable addition to the varieties of this genus is
(Laria pendula) the Weeping Larch, differing from our (Pendula Americana)
_ American Weeping Larch, and much more extraordinary. When worked ten
or fifteen feet’ high, the inclination of the branches and spray is immediately
downward, and when gently swayed by the wind, it is excessively graceful and
: pretty. We do not know a more distinctive and striking tree, or one more
Tare. Tt seems difficult to transplant—at least this is.our experience—and it
“ ean only be increased by grafting by approach. Nurserymen are apt to” work
' it too low: it should never be grafted ata less distance than ten to twelve fect
_-7and for some years, it should be supported by a stout stake, as the tree is apt
to be top-heavy. This curious variety was found accidentally, if we remember
“right, some ten to fifteen years since, in a nursery near Hereford, England, by
‘ » Mr. Godsall, and is known in English nurseries as Zarta communis pendula
Godsalit. Laria Grifithii, the Sikkin Larch, and Abdies kemferi (though at
, Present classed as ain Abies, we believe may prove to be Larch), are two very
* new varieties, too expensive at present to be generally introduced. A Kamferi,
known also as the Golden Pine of China, is very highly extolled for its beauti-
ful green in Summer, and golden color in Autumn or Winter.—H. W, 8.

Fic, 36.—LARGE-LEAVED Macwotta, at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Age, 10 yrs. Ht. 89 ft.

Fic. 35.—Weertna Larcn, at Wodenethe. Age, 8 yrs.

Cir. 35 ft.

Height, 12 ft.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES, 243

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 Ame-
rican Larch appears to be more stiff and formal (except
far north) than the foreign tree.

Tue Virewra Tree. Virgilia.*
Nat. Ord. Leguminacee. Lin. Syst. Decandria, Monogynia.

This fine American tree, still very rare in our orna-
mental 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 discovered, after the poet Virgil, whose
agreeable Georgics 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 that of most 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 than
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

* Cladeastris tinctoria. Torrey and Gray.

244 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

clusters are six or eight inches in length, and quite bioad,
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 effect 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 fine yellow
coloring matter, which, however, is said to be rather
difficult to fix, or render permanent. The bark is
beautifully smooth, and of a greenish grey color. In
autumn, the leaves, when they die off, take a lively yellow
tint.

This tree grows pretty rapidly, and is very agreeable in
its form and foliage, even while young. It commences
flowering when about ten or fifteen feet high, and we can
recommend 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. Quite 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 pro-
fusely.

DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL IREES, 245

Tue Pavtownta Trev. Paulownia.

Nat. Ord. Scrophulariacex. 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 is remarkable for
the large size of its foliage, and the great rapidity of its
growth. The largest leaves are more than two feet in
diameter, slightly rough or hairy, and serrated on the
edges. They are heart-shaped, and have been likened to
those of the Catalpa, but they perhaps more nearly re-
semble 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, syringa-like
perfume.

Should the Paulownia prove as hardy as (from our fine
dry summers for ripening its wood) we confidently
anticipate * it will beworthy of a prominent place in every
arrangement of choice ornamental trees.

* We doubt if this tree proves quite as hardy as Mr. D>wning believed,
Our own trees, some of the oldest in the country, have missed their bloom for
three years—though previously, they had blossomed regularly and well. It
is not impossible that, as the tree gets older, and its growth less rampant, it

may ripen off its wood better, and thus be in a better condition to resist
Spring frosts.—H. W. 8.

246 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 ComMPosITION.
Their Cultivation, etc. The Pines. The Firs. The Cedar of Lebanon, and the
Deodar Cedar. The Red Cedar. The Arbor Vite. The Holly. The Yew, etc.

Beneath the forest’s skirt I rest,
Whose branching Pines rise dark and high,
And hear the breezes of the West
Among the threaded foliage sigh.
BRYANT.

Tae Pine Tres. Pinus.

Nat. Ord. Conifere. Lin, Syst. Moncecia, Monodelphia.

= HE Pines compose by far the most

important genus of evergreen trees.

In either continent they form the

eeceewes densest and most extensive forests
known, and their wood in civil and naval architecture,
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

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 247

—the mountains of Switzerland and the Alps, the shores
of the Baltic, vast tracts in Norway, Sweden, Germany,
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 temperature 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 arborescent 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 Popocatapetl, as high as 12,693 feet, beyond which
altitude vegetation ceases entirely.t

The Pines are, most of them, trees of considerable
magnitude and lofty growth, varying from 40 to 150 or
even 200 feet in height in favorable 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 horizontal 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 number 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 extracted, and forms in the

* Edinburgh Phil. Journ.
+ Proc. Geological Soc Lond. Arb. Brit.

248 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

various shapes of tar, pitch, rosin, turpentine, balsam, ete.
a considerable article of trade and export.

As ornamental trees, the Pines are peculiarly valuable
for the deep verdure of their foliage, which, unchanged by
the severity of the seasons, is beautiful at all periods, and
especially 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 particular-
ize those species, natives of either hemisphere, that are
most valuable to the planter, and are also capable of
enduring the open air of the middle states.

The White Pine (P. strobus), called also Sapling Pine,
and Apple Pine, in various parts of this country, and
Weymouth Pine abroad, is undoubtedly the most beautiful
North American tree of the genus. The foliage is much
lighter in color, 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 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 gravelly site; there it shoots up witha
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 being 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 rather a melancholy sound —

“ The pines of Mc:nalus were heard to mourn,
And sounds of woe along the grove were borne,”

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 249

says Virgil, speaking of the European Pine. But the
murmur of the slight breeze among the foliage of the
White 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 awakens,
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 formentire. From
its pleasing growth and color, we consider it by far the
most desirable kind for planting in the proximity of
buildings, 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 becomes cracked and rough, like that of the other

250 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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
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
northern regions. In Maine, New Hampshire, and
Vermont, the White Pine abounds 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 Kennebec, 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 his high top’s extent

To make the mountains touch the stars divine,
Decks all the forest with embellishment.

1

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.

* Dwight’s Travels, Vol. iv. p. 21—26.

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 251

whence it is sometimes called the Spruce Pine. The term
Yellow Pine arises from the color of the wood as contrasted
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 color. 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
circumference. In plantations, it has the valuable property
to recommend it, of growing on the very poorest lands.

The Pitch Pine (P. rigida) is a very distinct sort,
common in the whole of the United States east of the
Alleghanies. 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 where these characters predominate. The leaves
are collected in threes, and the color 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 growin various parts of
the country, both on the most meagre soils and in moist

252 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

swamps, with almost equal facility. In the latter situations
they are, however, comparatively destitute of resin, but the
stems often rise to 80 feet in elevation.

The foregoing are the finest and most important species
of the north. The Red Pine (Pinus rubra) and the Grey
Pine are species of small or secondary size, chiefly indige-.
nous to British America. The Jersey Pine (P. inops) isa
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-leavec
Pine (P. Australis), 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 flavor. 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. Teda) 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 Pinus

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 253

Lambertiana, in honor 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
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 root, 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 grandis and nobilis, are almost as lofty as
the foregoing sort; while Pinus monticola and P. Sabi-
niana 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. sylvestris), 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

254 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

4

valuable in new places. The Stone Pine (P. pinea) isa
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 naked column of great height, forms one of the chief
and peculiar beauties in Italian scenery, and in the living
landscapes 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 :

3 mark the Stone Pine; while its thickly massed foliage,

| clustering cones, and rough bark, render it distinct and
strikingly interesting.

The Corsican Pine (P. laricio) 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
remarkably well upon the barren chalk downs of England.
Pinus cembra is a very slow growing, though valuable
kind, indigenous 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 Himalaya mountains of Asia; and
from the great elevation at which they are found growing
wild, we have reason to hope that they will become natu-
ralized in our climate.

We must not leave this extensive family of trees without

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 255

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
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
tuel 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 sap furnishes
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
abundance, and so long ago as 1807, the exportation ot
them to England alone amounted to nearly $800,000 in

that single year.

256 LANDSCAI£ GARDENING.

Tur Fir Trees. Abies.
Nat Ord. Conifere. Lin. Syst. Monec‘a, Monadelplhia.

The Fir trees differ from the Pines, to which they are
nearly related, in having much shorter leaves, which are
placed singly upon the branches, instead of being 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
manner 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),
sometimes also called the American Silver Fir, is one of
the most ornamental of our native evergreens. It is found
most abundantly 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 never 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 tops of the branches. It
is one of the most beautiful evergreens for planting in
grounds 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 be, they are still interesting, as they

Yaa
Be aey.
NN

oe SES et
x Sante

F:a 87,—The SILVER Fir, at the Residence of Dr. Johnson, Germantown, Pa.
Age, 57 years, Helght, ~00 feet.

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 257

display the same symmetry as full grown trees. The deep
green color 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 trunks of trees of this
species are found small vesicles or blisters, filled with a
liquid resin, which is extracted and 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 favorable soil. It
grows slowly during the first twenty years, but afterwards
advances with much more rapidity. It thrives well, and
is quite hardy in this country.

The Norway Spruce Fir (A. communist) is by far the
handsomest of that division of the Firs called the Spruces.
It generally rises with a perfectly straight trunk to. the
neight 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

* The true Balm of Gilead is an Asiatic herb, Amyris'gileadensis. | .
t Abies excelsa.

17

258 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

beautifully pendent, and greatly increase the beauty of. ar
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
beautiful one. It then generally branches not quite down
to the ground; and its fine, sweeping, feathery branches
hang down in the most graceful and pleasing manner.
There are some superb specimens of this species in various
gardens of the middle states, 80 or 100 feet high.

The Black, or Double Spruce (A. nigra), 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 Bruns-
wick and Lower Canada. The leaves are quité short and
stiff, and clothe the young branches around the- whole
surface ; and the whole tree, where it much abounds, has
rather a gloomy aspect. In the favorable 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 further south, except in swamps, where
its growth is much less strong and vigorous. Mingled
with other evergreens, it adds to the variety, and the
peculiar coloring 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
project more from the branches. The color, however, is a
distinguishing characteristic between the two sorts ; for
while in the Black Spruce it is very dark, in this species it

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES, 259

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
multiplied in the extreme northern portions of the Union ;
and abounds more or less, in scattered groups and thickets,
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 valleys. .
In the Highlands of the Hudson it grows in great luxuri-
ance ; and in one locality, the sides of a valley near Crow’s
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 color. The foliage, 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.

260 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 ornamental, 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 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
building; 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 Hemlock 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 of this
country 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

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 261

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.

In fine country residences abroad, it is becoming
customary to select some extensive and suitable locality,
where all the species of Pines and Firs are collected
together, and allowed to develope themselves in their
full beauty of proportion. 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 ele-
gant. One of the largest and oldest collections of this
kind is the Pinetum of Lord Grenville, 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.

262 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

’

Turn Crepar or Lesanon Tres. Cedrus
Nat. Ord. Conifere. - Lin. Syst. Moneecia, Monadelphia.

The Cedar of Lebanon is universally admitted by
European 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 neighboring heights
of the lofty groups of Asia.Minor. There it once covered
immense forests, 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 diminished in number,
though there are still. specimens measuring thirty-six feet
in circumference. ‘Mount Lebanon is inhabited by nu-
merous Maronite. Christians, who hold annually 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,
having 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

Fic, 38.—CepaR OF Lesaxon, at Woodlawn, near Princeton, N. J. Height, 36 ft.

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 263

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 develop-
ment, 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 representation of a superb specimen
now growing at Sion House, the seat of the Duke of
Northumberland, which is 72 feet high, 24 in circum-
ference, and covers an area, with its huge depending
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, Scotland, in the year 1748. The mea-
surement is the circumference of the trunks, and shows
the rapid increase after they have attained a large size.

Increase in -
1801. 1820. 1825. 1833. 32 years.
|
ft. in. ft. in. | ft. in. ft. in. ft. in.
First Cedar, | 10 0 13 14] 14 0 15 1 5 1
‘Second do. 8 6 10 94] 11 4 12 3 3 9
Third do. 710 | 9 9§|10 8 ll 6 3 8
A Chestnut measured at the same periods, only increased 2 7

Ezekiel xxxi.

264 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

From the above table, it will be seen how 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
admirably 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 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 cultivation 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 favorable to this Cedar,
in the parks and gardens of Europe, are sandy or gravelly
soils, either with a moist subsoil underneath, or in the
neighborhood of springs, or bodies of water. In such places
it is found to advance with a rapidity equal to the Larch,

* 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.

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES, 265

one of the fastest growing timber trees, as we have already
noticed.

The Deodara, or Indian Cedar (Cedrus Deodara), 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 color, and are both longer and broader than
those of the latter species. In some parts of Upper India
it 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

266 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Great Britain where it has been tried, even as far north as
Aberdeen, where, as in many other places, it is found
hardier than the Cedar of Lebanon. It is readily propa-
gated 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 pre-
cisely those for the Cedar of Lebanon.

Tue Rep Cevar Tree. Juniperus.
Nat. Ord. Conifer. Lin. Syst. Dicecia, Monadelphia.

The Red Cedar is a very common tree, indigenous to
this country, and growing in considerable abundance from
Maine to Florida; but thriving with the greatest luxuriance
in the sea-board states. When fully grown, the Red Cedai
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 color 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
indeed a picturesque tree. Then its branches shooting vut

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 267

in a horizontal direction, clad with looser and more pendent
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
peculiar. There is a very fine natural avenue of Red
Cedars near Fishkill landing, in Duchess 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
reddish hue of the perfect wood. This has a fragrant odor,
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 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.

Tue Arson Vira Tres. Thuja.
Nat. Ord. Conifere. Lin. Syst. Moncecia, Monadelphia.

The Arbor Vite (Thuja occidentalis), sometimes also
called Flat Cedar, or White Cedar, is distinguished from

268 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

most evergreens by its flat foliage, composed of a great
number 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 almost every stage of growth; generally assuming the
shape of an exact cone or pyramid of close foliage, of con-
siderable extent at the base, close to the ground, and nar-
rowing upwards to a sharp point. So regular is their
outline in many cases, when they are growing upon
favorable 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 inter-
mingling it promiscuously with other trees of less artificial
forms. But the Arbor Vite, from this very regularity, is
well suited to support and accompany scenery when objects
of an avowedly artificial character predominate, as buildings,
etc., where it may be used with a very happy effect. There
is also no evergreen tree indigenous 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 perfectly 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 upwards.

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 269

The only fault of this tree as an evergreen, is the
comparatively dingy green hue of its foliage in winter
But to compensate 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 Vite is very abundant in New Brunswick,
Vermont, and Maine. In New York, the shores of the
Hudson, at Hampton landing, 70 miles above the city of
New York, are lined on both sides with beautiful speci-
mens 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 Vite, and the stem
rarely measures more than ten or twelve inches in
diameter.

The wood is very light, soft, and fine-grained, but is
reputed to be equally durable with the Red Cedar. It
is consequently employed for various purposes in build-
ing and: fencing, where, in the northern districts, it
grows in sufficient abundance, and of suitable size.

The Chinese Arbor Vite (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 species. Bnt 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 spheroida*), which belongs
to the same genus as the Arbor Vite, is a much loftier

* Cupressus thuyoides of the old botanists.

270 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 Vite, 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 Philadelphia 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
colored than that obtained from the Pine.”

Tue American Hotty Tres. Ilex.
Nat. Ord. Aquifoliacer. Lin. Syst. Diccia, Tetrandria.

The European Holly is certainly one of the evergreen
glories of the English gardens. There its deep green,
glossy foliage, and bright coral berries, which hang on for
along time, are seen enlivening the pleasure-grounds and
shrubberies throughout the whole of that leafless and
inactive period in vegetation—winter. It is also, in our
mother tongue, inseparably connected with the delightful
associations of merry Christmas gambols and feastings,
when both the churches and the dwelling-houses are

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 271

decorated with its boughs. We have much 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
further north.

A beautiful succedaneum, however, may, we believe, be
found in the American Holly (lex 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 color 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 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
always 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 favorite plants for verdant sculpture, in the
ancient style of gardening. Evelyn, in the edition of his

272 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 expen
sive 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 refreshing 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 can show in my poor gardens, at any time of the
year, glittering with its armed and varnished leaves? The
taller standards at orderly distances blushing with their
natural coral. It mocks the rudest assaults of the weather,
beasts, or hedge-breaker :—

‘Et illum nemo impune lacessit.’”

Tur Yew TREE. Taxus.
Nat. Ord. Taxacer. Lin. Syst. Moncecia, 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
foliage is flat, linear, and is placed in two rows, like that of
the Hemlock tree, though much darker in color. The
flowers are brown or greenish, and inconspicuous, but they
are succeeded 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

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 273

berries have an exquisitely 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. “Tn 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 picturesque. 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.

eee Si

(Fig. 89. The English Yew.)

In England, it has been customary, since the earliest
settlement of that island by the Britons, to plant the Yew
in churchyards ; and it is therefore as decidedly conse-
crated to this purpose there, irs the Cypress is in the south

274 « ANDSCAPL GARDENING.

of Europe. For the decoration of places of burial it is
well adapted, from the deep and perpetual verdure of its
foliage, which, conjointly with its great longevity, may be
considered as emblematical of immortality.

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 anywhere
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 failing verdure. It appears to
grow most vigorously and thrive best on a rich and heavy
soil, and in situations 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. 8.
fastigiata), remarkable for its dark green foliage, and very
handsome, upright growth, and the Yellow berried Yew
(T. 6. fructo-flava), are the most ornamental.

The North American Yew (T. canadensis) is a low
trailing shrub, scarcely rising above the height of four or
six feet, though the branches extend to a considerable
distance. 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

VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 275

SECTION VI.

VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS.

Value of this kind of Vegetation. Fine natural effects. The European Ivy. Tha
Virginia Creeper. The Wild Grape Vine. The Bittersweet. The Trumpet Creeper,
The Pipe Vine, and the Clematis. The Wistarias. The Honeysuckles and Wood-
bines. The Jasmine and the Periploca. Remarks on the proper mode of introducing
vines. Beautifal effects of climbing plants in connexion with buildings.

Quite over-canopied with lush woodbine,
With sweet musk roses, and with eglantine.
SHAKSPEARE.

INES and climbing plants are
objects full of interest for the Land-
scape 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 plea.

sure-ground.

276 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Climbing plants may be classed among the adventitious
heauties of trees. Who has not often witnessed with
delight in our native forests, the striking beauty of a noble
tree, the old trunk and fantastic branches of which were
enwreathed with the luxuriant «nd pliant shoots and rich
foliage of some beautiful vine, clothing even its decayed
limbs with verdure, and hanging down in gay festoons o1
loose negligent masses, waving 1a 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 favorites 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 trunk, and hanging in careless drapery from
the lower branches, adds greatly to the elegance of even
the most admirable tree. Spenser describes the appear-
ance 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 renew
Her brother’s strokes, whose boughs she doth enfold

With her lythe twigs, till they the top survew,
And paint with pallid green hor buds of gold.”

VINES AND ‘CLIMBING ‘PLANTS. Q77

The fine contrasts between the darx coloring of the
leaves of the Ivy, and the vernal and autumnal tints of
the foliage of deciduous trees, are also highly pleasing.
Indeed this fine climbing plant may be turned to advantage
in another 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 extensive 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 beautiful objects than they were when
arrayed in their own natural foliage.”

The Ivy is not only ornamental 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 accelerate their decay.
This vine is the inseparable accompaniment of the old

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, eighty miles above New York.
One of the most beautiful growths of this plant, which has

278 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

ever met our eyes, is that upon the old mansion in the
Botanic 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
dark grey 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 vigorous,
are much admired for the singular color 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, oy the little rootlets which spring out of the branches ;

VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 279

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 autumn they far surpass those of that plant in the
rich and gorgeous coloring 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
borrowed glories of the Virginia Creeper; but we particu-
larly 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 coloring of the
Virginia Creeper, like a half-concealed, though glowing
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 thé
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 arnple drapery around on every
side, until they sweep the ground. We have seen very
beautiful effects 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

280 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

scandens) is another well known climber, whicn ornaments
our wild trees. Its foliage is very bright and shining, and
the orange-colored 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
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
picturesque 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 color
on the outside, and orange within. The Trumpet Creeper
is a native of Virginia, Carolina, and the states further
south, where it climbs up the loftiest trees. It is a great
favorite in the northern states as a climbing plant, and very
beautiful effects 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 orna-
mental 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 Birthwort
(Aristolochia sipho). Itis 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

VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 281

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 ex-
trem‘ty, the whole flower resembling, as close as possible,
avery small Dutchman’s pipe, whence the vine is frequently
so called by the country people. It flowers in the begin-
ning of summer, and the foliage, during the whole growing
season, has a very rich and luxuriant appearance. Arvsto-
lochia tomentosa is a smaller species, with leaves and
flowers of less size, the former 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 Atragene,
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 and its varieties), which, though slender in their
stems, run to considerable height, are very pretty, and
blossom profusely. The sweet scented and the Japan
Clematis (C flammula and C. florida), the former
very fragrant, and the latter beautiful, are perhaps too

282 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

tender, except for ‘the garden, where they are highly
prized.

The Glycine or Wistaria (Wistaria pubescens) is a
very beautiful climbing plant, and adds much to the
gracefulness 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 universally admired. The
Chinese Wistaria (W. sinensis) is a very elegant species
of this plant, which appears to be quite hardy here; and
when loaded with its numerous large clusters of pendent
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 common in our gardens, where they are universally
prized for their beauty and fragrance. In their native
localities they grow upon trees, and trail along the rocks.
The species which ascends to the greatest height, is the
common European Woodbine,* which twines around the
stems, and hangs from the ends of the longest branches of

trees:
« As Woodbine weds the plaut within her reach,

Rough Elm, or smooth-grained Ash, or glossy Beech,

Tn spiral rings ascends the trunk, and lays

Her golden tassels on the leafy sprays.”

CowPER.
* 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. 288

The Woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum) has separate,
opposite leaves, and buff-colored or paler yellow and red
blossoms. There is a variety, the common monthly
Woodbine, which produces its flowers all summer, 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.

The finest of our native sorts are the Red and Yellow
trumpet Honeysuckle (L. sempervirens‘ and L. flava),
which have the terminal leaves on each branch joined
together 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 numerous 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. pubescens), with large, hairy, ciliate leaves, and fine
large tawny or orange-colored flowers. It is a very
luxuriant plant in its habit, and a very distinct species to
the eye. All these native sorts have but very slight
fragrance.

The Chinese twining Honeysuckle (L. flexuosa) is
certainly 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 colored, and is also sub-ever-
green, 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 yellow within. It grows

'284 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

remarkably fast, climbing to the very summ t of trees in a
‘short time ; and the flowers, which first appear in June.
are deliciously fragrant. In all its varieties the Honey-
suckle 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 stem
of the old forest tree, where—

« With clasping tendrils it invests the branch,
Else unadorn’d, with many agay festoon,
And fragrant chaplet ; recompensing well
The strength it borrows with the grace it lends.”

There it diffuses through the air a delicious breath, that
renders a walk beneath the shade of the tall trees doubly
delightful, while its flowers give a gaiety and brightness
to the park, which forest trees, producing usually but
inconspicuous blossoms, could not alone impart.

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
winter, and are therefore better fitted for the gardén. 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 Gardener—the Michigan and the Boursalt trees.
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 Pratries, is

VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 285

most admired for its large rich buds and blossoms of a deep
rose color.

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
are 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 Kuropean
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) out of the garden, as even
there it requires a slight 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 Carolina 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
Periploca, which grows very rapidly to the height of 40
or 50 feet, and bears numerous branches 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 double flowers in June. All these fine
climbers, and several others to be found in the catalogues,
may, in the hands of a person of taste, be made to
contribute in a wonderful degree to the variety, elegance,
and beauty of a country residence; and to neglect to
introduce them would be to refuse the aid of some of the

286 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

most beautiful accessories that are capable of being com-
bined with trees, as well as with buildings, gardens, and
fences.

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 something in the
worst possible taste. There are some trees whose rugged
and ungraceful forms would refuse all such accompani-
ment ; and others from whose dignity and majesty it would
be improper to,detract even by adding the gracefulness of the
loveliest vine.

Although we are not now writing of buildings, it is not
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 country
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.

Almost every man feels prouder of his home when it is
a pleasant spot for the eye to rest upon, than when it is
situated 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 humblest cottage, is infinitely better employed than in
lounging about in idle and useless dissipation.

TREAYMENT OF GROUND.—FORMATION OF WALKS. 287

SECTION VIL

TREATMENT OF GROUND.—FORMATIUN OF WALKS.

Nature of operations on Ground, ‘Treatment of flowing and irregular surfaces ta
heighten their expression ; flats, or level surfaces. Rocks, as materials in Landscape.
Laying out Roads and Walks: Directions for the Approach: Rules by Repton. The
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.”
é CowPERr.

ROUND is undoubtedly the most un-
wieldy and ponderous material that comes

‘ Wes) under the care of the Landscape Gardener.
“Tt is not only difficult to remove, the
operations of the leveller rarely extending below two or
three feet of the surface; but the effect produced by a
given quantity of labor 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 ar 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 compared with
the latter.
‘For these reasons, the operations to be performed

288 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

upon ground in this country, will generally be limited
to the neighborhood of the house, or the scenery directly
under the eye. Here, by judicious levelling and smooth-
ing 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 surround-
ing landscape.

Reads 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.

The Approach is by far the most important of these
routes. It is the private road,. leading from! the public
highway, 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
expenditure of art necessary in its formation. It is true,
the simplicity of design was often more than counter-
balanced by the difficulty 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
Gardening, 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, disvlaying not

TREATMENT OF GROUND.—-FORMATION OF WALKS. 289

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 leading in a direct line from the gate to the
heuse, 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
highway 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 man-
sion 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 modern 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 Approach 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 reascn, either real or apparent.
19

290 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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, an“ to curve round the
eminences. This is an excellent method, so long asit does
not lead us in too circuitous a direction, nor, as we before
hinted, make the road itself too uneven. When either of
these happens, the easy, gradual flow of the curve in the
proper direction, must be maintained by levelling or
grading, to produce the proper surface.

Nothing can be more unmeaning than to see an Ap-
proach, 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 ar-
ranged as to appear necessarily to wind round the. groups of
trees, which otherwise 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 connexion with the various other
groups, masses, and single trees, in the adjacent lawn, will
in most 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 consideration, at what point or points the first

TREATMENT OF GROUND.—FORMATION OF WALKS. 29]

view of the house shall be obtained. If seen a‘ 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, unfavorably. The best,
and indeed the only way to decide the matter, is to go
over the whole ground covered by the Approach route
carefully, and select a spot or spots sufficiently near to
give the most favorable and striking view of the house
itself. This, if openings are to be made, can 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 cele-
brated 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
‘principally.

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 conspicuous ; and where the high road
may appear to branch from the approach, rather than the
approach from the high road.

292 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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
appear 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
approach, there should be no temptation to quit it (which
will ever be the case if the road be at all circuitous),
unless sufficient 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 pro-
prietors are often much perplexed and puzzled by the
situation of their houses; the building presenting really
two 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 situated, much the most

.

* Repton’s Inquiry into the Changes of Taste in Landscape Gardening, p. 109.

TREATMENT OF GROUND.—FORMATION OF WALKS. 2938

elegant effect is preduced 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 enhanced by this arrange-
ment, for the visitor, after passing by the Approach through
a considerable portion of the grounds, with 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 different from the last, enriched 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 stranger had already driven round and alighted on the
river front.

The Drive is a variety of road rarely seen among us, yet
which may be made a very agreeable feature in some of
our country residences, at a small expense. It is intended
for exercise 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 approach terminates, viz. near the
house: and from thence, proceeds in the same easy curvi-
linear 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 favorite point of
view, or interesting spot on the landscape ; or at others it

294 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

leaves the lawn and traverses the farm, giving the pro-
prietor 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 beintroduced into every
scene, however 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 pro-
menade 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 sammer. Others again may lead to
some sequestered spot, and terminate in a secluded rustic
seat, or conduct to some shaded dell or rugged eminence,
where an extensive prospect can be enjoyed. Indeed, the
genius of the place must suggest the direction, length, and
number of the walks to be laid out, as no fixed rules can be
imposed in a subject so everchanging and different. It
should, however, never be forgotten, that the walk ought
always to correspond to the scene it traverses, being rough
where the latter is wild and picturesque, sometimes scarcely
differing from a common footpath, and more polished as
the surrounding objects show evidences of culture and high
keeping. In direction, like the approach, 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
spectator to pursue the search; but in the modern style, at

TREATMENT OF GROUND.—FORMATION OF WALKS. 295

every few rods, a new turn in the walk opens a new
prospect to the beholder, and “leads the eye,” as Hogarth
graphically expressed it, “a kind of wanton chase,” con-
tinually affording new refreshment and variety.

Fences are often among the most unsightly and offensive
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 for enjoyment.
It is frequently the case that, on that side of the house
nearest the outbuildings, fences are, for convenience,
brought in its close neighborhood, 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 imme-
diately 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

296 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

thousand times superior to such a fence. Bui there is
never one instance in a thousand 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 we 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. The common Arbor Vite
(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 Hawthorn, 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

TREATMENT OF GROUND.—FORMATION OF WALKS. 297

vrowth ;* and in the middle states, the Maclura, or Osage
Urange, is becoming a favorite 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 con-
nexion with highly artificial objects, buildings, etc.), a
more agreeable 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 obtained 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
cottage 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 (Cedar being preferable) 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 Buckthom 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.

298 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

The sunken fence, fosse, or ha-ha, is an English in
vention, used in separating that portion of the lawn neaz
the house, from the part grazed by deer or cattle, and is
only a ditch sufficiently wide and deep to render com-
munication difficult 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
maintaining a proper connexion between the house and the
grounds, a subject which is scarcely at all attended to, or
its importance even recognised as yet among us.

TREATMENT OF WATER. 299

SECTION VIII.

TREATMENT OF WATER.

Beautiful effects of this element in nature. In what cases it is desirable to attempt the
formation 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 water-
falls. Legitimate sphere of the art in this department.

—— The dale
With woods o’erhung, and shage’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.
Tomson.

HE delightful and captivating effects 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 surrounding 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 overhanging sky, give it an almost

300 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

magical effect in a beautiful landscape. The murmur of
the babbling brook, that

“In linked sweetness long drawn out,”

falls upon the ear in some quiet secluded spot, is inex-
pressibly soothing and delightful to the mind; and the
deeper sound of the 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 mono-
tonous view may be enlivened by the presence of water in
any considerable quantity; and the most picturesque and
striking landscape will, by its addition, receive a new
charm, inexpressibly enhancing all its former interest.
In short, as no place can he 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.

o

Fleuves, ruisseaux, beaux lacs, claires fontaines,
Venez, portez partout la vie et la fraicheur?

Ah! qui peut remplacer votre aspect enchanteur ?

De prés il nous amuse, et de loin nous invite:

C’est le premier qu’on cherche, et le dernier qu’on quitte.
Vous fécondez les champs ; vous répétez les cieux ;
Vous enchantez loreille, et vous charmez les yeux.”

In this country, where the progress of gardening and
improvements 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 expen-
diture on a few entailed places, as in the residences of the
English nobility, the formation of large pieces of water

TREATMENT OF WATER. 301

at great cost and extreme labor, woud be considered
both absurd and uncalled for. Indeed, when nature hag
so abundantly spread before us such an endless variety of
superb lakes, rivers, and streams of every size and descrip-
tion, the efforts of man to rival her great works by mere
tmitation, would, in most cases, only become ludicrous by
contrast.

When, however, a number of perpetual springs clustez
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 possession 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,
ind.cate 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 per
fectly smooth, flat banks on every side, and resemble a
huge basin set down in the middle of a green lawn.

302 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Lakes or ponds are the most beautiful forms in which
water can be displayed in the grounds of a country
residence.* 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
im the bottom of a small 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
diverted 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

* Owing to the immense scale ppon which nature displays this fine ideiosat
in North America, every sheet of. water of moderate or small size ‘is almost
universally called a pond. And many a beautiful, limpid, natural expanse,
which in England would be thought a charming lake, is here simply 4 pond
The term mar be equally correct, but it is by no means as elegant.

TREATMENT OF WATER. 303

height of the head and consequent depth of water deter-
mined upon, is the proposed form or outline of the whole.
And, as we have already rejected all regular and geometric
forms, in scenes where 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
vegetation of all heights, from the low sedge that grows
on its margin, to the tall tree that bends its branches over
its limpid wave ; but he will also perceive a striking pecu-
liarity in its irregular outline. This, he will observe, is
neither round, square, oblong, nor 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 con-
nexion. In the heights 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
banks 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

304 ; LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

another, and connect themselves together, and the effect
which, surrounding the water, they produce as a whole, he
will have some tolerably correct ideas of the way in which
an artificial lake ought to be formed.

Let him go still further 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 labors must com-
mence; for uncouth and apparently mis-shapen as those
banks are and must be, when raw and unclothed, to exhibit
all their variety and play of light and shadow when verdant
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 incom-
plete 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 in such irregular form, and is so
undulating, receding, and projecting in various parts, that
when the water is dammed up by the head below, the
natural outline formed by the banks already existing, is
sufficiently varied to produce a pleasing effect without much
further preparatory labor. This, when it occurs, is exceed-
mgly fortunate; but the examples are so unfrequent, that
we must here make our suggestions upon a different sup-
position.

When, therefore, it is found that the form of the intended
lake would not be such as is desirable, it must be made so
Ly digging. In order to do this with any exactness the

TREATMENT OF WATER. 805

improver should take his stand at that part cf the ground
where the dam or head is to be formed, and raising his
levelling instrument to the exact height to which the
intended 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 circumference
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 leveller,
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
instrument) 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 perceptible, he can be guided, as we have already
suggested, by no fixed rules, but such as he may deduce
from the operations 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
vegetation, 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, aa at others perhaps three, four,

306 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,

or six times as much. This they will do, not in the same
manner in all portions of the outline, sloping away with a
like gradual rise on both sides, for this would inevitably
preduce tamencss and monotony, but in an irregular and
varied manner; sometimes falling back gradually, some-
times starting up perpendicularly, and again overhanging
the bed cf 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 consequencé how roughly and
irregularly the projections, elevations, etc., of the banks
and outlines are at first made, so that some general form
and connexion is preserved. The danger lies on the other
side, viz. in producing a whole too tame and insipid ; for
we have found by experience, how difficult it is to make
the best workmen understand how ‘o operate in any othe:
way 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.

In arranging these outlines and banks, we should study
the effect'at the points from which they will generally be
viewed. 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 approaches the lake. They are most generally seen

TREATMENT OF WATER. 307

from one, and seldom from more than twosides. Whena
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 @’wil from those
positions can often be greatly increased by some trifling
alterations in arrangement. A piece of water which is long
and comparatively narrow, appears extremely different
in opposite points of view; if seen lengthwise frem 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 ourselves 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
picturesque, resembling the choicest morceauz of natural
banks, he should go a step further in arranging his materials
before he introduces the water, or clothes the margin with
vegetation. In analysing 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 surrounding banks, and the trees and verdure with
which they are clothed. These are, rocks of various size,
forms, and colors, often projecting 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. Al}
these have much to do with the expression of a truly pic-

308 LANDSGAPE GARDENING.

turesque bank, and cannot be excluded or taken away from
it without detracting largely from itscharacter. There is
no reason, therefore, in an imitation of nature, why we
should not make use of all her materials to produceasimilar
effect; and although in the raw and rude state of the banks
at first, they may have asingular and rather outré 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 perfectly 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 further, to increase the
variety 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 color 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 richness to the picture.

The distribution of islands in a lake or pond requies
some judgment. They will always appear most natural
when sufficiently near the shore, on either side, to maintain
in appearance some connexion 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 effects of the whole expanse by dividing it inte

TREATMENT OF WATER. 309

two distinct 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 remark-
able for size, and will add nothing to the appearance of the
whole view from the usual points of sight, it may be con-
cealed by an island or small group of islands, placed at
some little distance 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 possible 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 inden-
tations, 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
habitations, if it coincide with the taste of the proprietor,
may be made for different aquatic birds or waterfowl,

310 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

which will much enliven the scene by their fine plumage.
Among these the swan is pre-eminent, for its beauty and
gracefulness. 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.

After having arranged the banks, reared up the islands,
and completely formed the bed of the proposed lake, the
improver will next proceed, at the proper period, to finish
his labors 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 favorable, 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
leading principle that we have already laid down for
ornamental plantations in other situations. That is, there
must be trees of different 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, connexion must be preserved, and the whole must be
made to blend well together, 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

TREATMENT OF WATER. 31]

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
allow 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 fine low shrubs, growing wild, which are by nature
extremely well fitted for such sites, and will produce
immediate effect 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 fragrant. 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 projecting 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 (Lysamachia nummularia), will still further
increase the intricacy and richness of such portions. In
this way, the borders of the lake will resemble the finest
portions of the banks. of picturesque and beautiful natural
dells and pieces of water, and the effect of the whole wher

aed

312 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 bitsof fine landscape. A morestriking
and artistical 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.

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 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, some-
times 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, show-
ing various colored 10cks 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

TREATMENT OF WATER. 313

quiver and play upon the surface of the flood, and are
reilected 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
greatly by a few trifling alterations and additions, when
they chance to come within the bounds of a country resi-
dence. Occasionally, they may be diverted from their
original beds when they run through distant and unfre-
quented parts of the demesne, and brought through nearer
portions of the pleasure grounds or lawn. This, however,
can only be done with propriety when there is a natural
iadication in the grounds through which it is proposed to
divert it—as a succession of hollows, etc., to form the
future channel. Sometimes, a brisk little brook can be
divided into smaller ones for some distance, again uniting
at a point below, creating additional diversity by its vary-
ing 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 obstruc-
tions, loose stones, branches, etc., or hollowing away the

* The Abbe Délille has given us a fino image of a brook thus divided, in
the following lines :—
“ Plus loin, il se sépare en deux ruisseaux agiles,
Qui, se suivant l’un l’autre avec rapidité,
Disputent de vitesse et de limpidité ;
Puis, rejoignant tous deux le lit qui les rassemble,
Murmurent enchantés de voyager ensemble.
Ainsi, toujours errant de détour en détour,
Muet, bruyant, paisible, inquiet tour a tour,
Sous mille aspects divers son cours se renouvelle.”

814 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

adjoining bank for a short distance, fine little expanses or
pools of still water may be formed, which are happily con-
trasted with the more rugged course of the rest of the
stream. Such improvements of these minor water courses
are much preferable to widening them into flat, insipid,
tame canals or rivers, which, though they present greater
surface to the eye, are a thousand times inferior in the
impetuosity of motion, and musical, “babbling sound,” so
delightful in rapid brooks and rivulets.*

Cascades and water-falls are the most charming features
of natural brooks ard 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.t 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-
eades are easily imitated, by following exactly the same

* The most successful improvement of a natural brook that we have ever
witnessed, has been effected in the grounds of Henry Sheldon, Esq., of Tarry-
town, N.Y. The great variety and beauty displayed in about a fourth of a
nile of the course of this stream, its pretty cascades, rustic bridges, roekwork,
etc., reflect the highest credit on the taste of that gentloman.

t+ 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 cata-
tacts that we have seen in the grounds of any private residence. Fig. 41 isa
view of the larger cascade which falls about 60 feet over a bold, rocky bed.

TREATMENT OF WATER. 815

course, and damming up the little brook artificially ; stu-
diously avoiding, however, any formal and artificial dis-
position 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 ;* 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, 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
portions 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

* Tt is found that strong loam or any tenacious earth well prepared by
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.

316 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 occa-
sional 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 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 displayed so as to harmonize agreeably with natural
and picturesque 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 opposition to the whole character and expres-
sion of natural landscape. In architectural, or flower
gardens (on which we shall hereafter have occasion to
offer 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 wil’ combine well with the other accessories of such

TREATMENT OF WATER. 317

places. But in the grounds of a residence in the modern
style, nature, if possible, still more purified, as in the great
chefs-d’euvre 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 admirably painted
landscape, in the reproduction of nature in her choicest
developments. Indeed, many of the most celebrated
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:
“LARTE CHE TUTTO FA, NULLA SI SCOPRE.”

318 LANDSCAPE GARDENING

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. Entrance 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 viewed as an art of taste,
is asubject so important and
comprehensive in itself, that

volumes would be requisite
to do it justice. Buildings of every description, from the
humble cottage to the lofty temple, are objects of such
constant recurrence in every habitable part of the globe,
and are so strikingly indicative of the intelligence.
character, and taste of the inhabitants, that they possess
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 or later felt, of every man: excepting

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 319

only those wandering sons of Ishmael, who pitch their
tents with the same indifference, 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 in its immediate vicinity, where
space is limited, where buildings stand crowded together,
and depend for their attractions entirely upon the style
and manner of their construction, mere architectural
effect, after convenience and fitness are consulted, is of
course the only point to be kept in view. There, the
fagade, which meets the eye of the spectator from the
public street, is enriched and made attractive by the
display of architectural style and decoration, commen-
surate 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
complaint to make, for many of our town residences aré
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 com-
bination with any other object in the scene, but only
serves to call up the exclamation,

Avaunt, stiff pile! why didst thou stray
From blocks congenial in Broadway!

Yet almost daily we see built up in the country huge

320 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

combinations of boards and shingles, without the least
attempt at aaaptation to situation; and square masses
of brick start up here and there, in the verdant slopes
of our village suburbs, appearing as if they had been
transplanted, by some unlucky incantation, from the close-
packed neighborhood of city residence, and left acciden-
tally in the country, or, as Sir Walter Scott has re-
marked, “had strayed out to the country for an airing.”
What then are the proper characteristics of a rural
residence? 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 connexion, 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 architectural
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
« 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 happily 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 archi-
tectural knowledge. And he will perceive how much

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 32]

more likely to be successful are the efforts of him, who, in
composing and constructing a rural residence, calls in tc
the aid of architecture, the genius of the landscape ;—
whose mind is imbued with a taste for beautiful scenery,
and 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 rural 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 outlines, 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 contributing 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.

The leading principles which should be our guide in
Landscape or Rural Architecture, have been condensed
vy an able writer in the following heads. “Ist, As a
useful art, in FITNESS FOR THE END IN VIEW: 2d, as an
art of design in EXPRESSION OF PURPOSE: 3d, as an art
of taste, in EXPRESSION OF SOME PARTICULAR ARCHITEC-
TURAL STYLE.”

The most enduring and permanent source of satisfaction
in houses is, undoubtedly, ae In a country residence,

322 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

therefore, of whatever character, the comfort arid con
venience of the various members of the family being the
first and most important 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 requires, would be but
poorly compensated for by a fanciful exterior or a highly
ornate style of building. Further than this, fitness will
extend to the choice of situation; selecting a sheltered
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 appre-
ciated and acted upon in the United States, we. have
certainly great need of apology for the flagrant and almost
constant violation of the second principle, viz. the expres-
sion of purpose. By the expression of purpose in
buildings, is meant that architectural character, cr
ensemble, which distinctly points out the particular use or
destination for which the edifice is intended. In a

RURAL ARCHITECTURE 828

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
building. 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 chimneys, are the suitable and easily
recognised characteristics of the barn. Were any one to
commit so violent an outrage upon the principle of the
expression of purpose as to surmount his barns with the
tall church spire, our feelings would at once cry out
against the want of propriety. Yet how often do we
meet in the northern states, with stables: built after the
models of Greek temples, and barns with elegant Venetian
shutters—to say nothing of mansions with none but
concealed chimney-tops, and without porches or append-
ages 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! ?

-“The 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 architecture, although independent of any
particular style; in the same manner as the reasons for
things are altogether independent of the language m
which they are conveyed. As in literary composition, no
beauty of language can ever compensate for poverty of
sense, so in architectural composition, no beauty of style
can ever compensate for want of expression of purpose.”
Applying this excellent principle to our own country

1

324 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 studiously conceal them. But in a
climate where fires are requisite during a large portion ot
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, there- °
fore, 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.

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 325

Much of the picturesque effect of the ola English and
Nialian 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
unornamented part. Examples are not wanting, in all the
different styles of architecture, of handsome and character
istic chimneys, 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 o1 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 dignity and importance to that entrance, pointing
it out to the stranger as the place of approach. A fine
country 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 medias res,
without the friendly preparation of a single word of intro-
duction. Porches are. susceptible of every variety of form
sad decoration, from the embattled and buttressed portal
of the Gothic castle, to the latticed arbor porch of the
cottage, around which the festoons of luxuriant climbing
plants cluster, giving an effect not less beautiful than the
richly carved capitals of the classic portico.

,

326 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

In this country no erchitectural feature is more plainly
expressive of purpose in our dwelling-houses than the
veranda, 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 round many of our country residences siands
instead 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 archi-
tecture 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 append-
age. 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 expression of purpose in
domestic architecture, because they recall to the mind the
different uses to which they are applied, and the several
enjoyments connected with them, also contribute greatly
to the interest of the building itself, and heighten its good
effect as part of a harmonious whole, in the landscape
The various projections and irregularities, caused by
verandas, porticos, etc., serve to connect the otherwise
square masses of building, by gradual transition with the
ground about it.

The reader, who thus recognizes features as expressive

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 327

of purpose in a dwelling intended for the habitation of man,
we 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 the beauty of style, will confer at all times
another, 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 emo-
tions 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
buildings, and to it both convenience and the expression
of purpose 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

828 LANDSCAPE GARDENING

any country ; and mainly, we believe, because the architect
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 harmo-
nize with a certain kind of scenery.

The reader is, we trust, already familiar with our
division of landscapes into two natural classes,—the
Beautiful 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 ix
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
Classical and the Romantic schools of design. The
Classical comprises the Grecian style, and all its near and
direct offspring, as the Roman and Italian modes; the
Romantic school, the Gothic style, with its numberless
variations of Tudor, Elizabethan, Flemish, and old Fnglish
modes.

It is easy to see, at a glance, how well these divisions
correspond with our Beautiful and Picturesque phases of
Landscape Gardening, so that indeed we might call the
Grecian or Classical style, Beautiful, and the Gothic or

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 329

Romantic style, the Picturesque schools in architecture
in classical buildings, as in beautiful landscape, we are led
to admire simplicity of forms and outlines, purity of effect,
and grace of composition. Inthe Romantic or Picturesque
buildings, we are struck by the irregularity of forms and
outlines, variety of effect, and boldness of composition.
What, therefore, can be more evident in seeking ‘tc
produce unity of effect than the propriety of selecting
some variations of the classical style for Beautiful
landscape, and some species of romantic irregular building
for Picturesque landscape ?

In a practical point of view, all buildings which have
zonsiderable simplicity of outline, a certain complete 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 graceful beauty—where the lawn or surface is level or
gently undulating, 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 picturesque character, abounding in striking varia-
tions 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,
originally a variation of the classical style, but which, in
becoming adapted to different and more picturesque
situations, has lost much of its graceful character, and has

330 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

become quite picturesque in its outlines andeffects. Of
this kind are the Swiss and the bracketed cottage, and the
different highly irregular forms of the Italian villa. The
more simple and regular variations of these modes of
building, may be introduced with good effect in any plain
country ; while the more irregular and artistical 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 sub-
lime 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, is, 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 kinds 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 rurai
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

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 331

Athens, which still remain in a sufficient degree of pre-
servation to bear ample testimony to the high state of
architectural art among the Greeks. Each of the five
orders was so nicely determined by their profound know-
ledge of the harmony of forms, and admirably executed,
that all modern attempts at improving them have entirely
failed, for they are, individually, complete models.

As it is admitted, then, that Grecian architecture is
intrinsically beautiful in itself, and highly interesting in
point of associations, it may be asked, what are the objec-
tions, if any, to its common introduction into domestic
Rural Architecture ?

We have already avowed that we consider fitness and
expression of purpose two leading principles of the first
importance in Rural Architecture, and Grecian architec-
ture in its pure form—viz., the ¢emple—when applied to
the purposes of domestic life, makes a sad blow at both
these established rules. The comforts of a country resi-
dence are so various, that verandahs, porches, wings
of different sizes, and many other little accommo-
dations expressive of purpose, become necessary, and,
therefore, when properly arranged, add to the beauty
of Rural Architecture. But the admirer of the truc
Greek models is obliged to forego the majority of these ;
and to come within the prescribed form of the rectangular
parallelogram, his apartments must be of a given size and
a limited number, while many things, both exterior and
interior, which convenience might otherwise prompt, have
to bow to the despotic sway 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

portico alone!

332 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

It has been well observed
by modern critics, that there

*y is no reason to believe the

_ temple form was ever, even
” by the Greeks, used for pri-
vate dwellings, which easily
accounts for our compara-
tive failure in constructing

t

[Fig. 40, Roman Residence.] well arranged, small resi-
dences in this style.

The Romans, either unable to compose in the simple
elegance and beauty of the Grecian style, or feeling its
want of adaptation to the multifarious usages of a more

[Fig.41. View at Presque Isle, the residence of Wm. Denning, Esq., Dutchess Co., N. ¥.]

luxurious state of society, created for themselves what is
generally considered a less beautiful and perfect, yet which
is certainly a more rich, varied, and, if we may use the

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 333

term, accommodating style. The Roman style is dis.
tinguished from its prototype 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,
unornamented exteriors, to the most highly decorated
facades ; and instead of being confined to the few fixed
principles of the Greek, the greatest latitude is often
observed in the proportions, forms, and decorations 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
beautiful mode for domestic purposes, that has been the
direct offspring 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.

* Perhaps the finest facade of a private residence, in America, is that 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.

334 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

“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 cam-
panile, boldly contrasted 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 and disposed out-buildings, all
combine to form that picturesque 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

273

{Fig 42. A Villa in the Italian style.]

ridged, being formed abroad of semi-cylindrical tiles, which
give a distinct and highly marked expression to this
* Toudon’s Ency. of Arch. p. 95].

+ In this country, owing to the greater number of fires, the effect would be
mproved by an additional number of chimney-tops.

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 335

portion of the building.* 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 projecting from single windows, or
sometimes from connected rows of windows, which are
charming places for a coup dail, or to enjoy the cool
breeze—as they admit, to shelter one from the sun, of a
fanciful awning shade, which may be 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.

(Fig. 43. Residence of Gov. Morehead, North Carolina.]

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 Europe; while by increased thickness of walls and

* 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 zine or tin coverings. The bold projection of the eaves, in the Italian
style, offers great protection to a house against storms and dampness.

336 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

closeness of window fixtures, the houses may also be made
of the most comfortable description in winter.

The Italian chimney-tops, unlike the Grecian, are
always openly shown and rendered ornamental; and as
we have already 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 character, without interfering
with convenient internal arrangements, while at the same
time this style has the very great merit of allowing
additions to be made in almost any direction, without
injuring the effect of the
original structure; indeed
such is the variety of sizes
and forms which the dif-
ferent parts of an Italian

villa may take, in perfect
[Fig. 44. ‘The New Haven Suburban Villa.*] 8ccordance with architec-
tural 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,

* 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 exceed-
ingly neat edifices may be considered as models for this kind of dwelling.
Fig. 44, without being a precise copy of any one of these buildings, may be
taken as a pretty accurate representation of their general appearance.

URAL ARCHITECTURE, 337

even were it in this single point alone, the Italian style is
superior to the Grecian for rural residences.

Pleasing associations are connected with Roman and
{talian architecture, especially to those who have studied
their effect in all the richness and beauty with which they
are invested in the countries where they originated ; and
they may be regarded with a degree of classic interest by
every cultivated 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 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 pro-
ductive 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.
Vases, and other beautiful architectural ornaments, may
now be procured in our cities, or imported direct from
the Mediterranean, finely cut in Maltese stone, at very

22

338 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 interesting in certain situations. To build an exact
copy of a Swiss cottage in a smooth cultivated country,
would, both as regards association and intrinsic want
of fitness, be the height of folly. But in a wild and
mountainons region, such as the borders of certain deep
valleys and rocky glens in the Hudson ‘Highlands, or
rich bits of the Alleghanies, positions may ke found
where the Swiss cottage (Fig. 45), with its low and broad
roof, shedding off the heavy snows, its ornamented
exterior gallery, its strong and deep brackets, and its
rough and rustic exterior, would be in the highest degree
appropriate.

[Fig. 45. 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 possesses

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 339

a good Jeal of character, is capable of considerable pic-
turesque effect, is very easily and cheaply constructed of

wood or stone, and is perhaps more entirely adapted to our

(Fig. 46. The Bracketed Mode.]

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 country houses,
when wood is the material employed in their construction.

Gothic, or more properly, pointed architecture, which
sprang 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 contriv-
ance, 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

340 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

through which streamed a rich glow of rainbow light ; their
various buttresses 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 towards 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 prejudice, 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 construc-
tion of the most celebrated of the Greek temples. Though
they may not exhibit that simplicity and harmony of pro-
portion which Grecian buildings display, 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 archi-
tecture, which, probably, in the hands of artists of great
mathematical 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 openings 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

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 341

area beneath free and unencumbered. Applied, too, to
openings for the admission of light, which were deemed
of comparatively little or no importance by the Greeks, the
arch was of immense value, making it possible to pierce
the solid wall with large and lofty apertures, that diffused
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 invent-
ors, and being entirely wanting in fitness for the purposes
ot 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 apartments. 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 Style, 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
century 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, sur-
rounded by its beautiful park, filled with old ancestral trees ;

842 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

and the pretty, rural, gabled cottage, of more humble pre-
tensions; 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 differ-
ent 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 predominant in the window and door openings,
which in all edifices (except Norman buildings) were lancet-
shaped, or high pointed, in the 18th century ; four centred
or low arched, in the times of Henry VII. and VIII.; ana
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 origin-
ally intended as a shelter to those engaged in defending the

pee building against assaults
ey Modern buildings in the
castellated style, without

_ sacrificing almost every-
., thing to strength, as was
, once necessary, preserve
iz, 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 project-
ing cornices, above the ordinary level of the building. The

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 343

windows are either pointed or square-headed, or perhaps a
mixture. of both. The porch rises into a turreted and
embattled gateway, and all the offices and out-buildings
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
terrace 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,
perhaps, also rather wanting in appropriateness, castles
never having been used for defence in this country.
Notwithstanding these objections, there is no very weighty
reason why a wealthy proprietor should not erect his
mansion in the castellated 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 among us; and the castellated
style is therefore one which we cannot fully recommend
for adoption here. Paltry imitations of it, in materials less
durable than brick or stone, would be discreditable to any
person having the least pretension to correct taste.

The Castellated style never appears completely at home
except in wild and romantic scenery, or in situations where
the neighboring mountains, or wild passes, are sufficiently
near to give that character to the landscape. In such
localities 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
features, combine well with the rugged and spirited

bat

344 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

character of the surrounding objects. To place such a
building in this country 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 excellence of Gothic architecture for domestic
purposes. The. roof often rises boldly here, instead of
being concealed by the parapet wall, and the gables’ are
either plain or ornamented with crockets. The windows
are divided by mullions, and are generally enriched with
tracery in astyle less florid than that employed in churches,
but still sufficiently 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 attended to. Indeed, in the
domestic architecture of this era, the windows and doors
are often sources of great architectural beauty, instead of
being left mere bare openings filled with glass, as in the
Classic styles. Not only is each individual window
divided by mullions into 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,
affect a great variety of forms and sizes. Among these
stand conspicuous the bay and oriel windows. The bay-

‘We Vy

Tf
i it
it

fesse
FE

Fig. 49.—Residence of the Author, near Newburgh, N. Y.

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 345

window, which is introduced on the first or principal floor,
in most apartments of much size or importance, is a
window 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 favorite
direction. This, while it has a grander effect than several
windows of moderate 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 corbelled 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
striking, and the neat parapet wall, either covered with a
moulded coping, or, perhaps, diversified with battlements ;
the latter not so massive as in the castellated style, but
evidently 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
chimney 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

346 LANDSCAPE GARDENING:

that of a simple square roof whose summit is one unbroken
straight line !*

The inclosed entrance porch, approached by three or
four stone steps, with a seat or two for servants waiting, is
a distinctive 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 ceiling 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 dining-room, drawing-room, library, ete.—a marked
and characteristic air.

We have thus particularized the Tudor mansion, because
we believe 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
enjoyment. 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 com-
fortable, and decidedly the most picturesque and striking

* Two miles south of Albany, on a densely wooded hill, is the villa of Joel
Rathbono, Esq., Fig. 50, one of the most complete specimens of the Tudor
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 archi-
tecture.

Fic. 50.—Resid of Joel Rathbone, Esq., near Albany, N. Y.

Fie. 51.—Cottage of S E. Lyon, Esq., White Plains, N. Y.

are iN aN ( uy

Fia. 52 —Cottage Residence of Thomas W. Ludlow, near Yonkers, N Y.

Fia. 58.—Sunnyside, Residence of Washington Irving, Esq , near Tarrytown, N Y,

RURAL ARCHITECTURE, 347

style, for country residences of a superior class.* The
materials generally employed in their construction in
England, are stone aud 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 olf
Gothic and Grecian in its details—is usually considered as
a barbarous 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 inhabitants. 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 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. 52), it may be adopted for
country residences here in picturesque situations with a
quaint and happy effect.t}

* The residence of Samuel E. Lyon, Esq., at White Plains, N. Y., Fig. 51,
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.

+ A highly unique residence in the old English syle, is Pelham Priory, the
seat of the Rev: Robert Bolton, near New Rochelle, N. Y., Fig. 58. The

348 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

The English cottage style, or what we have denominated
Rural Gothic, contains within itself all the most striking
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 arrange-
ment.

In its general composition, Rural Gothic really differs
from the Tudor style more in that general simplicity
which serves to distinguish a cottage or villa of moderate
size from a mansion, than in any 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 tracery is fre-
quently omitted. Diagonal or latticed lights are also more
commonly seen in the cottage style than in the mansion.
The general form and arrangement of the building, though
of course much reduced, is 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 English 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
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 carving, massive chimney pieces, and old
furniture and armor. Indeed, we doubt if there is, at the present moment
aay recent private residence, even in England, where the spirit of the antique
ts more entirely carried out, and where one may more easily fancy himsclf in

oce of those “ mansions builded curiously ” of our ancestors in the time of
“ good Queen Bess ” =

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 349

adopted, not only appears in the two énds of the main
building, but terminates every wing or projection of almost
any size that joins to the principal body of the house. The
gables are either of stone or >rick, with a handsome
rouided coping, or they are finished with the widely pro-
jecting 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 ornamental octagonal shaft,
rendering 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
picturesque villa of the retired gentleman of fortune. In
the simple form of the cottage, the whole may be con-
structed 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 in the window openings, and indeed,
by a multitude of interior and exterior enrichments gene-
rally 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 con-
sider this one of the most suitable for this country, as,
while it cornes within the reach of all persons of moderate

350 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

means, it unites, as-we before stated, so much of conve-
nience and rural beauty.*

To the man of taste, there is no style which presents
greater attractions, being at once rich in picturesque
beauty, and harmonious in connexion with the surrounding
forms of vegetation. The Grecian villa, with its simpie
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 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 architecture, which, in its chaste
siraplicity, should be regular), it is evident that additions

* The only objection that can be urged against this mode of building, is that
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 be-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.

Tn our Cottage Residences, Design II., we have shown how the comfort of
a full second story, suitable for this climate, may be combined with the expres
sion of the English cottage style. .

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 351

judiciously made will tend to increase this beauty, or afford
nore facility for its display ; while it is equally evident
that in the interior arrangement, including apartments of
every aescription, superior opportunities are afforded for
attaining internal comfort and convenience, as well as
external effect.

The ideas connected in our minds with Gothic
architecture are of a highly romantic and poetical 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 country, is so much our own,
that we form a kind of delightful ideal acquaintance with
the venerable castles, abbeys, and strongholds 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 castellated residence, therefore, in a wild and pictur-
esque situation, may be interesting, not only from its being
perfectly in keeping with surrounding nature, but from
the delightful manher in which it awakens associations
fraught with the most enticing history of the past.

The older domestic architecture of the English may be
viewed in another pleasing light. Their buildings and
residences have not only the recommendation of beauty
and complete adaptation, but the additional charm of
having been the homes of our ancestors, and the dwellings
of that bright galaxy of English genius and worth, which
illuminates equally the intellectual firmament of both
hemispheres. He who has extended his researches, can

352 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 tasteful residence
of Pope at Twickenham ; or the turrets and battlements
of the more picturesque Abbotsford ; and numberless 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 country life, and fondness for all its
pleasures, are so finely displayed in the beauty of their
dwellings, and the exquisite keeping of their buildings and
grounds.

It is this love of rural life, and this nice feeling of
the harmonious 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. Our rural residences, evincing that love of
the beautiful and the picturesque, which, combined with
solid comfort, is so attractive 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 surrounded by its proper
accessories, of greater or less extent, of verdant trees and
heautiful shrubbery.

It is gratifying to see the progressive improvement in
Rural Architecture, which within a few years past has
evinced itself in various parts of the country, and par-

Fic. 54.—A Mansion in the Elizabethan Style.

Fia, 55.—The Residence of the Rev. Robert Bolton, near New Rochelle, N. Y¥.

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 353

ticularly on the banks of the Hudson and Connecticut
Rivers, as well as in the suburbs of our largest cities.
Here and there, beautiful 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 improve

ments having just claims for public favor 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 (Fig. 54), 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 effect 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. 55). The “Legend of
Sleepy Hollow,” so delightfully told in the Sketch-Book,.
has made every one acquainted with this neighborhood,
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 Van Tassel” has been altered and.
rebuilt in a quaint style, partaking somewhat of the
English cottage mode, but retaining strongly marked

symptoms of its Dutch origin The quaint old weather-
23

354 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

cocks 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 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 thread-
ed 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, in the same neighborhood,
furnishes us with another example of the Rural Gothic
mode, worth the study of the amateur. Captain Perry’s
spirited cottage, near Sing Sing, partakes of the same fea-
tures; and we might add numerons other cottages now
building, or in contemplation, which show how fast the
feeling for something more expressive and picturesque.
is making progress among us.

Mr. Warren’s residence, at Troy, N. Y., is a very
pretty example of the English cottage, elegantly fin-
ished internally, as well as externally. A situation in
a valley, embosomed with luxuriant trees, would have
given this building 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

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 355.

directly beneath the living 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 difficulty of adding wings to
the main building for those purposes, which 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 conveniences on the same: floor with
the principal rooms, and communicating if 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, extending 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. Picturesque effect is certainly
mereased by thus extending the pile and increasing the
variety of its outline.

A blind partiality 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

306 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

for architectural, or, indeed, any other species of beauty.
But besides such, there will always be found some men of
finer natures, who have a sympatnetic 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.
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
proprietor, either from the romantic and chivalrous asso-
ciations 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 beau ideal of a 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 are not only handsome architectural
objects in the scenery of country residences of large size,
put 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

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 357

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.

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, service 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 everything which tends
to lessen labor, 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 con-
trivance 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

* In Fig. 56, 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, 8, at the end of the horizontal shaft, a, which shaft is fixed
in a square box or tunnel under the road. The part to the right of the partition
line, f, 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 she gate,

358 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 2
convenient distance, instead of half a dozen rods apart
from the lodge, as is frequently done.

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

[Fig. 56. Plan for opening the ‘gate from the interior of the Lodge.]

lodge in the form of the old English cottage for a castellated

which is opened and shut by the motion of the winch, without obliging tne
nmates to leave the house.

A very convenient way we have found of opening a gate from a lodge, when
at right angles to each other, is by passing a light chain from the latch of the gate
through the walls of the house into the usual sitting-room—here to turn on 3
crank, or simply pulled hand over hand, as the sailors term it. The gato
being hung a little out of plumb, is held open from the house, by the chain,
until a carriage passes, and falls back again, from its own inclination, against a
jog, or projection in the gate-pier to receive it—H. W.S.

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 359

mansion, 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 correspondence in size is also agreeable; where
the dwelling of the proprietor is simply an ornamenta!
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.

:
\

ig!
| Tm
i

at aa =
ng SS SS a

(Fig. 57. The New Gate Lodge at Blithewood.]

The gate-lodge at Blithewood, on the Hudson, the seat
of R. Donaldson, Esq., is a simple and effective cottage in
the bracketed style—octagonal in its form, and very com-
pactly arranged internally.

Nearly all the fine seats on the North river have entrance

360 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

lodges—often simple and but little ornamented, or only
=a pleasingly embowered in

foliage ; but, occasional-
ly, highly picturesque and
striking in appearance.

A view of the pretty
gate lodge at Nether-
wood, Duchess County

rin Ba, The Gate Lodge at Netherwood.] N. Y., the seat of Gardi-
ner Howland, Esq., is shown in Fig. 58. Half a mile
north of this seat is an interesting lodge in the Swiss
style, at the entrance to the residence of Mrs. Sheafe.

In Fig. 59, is shown an elevation of a lodge in the Italian
style, with projecting eaves supported by cantilevers or
brackets, round-headed windows with balconies, character-
istic porch, and other leading features of this style.

LFig. 59. Gate Lodge in the Italian style.]

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.

RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 361

Entrance lodges, and indeed all small ornamental build-
ings, should be supported, and partially concealed, by trees
and foliage ; naked walls, in the country, 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.

Notse.—To readers who desire to cultivate a taste for rural architecture, we
take pleasure in recommending the following productions 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 Archi-
tecture; Goodwin’s Rural Architecture ; Hunt’s Picturesque Domestic
Architecture, and Examples of Tudor Architecture ; Pugin’s Examples of
Gothic Architecture, ete. The most ‘suecéasful 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. 60. The Gardener’s House, Blithewood.]

362 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

SECTION X.

EMBELLISHMENTS ; ARCHITECTURAL, RUSTIC, AND FLORAL.

Value of a proper connexion between the house and grounds. Beauty of the architectural
terrace, and its application to villas and cottages. Use of vases of different descriptions
Sun-dials. Architectural flower-garden. Irregular flower-garden. French flower-garden.
English flower-garden. General remarks on this subject. Selection of showy plants,
flowering in i Arrangi of the shrubbery, and selection of choice shrubs.
The conservatory or green-house. Open and covered seats. Pavilions. Rustic seats.
Prospect tower. Bridges. Rockwork. Fountains of varions descriptions. Judicious
introduction of decorations,

Nature, assuming a more lovely face,
Borrowing a beauty from the works of grace.
Cowrer.

Each odorous bushy shrub

Fenced up the verdant wall ; each beauteous flower ;
Iris all hues, Roses and Jessamine

Rear’d high their flourished heads between,

And wrought Mosaic.

Mus-con.

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 and the grounds.”

EMBELLISHMENTS. 363

Weare well aware that from the comparative rarity of any-
thing like a highly kept place in this country, the want of
this, which is indeed like the last finish to the residence, is
scarcely felt at all. But this only proves the infant state
of Landscape 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
often to be met with, of a place, in the graceful school of
design, about which, nowever, there is felt to be a certain
mecongruity between the house, a highly artificial object,
and the surrounding grounds, where the prevailing ex-
pression 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 border 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 intervals, for some handsome urns, vases, etc.
On the drawing-room side of the house, that is, the side
towards 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 culti-

364 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. /

vation of flowers, or (if the house is not in a very plain
style, admitting of little enrichment) it may be an archi-
tectural flower-garden. In the latter case, intermingled
with the flowers, are to be seen vases, fountains, and some-
times even statues; the effect of the fine colors 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 increased variety and richness
imparted to the whole scene, by the addition of the archi-
tectural and garden decorations. The mind is. led
gradually down from the house, with its projecting porch
or piazzas, to the surrounding terrace crowned with its
beautiful vases, and from thence to the architectural
flower-garden, interspersed with similar ornaments. The
various play of light afforded by these sculptured forms on
the terrace ; the projections and recesses of the parapet,
with here and there some climbing plants luxuriantly
enwreathing it, throwing out the mural objects in stronger
relief, and connecting them pleasantly with the verdure of
the turf beneath; the still further rambling off of vases,
etc., into the brilliant flower-garden, which, through these
ornaments, maintains an avowed connexion with the
architecture of the house; all this, we think it cannot be
denied, forms a rich setting to the architecture, and unites

EMBELLISHMENTSe 365

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-
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 unsatisfactory 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 wholly composed of the most
unsymmetric and desultory forms of mere nature, which
are totally out of character with the mansion, whatever
may be its style of architecture 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
enrichment bestowed upon 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 degree of exterior ornament is visible, or a
Gothic villa of the better class, will allow the additional
enrichment of the architectural terrace and its ornaments.
Indeed the terrace itself, in so far as it denotes a raised dry

® Essay on Ornamental Gardening, by Thomas Hope.

-

366 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 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 sur-
face 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 avase 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, twenty, 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 Vir-
ginia 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
readiy recur to the amateur.

There can be no reason why the smallest cottage, if its
secupant be a person of taste, should not have a terrace

EMBELLISHMENTS. 3867

decorated in a suitable manner. This is easily and cheaply
effected by placing neat flower-pots on the parapet, o1
border and angles of the terrace, with suitable plants grow-
ing in them. . For this purpose, the American or Century
Aloe, a formal architectural-looking plant, is exceedingly
well adapted, as it always preserves nearly the
same appearance. Or in place of this, the
Yuecas, or “ Adam’: needle and_ thread,”
which have something of the same character,
while they also produce beautiful heads of

flowers, may be chosen. Yucca flaccida. is a
fine hardy species, which would look well
in such a situation. An aloe in a common
flower pot is shown in Fig. 61; and a

Yucca in an ornamental flower-pot in
Fig. 62. [Fig 62]

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 situations, not only in the architec
tural flower-garden, but on the lawn, and through the
pleasure-grounds in various different points near the house
We say near the house, because we think so highly arti-
ficial and architectural an object as a sculptured vase, is
never correctly introduced unless it appear in some way
connected with buildings, 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 accompanied 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 twc
objects so. strongly contrasted, in direct union. But when

368 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

we see a statue or a vase placed in any part of the grounds
where a near view is obtained of the house (and its accom-
panying 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.

Vases of real stone, as marble or granite, are decorations
of too costly a kind ever to come into general usé among
us. Vases, however, of equally beautiful forms, are manu-
factured of artificial stone, of fine pottery, or of cast iron,
which have the same effect, and are of nearly equal dura-
bility, 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 plinth 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
permanence. 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 perpen-
dicular position, 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 63 is a Gothic, and Figures 64, 65, are
Grecian 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 6b the pedestal.
These with many other elegant vases and urns are

we manufactured in an artificial stone, as durable as

marble, by Austin of London, and together with a great

EMBELLISHMENTS. 369

variety of other beautiful sculpturesque decorations, may
be imported at very reasonable prices.

Figures 64, 65, are beautiful vases of pottery ware
manufactured by Peake, of Staffordshire—and which may
be imported cheaply, or will be made to order at the Sala-
mander works, in New York. These vases, when colored

LAE TT TITS TOY

to imitate marble or other stone, are ex-
tremely durable and very ornamental.
As yet, we are unable to refer our readers
to any manufactory 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 conse-
quent demand, to induce our artisans to
fg), produce them of equal beauty and of
greater cheapness.
At Blithewood, the seat of R. Donaldson, Esq., on the
Hudson, a number of exquisite vases may gz
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 color is a

warm shade of grey which harmonizes

b

agreeably with the surround-

> ing vegetation.

Large vases are sometimes [Fig. 65.] |

Y filled with earth and planted with choice flow-
ering plants, and the effect of the blossoms and
green leaves growing out of these handsome

receptacles, is at least unique and striking
2

370 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Léudon objects to it in the case of an elegant sculp-
tured vase, “because it is reducing a work of art to the
level of a mere garden flower-pot, and dividing the
attention between the beauty of the form of the vase
and of its sculptured ornaments, and that of the plant
which it contains.” This criticism is a just one in its
general application, especially when vases
are considered as architectural decorations.
Occasional deviations, however, may be per-
mitted, for the sake of producing variety,
especially in the case of vases used as deco-
rations in the flower-garden.

A very pretty and fanciful substitute for
the sculptured vase, and which may take its

place in the picturesque landscape, may be
found in vases or baskets of rustic work, con- (Fig. 67.)

structed of the branches and sections of trees with the
bark attached. Figure 68 is a re-
presentation of a pleasing rustic vase
which we have constructed without
ee difficulty. A tripod of branches of trees
forms the pedestal. An octagonal box
serves as the body or frame of the vase ;
f on this, pieces of birch and hazel (small
(Fig. 68] split limbs covered with the bark) are
nailed closely, so as to forma sort of mosaic covering to the
whole exterior. Ornaments of this kind, which may be
made by the amateur with the assistance of a common
carpenter, are very suitable for the decoration of the
grounds and flower-gardens of cottages or picturesque

villas. An endless variety of forms will occur to an

EMBELLISHMENTS. 371

ingenious artist in rustic work, which he may call in to the
embellishment of rural scenes, without taxing his purse
heavily.

Sundials (Fig. 69) are among the oldest decorations foi
the garden and grounds, and there are scarcely any which
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 favorite 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, beaming out

| when the sunbeams smile upon its dial-plate.

Fig. 69.] The Architectural Flower-garden, as we
have just remarked, has generally a direct connexion 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 walxs. The flowers are generally planted
in beds in the form of circles, octagons, squares, etc., the
centre of the garden being occupied by an elegant vase, a
sundial, or that still finer ornament, a fountain, or jet d'eau.
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, resembling that of the terrace to
which it is connected, is continued round the whole of

372 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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
superior to the general flower-garden, as an appendage
to the house, on two accounts. First, because, as we
have already shown, it serves an admirable purpose
n effecting a harmonious union between the house and the
grounds. . And secondly, because we have both the rich
verdure and gay blossoms of the flowering plants, and the
more permanent beauty of sculptured forms; the latter
heightening the effect of the former by contrast, as well as
by the relief they afford 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

(Fig. 70. The Irregular Flower-garden.]

EMBELLISHMENTS. 378

kept well-mown or cut for the walks, and the edges pared ;
the other, to surround the beds with 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 certainly the most agreeable for walking upon in
the heat of summer, and the dry part of the day; while
the gravelled flower-garden affords a dry footing at nearly
all hours and seasons.

The irregular flower-garden is surrounded by an irregu-
lar belt of trees and ornamental shrubs of the choicest
species, and the beds are varied in outline, as well as
irregularly disposed, sometimes grouping together, some-
times standing singly, but exhibiting no uniformity of
arrangement. An idea of its general appearance may be
gathered from the accompanying sketch (Fig. 70), which
may be varied at pleasure. In it the irregular boundary
of shrubs is shown at a, the flower-beds b, 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 sym-
metrical forms. Our reasons for this are these: the
flower-garden, unlike distant portions of the pleasure.

2
374 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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.
‘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 intri-
cate, must depend on the outlines of the beds, or parterres
of embroidery, as they are called, being kept distinct and
clear. To do this effectually, 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
symmetrical forms and figures, or they are characterized
by irregular 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 generally chosen, and the effect, when
the selection is judicious, is highly brilliant. Each bed, in
its season, presents a mass of blossoms, and the contrast of
rich colors is much more striking than in any other

t
EMBELLISHMENTS. 375

arrangement. No plants are admitted that are shy bloom-
ers, or which have ugly habits of growth, meagre or starved
foliage ; the aim being brilliant effect, 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, hyacinths and
other fine bulbous roots occupy a certain portion of the
beds, the intervals being filled with handsome herbaceous
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
description of the elegant flower-garden, on the lawn at
Dropmore, the beds being cut out of the smooth turf.

(i8.) ;

« As a general principle for regulating the plants in this
figure, the winter and spring flowers ought, as much as
possible, to be of sorts which admit of being in the ground
all the year: and the summer crop should be planted at
intervals between the winter plants. Or the summer crop,
having 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

i
376 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 effect. In England, where flower.
gardens are carried to their greatest perfection, the pre-
ference 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 profusion until frost; as Fuchsias, Salvias,

{Fig. 72, Singlish Flower-Garden.]

* Ency. of Gardening, 1000.

EMBELLISHMENTS. * 377
Lobelias, Scarlet 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, alternating them with hardy bulbs,
and the finer species of annuals.

In Fig. 72, we give an example of a small cottage or
villa residence of one or two acres, where the flower-beds
are disposed 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 differ-
ent 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; }, 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 a family, have a particular taste, it may be indulged
at pleasure in other and different varieties of the flower-
garden. With some families there is a taste for botany,

* In many English residences, the flower-garden is maintained in never-
fading brillianey by almost daily supplies from what is termed the reserve
garden. This is w 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 fluwer-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 ultimatum of refinement in flower-gardening, has never, to our knowledga,
been attempted ‘a this country.

378 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

when a small botanic flower-garden may be preferred—the
herbaceous and other plants being grouped or massed ‘n
beds after the Linnean, or the natural method. * Some

persons have an enthusiastic fondness for florist flowers, as
Pansies, Carnations, Dahlias, Roses, etc.; others for buibous
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 snowdrop in the spring,
until the autumnal frosts cut off the last pale asters, or
blacken the stems of the luxuriant dahlias in November.
This may be done with a very small catalogue of plants if,
they are properly selected: such as flower at different
seasons, continue long time in bloom, and present fine
masses of flowers. On the other hand, a very large num-
ber of species may be assembled 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, including the Isle de
Bourbon varieties, some few Eschscholtzias, the showy
Petunias, Gilias, and other annuals, and a dozen choice
double Dahlias, and some trailing Verbenas, 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 heterogeneous mixture of

everything the possesor can lay his hands on, or crowd
within the inclosure.

EMBELLISHMENTS. 379

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 cbject 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 colors 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
be nearest the walk, those a little taller behind them, and
the largest should be furthest from the eye, at the back of
the border, when the latter is seen from one side only, o1
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 humbler and more delicate plants will be lost amid
the tall thick branches of sturdier plants, or removed so
far from the spectator 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 colors of their blossoms. When a
gardener, 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.

380 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

The shrubbery is so generally situated im the neighbor.
hood of the flower-garden and the house, that we shall
here offer a few remarks on its arrangement and distri-
bution.

A collection of flowering shrubs is so ornamental, that
to a greater or less extent it is to be found in almost every
residence of the most moderate size: the manner in which
the shrubs are disposed, must necessarily depend in a great
degree 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
intrinsically more ornamental than trees, on account of the
beauty and abundance of their flowers, they will generally
be placed near and about the house, in order that their gay
blossoms and fine fragrance may be more constantly
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 pleasure-ground character,
shrubs of all descriptions may be grouped with good effect,
in the same manner as trees, throughout the grounds ; the
finer and rarer specics 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 intro.
duction 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

EMBELLISHMENTS 381

groups, as underwood; 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 .his 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
beautiful 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. 70, page 372. 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 mansion 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, completely 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 unti' 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

382 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 lawn is mown.

As in picturesque scenes everything depends upon
grouping well, 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
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 pic-
turesque 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 neighborhood 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

EMBELLISHMENT». 383

selection 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 addi-
tional 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 bril-
liant effect, a few well chosen species, often repeated, are
more effective than a great and ill-assorted mélange.

In the following list, the shrubs are divided into two
classes—No. 1 designating those of medium size, or low
growth, and No. 2, those which are of the largest size.

Fiowerine tn APRIL.

1. Daphne mezereum, the Pink Mezereum, D. M. album, the white
Mezereum.
Shepherdia argentea, the Buffalo berry ; yellow.
1. Xanthorhiza apiifolia, the parsley-leaved Yellow-root ; brown.
1. Cydonia japonica, the Japan Quince ; scarlet.
Cydonia japonica alba, the Japan Quince ; white.

he

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.

9, Crategus oxycantha, fl. pleno, the double white Hawthorn.

2, Chonanthus virginica, the white Fringe tree.

1. Chionanthus latifolius, the broad-leaved Fringe tree ; white.

1. Azalea, wany fine varieties ; red, white, and yellow.

1. Calycanthus florida, the Sweet-scented-shrub ;" brown.

1. Magnolia purpurea, the Chinese purple Magnolia.

2. Halesia tetraptera, the silver Bell tree; white.

2. Syringa vulgaris, the common white and red Lilacs.

1. Syring1 persica, the Persian Lilac: white and purple.

Pipe ee

SSeS Roe ee PbS

Lea el eR a a

LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Syringa persica laciniata, the Persian cut-leaved Lilac ; purple.
Kerria or Corchorus japonica, the Japan Globe flower ; yellow.

Lonicera tartarica, the Tartarian upright Honeysuckles; red aad

white.

Philadelphus coronarius, the common Syringo, and the double

Syringo ; white.
Spirea hypericifolia, the St. Stephen’s wreath ; white.
Spirea corymbosa, the cluster flowering Spirea ; white.
Ribes sanguineum, the scarlet flowering Currant.
Amygdalus pumila, pl., the double dwarf Almond ; pink.
Caragana Chamlagu, the Siberian Pea tree ; yellow.
Magnolia soulangeana, the Soulange Magnolia ; purple.
Paonia Moutan banksia, and rosea, the Chinese tree Paonia;
purple.
Benthamia frugifera, the red berried Benthamia ; yellow.

June.

Amorpha fruticosa, the Indigo Shrub ; purple.

Colutea arborescens, the yellow Bladder-senna.

Colutea cruenta, the red Bladder-senna.

Cytisus capitatus, the cluster-flowered Cytisus ; yellow.
Stuartia virginica, the white Stuartia.

Cornus sanguinea, the bloody twig Dogwood ; white.
Hydrangea quercifolia, the oak-leaved Hydrangea ; white.
Philadelphus grandiflorus, the large flowering Syringo ; white.
Viburnum Opulus, the Snow-ball ; white.

Magnolia glauca, the swamp Magnolia; white.

Robinia hispida, the Rose-acacia

Juty.

Spirea bella, the beautiful Spirea; red.

Sophora japonica, the Japan Sophora ; white.

Sophora japonica pendula, the weeping Sophora ; white.
Rhus Cotinus, the Venetian Fringe tree; yellow. (Brown tufts.)
Ligustrum vulgare, the common Privet ; white,

Cytisus Laburnum, the Laburnum ; yellow.

Cytisus l. quercifolia, the oaked-leaved Laburnum ; white.
Cytisus purpureus, the purple Laburnum.

Cytisus argenteus, the silvery Cytisus ; yellow.

Cytisus nigricans, the black rooted Cytisus; yellow.
Kolreuteria paniculata, the Japan Kolreuteria ; yellow.

EMBELLISHMENTS. 385

AveusT AND SEPTEMRER,

Clethra alnifolia, the alder-leaved Clethra ; white.

Symphoria racemosa, the Snowberry ; (in fruit) white.

2. Hibiscus syriacus, the double purple, double white, double striped
double blue, and variegated leaved Altheas.

1. Spirea tomentosa, the tomentose Spirea ; red.

Magnolia glauba thompsoniana, the late flowermg Magnolia

white.

Baccharis halimifolia, the Groundsel tree ; white tufts.

Euonymus europaeus, the European Strawberry tree (in fruit), red.

2. Euonymus europeus alba, the European Strawberry tree; the fruit
white.

Euonymus latifolius, the broad-leaved Strawberry tree ; red.
1. Daphne mezereum autumnalis, the autumnal Mezereum.

a

oe

Besides the above, there are a great number of charming
varieties of hardy roses, some of which may be grown in
the 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 grown as standards, is wonderfully brilliant when
they are in full bloom. Perhaps the situation where they
are displayed to the greatest advantage is, in the centre of
small round, oval, or square beds in the flower-garden,
where the remainder 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 evergreen 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 Philadelphia, these beautiful exotic evergreens may be
25

386 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

acclimated with good success, and will add greatly to the
interest of the shrubbery and grounds in winter.

Besides the Balsam firs and the Spruce firs, the Arbor
Vite, and other evergreen trees which we have described
in the previous pages of this volume, the following hardy
species 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 colors.

Juniperus suecia, the Swedish Juniper.

Juniperus communis, the Irish Juniper.

Buxus arborescens, the common Tree-box, the Gold striped Tree-bosx,
and the Silver striped Tree-box.

Ilex opaca, the American Holly.

Crategus pyracantha, the Evergreen Thorn.

Mahonia aquifolium, the Holly leaved Berberry.

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, continue 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 vigor 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

EMBELLISHMENTS. 387

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 favorite 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 ennuyant.

The difference between the green-house and conserva
tory is, that in the former, the plants are all kept in pots
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.

When either of these plant habitations is to be attached
to the house, the preference is greatly in favor of the
conservatory. The plants being allowed more room, have
richer and more luxuriant foliage, and grow and flower
in a manner 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
particular taste, as that of a botanical amateur, who wishes
to grow a great number of species in a small space, the

388 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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; communicating 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 conservatory, bordered and
overhung with the fine forms of tropical vegetation,
golden oranges glowing through the dark green foliage,
and gay corollas lighting up the branches of Camellias,
and other floral favorites. Let us add the exulting song cf
a few Canaries, and the enchantment is complete. 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 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 conser-
vatory 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 leading down the conserva-
tory will be exactly in the line of the vista from the
drawing-room of the dwelling.

It is, we hope, almost unnecessary to state, that the root
of a conservatory, or indeed any other house where plants

EMBELLISHMENTS. 389

are to be well-grown, must be glazed. Opake 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 will be much more elegant ;
and the plants will thrive more perfectly, when it is glazed
on all of the thrée sides, so as to admit light in every
direction.

The best aspect for a conservatory is directly south;
southeast 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
atmosphere, both far more beneficial to plants than the
moist, foggy vapor of an English winter, which, though
mild, is comparatively sunless. When the conservatory
adjoins and looks into the flower-garden, the effect will be
appropriate and pleasing.

Some few hints respecting the construction of a con
servatory may not be unacceptable to some of our readers
In the first place, the roof should have a sufficient slope tc
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 summer. 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-

390 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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
independent of the dwelling house; that is (though the
furnace may be in the basement), the flues and fire should
be intended to heat the conservatory alone; for although
a conservatory may, if small, be heated by the same fire
which heats the kitchen or one of the living rooms, it is a
much less efficient mode of attaining this object, and
renders the conservatory more or less liable at all times
to be too hot ar 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 diameter from an open boiler, and by
Perkins’s mode as it is called, which employs small pipes
of an inch in diameter, hermetically sealed. Economy
of fuel and in the time requisite 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
concealed 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

; pronn—

if
NA
a

Fic. 78.—The Conservatory and Flower Garden at Montgomery Place.

EMBELLISHMENTS. 391

chamber, under the walk, which has perforated sides or a

grated top, to permit the escape of heated air.*

(Fig. 74. Villa at Brooklyn, N. Y., with the Conservatory 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. 74), forming the left wing of this elegant
villa. Among the most magnificent detached conserva-
tories are those of J. P. Cushing, Esq., at his elegant seat,
Belmont Place, Watertown, near Boston; and that at
Montgomery Place, the seat of Mrs. Edward Livingston,
on the Hudson, Fig. 73.

A conservatory is frequently made an addition to a
rectangular 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.

* 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.

392 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Whatever be the style of the architecture of the house,
that of the conservatory should in every case conform
to it, and evince a degree of enrichment according 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 plant cabinet, as
it is sometimes called, eight or ten feet square, communi-
cating with the parlor, 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 com-
forts of life are more equally distributed than in any other,
the taste for enjoyments of this kind extending itself with
the means for realizing them, into every portion of the
northern and middle States.

Open and covered seats, of various descriptions, are
among the most convenient and useful decorations for the
pleasure-grounds of a country residence. Situated in por-
tions of the lawn or park, somewhat distant from the
house, they offer an agreeable place for rest or repose. If
there are certain points from which are obtained agreeable
prospects or extensive views of the surrounding country, a
seat, by designating those points, and by affording us a
convenient mode of enjoying them, has a double recom-
mendation to our minds.

Open and covered seats are of two distinct kinds; one
architectural, or formed after artist-like designs, of stone
or wood, in Grecian, Gothic, or other forms; which may,
if they are intended to produce an elegant effect, have

EMBELLISHMENTS. 393

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
violence to our feelings and sense of propriety to admit
many rustic seats and structures of any kind; but archi-
tectural decorations and architectural seats are there
correctly introduced. For the same reason, also, as we
have already suggested, 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 arti-
ficial 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 beautiful landscape garden ; while rustic
baskets, or vases, are the most fitting decorations of the
Picturesque Landscape Garden.

The simplest variety of covered architectural seat is the
latticed arbor for vines of various descriptions, with the
seat underneath the canopy of foliage; this may with
more propriety be introduced in various parts of the
grounds than any other of its class, as the luxuriance and
natural gracefulness of the foliage which covers the arbor,
in a great measure destroys or overpowers the expression
ef its original form. Lattice arbors, however, neatly

394. LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

formed of rough poles and posts, are much more pictu-

resque and suitable for wilder portions of the scenery.
The temple and the pavilion are highly

finished forms of covered seats, which are

“4. occasionally introduced in splendid places,
"ie 15.1 where classic architecture prevails. There is
a circular pavilion of this kind at the termination of one
of the walks at Mr. Langdon’s residence, Hyde Park.
Fig. 75.

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 pic-
turesque 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
ae " Jong walk in the 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 76 is an example of a simple rustic

of the oak, elm, or any other of our forest trees
Fig. 77 is a seat of the same character, made
at the foot of a tree, whose overhanging branches afford a
fine shade.

Figure 78 is a covered seat or rustic arbor, with a
thatched roof of straw. Twelve posts are set securely in
tne ground, which make the frame of this structure, the

EMBELLISHMENTS. 895

[Fig. 78.]

openings 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 struc-
ture as formed round a tree.. For the sake of variety this
might be omitted, the 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 79 represents a covered seat of another kind.
The central structure, which is circular, is
intended for a collection of minerals, shells,
or any other curious objects for which an

amateur might have a penchant. Geo-

‘Wig. 721] logical or mineralogidal specimens of the
adjacent neighborhood, 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.

3u6 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Many of the English country places abound with
admirable specimens of rustic work in their parks and
pleasure-grounds. White Knight’s, in particular, a resi-
dence of the Duke of Marlborough, has a number of
beautiful structures of this kind. Figure 80 is a view of a

[Fig. 80. Rustic Covered Seat.]

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 fine 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, arbors, 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 quantity, they may be nailed on in squares,
diamonds, medallions, 2r 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

EMBELLISHMENTS. 397

abroad. The skeleton or frame-work of the arbor 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 colors 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
colors, which has an effect not uniike that of a thick
Brussels carpet.

The mosses retain their color 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
prettiest 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
structure in certain residences. Where the view is com-
paratively 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 surface, finds himself in a totally different
position, whence a charming coup d’@il or bird’s-eye view
of the surrounding country is obtained. .

Those of our readers who may have visited. the de-
lightful garden and grounds of M. Parmentier, near
Brooklyn, some nalf a dozen years since, during the life-
time of that amiable and zealous amateur of horticulture,
will readily remember the rustic prospect-arbor, or tower

398 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Fig. 81, which was situated at the extre-
mity of his place. It was one of the
first pieces of rustic work of any size,

ie and displaying any ingenuity, that we
(Fig. 81.] remember to have seen here; and from
its summit, though the garden walks afforded no prospect
a beautiful reach of the neighborhood for many miles was

enjoyed.

Figure 82 is a design for a rustic prospect tower of three
stories in height, with a double thatched
roof. Itis formed of rustic pillars or columns,
he , which are well fixed in the ground, and which

_ are filled in with a fanciful lattice of rustic

_branches. A spiral staircase winds round

(Fig. 92] the interior of the platform of the second
and upper stories, where there are seats under the open
thatched roof.

On a ferme ornée, 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.

A species of useful decoration, which is perhaps more
naturally suggested than any other, is the bridge. Where

EMBELLISHMENTS. 399

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 par-
posely made, with the view of introducing a bridge for
effect.

When the stream is large and bold, a handsome archi-
tectural 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
foliage of the pleasure-ground or park, a rustic bridge may

f= be brought in with the happiest effect.

our direction. The foundation is made
[Fig. €8.] by laying down a few large square
stones beneath the surface on both sides of the stream to
be spanned; 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 diame-
ter, 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.
Rockwork is another kind of decoration sometimes intro.

400 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.
s

duced in particular portions of the scenery of a residence
Fig. 84. When well 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

(Fig. 84. Rockwork.]

keeping and good taste otherwise prevailed, such a barba-
rous mélange, 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 com-
binations, to be able to produce something higher than a
caricature of her works.

The object of rockwork is to produce in scenery or por-
tions of a scene, naturally in a great measure destitute
of groups of rocks and their accompanying drapery of
plants and foliage, something of the picturesque effect which
such natural assemblages confer. Too succeed in this, it is
evident that we must not heap up little hillocks of mould

EMBELLISHMENTS. 401

and deaowili stones, in the midst of an open lawn, or the
centre of a flower-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’
picturesque operations upon it. We will begin by collect.
ing from some rocky hill or valley in the neighborhood ot
the estate, a sufficient quantity of rugged rocks, in size-
from a few pounds to half a ton or more, if necessary, pre-
ferring always such as are already coated with mosses and:
lichens. These we will assemble around the base of a large
rock, in an irregular somewhat pyramidal group, bedding:
them sometimes partially, sometimes almost entirely in soil:
heaped in irregular piles around the rock. The rocks
must be arranged in a natural manner, avoiding all regu-
larity 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 rwles to be given for
such operations, but the study of natural groups, of »
character similar to that which we wish to produce, will

afford sufficient hints if the artist is
26

402 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

.

« Prodigue de génie,”
and has a perception of the natural beauty which ne
desires to imitate.

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 properly 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
indications of a rocky surface, a rockwork may sometimes
be introduced without violating good taste by preparing
natural 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 ap-
pearance of a rocky ridge just cropping out, as the
geologists say, then the rockwork will, to the eye of a
spectator, seem to be connected 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 endeavored to show how the
natural appearance of such banks would be improved by

the judicious introduction of rocks partially imbedded into

EMBELLISHMENTS, 403

and holding them up. Such situations, in the case of a
small lake or pond, or a brook, are admirable sites for rock.
work. Where the materials of a suitable kind are
abundant, and 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 arranged 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
rockwork 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

. * Ourreaders may see an engraving and description of a superb extravaganza
in rockwork in a late number of Loudon’s Gardeners 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,

404 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

beautiful shrubs and climbers. On a tame sundy level,
where rocks of any kind are unknown, their introduction
in rockworks, nine times in ten, is more likely to give rise
to emotions of the ridiculous, than those of the sublime or
picturesque.

Fountains are highly elegant garden decorations, rarely
seen in this country; which is owing, not so much, we
apprehend, 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 artisans 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.

[Fig. 85. Design fur a Fountain.]

Where there is 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 ta

EMBELLISHMENTS. 405

the required spot ; but where there is no such head of water,
the latter must be provided from a reservoir artificially
prepared, and kept constantly full.

There are two very simple and cheap modes of effecting
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 ot
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 generally 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 con-
spicuous, and over it to erect a small tower, the top of
which shall contain a cistern and a small horizontal wind-
mill ; which being kept in motion by the wind more or less
almost every day in summer, will raise a sufficient quantity
of water to keep the reservoir supplied from the well
below. In either of these cases, it is only necessary to
carry leaden pipes from the cistern (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 consumption of the
fountain during the hours when it will be necessary 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.

But where a small stream, or even the overflow of a

406 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

perpetual spring, can be commanded, the Hydraulic Ram
is the most perfect as well as the simplest and cheapest
of all modes of raising water. A supply pipe of an inch
in diameter is in many cases sufficient to work the Ram
and force water to a great distance; and where sufficien
to fill a “driving pipe’ of two inches diameter can be
commanded, a large reservoir may be kept constantly
filled. As the Hydraulic Ram is now for sale in all our
cities we need not explain its action.

“In conducting the water from the cistern or reservoir
to the jet or fountain, the following particulars require to
be attended 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 the jet of water proceeds, tech-
nically 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 quadruple 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, thé
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;
because 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

EMBELLISHMENTS, 407

found advantageous 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 tech
nically called sleepy: while the different 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 reservoir; a main of sufficient
size, with branch pipes to each jet, being all that is required.
Where the conduit pipe enters the reservoir or cistern, it
ought to be of increased diameter, and the grating placed
over it to keep out leaves and other matters 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 object 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 circular hole of the pipe. In conduit pipes, all
elbows, bendings, 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

408 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

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 movable gratings, in order 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 surfaces 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 con-
duit pipes on a regular uniform slope, to secure a steady
uninterrupted flow of water. Owing to the friction in the
pipes, and pressure of the atmosphere, the water in the
fountain will of course, in no case, rise quite as high as the
level of the water in the reservoir; but it will nearly as
high. For example, 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*

Height of the Diameter of the Diameters of the Height the water
Reservoir. Conduit pipes. Orifices. | will rise to.
Feet. | Inches. Inches. | Lines. Lines. | Parts. | Feet.’ | Inches.
5 1 0 22 4 0 5 0

10 4 0 25 5 0 10 0
15 9 Qh 0 6 0 | 15 0
21 4 24 0 63 0 20 0
33 0 3 0 7 0 30 0
45 4 4k 0 7 8 | 40 0 |
58 4 5 0 8 10 50 0
72 0 54 0 10 12 | 60 0
86 4 6 0 12 14 70 0
100 0 7 0 12 15 80 0.

* Switzer’s Introduction to a General System of Hydrostatics.

EMBELLISHMENTS. 409

shows w.th a given height of reservoirs and diameter of
conduit pipes and orifices, the height to which the water
will rise in the fountain.

A simple jet (Fig. 86) issuing from a circular basin of
water | or acluster of perpendicular jets (candelabra jets),

is at once the simplest and most pleasing of
fountains. Such are almost the only kinds
E of fountains which can be introduced with
‘Fiz se] ©PYopriety in simple scenes where the’ pre-
dominant objects are sylvan, not architectural.

Weeping, or Tazza Fountains, as they are called, are
simple and highly pleasing objects, which require only a

AA RAPE ITLT TITIES Ss

a =» very moderate supply of water com-
BES ENT yD

Un 7 = <n ¥
i a 1 i ne constant one ‘le jet. The

Pritt pared with that demanded by a

[Fig. 87. Tazza Techie: the vase, which is so fornicd as to
overflow round its entire margin. Figure 87 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 perpendicularly, 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
made by introducing the conduit pipe or pipes among the
groups of rockwork alluded to, from whence (the orifice of

410 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

the pipe being concealed or disguised) the water issues
among the rocks either in the form of a cascade, a weep-
ing 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
situated only when they are placed in the neighborhood of
buildings and architectural forms. When only a single
fountain can be maintained in a residence, the centre of
the flower-garden, or the neighborhood 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 surrounding stillness of a summer evening.

After all that we have said respecting architectural and
rustic decorations of the grounds, we must admit that it
requires 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 resi-
dence, ‘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

EMBELLISHMENTS. 41}

slovenly keeping, and a crude and meagre knowledge oi
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 and highly architectural villa may, with the
greatest propriety, receive the decorative accompaniments
of elegant vases, sundials, 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 decorations, as to heighten by con-
trast 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,

412 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

quiet portion of the grounds, where undisturbed meditation
mav be enjoyed. As our favorite Delille says:

“ Sachez ce qui convient ou nuit au caractére.
Un réduit écarté, dans un lieu solitaire,
Peint mieux la solitude encore et l’abandon.
Montrez-vous done fidéle & chaque expression ;
N’allez pas au grand jour offrir un ermitage :
Ne cachez point un temple au fond d’un bois sauvage.”
Les Janpins.

Or if certain objects are unavoidably placed in situations
of inimical expression, the artist should labor to alter the
character of the locality. How much this can be done by
the proper choice of trees and shrubs, and the proper
arrangement of plantations, those who have seen the
difference in aspect of certain favorite 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.

APPENDIX.

I.

Nctes on transplanting trees. Reasons for frequent failures in removing large trees,
Directions for performing this operation. Selection of subjects. Preparing trees for
removal ‘Transplanting evergreens,

TuERE 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
improvement 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.

The first and most important consideration in transplanting should
be the preservation of the roots. By this we do not meana 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
assisting 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
numerous points of these fibres called spongioles, that the food of
plants is imbibed, and the destruction of such is manifestly in the
highest degree 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 majority of the roots. At that distance from the trunk we

shall find most of the smaller roots, which should be carefully loosened
413

414 APPENDIX.

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 surrounding the trunk, and fairly undermine
the whole, we shall find ourselves in possession of a tree,in such a per
fect condition, that even when of considerable size, we may confident-
ly hope for a speedy recovery of its former luxuriance after being
replanted.

Now to remove a tree in this manner, requires not only a considera-
ole degree of experience, which is only to be acquired by practice, but
also much patience and perseverance while 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 latter case, if the work be well performed, we shall have the
satisfaction of beholding the subjects, when removed, soon taking fresh
root, and becoming 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 por-
tion 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 the roots are carefully taken up with the tree,
pruning should be less resorted to, and thus the original symmetry and
veauty of the head retained. When this is the case, the leaves contri-
bute as much, by their peculiar action in elaborating the sap, towards
re-establishing the tree, as the roots; and indeed the two act so re-
ciprocally with each other, that any considerable injury to the one
always affects the other. “The functions of respiration, perspiration,
and digestion,” says Professor Lindley, “ which are the particular of-
fices of leaves, are essential to the health of a plant; its healthiness
being in proportion to the degree in which these functions are duly

APPENDIX. 415

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 contained 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 stomach traversed by a system of veins.”*
All the pruning, therefore, that is necessary, when a tree is properly
transplanted, will be comprised in paring smooth all bruises or acci=
dental 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 choice of individual trees to be 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
surrounded 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 compara-
tively 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
external 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 seantily 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 great
abundance of root and smali 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 cal.

* Theory of Horticulture.

416 APPENDIX.

culated 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 re-
moved to an open lawn, even when they are carefully transplanted.

“Of trees in open exposures,” says Sir Henry, “ we find that their
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 ob-
viously 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 ac-
cess 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 manner, bestowed for the protection of the sap-ves-
sels, 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 nourish-
ment and strength; nourishment to support a mass of such magnitude,
and strength to contend with the fury of the blast. Such are the ob-
vious purposes for which the unvarying 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 adaptations to the circumstances and
wants of each individual, uniformly bestowed 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 Plantor’s Guide, p. 105.

APPENDIX. 417

The machine used in removing trees of moderate size is of simple
construction, 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 balanced upon the machine, the horses are fastened in front
of the mass of 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 manured. This is suffered to remain at least one year, and
often three or four years; the tree, stimulated by the fresh supply of
food, throws out an abundance of small fibres, which render success,
when the time for removal arrives, comparatively certain.

Tt may be well to remark here, that before large trees are transplant-
ed into their final situations, the latter should be well prepared by
trenching, or digging the soil two or 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 unprepared grounds, 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 ap-
pearance of trees when removed into ground properly prepared. It is
not too much to affirm, that young trees under favorable 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 propot-
tion; a gain of growth surely worth tho trifling expense incurred in

the firet instance. And the same observation will apply to all plant-
27

418 APPENDIX.

mg. A little extra labor 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 cor.tact 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 practise it almost invariably), it should always be done while
the planting is going forward. Poured in the hole when the roots are
just covered with the soil, it serves to settle the loose earth compactly

* Where expense is not so much an object as success, we cannot too deeply
impress upon planters the necessity of making very deep, and very wide holes,
or pits, as they are called in England. These pits should be four to five feet
deep, and not less than ten to sixteen feet in diameter, and neither round nor
équare, but star-shaped, or cross-shaped, of such a form as would be produced
by placing one equilateral triangle upon another, or two parallelograms across
each other, so as to form « Greek cross.

Tho object of departing from the square, or round form, is to introduce the
growing fibres of the young trees into the firm and poor soil, by degrees, and
not ai? at once, as in the round or square-hole manner.

When a tree is planted in the round or square pit, surrounded outside of it
by poor, hard soil, it is very much in the same situation as if its roots were
confined in a tub or box.

The dove-tailing, so to speak, of the prepared soil, and of the moisture it
will retain, with the hard, impenetrable soil by which it is surrounded, will
gradually prepare the latter for being penetrated by the roots of the trees, and.
provent tho sides of the pit from giving the same check to those roots, which
tho sidos of the pot or tub do to the plant contained in it. In the preparation
of these holes, the lower spot, or hard-pan, shovld bo thrown out, and ten to
twelve inches of stone substituted, for the double purpose of drainoge, and
retention of moisture in dry weather.—H. W. S.

-

APPENDIX. 419

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 after-
wards; 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 sup-
ply; 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 beforc
they are well established.

The transplanting of evergreens 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 frequ2nt 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 dif-
ferent character of our climate at these seasons. The genial moisture
of the English c:imate renders transplanting comparatively easy at all
seasons, but especially in winter, 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 ensucs, to which the newly disturbed plant is peculiarly alive,
paralyses vital action, and the tree is so much enfeebled that, when

420 APPENDIX.

spring arrives, 1t survives but a short period. The only period, there.
fore, that remains for the successful removal of evergreens here, is the
spring. When planted as early as practicable in the spring, so as to
have the full benefit of the abundant rains so beneficial to vegetation
at that season, they will almost immediately protrude new shoots, and
regain their former vigor.

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 wet 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 suc-
cessfully practised among us, is that of removing them with frozen
balls of earth in mid-wiater. 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 situa-
tions 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 deciduous, may be transplanted in this way, s as
scarcely to show, at the return of growth, any ill effects from its
change of location.

APPENDIX. 421

ig

Note on the treatment of Lawns

Asa lawn is the ground-work of a landscape garden, and as the
management of a dressed grass surface is still a somewhat ill-under-
stood subject with us, ‘some of our readers will, perhaps, be giad 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 favorable climate
of that moist and sea-girt land. In a very dry climate it is nearly
impossible to preserve that emerald freshness in a grass surface, that
belongs only to a country of “ weeping skies.” During all the present
season, on the Hudson, where we write, the constant succession of
showers has given us, even in the heat of midsummer, 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 considerable drought will be endured without injury to the good
appearance of the grass. eae is a suggestion worthy of the
attention of the lover of a fine lawn, who is looking about for a
country residence, to carefully avoid one where the soil is sandy) (‘The
only remedy in such a soil is a tedious and expensive one, that of con-
stant and plentiful topdressing with a compost of manure and heavy
soil—marsh mud—swamp muck, or the a 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 sur-
face soil some of the heavier earth from below, will speedily tend to
remedy the evil.

Tn 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 ke done readily, at but little outlay, by deep

422 -APPENDIX.

ploughing—a good and cheap substitute for trenching—tat 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 recuin:
mend for this climate, is a mixture of Red-top and white Clover--two
natural grasses found by almost every roadside—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 desires to have speedily a handsome turf, to follow the
English practice, and sow 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 mowing, instead of a soft velvet surface. A broad-bladed English
scythe (to be had at the shops of the seedsman), 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, with-
out 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.*

* A very great improvement and economy in the keeping of lawns now-a-
days, is in the employment of the Lawn-cutter, by which one man, with a
horse-machine, will accomplish, in two or three hours, more than a dozen men
can ina whole day, The best English lawn-cutters will cut, roll, and gather
the grass from one acre, in one hour, where it is good, close turf, and there are
uo trees to interfere with the action of the machine.

APPENDIX. 423

As the neatness of a well kept lawn depends mainly upon the man-
ner 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,
aad all little holes and irregularities filled up, and the same should be
looked over at any annual top-dressing that may take place. The

When a lawn is in perfect condition, smooth, free from stones and inequali-
ties, and is cut, as it ought to be, once a week, it is quite surprising how much
gratification we derive from what used to be performed with great labor, and
often with a very unsatisfactory result. There are very few places in the
country where we can have complete lawns by the scythe, because, as the
work must be performed early in the morning and late in the afternoon
when the dew is on, it follows that a very large force, much larger than is
usually kept even in our best places, must be required, to accomplish
much in so short u time, In England, this is more easily done, because
they turn on to the lawn at daylight, ten to thirty men, from all parts of
‘the place, who separate after 8, or 9, A. M., to their respective and regular
duties—to the garden, to the farm, to the forest, We cannot afford to do
this, and as our sun is much hotter, and our dew much less time in dura-
tion than in England, it follows, that any improvement, which will allow us
to cut our lawns throughout the heat of the day, is very desirable. This
the mowing machine docs, performing its work better when the dew is
off, than on, and allowing us to mow, roll, and gather up, at the same time, and
by the same means. All that remains subsequently to do, is to clip with scythe
or sickle around the edges and verges, as well as near trees, or masses of shrubs,
very close to which the machine should not be allowed to pass. Wehave found
more satisfaction in the use of this machine, than in any other thing we have
done since we lived in the country, and have now got our lawn into such a
responsive and genial condition, that (except during May and June, when the
growth of grass is more rampant, and has to be gathered), we have removed
our box for catching the grass as it falls from the rollers, and permit it
to fly in a little shower all over the lawn, as the cutting progresses. In
this way, the lawn-top dresses itself, by returning all that it produces.
By sutting and rolling once w week, this weekly cutting amounts to
little more than snipping off the points of shoots half to three-quarters of
an inch long, which have projected above the cutting-grade of the machine,
and which are scattered in this sort of grassy shower on the lawn, decaying
or disappearing in course of two to three hours, while all below the grade
becomes pressed and matted by the roller into a fine and verdant sod ~
H. W.S.

424 APPENDIX,

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 oeca-
sional 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 efficient 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
indispensable feature in tasteful grounds becoming better understood

and more universal.

LNG YS

“AWN ONTONV'I

(lo 3IWId

rerio ores

SUPPLEMENT

TO THE

SIXTH EDITION

oF

LANDSCAPE GARDENING:

CONTAINING

SOME REMARKS ABOUT COUNTRY PLACES, AND THE BEST
METHODS OF MAKING THEM; ALSO, AN ACCOUNT OF
THE NEWER DECIDUOUS AND EVERGREEN PLANTS,
LATELY INTRODUCED INTO CULTIVATION,

BOTH HARDY AND HALF-HARDY,

BY

HENRY WINTHROP SARGENT.

—*Dant utile lignum
Navigiis pinos, domibus cedros que cupressos quo.”

Gror. ii, 442,

SUPPLEMENT TO LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

SECTION I.

SOME GENERAL REMARKS ON LANDSCAPE GARDENING AND
COUNTRY PLACES.

Great as was the impetus given to the public mind
by the first appearance of this book in 1841, and great
as has been the advantage derived from its publication
since, not only in assisting by certain rules as far as it is
possible to apply rules to an art, but also in developing
and fostering rural tastes, yet, we think, it must be
conceded by observing and discriminating persons, that
the style of our country places is still vastly inferior
to the very marked improvement in Rural Architecture
during the past ten years.

This has arisen partly from the fact that no sensible
man attempts to build his own house, and the necessity
of employing architects has not only developed much
ability in our own professors of this art, but has also
given us the additional advantage of a great deal of for-
eign talent and skill.

This has not been the case with Landscape Gardening.
There has been no one since Mr. Downing’s death who
has exactly filled the niche he occupied in the public
estimation. We do not mean to say that there are not
at present in this country, gentlemen of taste and know-
ledge, and who are professional Landscape Gardeners of
sufficient ability to take any place and to make it all
that is desirable; but there is no one, we think, whose
judgment and opinions would have, at this moment.
such decided and marked influence in all matters of

427

428 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

rural taste, as the late Mr. Downing exercised at the
time of his death.

While, therefore, the excellence of country houses
has greatly increased, the improvement in country
places is not so evident. A great many persons are
either too indolent or too busy to give much attention
to the capabilities or wants of their places. The former
fall easily into the hands of an inferior class of nursery-
men, or job-planters, and become a ready prey to the
most tasteless imposition, while the latter crowd into a
few hours a day the arrangement and adornment of
grounds which should require many months of thought
and study.

We Americans are, as a general rule, in too great
a hurry “to get through.” We are apt to allow our-
selves to go into the country without quite understand-
ing what we are to do there, or how we are to live, or
whether we have true taste and capacity for: country
life. Most persons are satisfied while building their
house and attempting to arrange their grounds. The
first is comparatively easy, for we have only to com-
municate to an architect our general wishes, and it be-
comes his duty to carry them out; the second is more
perplexing, simply because we do not know what we
want, or we want to have everything we have seen
that has struck us as desirable. We do not stop to
consider whether a certain style of planting or selection
of trees, harmonizes either with our house or is in
character with our grounds. We have an indefinite
idea of the pleasure certain effects gave us in other coun-
try places, and we are determined to have those effects
in our own, without any reference to propriety or good
taste, not from obstinacy, but from ignorance. We have,
to be sure, certain rules for planting, but the lazy are
too indolent, and the busy are too hurried to read or
study them. The suggestions of others are readily taken,
and the most incongruous and imperfect results necessar-

GENERAL REMARKS, 429

ily ensue. A willow drooping over a rustic bridge, and
a pine waving its giant limbs on a rocky eminence, are
each charming in its place, because in harmony with
surrounding nature; but pines and willows alternating
around a house, or on a flat approach road, are most
discordant and in the vilest taste, and yet we constantly
meet with discrepancies in new country places, not a
whit less barbarous.

A common error, and we think a very decided one, in
our new places, is the anxiety to have flowers and
flowering shrubs while the place is still in the rough,
and before we know where to put them with propriety.

A very usual employment of new grounds immediately
adjacent to the house, is the most injudicious and taste-
less admixture of decapitated forest trees and dahlias,
with vases, evergreens, roses, altheas, and the various
common plants, indiscriminately put together, a few
inches, or at most a few feet apart, in the coarse weedy
grass, which is the best apology for lawn which could
be got up in the time-—exposed to the carelessness of
workmen, and the depredation of roadside cattle. We
have even seen avenues—and in places too, where
otherwise there are evidences of good taste—planted
with alternate rows of forest trees and dahlias, with an
occasional rose tree or geranium. Nothing, we con-
ceive, can be in worse taste than this; for though
nothing can well be prettier than a rose in a rose gar-
den properly surrounded by the most refined and orna-
mental shrubs, like a jewel in an appropriate setting,
yet can anything be more improper or discordant than
the same rose in astubble field, or what is quite as in-
appropriate, in the rough and ill-kept grounds of a raw
and unfinished place. Refinement must be associated
with and surrounded by refinement, or it loses half its
charm. We hear of and sometimes see a rough dia-
mond; but no one, we think, will pretend to say that

430.- LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

the same diamond polished and properly set, is not in-
finitely more attractive.

Besides which, no flowers do well under such circum.
stances; the ground is hard and rough, and the plants
being placed immediately under the drip, and amidst
the roots of trees, do not receive the full benefit of
either sun, air, or soil, and yield the most unsatisfactory
returns for the expenditure of a great deal of time and
money.

Whether flowers should or should not be pianted at
all around a house, is a question of considerable mo--
ment, and as a general rule, we must confess, our own
judgment is against it; we think the only exception is
where it is desirable to retain the view from the princi-
pal windows either within the lawn, or within the imme-
diate surroundings of the house, from the more distant
prospect being flat and uninteresting, or containing
objects decidedly disagreeable.

In such cases, the more the eye can be prevented
from wandering to the distant points, the better, and
this can be accomplished in no more pleasing way
than by surrounding the house with the most dazzling
flower-beds, or the most striking architectural orna-
ments, such as vases, sun-dials, terraces, and fountains,
or distinctive and remarkable trees or plants,

Where, however, as is most often, we think, the case
in this country, the place itself is of sufficient size or
elevation to create a distant prospect which is agree-
able, or the view beyond the boundaries presents
natural features of an attractive character, such as fine
mountains, lakes, or rivers, or distant peeps of pastoral
country, or pretty villages, then it is not desirable
to fritter these away by flowers or any objects near the
house; but the arrangements of the grounds should be
of the most simple character, and partake of that smooth
harmonious form, most suggestive of the repose and
quiet which we seem always inseparably to associate

GENERAL REMARKS.. 431,

with a well-ordered country place. The trees should be
so arranged, that while forming natural and graceful
groups, they should act as it were as frames, through
which the distant views or objects of interest on or
beyond the place, seem to appear to the greatest
advantage. We do not certainly wish to interdict ail
flowers, or banish them from the vicinity of the house;
far from it. We think, on the contrary, a bed or so of
roses, or a mass of the sweet-scented honeysuckle and
fragrant clematis immediately under the windows of the
drawing room, are most desirable, that we may enjoy
their fragrance of a summer evening. We would only:
so arrange or place them, that they should in no way
disturb the view by withdrawing the eye from some-
thing much finer beyond.

Nothing can well be prettier or in better taste than
an architectural flower garden, opening from the break-
fast or morning room, or perhaps on a side of the house,
where the view is confined and shut in by ornamental
shrubs, and which seems, by a judicious transition, to
connect the house and the grounds; but we think on
those sides where the views are, and especially on the
entrance front, there should be nothing but the simplest
and most dignified arrangements of trees and grass.

There is another, and we think a very sensible reason,
why flowers and flowering shrubs should not be intro-
duced, in profusion at least, either along the borders
of the approach road, or in the immediate vicinity of
the entrance front.

It is well laid down by the English Landscape Gar-
deners, that from the time the house is first seen on an
approach, it should not be lost sight of. It being the
highest architectural object on the place, no rural
objects, like flowers, or any architectural features of
lower art, like statues, or vases, should be permit-
ted to- divert the eye of the visitor, which they would
be very apt to do, if from no other reason than the care

432 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

and attention necessary to prevent driving over or against
them. It is particularly objectionable, therefore, to
place rows or masses of green-house plants, as is often
done, on either side of the entrance, which are sure to
be more or less injured by hungry-horses and careless
coachmen.

And finally, in this country where we have no rural
sports as in England, nothing in fact for the amuse-
ment of our friends and visitors, except what is beautiful
or interesting on our grounds or in our gardens, we
have always thought it highly desirable not to tell our
whole story from the house, but to set aside in different
and distant portions of the place all our objects of
interest ; a flower garden in one spot, the vegetable
garden in another, an arboretum or pinetum in a third,
and so make and multiply as it were, various interests
in different parts—properly connected, but as widely
separated as convenience or space will allow—which
shall furnish to our guests excuses for a walk, and give to
a small place the appearance of a large one; in other
words to afford as much interest and diversion as the
capacity of the grounds will allow, and prevent that
ennui and fatigue, which nothing to see and nothing to
do, produces not only in our visitors, but in our own
families. We cannot well imagine anything more
dreary than those country places where there is no
motive to go out, because everything is gathered and
crowded around the house and can be seen from the
windows.

Although we know there is nothing produced without
labor, yet it is not pleasant to be always forced to realize
it. Repose is, we think, almost as essential to the
highest charm of a country place as it is for our own
comfort. The clink of the hammer and the sound of
the anvil are all very well in their way, yet one does
not desire to hear always these evidences of human toil.
If therefore we surround our house with a multiplicity

GENERAL REMARKS. 433

of objects requiring constant care and attention, we are
never free from the labor of life. The highest charm
of a country place is the appearance of the most refined
culture and beautiful results produced without apparent
effort.

In fairy tales, or fairy plays upon the stage, the fas-
cination is in the magic result produced apparently by
the touch of the wand. If we are permitted to get
behind the curtain and witness the hurry and vexation
of the scene shifters, and the groaning, shrieking process
by which to the unconscious spectators a desert sud-
denly become’ a paradise, we immediately realize the
apples of the Dead Sea. We do not enjoy that which
we see is produced through the agency of aching bones
and weary limbs—and this is one reason why Nature
is 80 attractive, because she works silently, or as a child
once expressed it, ‘ without her shoes.”

In the best English places, to such an extent is this
feeling carried out, that the entire machinery is kept
out of sight; and flowers bloom, and lawns are shorn,
and walks are swept by invisible hands, at such hours
as the family is supposed not to come out.

It is told of the late Mr. Beckford, the eccentric
and talented author of Vathek, that he never allowed
any work to be done at Fonthill Abbey during the day ;
but if he wished a walk cut, or a new plantation made,
he used to say nothing in way of preparation, but merely
gave orders, perhaps late in the afternoon, that the im-
provement or alteration should be completed and in a per-
fect state by the following morning at the time he came
out to take his usual ride. The whole force of the place
and the strength of the neighboring village were then
put into requisition and employed all night. We men-
tion this, not as an example—for there are very few of
us who would or could afford to spend, as Mr. Beck-
ford did at Fonthill, twelve or fifteen millions of dollars
—but simply to show how strongly English prejudice is

28

434 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

“against the visible connection of labor with the imme-
diate adornment of their country homes. Labor in its
proper place—in the forest, or garden, or harvest field—
is a necessary and appropriate feature ; but they strive
to banish it as much as possible from the repose and
quiet and simple beauty around the house, by pushing
off to more distant, and as they think, more suitable
localities, those operations with the soil which require
the constant supervision and presence of man. It is
principally on this account, besides the other reasons
we have given, that the best examples of English places
present a simple dignified combination’ of trees and
lawn about the house—certainly on éwo or three sides—
while the mass of pleasure grounds and flower gardens
are usually at some distance.

If we were more willing in this country to follow such
good examples, and aim at simplicity and breadth of ef-
fect, instead of carving up our grounds about our houses
with “fragmentary pieces of misplaced ornament,” our
places would not be so lamentably deficient in character
and beauty, or so frittered away into an exceedingly dis-
tasteful and artificial appearance.

Another mistake in American places is the want of a
proper termination to the ornamental grounds, or, rather,
some intelligible division between the ornamental and
practical.

We use the expression “intelligible,” because we all
keep (or pretend to) under the roller and scythe, every
two or three weeks, a certain quantity of lawn, say
from one hundred feet to an acre or more, and at the
end of the last swarth starts up a hay-field, which is
mown over perhaps twice in the season; but, in most
eases, there seems no reason why the lawn should
end and the hay-field begin just where they do, instead
of ten or one hundred feet one way or the other; in fact
there is no good reason; for the length and breadth of
the lawn often depends upon the horticultural zeal or

GENERAL REMARKS. : 435

‘pecuniary position for the moment. If the first mow-
ing of the season is made under the receipt of an in-
creased or unexpected dividend, the lawn gets a swarth
or two more, and a cock or two of hay is subtracted .,
from the harvest; while the next year, under a smaller
income, thrift conquers taste, and the lawn, instead of
being shorn of its grass, is shorn of its fair proportions.

In order to make some appropriate boundary or divis-
ton between the lawn and the park, or hay-field ; in other
words, between the dressed and undressed portions of
the estate, great use has been made of late years of the
wire fence or hurdle. By its adoption we might dimin-
ish the amount of lawn now kept under the scythe, ob-
taining similar results by substituting cattle—especially
sheep —and increasing very much the charm of the
landscape by the introduction of animated nature.

The keenest eye can hardly detect a wire fence at
thirty or forty rods distance ; consequently our finest
places do not really require a lawn larger than twice
this breadth in diameter, provided the grass on the
other side of the wire is kept equally short by sheep.

It is quite astonishing in England how very small the
proportion of mown lawn is to that part which, by use
of invisible wire fencing, is kept equally short and
almost in as fine order, by grazing.

At Windsor Castle we doubt if the mown border or
strip of grass round the park-side of the castle exceeds
fifty to one hundred feet up to the wire fence, beyond
which, in the park, are large masses of rhododenrons,
laurels, Portugal laurels, etc., protected from thousands
of deer and sheep which surround them, by invisible wire
fences.

At Longleat, the magnificent seat of the Marquis of
Bath—which Charles II. on his return from his exile
then considered the finest place in England—there is a
strip of three hundred feet of mown lawn planted
with rare shrubs, between the river and one side only

436 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

of the house, and separated from six hundred acres, or
more, of grazed park by the invisible wire fence. At
Wilton House (Lord Pembroke), Appelder-Court, Good-
wood (the: Duke of Richmond’s), Blenheim, Chatsworth,
Stowe, and many more of the best examples of English
‘places that we remember, the amount of mown lawn
consists really of little more than the grass borders of
walks, or the strips which divided or surrounded planta-
tions in the gardens and shrubberies. Three sides of
the houses are thrown open, and kept short by deer and
sheep.

Although grazing is not as profitable in-this country
as in England, where the soft, mossy grass of the parks
is usually verdant and green all summer, yet much
more can be done than is. We know many a fine
place where large expenditures have been made on
houses and grounds, where the entire effect has been
completely destroyed by the most mistaken economy
of allowing the fields which surround the house, to grow
up for hay, instead of being kept short by grazing as a
park.

In order to save a few hundred dollars of hay, the
whole effect of hundreds of thousands of dollars in
houses and grounds is completely lost.

If people will persist in this mistaken thrift, they
should, at least, plant their grazing or hay-fields in
clumps and masses of trees, appropriately and naturally
placed for park-like effects, and which would not materi-
ally interfere with the plough or the harrow, when
necessary to use them. ,

By surrounding these plantations with invisible wire
fences, which are quite lost against the foliage, they
could at any time, when in grass, be converted into
parks simply by the introduction of cattle and sheep.

HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE. 437

SECTION II.
HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLAGE.

On the Continent and in England, it is rarely that a
new place is made from the beginning. The taste for
country life having existed as long as England herself
has existed, the whole kingdom may be said to be one
universal garden; all who can, from the sovereign to
the cit, live, at least. some portion of the year, in the
country; in fact, one’s respectability is not complete,
unless he is a landed proprietor. If, as we said in our
preface, there are in England 20,000 country houses,
each larger than the White House, at Washington,
there are more than twice that number, a great deal
smaller.

Places change hands, but few new places are made.
This is not the case in this country. We have but few
old estates, and those, whenever offered for sale, are
generally so run down and desolate as to afford little
attraction to the beginner of country life; besides which
the universal delusion among us is that we can make a
country place, cheaper than we can buy one. While
we are alarmed at a sum total, we easily reconcile our-
selves to progressive expenditure, until, in the end, we
realize “that fools build houses and wise'men live in
them.”

This is one great reason, we have always thought, why
makers of new. places so soon become discontented and
discouraged, and ready to sell out at a sacrifice. A
man who hesitates to give $20,000, or $100,000 for a

438 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

country place, and even feels indignant at the suppo-
sition that he could be guilty of such folly, if he at-
tempts to make his own place, generally ends by spend-
ing twice as much.

We refuse to pay $25,000 outright, and wre hug our-
selves with the idea that our land wil} cos: but $6,000,
and our house $8,000, and our stable $1,000, and sun-
dries $500. But, unfortunately, these sundries are the
rocks on which much rural enthusiasm is lost. It is the
ice-house, and the root-house, and the gardener’s-house,
and the green-house, and the grape-house, with the
grading, and road making, and trenching, and digging,
and the labor necessary to keep these all up, that exhaust
both our enthusiasm and our purse, and make us see, in
the end, what we could not see in the beginning, viz:
That it is always better to purchase an improved place,
or one partially improved, than to begin one. For,
it may be laid down as an jnevitebla rule, and prevent
much subsequent disappointment, whenever any im-
provements at all are contemplated (and it is difficult,
where we have no amusements or sports, to be contented
without doing something), to remember one fact, that
the modern accessories to a country place are at least
equivalent to first cost of house and grounds—that is to
say, where the improvements are in keeping with the
house and place, and continued for a series of years.

There are two styles of new places most commonly,
we think, attempted in this country, viz: A place with-
out anysfolisze, or possibly a few stunted or unavail-
able trees, where all the effects are to be produced by
the spade (in planting); and, secondly, a dense wood,
where the place is to be meade mostly by the axe: and
we propose to illustrate these two schools by giving
the history of our own residence as a specimen of: the
latter, and “Wellesley,” the residence of H. H. Hun
newell, Esq., near Boston, as a specimen of the former
We should, perhaps, mention here, that it is with much

HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE, 439

hesitation we find ourselves compelled to say so much
about these two places, especially our own; but we
have known them both from their commencement, with
all their sins of omission and commission; and with
all the motives and designs for each step taken in their
improvement, and the reason why every tree was
planted or cut down on either place, which is a know-
ledge we have of no other place, and more than all, as
one was a dense wood and the other a naked field, they
~are better examples of the two styles than any other
places we recollect, even if we had been equally
familiar with others.

When we purchased our own place, in 1840, we found
a house partially built in the midst of a wood, but
without any view, though we were aware that we had,
oy ought to have, a range of mountains on one side, the
Hudson River on the other, a valley on the third, and
a long range of country on the fourth; but between us
and these views, and all more or less around us, were
thinly scattered houses, which were far from agreeable
accessories to the landscape.

We felt, after studying our position, that our plan
ought to be to conceal these offensive objects, by plant-
ing them out, and to open up the attractive points of
river, valley, and mountain; but how to do this was the
question !

The trees, like all trees grown in a forest, were tall
and spindling, hiding out with their heads what they
should not have concealed, and opening through their
naked stems what ought to have been hid; our object
therefore, was to get the branches of these trees (prin-
cipally oaks and hickories) down near the ground, in
order to form masses and groups, not only to hide out our
boundaries and these objectionable houses, but also to pro-
duce certain effects of light and shade, as the beginning
and basis of ornamental planting. We accomplished
this in part by topping all the trees which had any signs

440 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

of vitality in their lower branches, as low as there was
young wood enough to carry on the circulation. Many
trees seventy feet in height, we thus reduced to thirty
and forty. This formed a thicket of background from
which we took, year by year, the weakest and most
misshapen; so that a mass, composed, eighteen years ago,
of fifty or sixty trees, seventy or seventy-five feet high,
is now reduced to twenty or thirty trees only forty
feet high, but denser, and covering much more space
than double the number of original trees. Where
necessary to obtain certain extended views, we cut boldly
and irregularly through the mass, producing, after some
years growth, the effect as represented in Fig. 88,
entitled, “View from Library Window.” Where we
accomplished two distinct landscapes—the one includ-
ing a charmingly wooded point called “ Presqu-ile”
the. residence of Mrs. Denning, with a distant view of
Idlewild, the residence of N. P. Willis, across the
river; and the other a portion of Pollapells’ island—
with a fine effect of the Dunderberg or Storm King,
as background.

But, in process of time, finding that from the irregular
shape of the house—a view of the river side of which
appears as frontispiece to this Supplement—we could, by
careful planting against the masses forming the bound:
aries to the view referred to (Fig. 88), not only produce
more agreeable and ornamental effects from the win-
dows, but confine to each window one distinct and
separate view, which should be seen from that one
window and that alone—while it had also the effect of
lengthening and extending the vistas, making, as it
were, a series of cabinet pictures—we advanced an
irregular plantation of the most: ornamental trees in
front of these two masses, completely masking them;
and while very much extending the view by an apparent
and, indeed, an actual elongation, it also substituted from
the windows an ornamental grouping between-the house

HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE. 441

and the natural grouping, which is, however, omitted
in this sketch.

The view from the breakfast-room window (Fig. 89),
opened for the purpose of introducing a part of New-
burgh and a fine wooded bank below the town, was made
in the same way—the decapitated forest trees having
in a few years become thick and umbrageous, made an
admirable back ground for an ornamental facing of the
choicest trees, both deciduous and evergreen, while
these various masses, all now more or less surrounded
with the rarest trees, are connected together and made
to harmonize by small irregular groups and single
trees, blending the different parts into one whole, but
so arranged as not to injure the most striking views—
ample space being left for the full development of single
specimens and loose groups.

On the other side of the house—in the view entitled,
“View across the park” (Fig. 90)—our intention was
to attempt, with no other aid but the axe, a park-
like effect by the grouping and massing of certain native
oaks, without the aid of any artificial planting. This was
effected by selecting the best specimens standing suffi-
ciently near to each other for this purpose, and leaving
around them a large circle of forest trees as nurses, which
we thinned out from the inside, year by year, giving the
permanent trees more and more light and space, until
finally they stood alone, and have since continued to
thrive; though if we had thinned out immediately every-
thing about them, they would probably have perished
from the too sudden removal of their accustomed shelter ;
but by diminishing their nurses gradually in successive
years, the trees to remain, became by degrees fortified
and strengthened by extended roots, and now stand as
well alone as if they had been planted for this purpose.

The boundaries of the place were treated in a similar
manner; the original trees reduced to half or two-thirds
their height, and, when thick and bushy, faced with.

442 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

ornamental plantations, as an arboretum, with collections
of trees in families, and also a portion as a pinetum—
each genus being kept by itself—and through which is a
walk making the circuit of the place ;.the whole being
divided by a wire fence from the portion above des-
cribed as arranged for a park, which is kept short by
cattle and sheep.

All the space necessary for vegetable and flower gar-
dens, pinetum, arboretum, orchards, etc., was, of course,
taken entirely from the wood—the trees being cut down
and their roots grubbed up.

Having attempted to describe a place made by the
axe, out of a wood, we will now give some account of
the other and different style of country residence before
referred to, entirely by the spade and from the ground.

The whole estate at “Wellesley” consists, we be-
lieve, of two hundred acres, being an unimproved por-
tion of an old family place of many hundred acres.

The part selected by Mr. Hunnewell for the orna-
mental improvement of his grounds comprises about
forty acres, originally a flat, sandy, arid plain, which,
when he took it in hand, in 1851, only seven years
since, was more or less covered with a tangled growth
of dwarf pitch pine, scrub oak, and birch, all of which
were cut down and ploughed up.

The first thing done was to trench over and thorough-
ly prepare with composted muck, an acre or more for a
nursery, which was planted with large quantities of
Norway spruce, white pines, balsams, Austrian pines,
Scotch firs, larch, beech, oaks, elms, maples, etc., mostly
imported from England, not over twelve to fifteen
inches high, with some few native trees of greater age,
previously prepared. The lawn was then graded, sub-
soiled, and a large portion trenched by spade, and after
being very heavily manured and enriched with com-
post, was for several years cultivated in order to amelior-
ate and subdue the soil; the boundaries of the place,

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HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE. 443

especially on the exposed part towards the public 10ad,
were then trenched over twenty to fifty feet broad,
heavily composted and planted with a judicious mixture
of evergreens and ornamental trees. The border, how-
ever, for many years, until the trees were fifteen to
twenty feet high, and in many cases touched each other,
was annually enriched and planted in potatoes, the crop
being some remuneration for the expense.

The next step after deciding upon the situation of the
house, was to form the avenues and plant them; the one
from the Boston entrance, with alternating Pinus excelsa,
and Magnolia tripetala at one end, and with large mas-
ses of rhododendrons, Kalmia latifolia, Mahonias, and
other rare evergreen shrubs, as a frontage to a back ground
of Norway spruces at the other; until the road reaches
the Italian garden, with a view of the lake on one side,
and the house and lawn on the other, when the avenue
effect of the planting ceases—and groups, masses, and
single specimens, and the ornamental arrangement,
shown in the view, commence.

The other avenue from the Natick entrance is plant-
ed with rows of white pine and larch, now, perhaps,
twenty to twenty-five feet high, and being all fine
trees, the effect is already very marked.

The next step was to plant the lawn of about eight
acrés with the best specimens sclected from the nurseries
or border plantations. This has been most cleverly and
successfully done, much of it in the winter with frozen
balls and with the most ornamental and choicest trees ; in
some. cases large specimens twenty to thirty feet high
were brought twenty miles, but even after the clumps,
masses, and single specimens on the lawn were arranged
and planted, it was still annually enriched and cultivated,
and the ground around each tree and mass of trees is,
even to this day, kept clean to a circle following the
drip of the branches.

The house. a front or entrance view of which is given

,

444 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

in Plate II1., was then built, having among other fine
features, a hall of 54x18 feet running through it; on
one side, the fine extent of simple -and dignified lawn,
and on the other side is a French parterre or architec-
tural garden (Plate IV.) with fountains, bordered by
heavy balustrades, surmounted at iintervals by vases,
with steps leading through a series of terraces to the
lake, a fine sheet of water of about a mile in extent,
having a peculiarly varied and beautiful outline. From
this French parterre, stretches off on the right the
ornamental or English pleasure-grounds, a part of the
same view, showing the summer-house very artist-
ically rusticated, with colored glass windows, pro-
ducing very curious effects of contrast by the stained
glass.

From this we pass along the lake to the Italian garden,
of which we have given a view in Plate V., and which
is the most successful, if not the only one as yet in
the country. The effect, especially by moonlight, of
the lake seen through the balustrades of the parapet,
and among the vases and statues which surmount it—
with the splashing of the fountain, and-the very unique
features, at least in this country, of the formally clipped
trees and topiary work, quite lead us to suppose we
are on the lake of Como.

To Mr. Hunnewell, we believe, is due the merit of
having first attempted to clip our white pine, and the
result shows that it bears the shears quite as well as the
hemlock or yew; though in this garden are equally
successful specimens of clipped Norways, balsams, arbor
vitee, the English maple, the beech and Scotch firs.

From the Italian garden we cross the avenue into a
wood, through which winds a walk planted on either
side with a very extensive and satisfactory pinetum,
containing all the rarest'and newest conifers and ever-
green shrubs, and which with the slight protection from
the winter’s sun, seem to thrive exceedingly well.

y by fE ALUDPPVOPN,.
“ A, / / 7.

HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE, 445

Among other features of this place, and accomplished
like everything else, within seven years, are various
vistas through different avenues planted for this pur-
pose—some of purple beech, others of white pine—all
of which will in a few years become very interesting
and effective.

If to the above we add the extensive and well-
conducted vegetable and fruit gardens surrounded by
most admirably kept hedges, an abundance of well
trained fruit trees, peach, grape, and green-houses,
and a steam engine for forcing water into a reservoir,
from which distributing pipes conduct it over all the
gardens, we shall, we think, conclude a description of
a place almost unequalled in this country, considering
the few years only it has existed.

Mr. Hunnewell’s success has been attributable in the
first place, to working on a plan—making no or few
mistakes—having little or nothing to undo, and lastly,
having the taste and ability to do everything thoroughly
and well; always keeping up what has been done,
so that neither tree or flower, or lawn, is ever permitted
to flag.

Of the two places above described as illustrating the
two schools most common in this country, we believe
we shall afford consolation to many beginners of naked
places by saying that our experience is extremely ad-
verse to all attempts at converting a wood into any
thing ornamental.

If two places of the same size were commenced the
same day, by persons of equal taste, knowledge, and
means, one a wood and the other a naked plain, at the
end of ten years the naked plain would be the finer
and more satisfactory.

Tn the first place, if one in planting, will make his
holes wide and deep enough, and with judicious prepa-
ration of the soil; if instead of the ordinary three
feet wide by two feet deep, our holes are prepared

446 ; LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

twelve feet wide and six feet deep, it would be easy
enough to predict the result at the end of five or six
years. Besides which it is a very simple matter to know
the effect certain trees or certain groups of trees are
going to produce by setting up a few stakes, which
shall cover the same extent of ground; and it is a
very easy matter to move these groups of stakes until
they are rightly and properly placed beyond any ques-
tion, and then to proceed with our planting. By con-
tinuing in this way with all our planting we may, as
we have shown elsewhere, get every thing placed, with-
out the possibility of error.

It is impossible to do this in a wood. We cannot
carve out the views and the groups and masses, exactly
as we wish, because we cannot find the trees always
ready to assist us. It often happens that the finest tree is
just where we should prefer to have none; and where
we want density and bulk to hide unsightly: objects, we
have naked poles of fifty feet, with ten feet of brush
up in thesky instead of where it should be, on the ground.
There is no remedy in such cases but to cut down our
fine tree or abandon the view it hides, and also to cut
down our unavailable giants and to plant in their places.
We are, in this instance, not as well off as our friend
without trees, because we have to do all that~ he does
with the additional labor of grubbing up the old stumps
and renewing the soil before planting. There are, to
be sure, instances as we have mentioned in our own
case above, where we can make the native forest avail-
able by topping those trees which will admit it, and by
planting among and in front of them; but even this,
for many years, is not satisfactory. The dignity of the
original trees, if any dignity is left, is much injured and
frittered away by being side by side with our newly
planted Norways and hemlocks of only three feet in
height; while these, which, in a few years at least, would
have made their mark, if no comparisons could have been

HOW .TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE. 447

instituted, will now always appear to a disadvantage in
connection with the forest, besides the injury to their
progress from the roots and drip of their hungry and
uncouth companions.

There is, to be sure a certain class or condition of
wood which chance or design has from year to year
thinned out, and cattle cleared of undergrowth, re-
sembling the oak openings of the West, which becomes
after a while a sort of natural park, most desirable for
country residences, but the thick, tangled, inextricable
wood which will not readily admit any amelioration,
but always returns for your attempted improvement,
sickly and dying trees, pointing at you from every direc-
tion their weird and skeleton limbs, as if in derision
and mockery at your efforts, had better be left alone in
its wildness, or no attempts made to reform it.

The proper way, we have always thought, to make a
country place, where there are no trees already existing,
is, as we have already described as in Mr. Hunnewell’s
case, to dig an irregular border all round the boundary,
or at least on those sides exposed to public roads or dis-
agreeable objects, and to plant this with a judicious
mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees of two or
three feet high, either imported from Europe for a few
dollars the hundred, or purchased from our own nurseries
at wholesale prices.

We do not mean by this to be understood as recom-
mending one of those formal belts so much employed
in the time of Brown, but a picturesque boundary, with
bays and recesses, and projecting curves, occasionally
employing the denser and more umbrageous trees where
distant and unsightly objects are to be excluded; and
again the lowest growing shrubs to admit the landscape
beyond the boundaries when it is desirable to do so.
This border may, the first few years, be employed
as a nursery for the purpose of receiving all the trees,
shrubs and plants required for the future and entire

448 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

planting and embellishing of the place, and may be
thinned out from year to year as the trees crowd each
other, or may be wanted for progressive improvement
and separate planting, until as the place advances and
the border becomes annually thinned for this :purpose
it is at last reduced simply to such a number of plants,
(which must be suffered to remain),”as are required to
produce the effects and objects above described.
During the first year or so, the proprietor may, at
his leisure, study the planting of his place, without
the loss of that time so precious to all ‘good Americans,
as his trees are already growing—not in their final
place, but in his border nursery. To. do this effectu-
ally and properly he must employ a quantity of stakes
or poles ten to twelve feet high, and by placing first
a stake where he thinks a tree should be planted,
and then several smaller stakes at such a distance
around it as his books or his own knowledge may in-
form him will be the extension of the tree when full
grown. By carefully observing this collection of stakes
from his point of view, which, as a general rule should
be the principal room of the house, he will at once sec.
whether it is in the right place, whether it is -too near
the road or walk, or will injure a view. When satisfied
by many abservations—anid it would be well if made
from many points of view, all, however, subservient to
the principal point—that the centre stake is correctly
placed, let him substitute for it a small stake eight or
ten inches high, with the name of the tree to be planted
there legibly written on it. In the Autumn or Spring,
whichever may be the proper time for trams planting—
let the hole be dug at leisure, properly and care-
fully prepared, and let a tree be selected from the
border nursery on a damp or rainy day, and as properly
and carefully planted. Pursue this course with all the
single trees, groups, and masses to be planted on-the
grounds, and if judiciously done the most complete

HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE. 449

satisfaction will be the result; because one may not
only make up their own mind by studying their groups
of poles, for weeks or months, even, but they can also
have the advantage of criticism from intelligent visitors,
and if the poles are wrong it is much easier to remove
them than the trees.

If it were our object to make the most thorough place
with the greatest expedition and fewest mistakes, we
should plant every group, mass, and single specimen in
poles, and allow them to remain when the trees were
both in and out of leaf, in. order to be quite certain
that the planting worked equally well in all seasons,
and also to study and be quite sure we were right in
the harmony and selection we made of varieties for
forming groups and masses.

Although the process may seem slow and tedious to
new beginners, yet we are quite sure a place thus
treated will, at the end of four or five years, be far more
advanced and much more judiciously and successfully
planted than by the more ordinary and hasty method.
In the first place, there will be no mistakes—no un-
doing—on the contrary, the planting of the place is the
making of the border: and in the second place, the trees
will be better specimens, because we may at our leisure
select. from our border the best plants, and have them
much better planted, inasmuch as when the spot for the
tree is selected, the hole may be dug months, if neces-
sary, before used—which, for spring planting, is most
advantageous, by submitting the soil to the action of the
frost. "Whereas in the usual method, we go to a nursery
and order a certain quantity of plants, and when they
arrive, possibly on a disagreeable, windy day, we set
about ‘in the greatest hurry to dig holes and plant our
trees, without in the least knowing the effects they are
to make or mar when fully grown.

It is this careless method which produces so much
bad planting and ruins so many country places. How

29

450 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

rarely do we see trees planted at sufficient distance
from each other, or from roads, or walks, or houses. One
plants a pine or Norway spruce three or four feet high
at about the same distance from the margin of a road.
There are many approaches that we know of bordered
by pines and Norway spruces, with the trees five or six
feet only from the border. When these trees get a few
years older they must be removed or trimmed up, and
if a pine only ten or twelve years old is to be trimmed
up sufficiently high to admit the passage of carriages
under it, it is very easy to see how little beauty is left.
If in planting avenues one would first plant stakes,
they would soon discover, that to employ pines, firs,
beeches, or, in fact, any tree proper for this purpose,
the trees should be set back at least twenty-five to forty
feet from the margin, so as to be in proper position
when fully grown. In order to prevent the meagre
appearance of clumps or masses, or avenues properly
planted for future results, there is no objection to closer
planting for immediate effect, care being taken that
the latter is cut down or removed from year to year,
before they crowd or injure the permanent trees. In this
way with judgment and taste, a place may have the
appearance of finish within a year or two; the present
group and mass producing similar effects except less
light and shade, and covering the same ground as will
be produced in twenty or thirty years by the two or
three permanent trees, which, by that time are all that
will be permitted to remain.

By this method of planting, which we recommend,
we have an opportunity which is impossible in the ordi-
nary way, of studying the character and habits of the
trees, which, later in the season, we propose to substi-
tute for our poles—to learn how they group, how they
harmonize in habit, color, or growth, and we are thus
enabled to produce some of those charming artistic
effects by skillful combinations of color and habit, which

HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE. 451

nature so pleasingly exhibits in her own planting. Very
few attempts, to our knowledge, have as yet been made,
in this country, in what is called “artistic planting,” that
is, where reference is had to those effects attained
by combination of certain colors ; for instance, in order
to increase the effect of a vista or opening, by plant-
ing the darker foliage nearest the eye, and the lighter
at the more distant point of view, or by planting two
trees in the same hole in order to produce picturesque
effects in contrast to the more formal or gardenesque
planting on the place. We remember to have seen at
Ouchy, on the Lake of Geneva, that most graceful tree,
the Weeping Silver birch, planted in the same hole with
a pretty, drooping, fragile, dark-looking cedar; and the
two (some twenty-five years old) had grown up to-
gether like two loving sisters, and their dark and sil-
very foliage and graceful arms gently entwined together,
seemed to cling fondly to each other for support-—the
Minna and Brenda of the woods.

A selection and blending of trees with reference to
their autamnal colors, is another refinement yet little
practiced in this country. A group, for example, of
our ash, the different maples, the liquid-amber, the sour
gum, the dogwood, etc., judiciously toned down in color,
‘from the darkest and richest to the lightest, will present
a combination, which, for brilliancy and gorgeousness,
would be bardly credible to those who had not witnessed
the result.

In connection with this subject, we have made use
of some memoranda of a visit to a place in Italy,
some -years since, as illustrative of artistic planting,
from which, notwithstanding the advantages of climate,
it is very easy to see how very far we yet fall short in
this sort of perfection.

The place which we have most particularly in our
mind, at present, is a bold promontory in the Lake of
Como, called Bellagio, belonging to the Duchess ‘of

452 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Bologna, having a position not very unlike that of. West,
Point on the Hudson—supposing that the river forked
there, one arm running on each side. You stand on this
promontory andlookdown one lake twenty 1 miles to Como;
and this view is similar, though finer, from the, moun-
tains being higher and more delicate, to the view down
the North River, from Kosciusko’s monument; and then
on the other side, you look as it might be upon a a portion
of the river running between Crow-Nest and West
Point dock, some twenty miles also down the lake to
Leceo; you then look up, as if to Newburgh,.and see,
at about this distance (nine miles) the Alps, in snow-....
clad majesty. The whole promontory ‘does not, we be-
lieve, exceed five acres, rising conigally, perhaps six
hundred feet from the water; but the walks, which are
graveled or paved with very small pe
or four miles in extent, most admir ab y managed’ by
means of dense plantations, tunnels, and bridges. The
promontory from the lake seems heavily/wooded; and
yet everything has been done by art. The deep shade |
has been produced by. the most charming undergrow!
of cypress, laurel, casuaria, myrtle, and English yews.

You enter through a cavern into a glen, quite spectral
in its midnight darkness, surrounded by immense Italian
pines, and an undergrowth of yew; you are then let
out, as it were, into daylight, and into a charming peep .
of one of the lakes, by the most delicate gradations, of
dark to light, first going through not only the calore but
also the changes of form of the following trees: Cedars
of Lebanon, Pinus excelsa, deodars, and weeping larches,
which actually wave and dance you out into the sun-
light. <

After these trees, you shortly commence in the midst
of a blazing sun, among the most feathery and delicate
of the acacias, and grow cooler.and darker with the
coarser varieties, and the rose acacia, all enchantingly
entangled with the Chinese wistaria, which here flowers

vy

HOW TO MAKE A COUNTRY PLACE. 453

allsummer. After struggling through purple beeches,
and some other dark foliage, you get out through a
lovely grove of araucarias, Pinus excelsa, Pinus longi-
folia, and Abies Douglasii; from this you emerge
into a little lawn, quite surrounded by high cliffs, cov-
ered with superb plantations of aloes, bananas, pepper
trees, and white and scarlet horse-chestnuts, and a col-
lection of rhododendrons, dazzling from their gorgeous-
ness.

This lawn was devoted to magnolias of every possible
variety, of which some eight or ten sorts were, when
we saw them, in flower—the air being heavy with
their perfume. These were in masses and as single
specimens.

You left this oasis by the only way it seemed possible
to get out—a cavern in the rocks, through which you
passed, until you again entered profound darkness—
gradually the light returned—at last you reached a
point from which two vistas opened, one down the lake
to Como, the other down the lake to Lecco; you looked
at these as at a picture through a darkened tube, for the
cavern was formed apparently for this purpose; these
tunnels led you out to a walk bordered by natural rock,
perhaps twenty feet high, covered by Lamarque and the
Banksian roses in such a profusion of bloom, that the
wall had the appearance of being painted white and
yéllow. On the other side the walk was bordered by
masses of choice azalias, in every variety of color, and
flowers some eight and ten feet high. Passing a charm-
ing cascade overhung with weeping beeches, waving
birches, and different varieties of willows, the walk led
through a maze of Judas trees (pink and white), all the
varieties of double thorns, the laburnum (purple and
yellow), and becoming umbrageous and mazy, with purple
beeches, purple berberries, and purple filberts ; finally
came out again clear and bright through different
varieties of heath and acacia, upon a little platform

454 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

looking up the third lake, and to the snowy Alps, and
down a perpendicular precipice of some six hundred
feet into an exquisite flower garden below, into which,
you are prevented from falling, by a parapet interlaced
with every variety of honeysuckle and clematis.

The other walk from the cavern led along a similar
wall of rock, pierced with holes, having an occasional
frame of rustic work, covered with air plants (orchids)
and parasites. This led by a grand terrace, balustraded
and statued,.and commanding the three lakes to the
palace.

We have attempted to give our recollection of this
wonderful spot; not that we expect it to be a model
for anything yer to be done in America, but because it
is the only place we remember to have seen in any part
of the world which we have visited where a great
work of art has been produced in a very considerable
degree by the forms and colors of trees. The dim and
sombre effects of the caverns and tunnels have been
marvelously: extended and increased by the deep, dark,
purple colors selected for this purpose, while the gay,
graceful, sparkling spray and glitter of the fairy-like
acacias, are so blended and interwoven with the sun-
shine that one cannot but feel, how much even nature,
grand as she always is, can some times be aided by
man. There are many bold and prominent bluffs and
promontories in this country on our beautiful and pictur-
esque rivers and majestic lakes where much of the ar-
tistic beauty of Bellagio can be accomplished by judi-
cious and tasteful planting, and although we have not a
climate which admits hedges of oleander and myrtle, at
least at the Northy yet when we know the colors, forms
and habits.of many trees which have as yet never
been employed in ornamental landscape, we shall be
surprised to find how much material we have for pro-
ducing the most remarkable and the most pleasing
results.

NEWER DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS. 455

SECTION III.

THE NEWER DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS.

We do not intend in this section to occupy the atten-
tion of the reader by any preliminary remarks as to the
ornamental or practical value of any of the varieties
we shall describe. Mr. Downing has already, to a
great extent, done this in the preceding portion of the
book. It remains for us simply to introduce to planters
such new scions and connections of their older friends
—the results, sometimes of inter-marriage between the
ancient families, producing hybrids and crosses—and
sometimes from the new discoveries of trees, which the
increased intercourse all over the world has enabled
collectors and societiesto make. With this introduction
we shall proceed at once to describe those trees and
plants omitted in the previous edition and which our
observation has induced us to believe are well worthy
the attention of amateurs.

Acer, THe MApPte.

A. Campestre, erroneously campestris of the Catalogues (the
Common or English Field maple).—This is a beautiful, com-
pact, round-headed tree, or rather bush, rarely exceeding twenty
or twenty-five feet in height, and, if allowed to assume its natural
shape, quite as broad as it is high. This tree, which is one of
the most ornamental of the maples, is very rarely to be met
with, though common, we believe, in our best nurseries. It is
a tree, above all others of its kind, suited to small lawns, where
it should stand alone, or on the outside of loose gardenesque
groups, where it is accessible on all sides; since the character

456 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

of its growth is so regular and formal (in shape of a bee-hive),
that it does not harmonize with wild or picturesque plantations,
but is peculiarly adapted to the neighborhood of the house or
to the more formal trees, like the horse-chestnut and linden:
The finest specimen we recollect to have seen, is at the late
Mr. Downing’s, which is nearly fully grown; a specimen at
Wodenethe, about fifteen feet high, and nearly as wide, is ex-
tremely beautiful. The largest specimens in England are at
Kew, fifty years planted, twenty-six feet high; at Milbury
Park, one hundred years planted, thirty-eight feet high. It
should never be trimmed up; on the contrary, if by accident
the lower limbs are injured or lost, the tree should be severely
headed back to encourage new growth from the ground.

A. c. folits variegatis (the Variegated maple).—A variety of
A. campestre—very much of its character and habit, though
perhaps a little looser. This tree is extremely pretty and ef-
fective up to mid-summer, especially when placed on the bounda-
ries of plantations, as it catches the light well; after July, it is
apt to burn and get shabby during the dry weather. There is
another Striped or Blotched-leaved maple, which is a variety
of the A. pseudo-platanus, which is still larger and less compact
than the preceding, and equally worthy of being planted by
those who fancy variegated-leaved trees.

A. macrophyllum (the Large-leaved maple).—This superb
tree, a mere mention of which appears in a note to the previous
edition of this work, was introduced into England in 1812, and
has only within a very few years made its appearance in this
country, and we have, of course, no specimens of any size. It
is described in its native state as varying in height from forty to
ninety feet, very graceful in form, with branches widely spread-
ing, the wood soft, but beautifully veined; specimens sent home
by Mr. Douglas, exhibit a grain scarcely inferior to the finest
satin wood. ‘Though the leaves vary much in size, yet they
are by far the largest of the maples; this, with its hardihood
and great size and loftiness, renders it one of the noblest of its
kind, and it should invariably be planted where there is sufli-
cient space for its development.

A. Monspessulanum (the Montpelier maple).—This is another
of the newer maples but lately introduced here; though of

NEWER DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS. 457

small habit of growth, yet it is very ornamental, the leaves
resembling somewhat in size and color those of A. campestre :
the flowers are pale, and are very attractive to bees. In mild
seasons, in Europe, the leaves remain on the tree until mid-
winter, and on this account it is much planted in France for
hedges. It rarely attains a greater height than thirty to forty
feet, and is readily propagated by seeds or by layers.

A. p. laciniata (Cut-leaved or eagle’s claw).—A very curious
low growing tree, with the lobes of its leaves jagged and some-
what resembling, as its name implies, the foot or claw of an
eagle. It is one of the varieties of A. pseudo-platanus, and
comes in well with the cut-leaved ash, beech, and other trees
with this peculiar foliage. ,

A, p. foltis purpurcis (the Purple-leaved maple).—Another
sport or variety of A. pseudo-platanus, very peculiar and striking
when the wind blows, the leaves having a fine purple under-
neath, and-being ruffled by the breeze, presenting a curious
blending of purple and pale green ; the foot-stalks to the leaves
are quite distinctly pink. This tree is commonly known in the
nurseries as the Purple Jersey maple, it having originated in a
nursery in that island in 1828. Plants raised from seed sport
so much in color that sometimes they become quite green. On
this account, specimens for planting should be selected from
the nursery rows while in leaf.

A, p. Tartavica (Tartarian maple); A. @reticum (Cretan
Maple), Hodgkins’ Seedling, with yellow blotched leaves; A.
punctata, with spotted leaves, and several others, are only sports
or varieties of A. pseudo-platanus, and have not yet, to our
knowledge, been planted in the United States.

Zisculus hippocastanum. Tur Horse-cHestnovr,

4. h. Flore pleno (Double-flowering horse-chestnut).—A
beautiful variety of 4, hippocastanum, resembling it in character
and foliage, but with the flowers double and very full, not unlike
at a distance, a gigantic hyacinth. The tree seems perfectly
hardy, and has the additional advantage of flowering when very

young.

458 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Zi, h. coccinea (Scarlet-flowering horse-chestnut).—This dif-
fers from the Rubicunda simply in color of its flower, being a
deep scarlet. It is very hardy, flowers early, and is, perhaps,
the most striking floral tree of the season. The specimen we
have, about ten feet high, is the only one we have seen in this
country, but we hardly know an ornamental tree more deserv-
ing of notice.

4H, h, variegata (the Variegated horse-chestnut).—This is
simply a variety with blotched leaves ; in fact, there are two, one
mottled with white, the other with yellow; whence, the distinction
of gold and silver-leaved. We do not regard either of them as
particularly handsome, having more the appearance of disease
than a regular blotch ; and we consequently would only recom-
mend them for arboretums, or where one has a fancy for varie-
gated trees.

4. h. laciniata (Cui-leaved horse-chestnut),—A very distinc-
tive variety, with deeply cut leaves; in certain conditions of
growth, the leaves have simply the appearance of threads. This
is by far the most curious and interesting of all the cut-leaved
trees, and we consider it very desirable even in small col-
lections. It is perfectly hardy, and should be planted by it-
self. It is still very rare.

4, h. Whitleyi—Whitley’s New Scarlet is a variety of Rubi-
cunda, as are also 4. Americana, and 4, fol. aurea (Golden-
leaved horse-chestnut). They can be had at our nurseries,
and are well worthy the attention of planters.

The Pavias are simply varieties of the horse-chestnut, with
smooth fruit and leaves, and generally of lower growth, most of
them are deserving of notice and one of them, Pavia macro-
stachya (the Dwarf white-flowering horse-chestnut), is rather
a shrub than tree; but we hardly know anything more valuabe
in the month of July, when covered with its long spikes or
flowers, which are agreeably odoriferous.

Its habit of growth is peculiar, stoling from the root, and
when standing alone, as it invariably should, making a magnifi-
cent bush, much wider than it is high. It is a native, we be-
lieve, of North America, growing most abundantly near St.
Augustine in Florida, and was only introduced into England in
1820, the largest plants being at “White Knights,” twenty-

Le tes

ap

sae

, 8 ft. Cir. 60 ft,

12 yrs, Height,

Age,

at Wodenethe.

Fic. 91.—Dwarr Horse Cugstnor,

x
i
\
‘

“ pres eS
WEE ay BOS

—Scampston WeRpPine Ex, at Wodenethe.

Fia. 92

Age. 6 yrs, Height, 7 ft, Circum., 386 ft.

NEWER DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS. 459

five years platted, fifteen feet high. At Syon House, near
London, there is.a specimen, twelve feet. -In this country, as
yet, it. is rarely to- be met with in our ornamental places,
which is the more. remarkable ‘as we do not know a shrub:
which should be. planted before it. It comes into bloom a.
month: or six weeks later than the other horse-chestnuts, and at
a period, too, when very few shrubs/are in flower, and continues:
along time. Our best plant at’ Wodenethe—of which Fig. 91
is a sketch—twelve years old, is sixty feet in. circumference
and about eight feet high, and has, at the time we write, between
three and four hundred racemes of flowers, the feathery lightness
of which, and the fine umbrageous character of the leaves ren-
der it a most striking and attractive object.

Pavia rubra (Red-flowering)—which is merely mentioned
by Mr. Downing, and which is now better known, is a shrubby
tree, seldom exceeding twenty feet, with reddish flowers suffi-
ciently distinct to make it desirable—though Pavia humilis
pendula (the Weeping red pavia), is even more desirable and at-
tractive. Mr, Loudon considers this one of the most beautiful
and interesting forms of Pavia, and recommends horse-chestnuts
of twenty to thirty years’ growth to be grafted all over with it
at the points of the shoots; care being taken afterwards, once
or twice every year, to rub off all the buds from the stock as
soon as they appear, so that the entire force of the plant may
be direoted to the nourishment of the scions.

Pavia carnea pubescens (Downy leaf), from the fact of the
whole plant, including the ‘young wood, being covered with
pubescence.

P. purpurea (Purple); P. rubra_atrosanguinea (Dark red) ;
and P, carnea superba (Pale red), are all new varieties to be
obtained in this country, and of greater or less merit.

Alnus. Toe ALDER.

The principle additions to this genus, since the previous
edition of this work, have been A. cordifolia, (Heart-shaped),.
a tree of some magnitude, a native of Calabria,- with.
large, deep green, shining leaves, rather broad and deeply

460 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

heart-shaped, growing rapidly, and, we believe, perfectly
hardy—at least, we have found it so at this place—and A.
quercifolia (the Oak-leaved alder); although Mr. Downing
places little value on the A. glauca (our common Swamp-
alder), yet we must confess, we hardly know a more charming
plant in the winter, when covered with its bright scarlet ber-
ries, especially when placed against hemlocks or other ever-
greens ; and we are quite confident, that planted in this manner

it only needs to be seen to be more generally employed.
a

Betula. Brrcu.

The only new varieties lately introduced of the birch are:

B. daurica (the Daurian birch), from Asiatic Siberia, which
is supposed to be only a variety of B. alba, not growing as tall
as the common birch, nor does the trunk attain the same size,
though the wood is both harder and yellower.

Betula laciniata (the Cut-leaf birch), as known in our nur-
series; an exceedingly graceful, pretty tree, with a light,
airy growth, inferior, however, to a still newer variety B.
laciniata pendula (Pendulous cut-leaf), which is quite the pret-
tiest and most feathery of the birches.

B. nana and B. pumila (the Dwarf and low growing birch).
These two are merely shrubs, both natives of the northern
portions of America, and the latter found in Sweden, Norway,
and Russia; and growing only two or three feet high, merely
valuable as carrying out the class in arboretums.,

Castanea. CHESTNUT.

The principle additions to this genus, since the first edition
are: Castanea asplenifolia (Cut-leaf chestnut), a very remarka-
ble and peculiar variety, with its leaves in shreds; and C.
variegata, foliis-aureis, and folits-argenteis, (the Golden-
leaved and the Silver-leaved chestnuts), both very striking
and showy, especially when planted against or near ever-
greens, the golden variety being particularly gay. Small
plants of this tree have, at Wodenethe, blossomed when

NEWER DECIDUOUS TREES AND: SHRUBS. 461

only two feet high, but whether this is the habit of this variety,
or accidental, we are not prepared to say.

We have also here (received some years ago from Mr. Rivers,
we think), a dwarf variety, called Dwarf prolific, which has
the merit of fruiting when a small shrub.

Cercis. JupDAsS TREE.

The only addition to this variety, which has appeared
within the past few years, is Ceres foliis-variegatis (the Varie-
gated-leaved Judas) ; the leaves blotched and streaked with
white, and sometimes pink and white splashes; desirable, but
at present very rare. We procured our plants, we believe,
from France.

Fagus. BEEcu.

There are several varieties of this tree, which have been in-
troduced into cultivation within the last few years, well de-
serving of notice, and some of them very curious and interest-
ing ; among these is, Fagus laciniata, called also F. asplenifolia
and F. incisa, and known in the nursuries as Cut-leaved, Fern-
leaved and Various-leaved beech. We have all these plants
under the different names, but, except the occasional sport,
which tle beech is peculiarly liable to, we believe them to be
identical ; sometimes resembling a fern, which is the most usual,
and others again with leaves very oddly cut and shredded,
as it were, by insects. The Fern-leaved beech, commonly so-
called, is a great favorite with us, and we hardly know a pret-
tier or more attractive tree, or one less known or planted; if
we could plant but half a dozen trees this would certainly be
one of the first. It has the close round habit of the beech with
a pleasing green and glaucous color, and the most tiny and deli-
cate foliage, the persistency of which would make it very
desirable for topiary work, as it bears the shears better than any
deciduous tree we know of. Its maximum height is forty to
fifty feet, but we have seen no specimen in this country over
twelve to fifteen feet; its average annual growth being twelve

to fifteen inches.

462 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Fagus cristata (Crested or Curled-leaved beech), is more
curious than interesting, and is what Mr. Loudon called a
“monstrosity,” with leaves small, almost sessile, and crowded
into small tufts which occur at intervals along the branches; it
never becomes a large tree.

Fagus foliis variegatis (Variegated-leaved beech).—Thereare
two varieties of this, the Golden and Silver ; the latter being the
most striking.

There is also another most charming variety —F. Cunning-
hamia (the Evergreen beech), with leaves curiously small, but
which does not stand our climate in this vicinity, but, which in
the Southern States, we have little doubt, would be quite an ac-
quisition to the Evergreen trees. In connection with the beech
we would also mention three new varieties of Carpinus (Horn-
beam), C. pendula, a pretty weeping tree, and the Golden and
Silver-leaved varieties, resembling very much, though inferior
to these same varieties in the beech.

Frazinus. Asu.

There are five or six varieties of this tree, not mentioned by
Mr. Downing, that are well deserving attention; the moststriking
and rarest, perhaps, is /’. aucubafolia (the Aucuba-leaved ash).
The leaves blotched with yellow, like that well-known English
shrub, the Aucuba.Japonica, and to such an extent that ata little
distance, a tree of some age has the appearance of this plant of
extraordinary size; on the edges of plantations it catches the
light so well that it works up to great advantage, and has so
strong a resemblance to a tree in flower that it is constantly
taken for one. The tree is yet very rare, a plant we obtained
a year or two since from Messrs. Eliwanger and Barry is the
only specimen we have seen.

F. aurea (Golden ash), and F. aurea pendula (Weeping
Golden ash), are both very desirable varieties; the color of the
wood of a rich golden yellow, being very striking in winter
when contrasted with the snow, quite as marked as the Golden
willow; on this account it would be well to plant it in sight
from the windows of the house. The latter tree is, with us,

NEWER DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS. 463

.quite as hardy as and a great improvement upon the old Weep-
ing ash.

F- salicifolia (Willow-leaved ash).—This is another of those
remarkable thin cut-leaved trees, of which we have specimens in
the beech, horse-chestnut and even the oak. This is a most
rapid and robust grower, and would, undoubtedly, be taken for
a willow, by persons not very familiar with trees—and though
not particularly handsome, still it is well deserving a place in
all collections, where striking and curious plants are desired.

F, globosa viridis or myrtifolia (Myrtle-leaved ash).—A seed-
ling, if we mistake not, of Messrs. Ellwanger and Barry, from
whom we procured the plant some years ago; is when grafted
standard high, a very pretty effective little tree, with a globular
head of small close, dark green foliage like the myrtle, and
comes in very well, standing by itself in small pleasure grounds,
or peeping out of low masses of shrubs.

F. argentea alba—A very singular variety, with leaves
entirely white, and when planted with the aucubafolia, the
leaves of which are quite golden, producing a remarkable effect,
like gigantic flowering plants. We do not know the history, of
this singular tree, and have only seen it at Mr. Daniel Brincker-
hoff’s, in this neighborhood, who has the impression he procured
it some years since, from Mr. Rivers of the Sawbridgeworth
nurseries in England. It differs from the varieties known in
the English nurseries as F. argentea, from the peculiar
whiteness of its foliage ; the argentea being generally streaked
with green, though it may be a sport of this tree. It is apt to
suffer very much in June from the insects which, apparently
attracted by the white foliage at night, greedily devour the
leaves, though all the other ashes standing by escape un-
touched.

F. lentiscifolia and F. lentiscifolia pendula, are both desira-
ble‘ trees, with neat, narrow foliage, and rapid growth. The
Pendulous-branched we have found the most rapid of the ashes.
The Weeping black and Gold-striped weeping, both pretty; F.
atro-virens, remarkable for its dark foliage; 2. bosci, with dark
glossy foliage, and woolly shoots; 2. juglandifolia (Walnut-
leaved) ; F. monophylla, single, instead of pinnate leaves; F.

464 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

elonga Japonica pannosa, Nova Anglica, oxyphillas and scolo-
pendrifolium, are all new varieties, for arboretums or very
full collections.

MAGNOLIA.

There are several newly introduced varieties of this beauti-
ful tree which deserve attention: among them may be men-
tioned, Thompsoniana, a fine distinct variety, probably a
cross between glauca and tripetala, quite as hardy with us as
either parent. ,

M. speciosa, M. gracilis, M. Alexandrina and M. Nort-
bertiana.—These four varieties so closely resemble MZ. Soulan-
giana, that we think they can be only seedlings, differing a
little in the mingling of the white and purple, which is the color
of their flowers.

M. Nortbertiana, being whiter in its flowers, may probably be
a Seedling or variety of I conspicua; M. gracilis is unques-
tionably only a more slender delicate variety of I purpurea,
having much darker flowers, especially when half expanded ;
M. Alexandrina flowers earlier than its parent.

Another desirable variety is. M. longifolia, which is often con-
founded with and sold for 1 Thompsoniana, and is intermediate
in appearance between Jf. tripetala and M. glauca; the leaves
are acute at both ends, longer than Thompsoniana, and resem-
bling tripetala, but thicker, smaller, and glaucous underneath ;
the flowers are very sweet but not as large as M. Thomp-
soniana.

MM. galissoniere—A plant of which we imported from France
two years since, is said to be the only variety of the AZ grandi.
flora which will stand our climate, and as it resists the cold of
the north of France, it is not impossible it may be acclimatized
here. We do not know that it has been sufficiently tested at
present to be able to class it among our hardy magnolias.

NEWER DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS. 465

Quercus. Oak.

We have but few additions to make to this genus, and these
rather of the fancy order.

Q. laciniata (Cut-leaf oak), known also as Q. salictfolia and
Q. filicifolia, is a curious variety, with leaves deeply cut at the
edges and laciniated.

Q. foliis variegatis (Variegated oak), both gold and silver,
with leaves variegated with white or yellow and occasional
streaks of red; well grown, quite showy and ornamental.

Q. purpurea (Purple oak), has the foot-stalks of the leaves
and its young shoots quite distinctly tinged with purple—even
the young leaves, when they first appear, are very dark, as
much so as the Purple beech, and, like this tree, becoming
greener as the season advances.

_ But of all the newer varieties recently introduced here, the
Q. pendula (Weeping oak), is the most distinctive and remark-
able. We have as yet, we believe, no trees of any size in the
country. The largest tree known is at Moccas court, in Here-
fordshire, England, which Mr. Loudon (Arbo: Brit. vol. 3.
page 1782), describes as one of the most extraordinary trees
of the oak kind in existence ; the height of the trunk to the first
branch is eighteen feet, total height of the trunk seventy-five feet,
with branches reaching from about the middle of its height to
within seven feet of the ground, and hanging down like cords ;
many of these branches are thirty feet long and no thicker in
any part of their length than a common wagon rope. There is
another variety of Weeping oak to be found in our nurseries,
and which we have had here, but the inclination of the branches
is more rigid and less pendulous and graceful than the Moccas
oak, and we much doubt if we have ever had this species here.

To persons curious in trees, or who are desirous of making
plantations of the many dwarfs at present quite the fashion in
England, we would suggest here two varieties of oak interest-
ing for this purpose; viz., Quercus humilis (the low growing
oak), a native of Europe, where it never exceeds a height of
three to four feet, and in the Landes near Bordeaux, not over
one foot; and Q. pumila (an American dwarf), which seldom
exceeds twenty inches.

30

166 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Salix. WILLow.

There are three or four charming varieties to add to this
well known genus. Among them the newest, and perhaps the
most remarkable, is the Kilmarnock Weeping, quite distinctive,
with a very pendulous but close habit of growth, so much go,
that the branches, at least in young trees, are quite hid out by
the large glossy leaves, which, at a little distance, are not un-
like the apple leaf. It seems perfectly hardy, and, with the
one next mentioned, may be very appropriately planted in
pleasure grounds, where the other and larger willows would be
out of keeping.

S. Americana pendula, an American dwarf variety, with
very slender and graceful branches, or rather shoots, which
when grafted six or seven feet high, hang down like whip-
cord; this variety, we think, was first noticed by the late Mr.
‘Downing in Rivers’ nursery, and very prettily described by
him as the Fountain willow, which is a much more expressive
and appropriate name than the one it now goes by in the nur-
series. It should always be grafted on what is called the Stock
willow; if upon its own roots or worked even on itself, standard
high, it becomes nothing but an awkward distorted shrub.

S. rosmarijolia (the Rosemary-leaved willow)—Is anothér
exceedingly pretty little lawn tree, with delicate rosemary-
like leaves ; this should also be worked standard high.

The Huntington willow, with large, beautiful, shining leaves,
and a variety we imported from France a year or so ago,
called S. pentandra, described there (though it has not yet
realized its reputation with us), as a beautiful tree, with leaves
like the laurel, are all the newer varieties proper for orna-
menial planting.

Sophora, Tuer SopHora.,
Lin. Syst. Decandria, Monogynia.

This genus, the only hardy variety of which is deciduous,
is a native of Japan, and is highly ornamental. There is not,
to our knowledge, any large tree of it in this country, and from
this fact, perhaps, and from its great rarity, it was classed by

as

NEWER DECIDUOUS TREES AND SHRUBS. 46%

Mr. Downing among the shrubs. It is in reality a large trec
when grown, forty to fifty feet high, with pinnate leaves, and
producing large branches of cream colored flowers in August.
It is quite distinctive in winter, by the dark green bark of its
young wood; and in summer by the dark blue green of its
foliage. Near Paris there are some trees sixty feet high. It
grows rapidly and is peculiarly adapted to the United States
from one remarkable property of its foliage, which is the power
it has to retain both its leaves and their color in the very hot-
test and driest seasons, when locusts and acacias and other
pinnated-leaved leguminacee are apt to lose their foliage.

The flowers, it is said, in China make yellow dye of so super-
ior a color, that it is reserved exclusively for the use of the
Imperial family.

S. pendula (Pendulous or Weeping sophora), is more com-
monly met with, perhaps, than the upright sophora, though
even this variety is very rare. It has long pendulous shoots ;
grafted near the ground it becomes a mere straggling plant,
but, ten.to twenty feet high, we hardly know anything more
ornamental or striking; even in winter, the long slender
branches of beautiful bright green render it most attractive. -

There is a third variety, variegata, but the color of the leaf
is sickly, and we do not consider it desirable, except for arbore-
tums.

Pyrus. Mountain Asx.

A very pretty and marked addition to the varieties hereto-
fore known, and described is Pyrus pendula (Weeping moun-
tain ash), with extremely pendulous branches bending quite to
the ground, and then rambling along it if not stopped; a most
rapid grower, more so, we think, than the common mountain
ash, and a very great bloomer.

P. nana (Dwarf mountain ash).—This is a very stunted
variety of slow, close growth, but quite remarkable for the
luxuriant corymbs of coral berries in the Autumn.

P. quercifolia, a distinct variety with large, hoary, oak leaves ;
P. striata (Striped-leaved), P. vestita (White-leaved), the
young shoots and the under part of the leaves being as clearly

468 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

white as the Silver poplar. The Yellow-berried, the Large-
fruited gray, the Large-fruited red, and the Large-fruited rose,
are all deserving notice where there is ample space for planting.

Tilia. ULiae or Linven.

The only varieties of value to add to those previously enu-
merated in this book, are 7. laciniata (Cut or Jagged-leaf lin-
den), with the leaves curiously cut; and 7. pendula alba
(Weeping White linden), of a very pendulous habit, and the
under part of the leaf very silvery. We esteem this one of
the most, if not the most ornamental of the lindens.

Ulmus. EL.

There are a good many new elms lately introduced, which
are quite remarkable in their habit, and distinctive in appear-
ance ; among them are two Scotch varieties of weeping elms,
the Scampston (of which Fig. 92 is a portrait), and Camperdown,
both somewhat allied in appearance, though the first is the most
remarkable, having fine large foliage, and the most extraor-
dinary droop to the branches; so much and so regular and
formal is their inclination, that it is difficult to believe artificial
means have not been resorted to. When grafted as it should
be, fifteen to twenty feet-high, the branches make a curvilinear
droop to the ground, with a growth so regular and symmetrical
as to give the whole tree the appearance of a gigantic arbor ;
regularly trained and trimmed, and by making an arched open-
ing on one side, it can be well used for this purpose, the thick
umbrageous character of the leaves producing the most agree-
able and dense shade.

The only material difference between-this tree and U. Cam-
perdown, is that this last is of a more open, loose foliage, and
rather less regular in the droop of the branches. They are
both, however, very fine trees and well worthy the most pro-
minent positions in the lawn—care being taken that they shall
have ample space for their development.

THE NEWER ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS. 469

U. glabra pendula is another fine variety of Weeping elm,
but far inferior, we think, to the two above mentioned.

U. montana pendula, and U. rugosa pendula, (the Scotch
weeping), and (Rough-leaved weeping), are also very desirable
Weeping elms.

The Huntington elm is a rapid growing variety, with a
fine large leaf.

The J. articofolia, (Nettle-leaved); U. variegata, (the
Variegated) ; and U. purpurea, (the Purple), are all curious and
desirable in large places; as is also U. adianthafolia, a strong
rugged variety with corrugated and crimped leaves very
peculiar.

THE NEWER ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS SHRUBS.

Before enumerating the many new and beautiful
shrubs which have been introduced into our gardens
and pleasure grounds within ten years, we wish to
say a few words respecting their employment.

We have before remarked, in another place, that the
facilities afforded by railroads and steamboats are now
so great, that there is a class, and a large one, of small
suburban places and villa residences in the neighbor-
hood of our large cities and rural towns, to which this
kind of plant is especially valuable. In residences of a
few hundred feet square to an acre or more, shrubs are
much more valuable than trees, as the latter, when
fully matured, become so large and cumbersome as to
interfere very much with a free circulation of air, and
often completely shut out all view, and are apt to make
the places themselves damp and dreary. There are
many of these residences where trees should never be
planted, but their place should be supplied by the finer
shrubs, as the Weigela, Forsythia, the Fly honeysuckle,
the smaller Magnolias (glauca, purpurea, gracilis, con-
spicua, soulangiana), the Purple berberry, the Purple
filbert, the Variegated syringo, the Dwarf horse-chest-

470 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

nut, the Fern-leaved beech, the Oak-leaved hydrangea,
the Red-twigged dogwood, the Double Japan quince,
the Deutzia gracilis, and the different hardy English
and Belgic azaleas, among the deciduous shrubs. And
among the evergreens, the English and Irish yews, the
different Junipers, the different Arbor-vite, the Weep-
ing cypress (Cupressus oblonga pendula), the eight or
ten varieties of Dwarf firs, the Thuiopsis borealis,
a beautiful and hardy plant from Baffin’s Bay; the
Hemlock, if kept clipped and bushy, the various Rho-
dodendrons, especially the Catawbiensis; the Laurel-
leaved holly (Jlew laurifolia), the American holly, and
finally that most valuable of all shrubs, the Berberis
mahonia. By a tasteful and judicious massing and
grouping of the above plants, with occasionally a single
specimen by itself alone, as the English yew, or Dwarf
horse-chestnut, or Fern-leaf beech, a very pretty and
ornamental effect may be produced, without shutting
out the light of heaven, as is too often done by tall
sparse trees, with long naked stems, producing no other
sensation but a shudder at their ugliness.

Insubmitting the annexed list of the newer shrubs, we
regret our space will not allow us to do much more
than to enumerate their names ; merely premising that
the most desirable are those we have already just
mentioned above.

Aralia Japonica, a new variety of A. spinosa (Hercules’
club), but much finer in foliage, and very highly esteemed in
England; hardy.

A, papyripera (the Chinese Rice-paper plant).—We have
but recently imported this, and do not yet know its hardihood ;
it has superb leaves some three feet or more in diameter.

Ceanothus.—The ceanothus, of which there are several varie-
ties, are beautiful shrubs, with white or blue clusters of
flowers,

Cornus variegata (the Variegated-leaved dogwood),—A very

THE NEWER ORNAMENTAL DECIDUOUS sHRUBS. 47]

prettily striped leaf, and contrasting agreeably with the other.
varieties.

Daphne atro purpureum.—A very marked variety of Mezereum,
with purplish leaves.

Deuizia gracilis, and D. scabra.—Two very desirable shrubs
introduced some six or eight years ago; the gracilis. being
perhaps, the most charming shrub at the period of its inflor-
escence; it has also the merit of bearing forcing well in a
green-house, though perfectly hardy.

tea Carolinia (the Carolina itea).—A charming little shrub
which does best in the shade.

Leycesteria formosa (the beautiful leycesteria).

Ligusirum, foliis aureis, and argenteis (the Golden and Sil-
ver striped privet).—Very pretty and desirable, mingled with
the green privet.

Forsythia viridissima.—The very green Forsythia is certain-
ly one of the most desirable among the new shrubs ; its flowers,
a bright yellow, appear very early in the spring, succeeded by
‘a deep, dense foliage which in winter is sub-evergreen, hanging
on tothe plant and retaining its color until long past Christmas.
Like the magnolia, it appears to more advantage when planted
against evergreens.

Persica vulgaris flore pleno alba (the Double white-flowering
peach).—Beautiful, especially when planted by the Double
pink.

Ribes sanguineum flore pleno, and R. speciosum.—Both beau-
tiful varieties of the Flowering currant. The first a great im-
provement on the old &. sanguineum, and the last with long
pendulous red flowers, like a fuschia.

Sambucus flore pleno, S. foliis aureis, S. foliis argenteis—
New and striking varieties of the Black or Common elder, as
yet very rare. We have found them hardy and most luxuriant
growers ; the Double-flowering is very striking, but the Silver
and Gold-leaved are much more so. We presume they can
now be procured at our nurseries, though we obtained ours
from M. Leroy in France.

Spirea callosa, S. Douglasii, S. Eindleyana, S. Nepalensis,
S. prunifolia, S. Reevsii, S.r. flore pleno, are all the finest

472 LANDSOAPE GARDENING.

among the new Spireas; exceedingly hardy and desirable, es-
pecially Douglasii, callosa, and Double-flowering Reevesii.

Syringa Josikea, S. Charles X., S. Emodi, are new addi-
tions to the charming family of lilacs.

Tamarix Africana, T. Gallica (the African and French tamar-
iks), are very pretty and desirable.

Weigela rosea (the Rosy weigela) is perhaps, take it all in
all, the greatest acquisition to our hardy shrubs within the past
ten years, We hardly know a more lovely plant or more
abundant bloomer; the white and pink flowers resembling
apple blossoms, almost cover the plant with a sheet of bloom,

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 473

SECTION IV.

REMARKS ABOUT HALF-HARDY PLANTS AND THE NEWER
EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS, WITH THE
METHOD OF ACCLIMATIZING AND EMPLOYING THEM.

Prrnars in no one way has the taste for planting
more developed itself since the first appearance of
Mr. Downing’s book, especially during the past four
or five years, than in the increasing predilection
for evergreens, and prevailing desire not only to plant
the better known and more common varieties, but also
those of more recent introduction.

Almost every one, even with the smallest place, now
plants not only the Norway spruce, and the Austrian
and Scotch pines, but is even desirous of trying his
hand upon deodars, cryptomerias and other varieties,
considered only as luxuries in Mr. Downing’s day.

The cost of many of these plants having been reduced
from one or two guineas apiece, to fifteen or twenty
cents, the ease with which they may be imported, at
little risk, and the facility with which they live, at least
for one or two years, to say nothing of the fashion for
evergreens now-a-days, are certainly very strong temp-
tations ; but the actual beauty, great variety and
contrast in character, habit, and color, and the entire
hardihood of a great many new sorts, and the vast
addition made by this class of trees to a winter’s land-
scape, much more frequently seen now by owners of
country places than when the first edition even of this
work appeared, all combine to make it very desirable
that some authentic information should be given, which

474 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

may be reliable as to what may and.what may not be
planted.

We have individuals enough in this country who are
willing to spend money liberally for trees if they could
find out what to buy, and how and where to plant.
The early edition of this work, though quite up to the
time when it was published, is now singularly meagre
in its chapters on Evergreens, and there are probably at
this moment in this country, collections, in extent and
variety (though not in size of trees), greater than was
the Pinetum at Dropmore, in England, which Mr.
Downing refers to, in 1841. We are quite sure there
are over ninety varieties of evergreens, nearly all quite
hardy in this middle portion of the Hudson, which are
not mentioned in the first edition, and there are several
distinct, beautiful, and hardy genera not even alluded
to, such as the piceas, of which there are at present
known twelve distinct species, all, we believe, hardy
here. Mr. Downing mentions seven abies, and we now
have in cultivation, more or less general, twenty-three
more. We have growing in the different collections in
this country, principally between Washington and
Boston, twenty more pines, in addition to the fifteen
he enumerates, twenty-five junipers, against one in the
first edition; ten new. (ZAujew) arbor vite, and seven
yews.

It may be objected that these are not all hardy.
They may not bein one particular locality, but throughout
the length and breadth of our land, we have a sufficient
variety of climate for every thing, and if one cannot grow
a tree on the shores of Lake Erie, one can, perhaps, in
Pennsylvania or Virginia, or the Carolinas, or Florida.
Besides, as we shall hope to show, a great deal more may
be done in planting doubtful trees (than is done) by a ju-
dicious selection of site and soil. We further hope to
show that in our best places where there is the desire
and means to make large collections, that one should

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES, 475

not discard a tree because his neighbor may have not
been successful with it.

There are many reasons which may operate against
the success of a tree this year, and for several years, which
may disappear in time. One consideration, and that an
important one, is shelter. Plant a deodar cedar in the
middle of a large and high field, thoroughly and en-
tirely exposed to every blast that blows, with the full
force of a summer, and what is worse, a winter’s sun,
and it is hardly possible it should survive. Plant the
same tree in the same place with the colder winds
broken and kept off by masses of evergreens, and
shielded from the pernicious effects of the early spring
sun, and the chances are your tree will succeed and
flourish.

Again, persons are very apt to plant their new
evergreens, especially if they are rare and costly, in
what are called “well prepared” holes, that is, in holes
redolent, perhaps, with guano, and with the richest
compost to be obtained; if the new plant is not killed
immediately by over-dosing, it is at any rate so stimu-
lated by excess of food as to make a succulent redun-
dant growth of imperfectly ripened wood, which is sure
to be killed back the first winter, and the tree become
so enfeebled as to die outright the second; or the plant
may have vitality enough to struggle through this sur-
feit and after staggering for months, or perhaps a year
or 80, with this indigestion, manage to work into healthy,
natural, unprepared soil, and eventually become a tree.
Then again, our climate is constantly changing. This, we
think, is conceded by every one who has wintered in
the country the past five or ten years, and trees which
could not or would not stand now, may five years hence ;
and, lastly, a tree, like a man becomes finally more or
less acclimatized —it may get knocked about some-
what at first, but eventually learns to stand up and take
care of itself. The Torreya, for instance (and we have

476 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

many such trees upon this place) required an immense
deal of coaxing to reconcile it to to our northern and
changeable climate. The first year we left it out it was
protected by a double box, the interval between thesidings
being filled with tan. The second year, the tree was
sheathed in straw and protected besides by a single box,
with a few air holes on the north; the third year it was
open at the north, but protected on the east, south, and
west, by a box with three sides. The fourth year a mat
was substituted for the box, and the fifth year it passed
alone through the winter, the extreme tip of some of its
more exuberant shoots being a little injured—the well-
ripened wood being untouched—since when it survives
our most severe weather without injury, and now takes
its place among the really hardy evergreens. Weshould
feel no more apprehension about its safety in our worst
winters than we should about a pine or hemlock.

A curious fact connected with this tree is, that plants
propagated from cuttings before it became acclimatized
are still tender, while plants propagated since its hardi-
hood became confirmed, seem quite as hardy as the
parent.

We are not prepared to say that a great deal of this
care was not a work of supererogation, and that the
tree might have done as well with much less protection,
and for half the number of winters, but we were work-
ing in the dark; the tree was a native of Florida; it
never had been tried here, and from the climate whence
it originated, we did not suppose it would stand, and
felt consequently disposed to take extra pains, for which
we are quite compensated. by the gain of a new and
most exquisite variety, and the certainty of our know-
ledge that all torreyas, from this plant at least, are
are perfectly hardy in this latitude.

We mention this, simply as one illustration of a great
many similar experiments, with results more or less
successful, because we are quite sure it is within the

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 477

experience of most persons who have attempted accli-
matizing plants, that success not unfrequently is the
reward, when from the habits of the plants, and the
character of the climate from which they come, a con-
trary result might be anticipated. We remember in
England some ten years since, seeing at Chatsworth a
plant of Weigela rosea, in a house built, if we mistake
not, expressly for it, because Sir Joseph, then Mr.
‘Paxton, did not think it hardy—judging probably from
the country to which it belonged; and now there is no
more common and hardier shrub, and, we may add,
more beautiful'in the season, or one more generally
planted in the Northern States. Mr. Loudon very truly
observes, ‘That though the nature of a species cannot
be so far altered as to fit an inhabitant of a very hot
climate for a very cold one, yet that the habits of in-
dividuals admit of considerable variation, and that some
plants of warm climates are found to adapt themselves
much more readily to cold climates than others; thus
the common passion flower, according to Dr. Walker,
when first introduced into the Edinburgh Botanic
Garden, lost its leaves during the winter, but in a few
years the same plant retained the greater part of them
at that season.” The same author relates that plants of
the common yew, sent from Paris to Stockholm, to
plant certain designs of Le Notre laid out there for the
King of Sweden, all died, although the yew is a native
of that country as well as France.

“ Every gardener,” he says, “must have observed that
the common weeds which have sprung up in pots, in
hot-beds, or in hot-houses, when these pots happen to
be set out in the open air, during winter or spring,
have their leaves killed or injured, whilst the same
species growing in the open ground are uninjured.”

We have ourselves observed, that peach trees in pots,
if by chance they are left out all winter, are destroyed,
though the same tree in the ground can resist any

478 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

degree of frost. The obvious conclusion to be drawn
from this is, not that peach trees are not hardy, but
under certain conditions are not hardy ; which facts lead
tc this theory, that the habits of plants admit of a
certain degree of change with regard to the climate
which they will bear; that the degree in which this
power eaists in any plant, is only to be ascertained by
experiment, by trying in the open air plants usually
considered as tender, or which hitherto have been kept
under glass.

Our usual method of acclimatizing a plant, is to select
some very protected and shady spot, as the north side
of a thicket, or what we prefer, the interior of some
evergreen wood, and to prepare the holes six feet wide
and three deep, with loose but poor soil, well drained
with stones for the lower eight or ten inches, with
barely compost enough to assist the tree through the
summer. For the first two or three years in winter,
a little mound of earth, eight or ten inches high, is
put around the neck of the plant, to prevent the bad
effects of thawing and freezing in a most sensitive part,
and cedar or hemlock boughs, are placed round its

_ branches; this covering diminishing year by year, as

the tree obtains size and vigor, until it is omitted
altogether. The plant, to ensure safety, is moved once
or twice within this wood, each time to a more exposed
situation, which has also the additional advantage (like
root pruning) of checking all redundancy of growth.
When it exhibits sufficient strength, it is transplanted
to its final situation on the lawn—its cedar covering
being renewed for a couple of winters—and, if it can
be reconciled to the climate, it is now supposed to
be go.

We have found it very perplexing to arrive at any
thorough and satisfactory decision as to comparative
hardihood of trees in different portions of the United
States, from its being so difficult to reconcile the appa-

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 479

rent discrepancies in the various returns which we
have received from these places, and we are led, there-
fore, to these conclusions, viz: that the hardihood and
success of trees depend not exclusively upon climate,
and that a few degrees of latitude, north or south, are
of far less importance than proper soil and situation, and
that a thorough knowledge of what to do, which ex-
perience alone, after many mishaps, can teach, will
often enable us to grow trees at the North and East
which do not seem to succeed now at the West and the
South. For instance, in the neighborhood of Natchez,
within six miles of that city, and on an elevation of three
hundred and twenty-six feet above the river, the
Gardenia Florida, the Pittosporum, the Magnolia fuscata,
the M. grandiflora, the Olea fragrans, the Myrtles in
variety, the English laurel, the Laurestinus, thrive
perfectly.

The Deodar cedar and Cryptomeria Japonica, never
suffer except occasionally from caterpillars, and become
luxuriant trees; there being specimens of the former
thirty feet high, and of the latter fifteen feet, with
branches in both trees sweeping the ground. Cunning-
hamia Sinensis is also perfectly hardy, and has reached
a height of from fifteen to eighteen feet, and yet the
Abies Smithiana is reported as not quite hardy and
sometimes injured by spring frosts, though at New-
port, the Abies Smithiana is said to be the hardiest of
all the spruces—more so even than the Abies excelsa
(the common Norway). Again, in a report from Penn-
sylvania, in the neighborhood of Warrior’s Mark, on
the side of one of the Alleghany mountains, at an altitude
above the sea of 1,020 feet, and in latitude 40° 40’, and
where the thermometer has indicated 23° below zero,
where even the Ailanthus, Catalpa, and Paulownia are
annually cut to the ground, the Cryptomeria flourishes,
though browned, and the Deodar cedar survives, though
making little or no progress, when the cedar of Le-

480 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

banon, the Silver cedar and the Douglas fir are killec
outright. Now at Wodenethe, we find the Silver ceda
and the Cedar of Lebanon much hardier than th
Deodar, yet at Newport the Cedar of Lebanon will no
stand, and at Philadelphia, Mr. Meehan says the Deoda
is killed on dry soil, and uninjured on wet; while at ;
country place near Boston, on a slope facing the south
without any protection or shelter from other trees
Deodar cedars planted in 1853, have been browne:
but slightly, though exposed to the sun all the day long
Cedars of Lebanon planted at same time, get mor
browned.

It is very evident from all this, we think, that w
cannot form any decisive opinion as to what is and wha
is not truly hardy in any one portion of the country
where we receive so many contradictory reports ; but-i
does not follow that a failure for one or two year:
unless very complete, should discourage us so entirel:
as to prevent our trying the same ‘plant again in othe
situations and under different treatment. Because th
Indian spruce (A. Smithiana) suffers from spring fror
near Natchez, when the Cryptomeria and Deodar do not
let us rather hope to acclimatize it by moving the spruc
to a higher or drier situation, where being more re
tarded, it will either ripen off its annual growth bette:
or push later in the spring. If the Indian spruce i
hardier at Newport, where the thermometer sometime
gets very low, than the common Norway, there can b
little doubt but what it will grow near Natchez, whe
properly placed. If too, the Deodar cedar, and Ceda
of Lebanon thrive near Philadelphia, in wet and low
instead of high and dry soil, it will be very easy fo
planters of these trees in that vicinity to adopt thi
hint; while we, who have found the reverse of thi
true, will act in accordance with our experience.

So also of the Cryptomeria—if it has been found t
withstand a cold of 23° below zero, on the Alleghan:

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 481

mountains, at an elevation of 1,020 feet above the sea—
where even the Ailanthus was destroyed, we cannot see
why this tree may not stand in any other part of the
country, at the same elevation, having no greater degree
of cold, but always under the same circumstances and
conditions. What these are, unfortunately, the tree
only knows; possibly a frost, even as severe as this, at
a great distance from the sea, may be less injurious than
half the amount of frost near salt water; or the severe
weather may come and go, gradually, without the great
variations common in the middle States; which varia-
tion we have always believed most destructive to veget-
able, as it is injurious to animal life; and finally, the
conclusion we must inevitably come to is that the
organism of a plant is as wonderful and mysterious as
that of a man, and that, with certain general rules as
to planting and treatment, we must grope in the dark
until many more years of experience in different parts
of the United States, enable us to know what we can
and what we cannot grow. We trust, however, that
some assistance may be obtained from the reports we
have been enabled to procure from different parts of the
country, by which planters in those localities will be
able to do as well as their neighbors, if they can give
their trees the same advantages.

Another reason why we proposed to give in this
supplement a more complete account and list of all the
evergreens, hardy and half-hardy, which have been
introduced into this country of late years is (and we
quote again in part from Mr. Loudon), that we think there
are few scenes in an ornamental garden or pleasure-
ground, of greater interest to a person having any taste
or knowledge of Botany, however slight, than a collec-
tion of trees and shrubs, natives of foreign climates,
which, though they would be destroyed if exposed in
the winter, yet when planted (turned out), or sunk
in the ground during the summer, exhibit a degree of

31

482 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

beauty and luxuriance which they never do or could
attain in a green-house or conservatory; and which
require in the winter simply the protection of a cool
green-house, or in most cases of a cold pit sufliciently
deep and protected to exclude the frost, and with faci-
lities for occasionally admitting air for ventilation.

A pit of this description, well drained and dry, and
twelve or fifteen feet deep, might accommodate plants
ten or twelve feet high, which, when planted out in the
pleasure-grounds during the summer, the tub or pots
being sunk out of sight in the soil, would produce the
most extraordinary and charming effects. By an intro-
duction and combination in our own grounds of bananas,
palms, aloes, the different arundos (aspecies of bamboo),
the different dracenas, the New Zealand flax (Phor-
mium tenax), Bambusa metaké (another variety. of
bamboo), which we hope will prove hardy, the different
Cannas, and a mingling of the rarer evergreens, like the
Araucarias (of which Cunninghamu and excelsa are
very effective), we have, we think, produced a very
pleasing effect. These, with the Indian cedars, and
Southern and Mexican long-leaved pines, have quite
changed a portion of our grounds from an American to
a tropical and oriental landscape.

All these plants we have named, and the newer tender
evergreens which we have not as yet named, would win-
ter safely (excepting perhaps the araucaria excelsa), in
a cold pit or cool green-house, or a dry cellar, where
there was some light and no frost. If we add to these
the great variety and number of evergreen shrubs—the
different evergreen Magnolias, the Hollies, the Laurel,
the Portugal laurel, the half-hardy Rhododendrons, all of
which are too tender for our climate, we cannot but
believe the time is not far distant when instead of
keeping green-houses for the preservation of the ordinary
green-house plants, persons of taste will build pits for
the preservation of half-hardy evergreens and ligneons

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 483

plants, which, when judiciously arranged and combined
in the summer, will alter the whole character of their
grounds. We have in our eye at this moment, many
fine places, both on this river and in different parts of
the country, where large green-houses and conservatories
are kept up all winter, at a great expense, and where
the plants literally “ waste their fragrance on the desert
air,” as the families are away in cities at too great a
distance to admit their flowers being sent to them.

These very places in summer present a very unat-
tractive and meagre appearance, being planted simply
with the older and less beautiful trees and shrubs—in
many cases with little or no flower garden. The Came-
lias, Azalias, Geraniums, and other plants being stowed
away out of sight, until the return of another winter,
when they will again bloom for the benefit, solely, of the
gardener and his friends.

Were these same houses at a consumption of one-half
or one-fifth the amount of fuel and labor, devoted to the
cultivation (or rather to the preservation, for they re-
quire no cultivation or attention in the winter beyond -
an occasional watering), of half-hardy evergreens and
tender plants, the compensation and enjoyment from
them in summer would be ten-fold that derived from
the usual occupation of plant-houses; and in cases
where families are permanent residents of the country,
let them devote a portion of their green-houses to this
purpose, or have some arrangement of pits as we have
above described.

We must bear in mind one fact: that as excellent
models as the English are in all matters pertaining to
country life, yet they use their places only in the winter,
and we, as a general rule, only in the summer; while
it is, therefore, very important for them to have their
grounds and green-houses adorned with those plants and
shrubs which will make it most agreeable and delight-
ful at the season when they are at home, in the winter,

484 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

yet the reverse of this is true with us. Our object
should be to make our places as gay and interesting as
possible, at those portions of the year when we live at
them. What advantage is it to plant the beautiful varie-
ties of double and single thorns, the Judas tree, the
Forsythia, or the Magnolias in those places which the
families or owners do not reach until the season of their
inflorescence is past; where one lives in the country
from June to October, the whole force should be ap-
plied to those plants, shrubs, and flowers which bloom
during these four months; and as a majority of our
country gentlemen do not get out to their places much
before June, and are apt to become very restless after
the early'part of October, we think a selection of those
-plants should be made most useful and attractive during
this time ; and we do not know anything more effective.
than the proper mingling of some of the large showy
exotics and tender evergreens we have mentioned.
Of course we do not suggest this as general, but merely
to those—and their number is now large—who have a
taste for planting the newer and more striking conifers.
In concluding this section we will merely add: that
with one or two exceptions, we have described only
those plants and shrubs which we have ourselves seen,
and which, in almost every instance, we have growing
upon our own place. We believe that a correctness in
description, and an honest statement of the merits and
demerits of each plant, wili, more than anything else,
contribute to the main end we have .in view—the ex-
tension of the taste for planting the newer deciduous
and evergreen trees.

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES.

Abies. Tue Spruce Firs.

Abies alba nana (the Dwarf White spruce fir—or Prostrate
White spruce) is only a dwarf variety of our native White

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 485

Spruce fir, seldom growing more than a bush ofthree or four
feet, and perfectly hardy, all over the United States.

A. a. glauca.—A very distinct and striking variety of the
American White spruce, with very white, silvery leaves—
originating in England, but hardy here.

A, a, minima.—Another minute English variety, being
the dwarfest of all the spruces; and we presume would be
hardy in this country.

A. Brunoniana (the Indian hemlock spruce).—Classed by
Syn. Carriere among the Tsugas, those kinds with

Avidumosa. flat leaves, mostly glaucous below.

We are somewhat perplexed in making up our mind about
the future condition of this charming tree, as to its availability.
If it succeed at all, it will certainly require a good deal of
coaxing. Our own experience has been very various. It-has
stood some winters well, and others, not as cold but possibly
damper, seem to have destroyed it; and yet, Mr. Smith writes
us from Newport, it has stood there three years. At Wash-
ington it is reported tender, as well as at Philadelphia, Flush-
ing, and at Mr. Reids’ nursery at Elizabethtown. We do not,
however, see why it may not eventually prove hardy after a
little acclimatization, since Dr. Hooker found it in Sikkin
at an elevation of nine thousand to ten thousand feet on the
side of Kunchinjinga, probably the loftiest peak in the world,
where it reaches a height of seventy to eighty feet. Most per-
sons would take it for a hemlock spruce, except that the under
part of the leaves is perfectly white, forming, when moved by
the wind, a beautiful blending of green and silver.

A. excelsa pygmea—a very pretty dwarf variety of the Nor-
way spruce, not exceeding a foot or so in height, but spreading
very much. The specimens in our grounds do not seem affect-
ed by the severest winters.

A. e. monstrosa.—Another hardy variety of Norway spruce,
with straggling habit, but destitute of branchlets, somewhat re-
sembling the araucaria imbricata in appearance.

A, e. pendula.—Also a seedling of the Norway spruce, dif-
fering only in having its branches more drooping; hardy.

A, e. variegata.—A Variegated variety of our common Nor-
way, pretty, distinctive, and hardy.

486 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

_ A, e. Clanbrasiliana (Lord Clanbrasil’s variety).—Exceed-
ingly dwarf and perfectly hardy ; leaves, only half an inch long,
and the mature plant not over three feet.

A, e. elegans.—A pretty Dwarf hardy variety, with slender
gray foliage reaching the height of four or five feet.

A. e. diffusa, A. e. compacta, A. e. pumila, A. e. attenuata
—are four Dwarf varieties of the Norway spruce, similar
in growth and general appearance to those mentioned above,
and very hardy. In fact, wherever the Norway spruce
can be grown, these eight or ten dwarf varieties can, and
when grouped with the dwarf pine, P. strobus pumilis, and
the Dwarf Scotch fir, P. sylvestris pumilis, neither, of which
ever exceed four or five feet, they make a very interesting and
striking plantation.

A. Menziesii—(Menzies’ fir) known also A. Sitchensis—is a
tall tree, with light glaucous-colored foliage, growing sixty to
seventy feet high; a native of northern California and the island
of Sitcha; quite hardy here. . Our specimens, which have been
out, some five or six years, occasionally get scorched by the
summer; in the latitude of Philadelphia it does, likewise, very
well, as also at Cincinnati, Newport, Washington, Boston,
Flushing, in New Jersey, and even at Clinton, N. Y., when in
shade.

A, obovata (Obovate-coned spruce), known and imported by

fae us as A. Wittmanniana, is as yet com-

A. Schrenkiana. paratively new. Judging from the appear-

A. Ajanensi, ance of our specimens now, we should sup-
pose it would prove hardy, which is most likely to be the casc
with firs coming from so high an altitude as the Altai moun-
tains. It is also found in Siberia. It resembles the common
spruce. It is quite hardy at Flushing, which is the only place
we can discover where it has been tried.

A. orientalis (Eastern spruce).—A peculiar tree, with dense
short foliage covering the branches on all sides, growing
seventy to eighty feet high, and forming a conical-shaped head.
A native of the Black Sea, on the loftiest mountains of
Imeretia, in Upper Mongrelia; perfectly hardy here, and at
Washington ; comparatively well at Newport, our youngest spe-
cimens here, were untouched even by the winters of 1856-7.

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 487

A, Smithiana (the Indian spruce).—This magnificent tree
Syn. is found on the mountains from Bootan to

A.Morinds, § Kafiristan, at an elevation of from 7,000 to

A. Khutrow. 12000 feet. It resembles somewhat in its
size and habit of growth, the finest Norway spruce, though
much more pendulous and graceful, and with a darker, richer
foliage, especially when grown in the shade It occa-
sionally reaches a height of 170 feet, though its usual average
is 100 to 150. It is also found in China and Japan, where it
is called “ Toranowo-momi” (the Tiger's tail). Although we
imported this tree some six to eight years ago, we have not
as yet succeeded in raising any very fine specimens. Wheu
much exposed to the full action of the sun’s rays, it becomes a
dingy yellow green, and is very apt to lose its leader, and young
plants are sometimes killed down to the snow-line. This is
also the experience in the neighborhood of Philadelphia,
Boston, and Columbus, though hardy at Cincinnati. When
planted with us in the shade, however, it seems to do much
better in retaining its leader, and we have little doubt it may,
after some struggle, eventually be acclimatized, especially
when planted in dry, gravelly, well-drained soil. At Chestnut
Hill, near Philadelphia, there are perfect specimens, eight to
ten feet high, with leaders. We have no specimen at Wodenethe
over six feet, though very broad in proportion. At Washing-
ton, it is returned to us as hardy and beautiful. The
largest specimens in the public grounds, planted by Mr.
Downing, in 1852, are five feet. At Newport, it is reported
as hardier and finer than A. eacelsa (the Common Norway),
though at Messrs. Parsons,’ at Flushing, Mr. Hoge’s, near York-
ville, and Mr. Reid’s, at Elizabethtown, the younger shoots
are sometimes injured, and it does better in the shade. At
Woodlawn, N. J. (Mr. Field’s), the oldest specimens are
seven feet high, and do not now suffer from the winter, perhaps
from the redundancy of growth being slightly checked by
having been moved several times. They have also borne
cones, which at first were erect like the Picea’s, but, afterwards
pendulous like the Abies’, which accounts. for the confusion
mentioned by Mr. Loudon, that has existed as to whether
this tree was an abies or a picea.

488 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

A. Douglasii (the Douglas fir).—Another superb tree, re-
Bon. specting the hardihood of which, very much the
Tsuga Douglasii. same remarks we made about the preceding
Picea Douglasii. Toriety (A. Smithiana), will apply. Plants
with us, in low, damp ground, suffer occasionally in color, if
not in loss of leader, while those grown in the shade, or on an
exposed hill-side, in poor, slaty soil, succeed admirably. This
is also the case near Boston, at “ Wellesley” (Mr. Hunne-
well’s), where trees, two years planted, are five feet high, and
do admirably in the shade; while at Mr. Reid’s, at Elizabeth-
town, it loses its leader in severe winters; and near Phila-
delphia, Mr. Meehan reports: “that so far it has not been
satisfactory.” At Washington, perfectly hardy ; at Newport,
it wont stand; though at Augusta, Ga., and Cincinnati, it
thrives well. The variety originates in the north-western
part of North America, and along the banks of the Columbia
River, where it is found in immense forests, and also on the
Rocky Mountains, on the top of which, it rarely is more than
a small bush, but becomes larger and more stately as it
descends, until it reaches the altitude of one hundred and
fifty to two hundred feet. Its foliage is very dark, and the
tree generally resembles a superb balsam fir.
A, Jezoensis (the Jezo fir), found in China, and the Island of
ies Jezo, is probably hardy, though we have not
Picea Jezoensis, heard of its being tested sufficiently to pronounce
decidedly. It is quite striking. There has been
a good deal of confusion in its classification, as to whether it is
a spruce or Silver fir, and it would seem to be intermediate,
though we believe with persistent cones. Our specimens,
which are small, seem quite hardy, and are not very unlike in
their general appearance, the Zorreya, and also the Cephalo-
taxus,

ARAUCARIA.

This extraordinary and most distinguished genus of plants
derives its name from Araucanos, a people of Chili, where the
species known as imbricata greatly abounds, its seeds being
used for food.

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 489

The only variety which approaches hardihood inthis part of the
country is the A. imbricata, (Chili pine), which when planted in
sand and gravel on well drained soil, and in a shady wood, succeeds
quite well—that is to say, we have specimens which withstood
the severe winters of 1855-6-7, with no other protection than
a few hemlock boughs, and came out perfectly bright and
green in the spring, even with their leaders uninjured for the
past three years. Both sun and wet are fatal to it, and in
situations where there are no side-hills sloping to the north, it
should be planted on the north of buildings, on little mounds,
with at least the lower foot in the holes filled with stones for
drainage. Mr. Saunders informs us that there are some fine
healthy trees near Baltimore, with upright shoots. At Wash-
ington, a specimen planted, in 1852, by Mr. Downing, in the
public grounds has succeeded admirably, though a little injured
by the winter of 1856. It does not stand at Newport, and at
Flushing, and in New Jersey succeeds only when sheltered ;
so also at Cincinnati. In Augusta it is eminently successful.
The other varieties, A. Bidwili, A. Brasiliensis, A. Cunning-
hami, and A. eacelsa (the beautiful Norfolk Island pine), are
too tender for any but our extreme Southern States, though all
thriving, except excelsa, in the open ground at Augusta, Ga. ; but
for purposes of ornament to cultivated grounds in summer we
know nothing more distinguished than these different varieties
grown in tubs and protected in winter in a common green-house.

Biota.

The Chinese or Eastern arbor vite, so called to distinguish
it from Thuja, the American or Western arbor vite.

B. orientalis, (Chinese arbor vite), which was but compara-
tively new, when this book was first published, has not proved
quite as hardy or as available as was at first hoped; all our
reports, from different parts of the country, speak of it in most
cases as not quite hardy, at any rate doing better in protected
situations. Even in New Jersey it is sometimes killed to the
ground in severe winters. Our best returns are from Washing-
ton, where it is reported as very commonly planted and per
fectly successful. At Woodlawn, N. J. (Mr Field’s), there is »

490 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

hedge of it many years planted, which suffered a great deal at
first, but of late years, by severe cutting in the spring it seems
to have become quite acclimatized.

B. orientalis glauca, and B. argentea, are new varieties,
not yet, we think, introduced; the first a seedling of Messrs.
Pince, of Exeter, England, of a very silvery appearance, and
the latter resembling the Aurea, being silver instead of gold.

B. orientalis aurea, (the Golden arbor vite,) is a seedling of
Messrs. Waterer, in England, we believe from the old B,
orientalis (the Chinese arbor vite). The B. aurea is a pretty,
dense, and beautifully compact little shrub, growing not over
two or three feet high, of an exquisite delicate green in
winter, and a golden color at the extremities of its branches in
spring.

It is perfectly hardy with us, at Fishkill, though forty miles
above us it does not stand well; but we have observed that our
trees, now several years old, though untouched by the cold or
sun, lose very much the compact pressed appearance so charac-
teristic of the English plants, and its principal charm we think,
on this account. In complete collections of evergreens this is
one of the varieties we should recommend to be grown in pots
and kept in the house during the winter, although there is no
doubt of its hardihood here.

B. pendula, (Weeping arbor vite).—A bush or small tree,
Syn, growing ten to fifteen feet high, with very long,

Thuja pendula, slender, pendulous branches; is one of the
Thuja filiformis. Ceres
greatest acquisitions to our perfectly hardy
trees, Our largest specimen, eight to ten feet, has survived
our coldest winters and hottest summers for ten or twelve
years, without the slightest protection. Nothing can well be
prettier or more graceful than this charming little tree. We
do not know why this should not be hardy in our most northern
States, though, we understand, it is sometimes killed near
Philadelphia; yet near Boston, and at Washington, it does as
well as here. It was at one time supposed to be a hybrid be-
tween the Common Red cedar and an arbor vite, and to
have originated in a nursery in England; but Dr. Siebold hav-
ing discovered the plant wild in China, finally decided the
question.

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 491

B. orientalis gracilis,—This variety, which we have received
under the latter name, Vepalensis, is perfectly hardy
oe ,. and much more slender and graceful. than the

. Nepalensis,

common Chinese. It is found in Nepaul and
Northern India. We consider it one of the most interesting of
the arbor vite.

B. Tartarica (Tartarian arbor vite).—A dense conical bush
Syn. growing ten feet high, a native of Tartary ; quite

Lea art distinctive, Our specimen, eight feet high, has
always proved perfectly hardy.

We are inclined to believe that this variety may be often
confounded with and sold for what is called the Siberian arbor
vite, and the place of its origin would seem to justify this; but
we do not find, in all our authorities or in any of the English
or French catalogues, any mention of the Siberian arbor vite,
except as a synonym of 7’. occidentalis (the American arbor
vite), which, what is known in this country as Siberian, cer-
tainly is not. It is also associated with Warreana, though the
latter came from Nootka Sound, and would seem to be identi-
cal with Don’s plicata.

Cedrus. Tur Crepar.

C. Ailantica (the Mount Atlas cedar), or better known in
Syn. this country as the Silver cedar of Lebanon, is only
C. argentea. g variety of the ordinary Cedar of Lebanon with
glaucous leaves. It is not impossible, however, but what it
may be in certain localities hardier, since it thrives perfectly at
Newport, when the common Cedar of Lebanon is cut down and
not unfrequently killed. This is also the report from Flush-.
ing.

As all the remarks, we propose to make about the Cedar of
Lebanon, apply to this tree, we shall refer our readers to the
succeeding pages.

C. deodara (the Deodar or Indian Cedar).—The anticipations
Syn. formed of th's most graceful evergreen in the

Pinus deodara. first edition of this book, we truly regret to say,
have not been generally fulfilled. It grows so readily and sc
rapidly, particularly in the .ater autumn months, that it is with

492 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

great reluctance we feel constrained to admit it is not to be de.
pended upon. Itis certainly the most delusive of all evergreens.
We have upon this place raised specimens twelve to fifteen feet
high, as perfect as could be, but which the winters of 1855-6
severely injured, and the subsequent winter finished to the snow-
line. These trees are now about eight o1 nine feet high, with
several leaders, and nearly fifty feet in circumference, mostly
holding their color well so far this winter, though having been
subjected to a temperature, for two days, of 15° below zero.
The fault of the tree (if so charming a tree can have any
fault) is its habit, like the Cryptomeria and Tazodium sem-
pervirens, and many other of the new evergreens, of making a
late autumnal growth without ripening off its wood.

The fact that the tree below the snow-line almost always
appears fresh and green, proves, we think, quite satisfactorily,
that some protection, and no or little sun, will go far towards
establishing its hardihood. A wood, or the north side ot
buildings, will accomplish this; and if to this, we add such a
preparation of soil as will retard rather than stimulate the tree,
so that by accomplishing an early growth it may ripen off its
‘ wood, we think we may again hope to acclimatize the
Deodar, which as now grown in the Middle States, hardly
amounts to more than a bush, annually increasing in amplitude,
but not in height. There are portions of this country, in the
neighborhood of Washington possibly, and in Southern Vir-
ginia, and about that latitude, and as far south as Augusta,
Ga., where it succeeds admirably. In the extreme south it
suffers from the sun in summer as much as it does here from
the sun in winter. There are, however, specimens at Mr.
Affleck’s, near Natchez, twenty-five to thirty feet high, and fea-
‘thering to the ground. At Flushing, L. I.,in Ohio, in New Jer-
sey, and near New York, it does best in some shelter ; though at
“ Woodlawn,” near Princeton, a specimen, ten feet high, and
thirty-three in circumference, stands well in the most exposed
situations. When first imported, it was supposed to be hardier
than the Cedar of Lebanon, but subsequent experience does
not confirm this—at least in our case. —

C. deodara viridis (the Green deodar), C. deodara robusta

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 498

(the Robust deodar), are only varieties of the common deo-
dar—the former being of a slenderer habit, and more vivid
green, and the latter much coarser and stouter. As these two
varieties are out with us for the first time this winter, we can
not as yet say how hardy they may prove, and we have no
returns from any other place.

We may as well, perhaps, add here, that Mr. Meehan
reports, near Philadelphia, “all Deodars on wet low soils are
uninjured, while those on dry are killed outright.” This is
the contrary of our theory and experience here certainly,
but facts are better than arguments, ‘and time alone will show
whether a damp or dry soil is most congenial to this plant.

C. Lebani (Cedar of Lebanon.)—This is another variety of
Syn. the genus Cedrus, so distinct and remarkable

ese 2. that we regret being compelled to say it has

; also fallen short of what was expected and
hoped of it; and we doubt, if, with a few exceptions, there are
more specimens now in this country, or much larger, than
when Mr. Downing wrote his first edition. After the specimen
at Throgg’s Neck (Mr. Ashe’s), the next best we know of is at
Woodlawn (Mr. Field’s), at Princeton, N. J., where a specimen
(Fig. 38) planted in 1842 is now thirty-six feet high, bearing
cones, and may be considered beyond all risk; and also some
trees at Laurel Hill Cemetery, near Philadelphia, planted by
Mr. J. J, Smith, the founder of that most lovely and interesting
of rural cemeteries.

' These trees were only slightly browned in the severe winters
of 1855-6. But Mr. Field’s soil is a light sandy loam, and
that of Laurel Hill, a gravel or disentegrated rock, lying high
above the surface of the Schuylkill, and so protected by trees
as to allow even the Gordonia pubescens to flourish to the
height of forty feet, strewing the ground in September with its
fragrant blossoms. In both these cases, as in our own, the soil
has been dry, and the tree not stimulated by a damp, rich
position ; and although the winter of 1855-6 reduced, with us,
a tree of fifteen feet to eight, yet other specimens, a little less
exposed to the full influence of the morning sun, suffered
simply a little browning of the leaves, and have since gone
through an ordinary winter without any injury, leading us to

494 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

the conclusion that in this latitude, the Cedar of Lebanon may
be considered fairly hardy, but “slow ;” and though not grow-
ing with much rapidity, and occasionally liable to lose a little
in the winter of what it has made in the summer, yet on the
whole, like the tortoise in the fable, we believe it will come out
first in the end, and should be much more generally planted.

At Washington, Mr. Saul writes us, it is perfectly hardy,
specimens in the Capitol grounds being twelve feet high; and
at Yorkville, it is returned as hardy; but at Flushing and at
Elizabethtown its reputation is a little qualified, though sup-
posed to become hardy as it advances. At Augusta, Ga., it ix
straggling and uncertain; and in Ohio, both in the neighbor-
hood of Columbus and Cincinnati, it is very much injured by
severe winters.

Cephalotaxus. THe, CLustER-FLOWERED YEWS.

This fine genus, as yet very new, deriving its name (Kepaary
—kephale—a head, and Taf:s—taxis—arrangement), from the
flowers and fruit growing in close, globular heads, is likely, we
think, to become a great acquisition in this country. With us
it has proved quite as hardy as the Common English yew,
and although like that plant, the foliage is much finer and
darker in the shade, yet we have had no difficulty, for the past
three years, in growing it in the sun.

The only varieties as yet known here, we think, are:

Cephalotazus Fortuni—mas. and femina—(Fortune’s- Male
and Female cephalotaxus), found by Mr. Fortune in the north
of China, particularly in the province Yang-Sin, and also in
Japan, growing from forty to fifty feet high—the foliage, not
unlike that of the torreya, is longer and wider than the yew.
With us the male plant seems the most hardy, the female hav-
ing suffered somewhat in the winter of 1856-7.

C. drupacea—(The Plum-fruited cephalotaxus), is another
fine variety which has proved hardy with us. It resembles
very much the Irish yew, and also the Zazus, or more properly
the Podocarpus Japonica, Mr. Carriere, in his excellent work
on Conifers, makes it a synonym of the Female cephalotaxus
Fortuni, but our plant certainly differs much from this, in hay-
ing both darker and shorter foliage; grows about 20 feet high.

Cephalotazus pedunculata, and C. umbraculifera, are the

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 495

two remaining varieties of the genus, and we think, are likely
to prove as hardy as the preceding ones.

Chamecyparis. Tar Waite Crepar.

Chamecyparis spheroida variegata—sometimes called both
Thuja and Cupressus variegata—is, beyond doubt, we think, a
beautiful golden variety of the White cedar, great use of which
is made in England, combined with the Golden and Silver
yews, and the Golden and Variegated arbor vita. We have
had it out but one winter, but we see no reason why it should
not prove hardy.

Cryptomeria. THe JaPAN CEDAR, |

Cryptomeria.—(The Japan cedar); from Kruptos, hidden,
and Meris, a part.

C. Japonica.—This exquisite tree, deservedly called the
“ Queen of Evergreens,” is a native of China, growing sixty
to one hundred feet high. It was discovered in 1784, by Pro-
fessor Thunbergh, and only introduced into England by Mr.
Fortune, in 1844, where it succeeds perfectly well and is
the, or certainly one of the most charming of the newer ever-
greens. With us, in the Southern States, it succeeds admirably ;
but farther north it is apt to suffer from our severe winters.
At Wodenethe we have little trouble in growing it in a wood,
and we have one specimen, which we are in the habit of starv-
ing in very poor soil, and ona side hill quite exposed to the
strong west winds, which has been out five years and does not
even brown. This tree has a worse habit than the Deodar, of
growing late into the autumn. Where this can be partially pre-
vented, by thin, light soil, especially with some shade from a
wood or buildings, we believe, as far north as Fishkill, it can
be grown, though, perhaps, never to develop its full and grace-
ful beauties. Near Philadelphia, at Chestnut Hill, it sometimes
suffers, though last winter not at all; and at Laurel Hill it has
stood for several severe winters, without injury, under the shade
of other trees, At Newport, it is tolerably hardy, there being
specimens ten feet high. Near Boston, the roots keep alive,
but no progress is made in the tree. At Washington, there is
aspecimen in La Fayette Square, planted by Mr. Downing
in 1852, and never protected, which has reached fourteen

496 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

feet, and is very beautiful. At Elizabethtown, it succeeds
when sheltered. At Flushing, the extremities of the branches
suffer in severe winters, and at Yorkville, near New York,
it is considered hardy under favorable circumstances, as also
at “Woodlawn,” N. J., the residence of Mr. Field, where
there are specimens twenty-nine feet in circumference, though
not proportionally high. In Ohio, it is killed to the ground in
severe winters. This is another of those evergreens, which
grown in tubs, ten to fifteen feet high, and planted (plunged)
out in summer, would produce most agreeable effects in orna-
mental grounds, with no care in winter beyond removing it to
a cellar or cool green-house.

C. Japonica viridis, C. Japonica lobbii, C. Japonica nana.—
These three are only varieties of the one above described, and
we presume no more hardy, unless it be Zobdbit, introduced
from the Dutch Botanic gardens at Batavia. C. nana, which
is a mere dwarf-bush, always seems to suffer with us more from
the sun in summer than the cold in winter. We have a fourth
variety, received from France, called Pendula, rather more
slender and pendulous than Japonica,

CUNNINGHAMIA.

Cunninghamia.—A small tree, native of Japan and China,
named after its discoverer, Mr. Cunningham. There are but
two varieties, of which C. Sinensis or C. lanceolata, is the one
most generally cultivated in this country. In its general char-
acter and appearance, it resembles very much Araucaria imbri-
cata, with lance-like leaves, though lighter green. With us it
stands generally better than the araucaria, and will make an
admirable substitute for this tree, if it should prove hardy.

At Baltimore, we have seen a plant six or eight feet high,
and apparently quite vigorous. At Newport, it is also regarded
as quite hardy, and a great accession. Specimens there are
six feet high, and near Natchez, fifteen to eighteen feet, nearly
half its full size, and always untouched by winter. At Flush-
. ing it stands about as well as the cryptomeria, and will proba-
bly prove about as reliable as this tree; as yet it is compara-
tively new, and we have ‘but few returns about it.

C. glauca, the remaining variety, differs only in its leaves
being silvery.

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES, 497

Cupressus. Tur Tru Cypress.

This fine genus—not mentioned by Mr. Downing in the early
edition of his work, and of which there are now some twenty
varieties known and cultivated in England—seems peculiarly
unsuited to this climate. The cypress is found indigenous in
the south of Europe, China, Mexico, the East Indies, and a
few varieties, erroneously classed among our cedars and junipers,
in this country. There are but three varieties which may be
considered as fairly hardy, and as some of these are better
known under different names, we may say there is not one
hardy cypress, distinctly known and recognized as such, that is
cultivated in the northern and middle portion of the United
States. The half-hardy varieties, such as attenuata, excelsa,
sempervirens, Goveniana, Lusitanica, torulosa, and a few others,
can probably never be cultivated, unless in pots, except at the
extreme south. The only species we can rely upon here will be:

C. Nootkaensis (the Nootka Sound cypress), but better known

here as Thuiopsis Borealis, is a tall ever-
Syn. : :
Thuiopsis Tchugatskoy. Steen tree, reaching the height of one hun-
dred feet, with widely expanded branches,
very flexible; as it advances, the limbs are covered with small
listers, which, on being punctured, emit a fine aromatic balsam,
whence is derived another synonym, abies arumatica. It is also
found in Russia, near Lake Tschondskoe. It is but yet very
new, even in England; our specimens have been out two win-
ters and are perfectly hardy, as it will probably prove to be in
every northern part of the United States.

C. pendula.—There are three Weeping cypresses, one a
synonym of Thuja filiformis, or Biola jiliformis (Weeping
arbor vite), which we have already described as very beautiful
and perfectly hardy ; a second, a synonym of C. torulosa, a
variety of which we have mentioned above as only adapted
for the extreme south;* and a third, a synonym of C. funebris.

C. funebris (the Weeping or Funebral cypress), is another
tree like the Deodar cedar and cryptomeria, of which much was
expected, but little obtained.

It was first noticed, we believe, by Lord McCartney in his
expedition to China, who described it as having the appearance
as an immense evergreen Weeping willow, but it was only in-

* Mr. Buist thinks this may prove hardy near Philadelphia,

498 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

troduced into England, many years subsequently, by Mr. For-
tune, from the celebrated tea country “ Wheychou,” in the
north of China. It is described as attaining a height of sixty
feet, with horizontal branches, sweeping upwards with its grace-
ful curves and dropping again at the points. "We observe, from
our returns, it has been tried in many parts of the United
States, but, so far, has only succeeded well at Augusta, Ga.,
where both Messrs. Berckmans and Mr. Redmond report most
favorably as to its hardihood ; with us it has succeeded but in-
differently, though having had every advantage from poor soil -
and a protecting wood. Even in Washington, it is too tender
to be relied on.

C. Lawsoniana (Lawson’s cypress), the most beautiful of
the cypresses, if not of trees, raised from seed in 1857, collected
and sent to England by Mr. Murray. It grows one hundred
feet high, and is found along the banks of streams and in the
vallies of the mountains of Northern California, in latitude 40°
to 42°,

There is one very distinctive characteristic about it, which
we have observed, and by which it can readily be recognized,
the drooping of the leading shoots like the Deodar. The tops
of the branches hang down like an ostrich feather. It is said
to resemble the C. Nuthaensis (Thuiopsis Borealis), described
above, but our plants are much more slender and graceful.

We have strong hopes’ this charming evergreen may be
acclimatized. Our trees are out for their first winter. It
is also on trial at Cincinnati. It is still very rare and ex-
pensive; small plants,-eight to ten inches high, costing a
guinea.

Dacrydium. Dacrrpium.

A very rare genus, found only in New Zealand and the East
Indies, and so tender as hardly worth while being mentioned,
except that a new variety, lately introduced into England.
promises to be hardy there, and may consequently be in certain
parts of the United States. This variety, D. Franklinit (Huon
pine), is found in Van Dieman’s Land, and becomes a tree of
one hundred feet high, thickly covered with spray ; the branches

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 499

are numerous, dense, long, and very flexible in our plants (in
pots) like whip-cords. We have not received any reports of
this tree. ©

D. Cupressinum (the Cypress-like dacrydium), though not
hardy, is well worthy of cultivation in pots. It is exceedingly
graceful and pretty, with slender, delicate, almost thread-like,
drooping shoots, thickly clothed with small, spiny leaves. A
specimen we have, about eight feet high, is much admired.
There are several other varieties for the conservatory.

Fitz Roya Patagonia. Tae Patacontan Fitz Roya.

A large evergreen tree, found in the mountains of Patagonia
growing one hundred feet high, but introduced within the past
three years into England, where so far it stands well. Our
specimens are out for their first winter. We have every reason
to suppose this may survive our climate; since in its native
country it diminishes from one hundred feet in the valleys,
to only a few inches on the borders of perpetual congelation.

Glyptostrobus. Tue Empossep Cypress.

This new genus, which has beén but lately introduced under
this name (derived from “ Glypho,” embossed, and “ strobus,” a
cone), but has been previously by some botanists regarded as
a Taxodium ; is a native of China, where it is called the Water
pine.

The only variety of this genus, apparently recognized as dis-
tinct by the English, is G. heterophyllus, known also as Thuja
pensilis, and Taxodium Japonicum; although Endlichere has
another and very beautiful variety, which we have found per-
fectly hardy at Wodenethe, more so even than G. heterophyl-
lus. This is the Glyptostrobus sinensis pendulus, which is also
recognized under this name by the French arboriculturists,
though in the English Pinetums, and by Gordon, in his very
excellent work on Conifers, it is classed as a Zaxodium; and
we have imported it from France as Glyptostrobus sinensis pen-
dulus ; from England, as Tazodium sinense pendulum; while in

500 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

our nurseries, it is sold as the Weeping deciduous cypress ;
and we think it is generally regarded, by those who have it in
this country (which are very few), as identical with our South-
ern deciduous or Swamp cypress, and only a pendulous and
more delicate variety of it; this is also the classification
of the English. Under this embarrassment, we sent specimens
of the three varieties to that distinguished botanist, Dr. Gray, who
replied that, in his opinion, “the Genus Glyptostrobus will be
adopted as distinct from Zazodium, though most resembling
it ;” that Glyptostrobus s. pendulus and Taxodium s. pendulum
are the same thing, under different names; “while G. hetero-
phyllus is the allied species, and probably not distinct.”

The Tarodium pendulum is one of the most graceful and
exquisite little trees, which will survive the rigor of our north-
ern winters. With us, as before stated, it is untouched by the
severest weather,

The resemblance to the Southern deciduous or Swamp cy-
press, which has led to its being confounded with this variety
is chiefly in the autumn, when the leaves are expanded and
spread out very much like it; but in the earlier spring months,
they are twisted and compressed around the stem, having a
very peculiar wavy and curled appearance.

At Newport, in New Jersey, and at Flushing, this tree is
returned as hardy and very superb.

Juniperus. Tue JUNIPER.

Of this large and important family of plants, J. Virginiana,
commonly called the Red Cedar, was the only variety men-
tioned by Mr. Downing. The name itself is derived from the
Celtic word Juneprus, meaning rough or rude, from the stiff
character of the plants, or from Juniores pariens, the old and
young leaves and berries being on the plant at the same time.
There are some twenty-six to thirty varieties known and cul-
tivated in Europe, of which nineteen or twenty have reached
the collections in this country.

Of these, alphabetically, the first on the list is J. Bed-
fordiana, a slender variety of J. Virginiana, found on

’

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 501

the island of Barbadoes, and the Windward Islands, and
Syn. erroneously cultivated by these three names,
. Fee by each of which we have it. We ob-

, serve from our returns, that this tree, under
these three names, is alsé pretty generally cultivated at
the principal nurseries in this country; and while J. Gossain-
thania is generally considered perfectly hardy, and J. Bed-
Jfordiana nearly as much so at Newport, Washington, and
New Jersey, J. Barbadensis is reported as tender in the one
or two places where tried, from which, it is evident, there is
some confusion in the synonym. It isa pretty, graceful, slender
tree, with drooping branches ; when fully grown, some fifty feet
high.

J. Californica (Californian juniper).—Is an extremely pretty,
delicate variety from California, with glaucous leaves, attaining
an altitude, in its native country, of forty feet. We received
_this variety from Messrs. Ellwanger & Barry two years since,
and have not yet ventured it out. It is more rare in England
than here, being classed among those of which little is known.

J. Canadensis (Canadian or Common juniper).—This' well
Syn. known species in our Northern States, and the

J. depress. northern parts of North America, Labrador, New-

oe foundland, &c., is merely a bush, with a loose open
head, from three to five feet high. It is sometimes confounded
with the Dwarf juniper of Europe, but has a smaller and
lighter foliage, with rather more of an upright tendency ; per-
fectly hardy.

J. Chinensis (Chinese juniper)—A very great acquisition,

a from China and Japan, perfectly hardy with us

J. Thumbergii. jn the most severe winters, and a most beautiful
variety. It is dicecious, the male plant being

distinguished with male flawers of a bright yellow color in
the spring, and very showy when fully grown, attaining a
height of fifteen to twenty feet. The female variety, known
and sold also as J. Reevesiana, and J. flagelleformis, is rather
smaller than the male; berries small, of a glaucous violet brown
when ripe. We strongly recommend these trees, especially
the male, as being perhaps, the finest of the really hardy

junipers,

502 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

J. communis (Common juniper).—This plant, which is the
Syn. ordinary juniper of Europe, is not the same as
J. Cracovia the J. communis, or Canadensis of this country.
sia ai It is found generally on the Continent, and in
England, a loose, spreading tree ot bush, of twelve to eighteen
feet high ; while on tops of mountains it becomes a straggling
shrub. There are three varieties of the common European or
English juniper, all well known, and cultivated in the United
States, viz.:

J. communis Suecica (Swedish juniper).—A native of Nor-
way, Denmark, Sweden, and Russia, a conical, upright growing
bush, of from twelve to twenty feet, very hardy, we believe, in
every part of the country.

J. communis Hibernica (Irish juniper)—A neat, pretty,
slender variety, found on the mountains of Ireland, more
upright and delicate than the Swedish, though resembling it.
It sometimes suffers with us from the sun in midsummer, but
rarely from the cold, and this we see by our returns, is its
character generally.

J. communis compressa—which we imported some years
since, as Hispanica, or Spanish juniper—seems quite as hardy
with us as either of the other varieties, being compact and close
in its habit, but with a less vivid green; it comes from the
Apennines. There is another Spanish juniper, called J. thu-
ripera, from the mountains of Spain, forming a dense, handsome,
pyramidal tree, tapering to a point, and growing to the height
of thirty feet, which we also find entirely hardy,

J. Japonica (Japan juniper)—is a small, hardy, bush from
Sym the mountains of Japan, not growing over

Chinensis procumbens, one or two feet high, and distinct.

J. nana (the Dwarf juniper)—Common all over Europe,

Syn. England, Scotland ; seldom growing over one foot
J. Alpina, high, but spreading. It is so often taken for J.

Meters Canadensis of this country, as to be constantly con-
others. founded and grown for it.

J. oblonga pendula (Weeping juniper)—unquestionably the

syn. most attractive of the junipers; a small tree

1 Pendle erm fifteen to twenty feet high, from the Hakone
ridge of mountains in the island of Niphon in Japan; perfectly

Fig. 94.—THE ScaLep Juniper, at Woodlawn, Residence of R. S. Field, Esq,, near Princeton, N. J.

Height, 43¥ ft. Circumference, 29 ft.

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 5038

hardy with us, and the most graceful and pendulous of ever-
greens. Our best specimen (Fig. 98) has been planted ten
years—it is nearly six feet high, though only a few inches
when set out. We find it transplants badly and recovers slowly,
and when necessary to be moved, should be balled in winter, or
moved with greatest care. It takes several years to get under
way, and often dies back from sun, but, when once started, suc-
ceeds admirably.

J. occidentalis (Western juniper).—We doubt very much if
Syn. the variety is, in this country, correct, at any rate we

“J. excels. have no returns about it; and if here at all it may
be under its synonym of excelsa, with which it, and many other
junipers, are frequently confounded. It is found, at an eleva-
tion of five thousand feet, on the Klamet mountains in Oregon,
and also on the Rocky mountains, where it becomes an um-
brella-shaped tree of forty feet, with a pretty silver bloom; it
will, no doubt prove quite hardy here.

J. oxycedrus (Prickly juniper).—This variety is reported as
Syn. hardy in Jersey. Our plants are out for the

J.monspeliensium. first winter, and we cannot, therefore, report
upon them now. It is found on the Apennines, at an elevation
of three thousand feet, in France, also in Spain, and Por.
tugal. Our specimens are attractive from being more or less
glaucous on both sides of their leaves; the branches are angu-
lar and rather pendant; it grows eight to ten feet high, and its
berries are used in flavoring gin.

J. Phenicta (Pheenician juniper).—This species, forming a
bush of fifteen to twenty feet in height, of a beautiful pyramidal
shape, is found on the rocks along the shores of the Mediter-
ranean, near Nice and Calabria. We have favorable reports
of its hardihood from New Jersey ; we have not tried it. There
is another variety, J. P. Lycia (Lycian juniper), a much smaller
bush than the preceding, and greener foliage, originating in the
Levant, but also found, according to Prof. Pallas, in Siberia—
it having been introduced in the Russian gardens as juniperus
davurica. This is the juniper from which the gum called
olibanum is collected, so much used for incense in religious
ceremonies on the Continent. ‘This, no doubt, will prove hardy

in the United States

504 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

J. prostrata (Prostrate-branch juniper).—-This interesting
Bi, species, so well known all over the Middle and
J. repens, Northern States, need hardly be described ;
ee with us « isa common road-side plant, and

J. sabina prostrata. &

very much neglected in consequence. We do
not really know a finer object than this juniper, well grown in
ornamental grounds where it has ample space to develop itself
There are two specimens at Mr. Field’s in Princeton, truly
superb, resembling immense great evergreen beds, not over
two feet high, but thirty feet in circumference.

J. recurva (Weeping Indian juniper)—This is certainly a

very charming variety, and we wish we could say

J. Nepalensis. it is perfectly hardy; with us, heretofore, in the

winter, it becomes very shabby and dingy, having much the

clouded look produced by the web of the red spider ; this, how-

ever, is where it has been exposed to the winter’s sun. We

have- now some specimens planted in a wood, and well pro-
tected, which we hope may do better.

Mr. Hogg writes us that at Yorkville, when sheltered, it may
be regarded as hardy; and this is reported also from Flushing,
L. L, and in New Jersey ; at Washington it did well until in
jured by the winter of 1855-6. ‘The only unqualified return of
entire success is from Augusta, Ga., where it is grown without
trouble. J. recurvu densa is the male form of this variety ; with
us, the male is more dwarf, and of much closer and thicker
habit. The plant itself originates in Nepaul and in Bhotan, at
an elevation of eight to ten thousand feet, where it makes a
small and beautiful tree; at greater elevation it becomes a
straggling-bush.

J. religtosa (the Pencil or Incense juniper). We believe
ii there is no question of the hardihood of this

J. excelsa, juniper; although no Indian conifer seems to
Bas the tall have been more confused than this species
uniper of the
American nur- | We presume, however, that the J. excelsa (the
series] Tall juniper) of our American nurseries is
not properly the J. excelsa of the Indian botanists, which is the
true J. religiosa. The first is undoubtedly hardy, becoming a
handsome, pyramidal tree, thirty to forty feet high; a native of
the islands in the Grecian Archipelago, Syria, Armenia, and

*

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 505

Georgia; the second is quite hardy with us; and we have no
report from any other place. It resembles very much the
Chinese Juniper, and it is often confounded with Cupressus
torulosa. It obtains its name from its wood being burned in
temples on festivals, and also from being used in cedar pencils.
“It is a native of Nepaul, where it rarely descends below an
altitude of ten thousand feet; above an elevation of fifteen
thousand feet, it degenerates into a scraggy bush; while in
favorable situations, it forms a large, magnificent tree of sixty
to eighty feet. It gets its name of religiosa from being usually
employed for the Buddhist temples, and in their religious
ceremonies. :

J. sabina (the Common savin), a low, loose-growing bush,
not, as it strikes us, particularly handsome, growing six ot
seven feet high, and native of the Lower Alps, Appenines, and
the Altain and Taurian mountains. There is another and
prettier variety, J. s. variegate (Variegated savin), with its
leaves curiously striped or blotched with yellow, and inter-
mingling with the green, making a striking contrast. We
have grown these many years without any protection.

J. squamata (Scaly-leaved juniper), a large, procumbent,

many branched shrub, growing four or five
jeer Lambertina, £e¢t high, and very spreading, from the

mountains of Nepaul and the Bhotan Alps,
also in Cashmere. It seems to thrive on the loftiest mountains
at elevations of eleven, twelve, and even fifteen thousand feet,
forming extensive beds or masses like carpets, covering im-
mense spaces; the foliage is a bright, vivid green, and large
glossy, purplish black fruit.

The finest specimen we know in this country, and one of
the most extraordinary and striking objects we ever saw among
evergreens, is the J. squamata, at Woodlawn, N. J., Mr.
Field’s (Fig. 94), which was obtained from Mr. Buist, in Phi-
ladelphia, in the spring of 1851; and though only seven years
planted, is now a bush of twenty-nine feet in circumference,
having one leading shoot which, after ascending perpendicu-
larly four and a half to five feet, as suddenly descends again
at an acute angle to the ground, resembling somewhat an
elongated ox-bow, the lower branches radiating from the stem,

506 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

and spreading in every direction with a marvellous profusion
into a perfect circle. It is unquestionably hardy all over the
colder portion, at least, of the United States.

Peseudo-larix kemferit. GOLDEN oR CHINESE Larcu.

This properly belongs to the deciduous class of trees ; though
when first sent to England by Mr. Fortune,
it was supposed to be a fir, and Mr. Lambert
classed it among the pines. It is still very
j rare and very expensive; plants only two
inches high costing seven dollars in England. We know of but
one other specimen in this country, besides our own, which was
too small to venture out this winter, though we intend doing so
next. It will, no doubt, prove hardy, coming as it does from
the northern provinces of China. The leaves are a beautiful
bright green, when young, but before autumn assume a fine
golden yellow. There being no specimens in England over a
foot high, we have no further description of this tree.

Ms
Abies kemferi.
Pints do.

Inbocedrus. Incense CEDAR.

This exquisite genus (for all the varieties are alike beautiful)
is another of Mr. Endlicher’s introductions from Chili and New
Zealand. The name is derived from ibanos, incense, and
cedrus, the cedar. It is found upon the Andes of Chili, where
it grows to the height of sixty to eighty feet, and bears so close
a resemblance to the arbor vite, as, by many, to be classed with
this tree, having the same pyramidal habit, thickly clothed with
beautifully delicate, glaucous and light gréen imbricated leaves
from its very base.

There are but four varieties, three of which have been im-
ported, by collectors of evergreens, into this country, viz. :

Chiliensis, Doniana and decurrens, of which the first and last
only approach to some hope of being acclimatized.

L. Chiliensis, we have had several years. Our oldest plant
survived three winters on an open lawn, protected simply by

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 507

cedar boughs, but was destroyed by the severe weather of ’55-6.
At Elizabethtown, N. J., there are specimens five feet high,
and, it is reported to us, as nearly hardy there. At Washington,
and on Long Island it has not been sufficiently tested to be
pronounced upon. The only unqualified return of entire suc-
cess is from Augusta, Ga., where it stands admirably and
becomes one of their most lovely evergreens.

L. Doniana (Don’s arbor vite)—-even more than the pre-
ceding resembles an arbor vite, and is more
generally known and sold as a Thuja than a
Libocedrus; it has the appearance of a most
exquisite fern, being of a peculiarly soft yellowish green, and
most delicate habit. There is no hope, we fear, of acclimatizing
this beautiful variety, except, perhaps, in the Southern States ;
but nothing can well be prettier or more attractive than this
and the preceding variety (ZL. Chiliensis), grown in pots or tubs.

L. decurrens, the third and last variety, being more properly
an arbor vite, has been removed to that genus, we shall there-
fore describe it under its appropriate head of Thuja.

m,
Thuja Doniana.

Picea. Tue Sitver Fir.

In contradistinction to Abies, the Spruce fir is derived from
pix (pitch)—this variety producing an abundance of resin, and
having theircones erect and nearly cylindrical, while the cones
of the Adies (Spruce fir) are pendant and persistent for a long
time. They are found in Europe, Asia, and North America
and are, we believe, without exception perfectly hardy in the
middle and northern portions of the United States, and a very
great addition to our ornamental evergreens.

P. amabilis (the lovely Silver fir)—one of the latest addi-

tions to this tribe of plants, still rare and very
sa costly. There are no plants of any size in

. lasiocarpa.

Pinus lasiocerpa, his country. It stands well at Beach Clyffe,
the residence of Mr. Kane, at Newport, and

also at Flushing, and we presume it may prove hardy at Boston.
It is a magnificent tree in its native forests on the mountains
of Northern California, reaching an altitude of two hundred

508 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

and fifty feet, with a naked stem of sixty feet. It was discov-
ered by Mr. Jeffrey.

P. balsamea (the Balm of Gilead fir), has already been des-
cribed in the early edition of this work, and is too well known
as the common Balsam fir of the country to require further
remarks,

P. balsamea longifolia, is a much finer and equally hardy
variety, with longer leaves, introduced from Booth’s nursery, at
Hamburgh.

P. balsamea variegata—A. variegated variety of our Com-
mon balsam—pretty and hardy—the new growth being yellow;
though attractive in the spring, yet when the new shoots become
ripened, the bright yellow becomes a little dingy, and we should
hardly give it a prominent place in plantations. We have also
a variety with a silvery instead of a golden variegation.

P. Bracteata (Leafy-bracted Silver fir).—This is a very rare
variety as yet in this country, and will probably
prove as hardy as P. Webbiana, and, like it, be
apt to lose its leader. It was discovered by

Douglas on the mountains of Columbia river, and afterwards
in Upper California. It is a tall, slender-growing tree, one
hundred and twenty feet high, straight as an arrow, and only
two or three feet in diameter ; sometimes only the upper third
of the tree is clothed with branches.

P. Cephalonica (Mount Enos fir)—This is perhaps one of
the finest and most reliable of the new Silver firs. We have
specimens eight and ten feet high, perfectly untouched by the
remarkable winters of 1855-6, and without any advantages

- of position or protection.

It is called the Wild cedar by the Greeks, and was first sent
home by General Napier, when Governor of Cephalonia. It
has since been discovered on the different mountains of Greece,
on the Sacred Apollo, on Mount Parnassus, on Mount A&tna, and
also on Mount Olympus; it has, consequently, among its other
merits, at least that of having early classical associations. A
full grown tree is about sixty feet high.

P. Fraseri (Fraser’s Silver fir)—A variety ‘probably of our
Syn. common Balsam fir, a little lighter, we think, in

Pinus Froeerl. color; supposed to have originated in the moun-

Abies do, tains of Carolina and Pennsylvania. Neither

Syn.
Abies Bracteate,

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 509

Carriere nor Gordon seem to place it anywhere else;
though we have trees sent to us from Vermont, by President
Wheeler, of Burlington, which he thinks identical with the
southern variety ; and we must confess we quite coincide with
him, though they may prove some sport of our ordinary double
spruce. At any rate, both varieties are as hardy as possible.
P. Fraseri Hudsonica (Hudson Bay Silver fir).—A pretty,
flattish Dwarf variety of P. Fraseri, forming a dense close
bush, never over three or four feet high, and, of course, a per-
fectly hardy tree, coming, as it does, from the Hudson Bay
Company’s territories.
P. nobilis (Noble Silver fir)—This superb variety well de-
serves its name, reaching as it doeg an altitude of two
Pinus nobilis. hundred feet, with regularly horizontal and spreading
econ branches, and cinnamon-colored bark, forming im-
mense forests upon the mountains of California. It was a dis-
covery of Mr. Jeffrey, and proves unquestionably hardy wher-
ever it has been tried. We have had it five or six years; but
our trees being raised from seed, instead of being grafted, were
very small (three inches only) when planted, and are not over
two to three feet high now; and though fine in color and habit,
do not yet show that grand characteristic which induced
Mr. Downing, when in England, to describe it as the most _ma-
jestic of evergreens. At Elvaston Castle, there are speci-
mens, says Mr. Buist (in his account of his visit to that
remarkable place), finer than the Araucaria excelsa (the Nor-
folk Island pine). Itis perfectly hardy near Boston, at Flushing,
New York, Baltimore, &c.; and will prove equally so in all
the middle portions, at least, of the United States. .
P. Nordmanniana (Nordmann’s Silver fir).—Another superb
Syn. Silver fir, quite as hardy as the preceding,
Abies Nordmannians. gnd as fine; indeed, we think even finer,
ee a when young. We have had it at Woden-
ethe four or five years, and it has never suffered in our severest ,
winters. It comes from the mountains of the Crimea, and
reaches a growth of one hundred feet.
P. pectinata (Common Silver fir).—A lofty tree, growing
one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet high, found all over
the Alps, and also on the Apennines and Pyrenees ; and yet,

510 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

strange to say, it is somewhat capricious in the United States,
and among our returns, we find in many places it is apt to lose
its leader. This we believe, however, only takes place in
young, and consequently succulent plants, which, as they
advance in age, acquire a habit of solidifying, as it were, their
growth, and escape injury. We have specimens fifteen to
eighteen feet high, which are very perfect, and never suffer.
The finest specimen we know in the country is one near
Germantown, Pa. (Fig. 37.)

P. pectinata pendula (Weeping Silver fir)—Is a dis-
tinct and very rare variety of the Common Silver fir, which
we had for many years—perfectly hardy, with peculiarly droop-
ing branches. It is of French origin, we believe.

P. pectinata variegata (Variegated Silver fir)—Is very
similar (though distinct) to the P. Fraseri variegata ; hardy.

P. pectinata nana (Dwarf Silver fir)—A pretty little shrub,
quite hardy, and only growing two or three feet high.

P. grandis (Great Silver fir).—Another of the grand dis-
coveries of Mr. Jeffrey, on Fraser’s River—a superb tree,
growing to the height of two hundred and eighty feet, and
resembling in its character and habits the Common Silver fir,
but much finer and more gigantic. Our specimens are only
eight to ten inches high, and we do not know of any others in
the country any or much larger; and although from its des-
cription we have every reason to suppose it will prove hardy,
still we have no authority for saying so. The tree is still too
young and costly (two guineas each), to make the attempt
quite yet. The only report of it is from Washington, where
there are plants in Mr. Corcoran’s grounds, two feet high, per-
fectly hardy.

P. pichta (Pitch or Siberian Silver fir).—Although this tree
Byn. does not become so majestic as the preceding,

P, Biberica, yet it is a remarkably fine variety, and well
worthy extensive cultivation. It is perfectly hardy, and has a
superb luxuriant growth, which is most refreshing. It is not
very unlike a very fine Balsam fir, though much denser, softer,
and deeper foliage. It is found in the mountains of Siberia
and Altai, and rarely exceeds twenty-five to thirty feet. There

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 511

is another variety, with longer and more glaucous leaves, called
P. longifolia. :

P. Pindrow (Upright Indian Silver fir) —A fine tree, grow-

OO auaGe ing from eighty to one hundred feet, and

Taxus Lambertiana, found on the mountains of Bootan, at an
elevation of eleven to twelve thousand feet. ‘In this country,
this variety has been constantly confounded with P. Webbiana,
which it so closely resembles as to require the nicest scrutiny
to detect the difference. It also, like the Webbiana, suffers
from losing its leader, and on this account, even in England, it
is recommended to be planted on the north of woods or build-
ings; with this protection it may be classed as_tolerably
hardy.
P. Pinsapo (Pinsapo fir).—This is a Spanish fir, very dis-
Syn. tinctive, and perfectly hardy everywhere, as

Abies Pinsapo, far as tried. Our best specimen is ten feet

fanaa) high, and exceedingly fine, being as regular
and symmetrical as the Balsam fir. Its greatest altitude
is seventy to eighty feet. It is found in Spain, on the moun-
tains between Ronda and Malaga; also in Granada, and on the
‘nighest parts of the Sierra de la Nieve—even near the summits,
where snow lies at least five months in the year.

P. Webbiana (Webb’s Indian fir)—A superb tree, growing
Syn. from seventy to eighty feet high ; discovered on
‘Abies spectabilis. the Himmalayas above an elevation of ten thou-

A, densa, gand, and Dr. Hooker found it in Sikkin at an

Pinus striata, ete. a : :

elevation of thirteen thousand feet. A beauti-

ful dye of an exquisite violet tint is extracted from the cones,

whence the name by which it is known in this country, “Webb’s

Purple coned fir :” like P. Pindrouw, it suffers in its leader; if ex-
posed, but does pretty well in a wood,

Pinus. Tae Pins. ;

OF this, the largest and most important family of evergreens,
there are, at present, known and cultivated in England and in
collections on the Continent, about sixty varieties ; twenty-four
of which have proved hardy in the United States, or, at least,
in our portion of it on the Hudson River—and there are a few

512 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

more, besides, which may possibly become acclimatized in a
few years, Six of these have already been described by Mr.
Downing, in his early editions, leaving a gain of eighteen new
varieties—a great many for so valuable a genus. and in so short
a time as ten years.

In our Southern States, the whole sixty varieties now known
abroad, could undoubtedly be grown with entire success; we
therefore propose, in describing the twenty-four varieties which
we have ourselves tested, to give some brief mention of the
most prominent and desirable of the others, which at the North
can only be cultivated in tubs, and kept in green-houses during
the winter.

P. australis (Southern pine).—This superb tree, more com-
Sym monly known as the Georgia pine, is found from

P. Polustri, Virginia to Georgia, growing to the height of

P. Georgica, sixty to seventy feet, with a bright green foliage:
nearly a foot long in young plants. We have great hope that
this tree may be acclimatized here. In Philadelphia, Mr.
Buist regards it as hardy ; at Elizabethtown it succeeds when
sheltered by evergreens, there being specimens there six feet
high. There is another variety, with much longer leaves, and
said to be much hardier, withstanding the coldest weather in
Germany, and coming from the northwest coast of America,
which would, no doubt, prove entirely hardy, since it was
raised, as we believe, from seed in Messrs. Booths’ nurseries
at Hamburgh, where we remember we were informed peach
trees would not stand.

P. Apulcensis (Apulco pine).—This variety, from the val-
lies of Mexico, is likely to prove too tender for any but our
Southern States ; it reaches a height of forty to fifty feet.

P. Ayacahnite (Ayacahnite pine).—This pretty and effec-
tive pine, with a soft, vivid foliage, has been out with us, two or
three years, in a sheltered position, and seems tolerably hardy ;
it somewhat resembles our native White pine, only is much softer
and brighter. It is from the mountains of Mexico,

P. Austriaca (Austrian pine).—This valuable tree, perfectly
Syn. hardy everywhere, is found on the mountains in
sein Austria, Styria, Transylvania, é&c., and reaches a

: "height of one hundred to one hundred and twenty

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 513

feet. Take it all in all, we do not know a finer or more avail-
able evergreen. It grows in any soil and has a strong, ram-
pant, healthy look, which is positively refreshing when sur-
rounded by its more delicate companions, the half-hardy ones
It is very rapid in its progress, and has a firm, stocky growth,
retaining its fine green color during our ‘hottest summers and
coldest winters. In Austria it is very much esteemed for
charcoal, and the wood is said to resist the alternations ot
moisture and dryness better, even, than the Larch. By some, il
is supposed to be only a variety of laricio.

P. Banksiana (Sir Joseph Banks’ pine)—-Is a stunted,
a scrubby, straggling bush, from five to ten feet

P. Hudsonieas, high; in good soil it reaches, sometimes, fifteen

feet. Itis found in the most northern parts of
North America, in Maine, Nova Scotia, Labrador, S&e., and is
only valuable to complete a collection.

P. Beardsleyi.We are inclined to think both these trees
are identical, and are synonymous with P. pon-
derosa, though they are sold as distinct in the
English nurseries, and in ours also. They belong
to what are called the “ Long-leaved Californians,” such as.
Benthamiana, Ponderosa, Macrocarpa, &c., and when young,.
they resemble each other so closely that we must confess we
are puzzled to tell them apart, and are not surprised at the con-
fusion. Carriere, in his Histoire Genéral des Coniferes, makes
Beardsleyi a distinct variety, but does not describe it, merely
saying, it was introduced in seed in 1855, from North America ;.
but Gordon, who seems the more thorough as well as the latest.
writer, regards them as synonyms of Ponderosa. In the:
absence of any more light, or until the trees get larger, so as-
to show the difference, if it exists, we shall adopt this classifi-
cation, and refer our readers to our subsequent description of
Ponderosa, for what may prove, presently, to answer for these
trees.

P. Benthamiana (Bentham’s pine).—This superb tree, said
to be the grandest of the “Long-leaved Califor-
nians,” was found by Mr. Hartweg, on the moun-
tains of Vera Cruz, where he discovered specimens
two hundred to two hundred and twenty feet high, with stems

33

Syn.
P. Craigeana.

Syn.
P. Sinclairi.

514 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

twenty-eight feet in circumference. It seems peculiarly a:
mountain pine, flourishing above the region of P. Sabiniana,
and in the greatest abundance, near Monterey, and on the
mountains above Bear Creek. The timber is said to be the
roost valuable of the pines, though at five dollars apiece for
small plants eight to twelve inches high, we are not likely to
test this excellence for some years. It proves very hardy at
Wodenethe. Our specimens, but slightly protected, have stood
for three years without injury.

It is also hardy at “ Wellesley,” near Boston, the residence
of Mr. Hunnewell. In the public grounds at Washington,
there are fine specimens three and four feet high. At Yorkville,
it is hardy, though the plants being very small, are often under
the snow. At Flushing, on the contrary, it is returned “not
hardy,” and it may belong to those pines which do not flourish
near the sea. Being still very rare and costly, it has not yet
been much planted.

P. Brutia (Calabrian Cluster pine).—A fine lofty tree of
sixty to seventy feet, and bright green foliage,
with spreading head, found in Calabria, and
closely resembling P. Halepensis (the Aleppo
pine). It is not unlike, in its general appearance, some of the
numerous varieties of Maritima; it proves perfectly hardy with
us, having been out several winters.

P. Canariensis (Canary Island pine).—A charming, grace-
ful, slender pine,-with long pendulous leaves, growing seventy
to eighty feet, in its own country, but too tender for any thing
but pot-culture here, though it might do at the extreme South.

P. Cembra (Swiss Stone pine).—All travellers who have
ei crossed Mount Cenis and the Tyrol, must have

'P, Helvetica, been struck with the vast forests of this tree,

P. montana, &. which abound in those stupendous regions. It
is the pine of the Alps ; and as such must prove hardy anywhere,
atthe North. It grows about fifty feet high, but very slowly,
though always forming a pretty, compact tree. There are many
synonyms, and two varieties; the Siberian Stone pine, with
shorter, denser, and greener leaves, and the Dwarf Cembran
pine, found on the rocks of the Ural Mountains. The seeds of
all three of these varieties are eatable.

Syn.

P. conglomerata.

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 515

P. Devoniana (Duke of Devonshire pine)—A fine, delicate,
pendulous tree, with a charming green foliage, re-
sembling very much our P. palustris — called
also, Pino real, or Royal pine, from its majestic
character. It is from Mexico, growing 80 feet high—tolerably
hardy in England, and perhaps in our Southern States, but too
tender for us at the North, except for pot-culture.

P. excelsa (Lofty Bhotan pine).—We hardly know what
aie to say of this splendid tree, called by Mr.
P. pendula. Downing, that “affectedly pretty pine.” It is

Be a universally returned to us as hardy, from all

ie parts of the country, though sometimes suffer-
ing from sun in summer. Near Boston, this is the case, and at
Natchez, where plants have to be shaded from the summer
sun. Mr. Barry writes us from Rochester, it is hardy there,
but will not make an old tree. Our own trees at Wodenethe,
which perhaps are some of the oldest in the country, being, or
rather having been, sixteen and eighteen feet high, certainly
suffer from sun and not cold. The winter of ’55 and’56, which de-
stroyed some and damaged many other white pines here, and even
road-side cedars, produced no effect upon this tree, which was
entirely unprotected and uninjured; and yet often in midsum-
mer, it will become ruptured in its leading shoots, and die
back. This may be on the principle of the frozen sap-blast
in fruit trees, where the damage done in winter, does not de-
velope the injury before the succeeding summer ; but we are more
inclined to believe, that the tree, if planted in rich holes, over-
grows, and a sort of apoplexy supervenes. We form this theory;
from observing that, where a great redundancy of growth has
taken place, and the leading shoot is three or four feet long
and extremely succulent, this rupture is most often the result,
when the sun being hot, activity of circulation is excessive ;
- when, however, the exuberance of growth is checked by poor,
thin soil, the tree grows enough, and seems to mature its wood
as it advances through the summer—at any rate sufficient to
withstand what might be called determination of sap to the
head; sothat in future we shall always plant Excelsas in poor
soil. The variety itself is found in Nepaul, in the mountains,
and in Bhotan, above the region of the Deodar. It reaches a

Syn.
P. Blanco.

516 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

‘height of one hundred and fifty feet. It is sometimes called
the Himalayan Weeping fir. Take it all in all, it has been the
greatest favorite, and the most successful of all the new coni-
fers—having a charmingly graceful habit, and soft, pretty glau-
cous foliage.

P. filifolia (Thread-leaved pine).—Cértainly this and P.
patula are the most delicate and graceful of pines,
exquisite for pot-culture, but too tender for any
portion of this country, except the extreme South.
It is a native of Guatemala, growing there to the height of
forty to sixty feet, and resembling very much our Georgia pine
(P. palustris), with its long, beautiful, thready leaves, twelve to
fourteen inches in length.

P. flexilis (Contorted-branched pine)—This curious tree
was found by Mr. Jeffery, at an elevation of nine thousand
feet, and even fourteen thousand, in the neighborhood of
Fraser’s river, where it makes a small tree of forty feet high,
with a peculiarly flattened head; and on the highest portion of
‘the mountain, where it degenerates into a shrub of only three
feet high, it becomes so compact that a person may walk on
the top of it. It has not been introduced here yet, and hardly
into England; but from its being found so near the snow-line,

Syn
P, Skinneri.

we should suppose it might prove hardy. ‘
P. Fremontiana (Colonel Fremont’s pine).—This pine was
Syn. discovered by Col. Fremont, during his explor-

P. monophylla. ing expedition, when crossing the Sierra Nevada,

es growing on both sides, extending over the top
of that great, snowy chain. It does not reach a size of over
twenty feet, is very spreading in its habits, and will probably
prove perfectly hardy in this country, since Col. Fremont often
found the thermometer at two degrees below zero, at night, and
‘four feet of snow where the tree grew. The seeds are eatable,
and are quite an article of commerce with the Indians, in the
season, under name of Nut pine.

P. Gerardiana (Gerard’s pine).—A slow-growing but vigor-
Si ous variety from the mountain of Kunawar, in
P. Neoza. India, reaching the height of fifty feet, and
- corti forming a close, compact head; the leaves of

omens these are stiff, and of a bluish green. We had this

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 517

twelve years ago as (if we are not mistaken) “The Short-leaved
Weymouth,” which we never thought correct, but there was so
little to distinguish it from an ordinary pine that we replaced
it by something more valuable. It was perfectly hardy.

P. Halepensis (Aleppo, or Jerusalem pine).—This variety
yn resembles the Brutia (which we have

P. Hierosolymitan. already described) so much as to be often

B eennenale sold for it. We cannot quite, as yet, make
up our mind whether it will stand our climate here, or not. It
does very well in « wood, and a specimen more exposed, does
equally well, if it is true ; but the resemblance to Brutia is so
great that it may be this variety; Maritima is often confounded
with it. Messrs. Hovey, in Boston, report it as hardy and fine
there ; but their plants, like ours, may prove Brutias, or some-
thing else. It is found on the east and west sides of the
Apennines, and in Sicily, among the rocks in Lybia, and in
Greece, growing to be a tree of thirty feet.

P. Hartwegii (Hartweg’s pine).—This is a fine variety that
syn. we remember to have struck us very forcibly ten

P. resinosa, years ago, in England (when very small), from

P, Standish. the fine, dense color of the foliage. It is one of
the Mexican pines, forty to fifty feet high, and beginning on
the mountains at ten thousand feet elevation, where the Picea
religiosa ceases. We have tried it for several years with but
indifferent success, and have abandoned it as too tender for any
climate north of Virginia. It is too coarse for pots.

P. inops (The New Jersey pine).—This variety, too well
Syn. known to need description, is found from Carolina
P, variabilis. to the Hudson River, but does, we think, extend
beyond it. It has a spreading top, and is thirty to forty feet
high, and, of course, must ‘be planted in collections, though
hardly otherwise would be selected by the amateur.

P. insignis (the Remarkable pine)—We regret that this

z . certainly most beautiful pine will not

P. Californica, of Loisel. resist our winters, even in a wood;

Pomilteragensis, though it will, no doubt, do well and
prove a very great acquisition in our Southern States. It is so
attractive in its appearance, that it was one of the earliest of
the new conifers tried here, but without any success. It is

518 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

found in many portions of California, growing tc the height of
eighty to one hundred feet.

P. Jeffreyi (Jeffrey’s pine)—We doubt if this has been
tried at all in this country yet. Our own plants are extremely
small, and not yet out. It is a majestic tree, one hundred and
fifty feet high, from Northern California.

P. Lambertiana (Lambert’s pine).—This superb variety, reach
ing an altitude of one hundred and fifty to two hundred feet,
and twenty to sixty feet in girth near the ground, is from the
northern parts of California; and is, without doubt, perfectly
hardy in this latitude. Our plants have escaped injury the
severe winters of ’55 and ’56. Our reports from Boston, Flush-
ing, New Jersey, and Washington all coincide as to its hardi-
hood; so that we may place this among the “safe trees.” Its
resemblance to the Pinus strobus (White pine) has been stated
as an objection, but it might resemble a worse tree ; besides,
we do not think this is quite so. To us itis very distinctive; and
it has long been a great favorite with us for its fine, deep green,
and vigorous, healthy habit. It has this merit, to say the least,
even if its character is not as marked as many of the less ro-
bust pines.

P. laricio (the Corsican pine).—This tree with many syn-
Syn. onyms, is a native, as its name im-

Zz a. sabia we plies, of Corsica, though found also in

Europe, Greece, and Spain; and is the
great tree upon Mount Astna, growing rapidly to a height of
eighty to one hundred and thirty feet. It is quite as hardy as
Lambertiana, or Austriaca, all over the country, having some-
what the robust habit of the latter, only a less vivid green.
Some of our specimens of this variety made leading shoots last
year of five feet.

P.1. Calabrica (the Calabrian pine), P. 2. Caramanica (the
Caramanian pine), P. 1. pygmaa (the Dwarf Corsican), and
P. l. contorta (the Twisted Corsican), are only varieties.

P. letophylla (the Smooth-leaved Mexican pine).—A large
tree, with an irregular open head, vertical branches, and droop-
ing foliage, growing sixty to one hundred feet high ; from the
mountains of Angangueo, in Mexico, and is called by the na-
tives “Ocote Chino,” from its abundance of resin, and being

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 519

used for torches and candles. The wood is so hard, as tc
resist the plane. The tree is too tender for the Middle States,
but would doubtless succeed south of Virginia.

P. Lindleyana (Dr, Lindley’s pine).—This variety, often con-
Syn. founded with Montezume, and as such, imported

P.Montezume®. by us some year or so ago, is really quite dis.
tinct, and is a robust, bushy looking tree of forty feet; found
near the “ Sumate,” on the mountains of Mexico. It will, ne
doubt, prove hardy, coming from so high an elevation. We de
not know that it has as yet been tried, nor do we think it very
desirable, except in very full collections.

P. longifolia (the Long-leaved pine).—This is one of the
Syn. class of exquisite pines, of which P. filifolia,

P.serenagensis. matula, Canariensis, and even Australis are also
representatives. They are all, except Australis (Palustris), too
tender even for the climate of Great Britain, and will not of
course do at all here, except in Georgia, the Carolinas, and our
Southern States, where no greater addition to ornamental plan-
tations can be made; they are charming for pot-culture with
us, which is the only way they grow them in England gene-
rally. The timber of Longifolia is excellent, and full of resin,
which is another recommendation for the South. The foliage
is of an exquisite light green, and the leaves, twelve to fourteen
inches long, delicate and thready.

It comes from the lower ranges of the Himmalayan moun-
tains, from Bootan to Affghan, growing forty to one hundred
feet high, with a peculiar spiral arrangement of bark and fibre,
like a cork-screw.

The chips are used in India for candles, and are called
“ Chamsing” (night lights). According to Dr. Hooker, ink is
made in Sikkin from the charcoal of the burnt leaves mixed
with water. It is also remarkable for its fragrance.

P. macrocarpa (Dr. Coulter’s pine).—This is a grand tree,
‘ Sun. which we have had several years under each of

P Coulter. the above names; though now we believe culti-

P. Sabiniana, > 3

P, maerocarpa. yators have settled down upon macrocarpa and
Coultert, as the proper ones. Our best specimens would have
been eight to ten feet high, having worked through the winters
of ’55 and ‘56, with very trifling injury, when, unfortunately,

520 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

all the terminal buds were eaten off by sheep; and though the trees
might have stood climate alone, yet they were unable to resist
both climate and sheep, and they consequently perished. It has
rugged, stiff leaves, ten or twelve inches long, and becomes a very
striking tree, eighty to one hundred feet high; from the moun-
tains of Santa Lucia, in California, at an elevation of three or
four thousand feet.

P. macrophylla (the Long-leaved Mexican).—An uncom-
Syn. monly fine variety, which we lost in the winter of
P Leroy 1855, in a very exposed situation, though we are
not preparedeto say it would. have stood better in a protected
ene. It is a very striking tree, from one of the highest moun-
tains of Mexico, growing twenty to thirty feet high, with a fine, |
ample foliage, fifteen inches long. It is almost too stout and
coarse for pot-culture, but would be very ornamental at the.

South, where it would grow perfectly well.

P. maritima (the Maritime pine).—This tree, so called and
so sold in our nurseries, is simply a nurseryman’s name, there
really being no such tree. It is very curious, but nevertheless
true, that the greatest confusion prevails, both in the English
and Freach nurseries, about this variety. In England, it is
confounded often with P. pinaster, Halepensis, and Laricio ;
and in France, with Pallasiana, Pithyusa (Halepensis), Lari-
cio, and Pyrenaica, and made synonymous with each; and ‘in
this country, it seems to represent any thing which is un-
known.

The specimens we have seen in our neighborhood as Mariti-
ma, are probably Calabrica—a sub-variety of Laricio—and, we
think, most Maritimas in our nurseries are Laricio or Pinaster.
Representing, as it does, so many different trees, it is difficult
to get any reputation about it which is to be depended on. In
Boston, it is returned to us as tender, from which we assume
that the variety there may be Pinaster, which is sometimes
tender here; while at Rochester, it is reported hardy, and may
be Calabrica, or one of the hardy synonyms, At Washington,
the variety known as Maritima, does well, and also at Eliza-
bethtown ; but what these trees really are at these two places,

we have no means of knowing, except that they are not Mari-
timas.

Height, 8 feet.

Age, 6 years.

Fre. 96.~ToRREYA TAXIFOLIA, at Wodenethe.

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 52]

P. mitis (Yellow pine).—This well-known variety, so com-
‘ym. __-mon once in many portions of the United States, re-

rekigas quires no description. it has been singularly con.

P.royle. founded, with many other varieties, and has only

P. lutea. recently been distributed by the East India Com-
pany, as a new species, under the name of P. roylei, which
farther .experience shows clearly was the common: American
yellow pine. .

‘P. monticola (the Mountain pine). —We have had this tree.
P.Lambertiana, “out for several years. Itis quite as hardy, as
P. brovifolia, our White pine, and so closely resembling it as

hardly. to pass as distinct. It grows as tall as the White pine,
but has a denser head, and shorter and more glaucous foliage—
fond on -Trinity. Mountain, in Northern California.

P.. Montezuma (Montezuma Mexican pine).—This fine
variety has stood out with us several winters, though somewhat
protected. _It is found on the mountains of Mexico, at an
elevation of eleven thousand feet, growing forty to sixty feet
high, with a spreading head. This does not appear as yet to
be in any of the American collections besides our own.

P. Mugho (the Mugan pine).—A small tree, thirty feet high,

P. sylvestris Mugho. from the Alps, perfectly hardy everywhere,

er penanee but not very attractive. There are four
varieties, all small, and Mugho nana (Knee pine), not more
than three feet high.

P. nivea (the Snow pine)—Is only a variety of our common
White pine (P. strobus), with the under part of the leaves,
silvery—quite as hardy as its parent.

P. palustris —We have already described as Australis.

P. patula (the Wide-spreading Mexican pine).—Of all the
pines which we have ever seen, this is beyond measure the
most graceful and charming, not only in its growth and habit,—
a representation of which is given in Fig. 95—but in the
nature, softness, and color of its leaves. It resembles a
beautiful, delicate green fountain of spun glass, and has a parti-
color, like .shot-silk, which catches the sunlight almost like a
kaleidoscope. The leaves resemble the silk of maize, being
as soft and delicate, and not unlike it in color. Although
found in the colder regions of Mexico, on the Real del Monte

522 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

mountains; it has not the appearance of being hardy, and we
have not yet attempted to acclimatize it—having but tivo plants,
which are quite beautiful enough for pot-culture to satisfy any-
body. It would unquestionably grow at the South. We have
no reports about it, and know but one other specimen in the
country, which is at Wellesley, near Boston, grown, like ours,
in apot. There are two other varieties, P. patula stricta (more
erect), and P. patula macrocarpa (much larger and taller) ;

neither, we think, in this country.
P. pinaster (Star or Cluster pine.)—This fine tree, which,
when first introduced, and before thoroughly

as N : tested, promised to be the most artistic of pines
. Nepalensis. an : :
P. maritima. (at least of available pines)—doing for our
: de landscape what P. pinea (the Stone pine) did
seven others. for Claude in the Italian Landscape—has, in

our latitude, proved itself a little questiona-.
ble. It will certainly stand uninjured our ordinary winters ;
but such uncommon ones as those of 1855-6, when, with us,
the mercury sank to twenty degrees below zero, destroyed, at
Wodenethe, specimens eighteen and twenty feet high, and this
seems the experience of our returns.

It is a most admirable tree for planting near the sea-shore,
where it thrives wherever the climate will permit, and is to be
found all along the Cornish road, bordering the Mediterranean, in
Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Japan, New Holland. From
the facility with which it flourishes near the sea, it received its
synonym of maritima. No doubt P. pinaster Hamiltonii,
Lemoniana, minor variegata, are varieties.

. PP. ponderosa (the Heavy-wooded pine.)—The hands we
should say, of all pines, not excepting our na-

ve erenen tive White pine, and the fastest grower. We have
P. Beardsley’, @ Specimen, sixteen to eighteen feet high, raised
from seed in less than seven years. This va-

riety is gigantic in every sense of the word; the new shoots
are two or three times as thitk as those of our White pine, and
same with the buds. The annual leading shoots exceed a
yard. It is from the Northwest coast of America and Califor-
nia, where it grows one hundred feet high Although a strik-

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 523

ing, it is not a handsome tree, the interval between the tiers of
branches being so wide and the foliage so coarse and sparse,
as to give it a thin and naked look; besides which, it has
an ugly habit of working the crown of the root out of ground,
so as to give the tree the appearance of insecurity. Our tree,
though eighteen feet high, and grown from seed where it stands,
still requires, or seems to require, support. It is, of course,
hardy all over the United States—at least, we doubt if any
cold will affect it, though it might suffer from sun in the ex-
treme South.

P. Pallasiana Taurica (Taurian pine.)—A large tree, seventy
to eighty feet high, found as yet only in the Crimea and along
the coast of the Black Sea. We have specimens which have
been out several years without protection; perfectly hardy,
though not very distinctive, as it resembles exceedingly our
- White pine.

P. pumilis (the Mountain pine.)—A remarkably stiff, un-
Syn. graceful dwarf, resembling the Scotch fir—in
P.Tartarian, Some favorable situations, becoming a tree thirty

oe feet high, but generally only a low, straggling,
slow-growing bush. It is very common on the Alps and the
Carpathian Mountains; perfectly hardy.

P. pinea (Italian Stone pine).—No one, we think, who has

Oe cakes ever been to Rome, will have forgotten the
P domestica, C©Olonna pine, which, together with St. Peter's,
P. arctica, &e. divided one’s enthusiasm, at the first sight of the

eternal city. This superb object, rising abruptly from the midst
of the Colonna gardens, is so much associated in our early recol-
lections, with all views of Rome, that now it is gone,* it would
really seem as if we had lost an old friend. It is the great
tree of Claude, and all the old masters, and no Italian garden
would seem quite perfect without it. It is generally, we think,
too tender for this climate, though suited well to the South.

We have tried many times: to acclimatize it; but though it

may struggle on for a few years, yet it never would form, pro-
pably, the picturesque tree, so valuable for the composition of
certain landscape effects.

* Blown down in 1851.

524 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

P. Pyrenaica (Pyrenean pine).—A very hardy, robust

Syn. variety from the Pyrenees, perfectly hardy
P. Hispanic, § == with us, having survived several winters ;
P. Monspeliensis, : a 2. :

P, laridio, and but, like P. nivea and P. Pallasiana, too
nine others. much resembling our native White pine to

be very distinctive.

P. radiata (Radiated-cone pine).—This tree, from Upper
California, is one of Dr. Coulter’s introductions, closely resem-
bling the P. insignis; but, being a little denser and stouter,
may prove hardier. It seems to thrive near the sca-shore ;
the specimen found by Dr. Coulter being one hundred feet
high, with a straight stem, feathered to the ground. The wood
is much used at Monterey for boat-building. Not to our
knowledge introduced here yet.

P. rigida (Stiff-leaved pine)—Another of our “ Native
Syn. Americans,” extending throughout the

P, Cavadensis+trifoli. whole of the United States, as far north
as Brunswick, in Maine. Not desirable, except to complete
collections. ;

P. resinosa (Red pine).—An American tree, principally
Syn found in Canada and Nova Scotia; not very unlike

P. rubra, &c. the Corsican. It abounds in resin, and is esteemed
for its strength and durability. “

P. Sabiniana (Sabine’s pine). —This majestic tree—from the
Cordilleras of Mexico, where it grows to the height of one
hundred and fifty feet—is very distinctive, and, we believe, will
prove hardy. Our trees have been out since the severe winters
of 1855~56, and stand in a protected place thus far very well.
The tone of the foliage is peculiarly soft and pleasing, being
of a light glaucous color.

P. strobus (White or Weymouth pine).—A description of this
well-known tree will be found in the first part of the book, under
Mr. Downing’s section on evergreen trees.

P. sylvestris (Scotch fir).—This valuable variety is also too
well known to require description or even mention, beyond the
fact that, take it all in all, it is perhaps the most important of
all foreign pines. It is perfectly hardy everywhere’ in this
country, and in Europe, where it is cultivated under twenty
different names, It is not a beautiful tree, though it assumes,

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 525

with age, a good many picturesque forms. It is very cheap—
plants, two or three feet high, can be imported from the Eng-
lish nurseries, at three or four dollars the hundred—and very
valuable as a hack tree for planting out disagreeable objects
and making screens. There are a good many varieties ; among
them are, Variegata, which is with us as hardy as Sylvestris,
having a golden stripe or blotch on the leaves; Pygmea, a
dwarf, of two feet or so; Argentea, a silver-leaved variety.

P. teda (Loblolly pine)—Another of our native trees,
Syn. found from Florida to Virginia, forming a tree

P. Virginians, of eighty feet high, with a spreading head. This

P. Pennifolia jg also called the Frankincense pine, and is dis-
tinguished by its delightful aroma.

P. tuberculata (Tuberculated-cone pine)—We have but
Syn. lately had this variety, and by its synonymous

P. Californie, name (Californica). It was discovered by Dr.
Coulter, immediately on the ‘beach, near Monterey, and after-
wards was found on the Santa Cruz mountains, by Mr. Hart-
weg. Mr. Jeffrey, also, found it on an elevation of five thou-
sand feet. It is said to be slow-growing, reaching a height of
forty feet. Our specimens, so far, resemble P. Sabiniana. We
have no reports about it, and never saw any other specimens
except our own.

PoDOCARPUS.

This comparatively rare genus obtains its name from two
Greek words, rovg, a foot, and Kapros, a fruit; and is found in
Asia, Africa and America, and may be anglicised into the
Fruit foot-stalked yew, from which it seems only slightly dif-
fering, many varieties being sold as Taxus (Yew), instead of
Podocarpus. There are about ninety varieties introduced into
the collections on the Continent and in England; a great many
of these are very tender, even abroad, and we do not, as yet,
find more than four which promise at all well for this country.

Of these, P. Japonica (Japan podocarpus), seems the best
known as yet, and the hardiest. It is a small tree, from Japan,
where it abounds, and is not very unlike Taxus Hibernica (the
Irish yew), only with a broader and, perhaps, flatter leaf; our

§26 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

specimens have been through two winters without any injury
—it is certainly with us quite as hardy as the Irish yew. It
is reported to. us as hardy at Flushing and at two different
places in Georgia, but being new and costly it has not as yet
been tried anywhere else.
P. Andina (The Andes podocarpus).—Another pretty, small
Syn. tree, ten to twenty feet high, from the Alpine
P, Taxus spicat. regions of South Chili, with a broader and
more leathery leaf than the preceding variety; our specimen
is out, for first time, this winter, and we have but one return
about it, which is from Augusta, and is satisfactory.
P. cortacea (Leathery-leaved podocarpus).— This variety
Syn. comes from the Blue Mountains of Jamaica,
Taxus lancifolia and also the Antilles, growing fifty feet high.
We have more doubt about this than the two above, and we
have but one return, from Flushing, L. I., where it is marked
“hardy.”
P. taxifolia (Yew-leaved podocarpus).—Thereis no question

Syn. we think, of the hardihood of this variety
Taxus montana. We have had it out three years without
Torreya Humboldil.

injury. It resembles still more the Irish
yew, than’ P. Japonica. It comes from the mountains of Peru,
at an elevation of eight thousand feet, where it is a tree of
sixty feet. We have no returns.

There is one other variety, not yet received into this country,
to our knowledge, which promises better than any of the above.
viz.: Podocarpus Nubigena, which is described as one of the
finest, as it is unquestionably one of the hardiest and most dis-
tinct, of all the conifers introduced within a few years. Itisa
native of Patagonia and is found also on the Andes, near the
Araucaria imbricata, which tree it much resembles—the
branches being produced at regular distances like it.

Saxe Gothwa conspicua. Prince ALBERT’s YEW.
Syn, Taxus Pategonica,
A genus by itself, and this the only species ; a small bush or
tree found on the mountains of Patagonia, growing thirty feet
high, with very much the habit and appearance of the common

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAI, TREES. 527

yew, but not so fine a color. We have no report about it in this
country, and presume it will, at the North, at least, have to be
grown in tubs, though we have a specimen out this winter.

Sequoia, sempervirens. Catirornta Rep Woop.

Better known here as Taxodium sempervirens. Found in the
northwest part of North America, forming a majestic tree two
hundred to three hundred feet high, and often confounded with
Washingtonia gigantea, quite a different thing; the foliage of
the Sequoia being flat, two-rowed, and dark green, while that of
Washingtonia is needle-shaped, spirally alternate, and on the
branchlets very close and regularly imbricated like an Arbor
vitae, besides being a light or yellowish green. The two varie-
ties are probably the most gigantic evergreens in the world.
There is a slab of the wood of the Sequoia at St. Petersburgh,
measuring fifteen feet in diameter, and having one thousand
and eight annual rings to mark its age.

We have tried it many winters, but with hardly any success.
It grows too rapidly and too late in the autumn to ripen off its
wood, and almost always with us gets killed back to the snow-
line, though generally shooting up again the next spring to
meet a similar fate the succeeding winter. We have no returns
about this tree other than tender, except from Washington,
where a specimen, six feet high, planted by Mr. Downing, in
1852, is growing beautifully though slightly injured in ’55-6.
There is no reason why, in our Southern States, it should not
succeed perfectly.

Taxodium distichum, Dercipuous Cypress.
Syn. Cupressus Virginiana, &ec., &c.

Though not an evergreen, yet this valuable genus is closely
allied to coniferous trees, and is well known by all planters as
the Southern or Swamp cypress, found along the banks of
rivers and swamps in vast quantities; in Georgia, Carolina,
Florida, and all the Southern States, it reaches the height of
one hundred and twenty feet. It is perfectly hardy at the

528 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

North. The varieties, fastigcatum, pedulum, nutans, &c., are
described under the head of Glyptostrobus.

Taxus. Tur Yew.

Great additions have been made to this class of ever-
greens, since the first edition of this book, where only three
foreign and one American varieties are mentioned, viz.:
7. baccata (the Common English), 7. fastigiata (the
Upright yew), and the Z. jructo-flava (Yellow-berried).
Among the new ones which we have found hardy, are:

T. adpressa (Flattened or Creeping yew).—An exceedingly
Syn. dark, striking bush, never, we believe, ex-

Cephalotasus adpressa, ceeding three feet high, but spreading
T. brevifolia, a : *
horizontally ; with very minute close
leaflets and pretty bright red berries, very desirable; like all
the yews, doing better in the shade.

e T.argentea and T. aurea (Silver and Golden yew).—These
two are very beautiful and desirable varieties of the Common
yew; the first having silvery white-striped leaves, and the
second golden. They seem perfectly hardy here. We
have some Golden yews grafted standard high on the Green
yew, which produces a very pleasing contrast. They are more
commonly known in the English nurseries as Taxus elegans and
Taxus elegantissima.

ZT. Dovaston (Dovaston’s yew).—A singular Weeping
Syn. variety of common English yew, found some years

. ee ago, if we remember aright, in the yard of a cob-
bler near Shrewsbury ; described as pendulous as

a birch or weeping willow; quite hardy with us, and well
worth cultivating.

T. erecta (the Erect yew)—A slender variety of the com-

Syn. mon English yew, with smaller foliage, and
x rea ® more erect habit of growth; sometimes called

Fulham yew. It is thought by some cultiva-
tors in this country to be hardier than the common English yew,
though the latter with us, especially after a year or so,

succeeds perfectly well, though possibly a little browned in
very severe winters.

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 529

T. ericoides (the Heath-like yew).—A very pretty, slender

&yn. variety, with very minute foliage, quite dis-
‘T. microphylla. tinctive and hardy here, and at Newport,

TL. Hibernica (the Irish yew).—The same as Fastigiata, a very
striking pyramidal tree, resembling in its close compact habit,
the Lombardy poplar. There are specimens in England twen-
ty-one feet high, though usually twelve to fifteen feet seems its
common height; it is also known as the Florence Court yew.
It is quite hardy generally, though sometimes a little browned
by severe winters. This is a most admirable variety for pot-
culture.

T. nana (Dwarf yew).—A very dwarf, hardy variety, never
Syn. exceeding two or three feet, but very spreading,

T.Foxii, like the Prostrate juniper.

T. variegata (Variegated yew).—A handsome variety, differ-
ing a little from the Golden yew, and sometimes sold as 7’. ele-
gans ; hardy here.

Thutopsis. BROAD-LEAVED ARBOR VITA,

Name derived from Thuia, arbor vite, and opsis, like. There
is but one variety of this new genus recognized in Gordon’s
Pinetum, viz., Thuiopsis dolabrata. The remaining variety,
known in this country as Thuiopsis borealis, is classed by Mr.
Gordon among the Cupress?, and has already been described by
us as a most valuable and hardy tree, known as Cupressus
Nootkaensis. We think, ourselves, it would be better to adopt
the nurserymen’s name, Thuiopsts Borealis, by which it is gen-
erally invoiced.

Thuja. Tae ARBOR VIT&,

So many of this family have been already described under
the head of Biota, and Mr. Downing having said all that was
necessary upon the common American arbor vite (Thuja occi-
dentalis), but few distinctive Thujas remain for us to mention.

Thuja gigantea (Gigantic arbor vite).—If this succeeds in
Syn. the United States—and there is every

T. Craigians. reason to be satisfied with its success

Se aa far—it will unquestionably be the
34

530 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

noblest addition this genus ever received. Accustomed as we
are to regard the Arbor vite as a small bush, principally avail-
able for hedging or single specimens, ten to twenty feet high,
for small villa-gardens and village-yards, we shall find it diffi-
cult to realize that we are to have an arbor vite reaching to
the dignity of a majestic tree, one hundred and forty feet up-
right, with a fine umbrella-shaped top and picturesque head.
This is another of the giants from the Columbia river and
Nootka sound. Mr. Jeffrey discovered it along the banks of
Scott’s river, and sent it home to England as Thuja Oraigiana.
Mr. Nuttall, in his Rocky Mountain expedition, also discovered
it, and gave it the name of Thu. gigantea; and finally, Dr.
Torrey has classed it as a Libocedrus, and distinguished it as
decurrens, It has since again been discovered in California,
in 1853, by M. Borusier de la Riviére.

It has been discovered so many times, by different people,
and received different names, that a good deal of confusion
exists about it, and it is often confounded with another Thu.
gigantea—so named by Sir William Hooker, in his American
Flora—but which, though coming from California, is a more
slender tree, not over fifty feet, and is beyond doubt, the true
Thu. Menziesii, which is also sometimes called Thu. plicata,
and very much resembling the American arbor vite. In fact,
it would seem as if there often existed among Arbor vites
botanical rather than physical differences, which often, as in
this case, and that of the Siberian Arbor vite, produces great
perplexity.

As these two giganteas are completely mixed up, we will
describe them separately, with the hope of throwing some light
upon their difference.

The real Thu. gigantea has its branches rather erect, long,
slender, and spreading laterally, with numerous smaller ones;
branchlets, short, flattened, channeled along the sides; leaves,
awl-shaped, lanceolate, loosely imbricated in four rows, the
outer pair being the longest, and folded partially over the inner
pair on both sides, giving the young shoots a trident-like ap-
pearance.

The Thu. Menziesti, on the contrary, has its branches spread-
tng, flat, more or less horizontal, slender, and of a deep brown

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 5381

color, alternately two round, and nearly all the inner side quite
straight ; leaves in alternately opposite pairs, closely imbricated,
those on the branchlets being much shorter, more rounded, and
furnished with a short spiny point ; besides which, one forms a
tree of one hundred and forty, while the other (Thu. Menziesic)
only attains an altitude of forty feet.

We are not yet able to say what either of these trees will
do in this country. The real gigantea is said to be hardy, and
the false not. At Elizabethtown, N. J., Mr. Reid writes us,
“The true one grows rapidly, and will no doubt prove hardy.”
At Augusta it stands perfectly well. At Flushing, not quite
hardy. These are the only reports we have, and our own plants
are out for the first time.

Thu, macrocarpa,—This is a variety we received, if we mis-
take not, several years since, from Messrs. Ellwanger & Barry,
of Rochester, and about which we can find no mention in any
of the books, nor does it seem to exist in any of the foreign
Pinetums, or in any nurserymen or collectors’ catalogues. It
resembles so much the Zhu. gigantea, that we are inclined
to think it is this variety under a different name. We have
never tried it out, as we could not find anything of its charac-
ter or habits under this name.

Thu. variegata (Variegated arbor vite).—Only a golden-
striped variety of our common arbor vite, but pretty and dis-
tinctive, and perfectly hardy.

Thu. aurea Americana (American Golden arbor vita).—Is
an exceedingly pretty and well-marked seedling, found acci-
dentally in a nursery row by our neighbor, Mr. Daniel Brinck-
enhoff, and named by us as above. The new growth is very
distinctly yellow, and the old foilage, which is a bright clear
green, tones off so gradually and delicately into the golden
hue of the new, as to produce a most pleasing little tree, and
perfectly hardy.

Thu. Hoveyt (Hovey’s arbor vite).—Another American
seedling not yet introduced, but which is described to us by
Messrs. Hovey (in whose nursery, near Boston, it was found)
as a seedling of Occidentalis, as hardy as an oak, having never
lost a limb in the severe winters of 55 and’56. Very nearly of
the same habit as Aurea, compact and upright branches; leaves

532 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

as fine as Aurea, making a most superb tree. It holds its color
even better than Thu. Siberica, while it is a lively, soft green,
brighter than Aurea, and not as sombre as Siberica. It is now,
even in midwinter, as green as most arbor vitees are in summer,
Messrs. Hovey have two other seedlings, not as distinct or
fine as the above.

Thu. plicata (Nootka Sound arbor vitez).—These two plants
am plicata and Warreana, though often sold by se-
‘Thu. Warreana, parate names, are, beyond question, identical ;

si a this is the conclusion both of the English and

. French authorities; although there is another

plicata, a synonym of Thu. Menziesii in the English collections,

and another Warreana in some of the French collections, as

among “les variéties horticoles,” but only another name for

Thu. occidentalis. The érue plicata and true Warreana are one
and the same thing.

The Nootka Sound arbor vite is found on the western shores
of North America, at Nootka Sound, quite hardy, everywhere,
and differing from the common American arbor vite, in having
its branches shorter, more compact, stouter, and densely covered
with small, flattened leaves, bluntly pointed, and with a plaited
and jointed appearance.

We have already alluded, under the head of Biota, to the dif-
ficulty in recognizing the origin of B. Siberica, which is some-
times confounded with Tatarica, but more generally with War-
reana. This latter (Warreana) was named from Mr. Ware, a
nurseryman at Coventry, in England, and Mr. Loudon con-
sidered it as a distinct variety ; but it seems now to be referred
back again to Thu. occidentalis; and Siberica adopted as its
name without any botanical authority, and simply as a nur-
sery distinction ; and we presume, consequently, that all plants
grown in this country, as the Siberian arbor vite, are War-
reana, or its synonym, plicata.

Torreya, THE Torreya.

; Vulgarly, the Stinking Yew.—Small evergreen trees, found
in North America, China and Japan, emitting, when bruised,

THE NEWER EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 533

a strong, disagreeble smell, and named after Dr. Torrey, the
celebrated American botanist.

Z. grandis (The Grand Torreya).—Discovered by Fortune
in northern part of China, as a large tree with a spreading
head, but so resembling a Cephalotaxus (which most of the
others do) as to render it uncertain whether it may not yet
prove one. It is considered very desirable whatever it may
be, but just introduced into England and not yet, to our know-
ledge, here. ,

T. myristica (Californian nutmeg)—A small, bushy tree,
twenty to forty feet high, with spreading horizontal branches,
found on the Sierra Nevada, in California ; quite hardy in Eng-
land and likely to prove so here. Our specimens are out for
first winter, and we have no returns. Like all the Torreyas,
emitting a most disagreeable odor when bruised or burnt, and
called by emigrants the Stinking yew or California nutmeg,

T. nucifera (Nut-bearing Torreya).—This is out with us at
Wodenethe, for the first winter, and we have no returns
about it. It is another small tree, twenty to thirty feet high,
found on the mountains of Niphon and Sikok, in Japan, where
an oil is made from the kernel of the nuts, used there for cu-
linary purposes. The nut itself, and the leaves and branches,
have the distinguishing characteristic of all the Torreyas—a
disagreeable odor.

fT. taxifolia (Yew-leaved Torreya.)—This is one of our
Syn. greatest accessions in the Middle States—be-

Taxus montana, ing now perfectly hardy with us, as already
described in our introductory chapter on evergreens, and very
distinctive.

It is a handsome pyramidal tree, with numerous spreading
branches, growing from forty to fifty feet high, found in the
middle and northern parts of Florida, where it is commonly
known by the inhabitants as Stinking cedar and Wild nutmeg.

Our best specimen (fig. 96), is about eight feet high, very
dense, showing nothing but foliage, like a thrifty arbor vite,
and remarkable, particularly in winter, for the star-like ap-
pearance of the extreme tips of its young shoots.

We have returns of this tree from Elizabethtown, N. J.,
Dobb’s Ferry, Yorkville, Flushing and Newport, in all of

534 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

which places it succeeds well, and is considered hardy, except
at the last place where it is reported tender.

Washingtonia gigantea. Tur Mammotu Tree.

This truly most magnificent of all trees—deciduous or ever-

green—was discovered in a valley at the

‘Wellingtonia gigantes, source of one of the tributaries of the Cala-

Sequoia gigantea. veras, California. Within an area of fifty

acres only, ninety two trees of this species were found stand-

ing, beyond doubt the most stupendous vegetable products on
earth.

They were first discovered in 1850, by some hunters, whose
accounts were considered fabulous until confirmed by actual
measurement. The largest tree was one called the “ Father of
the Forest,” four hundred and fifty feet high, one hundred and
twelve feet in circumference. The next largest the “ Mother
of the Forest,” three hundred and twenty-seven feet high, and
ninety feet in circumference.

Three trees, growing together, called the “ Three Graces,”
are each three hundred feet high, ninety feet in circumference.
There is another which has fallen, and through which a man on
horseback may ride seventy-five feet, and twelve feet in the
clear. These trees may be truly termed the “ Lions of Califor-
nia,” and in such estimation are they held, that it has been
found sufficiently remunerative to erect a hotel and run a line
of stages to Sacramento city and Sonora, for the accommodation
of visitors to these great natural curiosities.

The botanical discovery of this genus was, however, probably
made by the unfortunate Douglas, in 1831, when he writes to
Mr. Hooker: “The splendor of the Californian vegetation con-
sists of a species of Taxodium which gives to the mountains an
especial beauty, which I may almost call terrible.”

This wonderful tree, which closely resembles, in our plants,
the Weeping arbor vite (Thuja filiformis), in its imbricated
leaves, of a more delicate color than the arbor vita, being of a
pleasing light green, is, we are happy to say, promising to be
hardy in the United States.

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. 535

Our own plants have only been out one year, but seem to
succeed perfectly well. We have returns from a good many
parts of the country where it has not been left out all winter,
and also from Mr. Reid, at Elizabethtown, where it was, and
who has a specimen four to five feet, perfectly hardy. He
thinks, in time, it may prove as common as a Norway spruce,
being very rapid in its growth. At Woodlawn, N. J., it stands
well, the largest specimen being four to five feet. At Rochester,
it is hardy, and also at Augusta.

Widdringtonia. Tur ArricaANn CYPRESS.

A new, distinct variety of cypress, found at Cape of Good
Hope, and Madagascar, and named after Capt. Widdrington,
and a variety of which, erroneously called Widdringtonia eri-
coides, has been imported into this country, and is cultivated
with some success, doing very well here in the shade, and
also at Washington and Augusta. We hardly know why it
comes out to us as a Widdringtonia. In the English collection
it is called Retinispora ericoides, and in the French, Chamasy-
paris ericoides ; but, by whatever name it is called, it is a pretty
heath-like little shrub, resembling somewhat the Irish juniper.
It is cultivated in Japan (its native country), in pots, and
called “Nezu,”—(Dwarf.)

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS.

But very little progress has been made in the planting
of evergreen shrubs. As great.as has been the ad-
vance in trees, especially the coniferous, there has been
nothing to correspond with it in the introduction of
evergreen shrubs. With the exception of a few varieties
of the Berberries—like Japonica, Bealii, Intermedia,
&e., we do not remember any thing available for this

536 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

climate now, which was not well known when Mr.
Downing wrote.

There are, perhaps, a few things, untried ten years
ago, which have been tested the past three or four
years, and not “found wanting ;” such as some of the
smaller English shrubs, like the Andromeda—especially
Floribunda—the Cotoneaster, of which Buxifolia, with
us, proves the hardiest, though Microphylla and Margi-
nata, both do wellinthe shade. And here let us remark,
once for all, that no evergreen shrubs do at all well in
this country, in the sun. Every thing, from the yew
down to the creeping periwinkle, succeeds well, only
in shade.

If it is impossible or inconvenient, to have these
shrubs otherwise than exposed in open lawns, we should
recommend only the employment of certain varieties,
like the Rhododendrons, Catawbiensis, Kalmia latifolia,
Mahonia aquifolium, and Ilex lanrifolia.

These four shrubs seem to stand any amount of heat
and cold. Our thermometer, while we now write, indi-
cates siateen below Zero; and last summer they passed
through a fiery ordeal of 95° to 100°: and this they
have done for many years, with no other ill effect than
that the very hot weather changes that fine, deep,
dense color they universally have in the shade, into a
yellowish green, but they survive and grow and flourish
and bloom, though certainly less fine than when planted
on the north of buildings or woods.

Take it all in all, we consider the Mahonia (some-
times called Berberris mahonia), the most valuable
of all shrubs, deciduous or evergreen.

_ If there is any exception to our remarks above, about
the necessity of growing evergreen shrubs in the
shade, we should make it in favor of this variety.
It may be imported very cheap. Messrs. Waterer &
Godfrey, Knaphill Nursery, Woking, near London, offer
plants, one foot high, at eighty shillings sterling, per

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. 537

thousand, and in same proportion for smaller quanti-
ties. Itis perfectly hardy—a most rapid grower—has
a very attractive, yellow flower early in spring, succeed-
ed by fine purplish berries in autumn, which, in Eng-
Jand, are used for preserves by the agricultural classes,
very much, as in New England, the common Berberry
is used for same purpose. It is evergreen, or if not
entirely so, it has what is even better, a most superb
tich, brown tone, mingled with the most gorgeous scarlet
and crimson, like our highest autumnal coloring, and
the leaves covered with a brilliant lustre-like varnish.
We believe it does not grow over five or six feet high,
and we find the plant is much improved by keeping it
back by occasional clipping, as it sometimes has a ten-
dency to straggle. It should be always planted in beds
or masses, by itself.

The Rhododendron is too well known to require des-
cription. Although the R. Ponticum and many of the
hardy hybrids like Nero, Atrosanguineum, Ferrugin-
eum, and a few others are quite satisfactory in the pro-
tection of a wood, yet the only truly reliable ones
in exposed situations, are the English varieties of the
Catawbiensis, of which Messrs. Waterer & Godfrey
(and we presume they can also be procured now at our
nurseries) offer thirty varieties in color, all hardy here,
one and a half to two feet high, mostly with flower
buds, at fifty shillings sterling, per hundred, for
plants no¢ named, and ten pounds per hundred (about
fifty cents each) for named varieties.

It is perhaps well to say here that Rhododendrons,
Azaleas, and most of these evergreen shrubs, do well
enough in ordinary garden soil, but are much improved
in color and habit, by a soil prepared equally of peat,
leaf soil, and sand or sandy loam. There is no more
superb plant cultivated than the Rhododendron, and we
earnestly recommend the adoption in pots (to be kept
in the green-house during winter) of the varieties below

538 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

mentioned,* too tender to be entirely exposed all the
year.

The Jlex laurifolia (Laurel-leaved holly), strikes us,
after the Mahonia, as. the next most valuable ever-
green shrub, even more so here than our native Kalmia,
which is very apt to suffer from our hot August weather.
We have grown this lex many years, both in a wood
and in the most open situation, and apparently with
equal success; though we presume in certain seasons,
with great alternations of heat and cold, those exposed
would be apt to scorch. It has a leaf of a color and
habit like the Camelia, and even finer ; and, if we regard
foliage alone without flower (though even this is pretty),
we should say we had no finer plant upon this place. It
is an exceedingly great favorite of ours, and strange to
say, we have never seen it elsewhere.

The Kalmia latifolia (the Broad-leaved Kalmia), or
American Sheep-laurel, as it is commonly called, is
another very desirable shrub, as well as its varieties—
EK. angustifolia (Narrow-leaved Kalmia) ; K. myrtjfolia
(Myrtle-leaved); HX. carnea (Red-flowering Kalmia), &.
It is somewhat difficult to move, and although the
mountains in our neighborhood abound with them, we
have found it less expensive to import plants from
England, raised from seed, at fifteen cents apiece, than
to transplant the native habitats of the mountains, with
their long straggling roots. Though it will growin the
sun, yet in the shade it becomes a different plant.

The above, with the different Yews, Arbor vites,
creeping and low-growing Junipers, &c., are the only
dependable evergreen shrubs that we can at this

* Atro sanguineum (Superb Deep maroon); Archimedes (Superb Rose de
Chine) ; Angiola (Superb Cherry pink); Bray 3 Curr (Superb
Truss lilac rose); Chancellor ; Fastuosum (Magnificent Truss lilac); Gigan-
teum;. Hannibal; Henry Drummond ; .Luxidum; Rubrum Maculatum ,
Nero; Ne Plus Ultra (Fine lilac); Poussin ; Reedianum (Small Truss rose-
pink, but fine); Sir Isaac Newton ; Vandyck ; Victoria (Superb Deep lilac) ;
Cleopatra ; Invictum ; Proserpine ; Speciosum,

EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS. 589

moment recommend for general planting in exposed
sunny situations.

For amateurs, who have the advantage of a wood, or
a long line of high fence, upon the northern side ot
which they may have a shaded border, there are several
other things we would suggest: such as the hardy
Heaths, the hardy Belgie azalias, costing in England
£10 per hundred (fifty cents apiece), for named vari-
eties, in twenty different colors: the different Andro-
medas, the Rhodora Canadensis, the various Gaulthe-
rias, the Ledums, the pretty family of Menziesias, the
Epigea, the different varieties of Box, the green and
the variegated Euonymous.

The Lex Scottica is represented to us as quite as fine
and as hardy as Ilex laurifolia, though we have not yet
tried it.

In those parts of the country, too cold to grow the
English ivy, we would suggest large circular beds, in
appropriate parts of the pleasure-grounds, to be planted
inivy; and which, while permitted to fill the bed, should
be. kept within it by clipping. Beds in this way filled
(the ground being well covered in) with the different
_ varieties of the Gold-striped, the Silver-striped, and the
Dark Giant, are very effective and striking, and when
not protected by snow in winter, can readily be so by a
few cedar or hemlock boughs thrown over them.

Norz.—As this work is passing through the press, we have received a twig, per-
fectly green and fresh, of an Abies Douglasii, from 4 tree at Cazenovia, New York,
planted in 1858, when only eighteen inches high, and that has now reached the alti-
tude of eight feet, making annual shoots of fifteen to twenty inches, withstanding a
temperature in 1855-6-7, of 25° to 28° below zero, without the slightest protection
or the least injury; while the A. Menziesii is immediately destroyed, and the Silver
fir raised with difficulty, and where neither the Cedar of Lebanon, the Pinus

icea pinsapo, succeed at all. :
ee a au the specimen was sent us, is growing in a retentive loam,
rarely suffering from drought, but planted on an open lawn, entirely exposed on
pean conclusive evidence that cold at least, does not injure the Douglas fir,
and that it may be classed “ Perfectly hardy” in a climate usually considered the
most severe, or one of the most severe, in the State of New York.

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546 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

SECTION V.
HISTORICAL NOTICES.

Ir is with great reluctance that we undertake this
portion of our task, from a consciousness of our entire
inability to do justice to the many fine.places which
exist all over the United States, and which require a
greater knowledge than we have of them, as well as more
space and time than is allowed us, for the remainder of
this supplement.

With Mr. Downing, in his first edition, this labor was
comparatively alight one, as, twelve or fifteen years ago,
there were only a few marked places in the neighbor-
hood of our large cities, and upon the banks of the Hud-
son river and Long Island sound, which were so dis-
tinguished and prominent as to be easily described; of
this class were Col. Perkins’ and Mr. Lyman’s near
Boston; the Manor of Livingston, Montgomery place
and Hyde Park, upon the Hudson; the Bartram gar-
den, Stenton, Woodlawn, etc., near Philadelphia; and
afew others. Since this period, however, the taste for
country life has advanced so rapidly, that, in and about
these very neighborhoods, there are, at present, scores of
country houses, many of them of the finest and most
expensive character, but all partaking more or less of
similar disposition and style of grounds, and a similar
fashion of planting.

We have already said, in the introduction to this sup-
plement, that since Mr. Downing’s time, though the
style of country houses had vastly improved, yet
an equal improvement was not so evident in Land-

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 547

scape Gardening. This we attributed to the fact
that, while an Architect was employed to build the
house, no professional artist was employed to arrange
the grounds, and great errors and mistakes constantly
occurred—in many cases so gross, as to destroy the en-
tire effect of what would be otherwise a very fine and
attractive place.

Although there has been great expenditure of money in
country houses and costly glass-buildings, during the past
ten years, yet, in a great many cases, very inferior arrange-
ment and planting have been exhibited in the grounds.
Landscape Gardening is just as much a picture, though a
living one, made by trees, as a painted landscape is made .
by the pencil or brush; both require long years of study,
artistic perceptions, and a knowledge of how to handle
the tools. It would be quite as unreasonable, we think,
to expect one of our merchants or lawyers, in active
business, to make a landscape, as to paint one. How
can a person who has passed his life in the whirl and
excitement of active business, or professional oecupa-
tions, be suddenly transferred to the country and be
expected to make a garden? It would be just as ab-
surd as to expect that a gardener can be transferred to
the counting-room, and become, the next day, a merchant.
It is quite as necessary in the one case as in the other
to be educated up to whatever you are to succeed in.

It requires more and different qualities to make a
country-place than are required for any other profession.
For while industry, knowledge, prudence, sagacity, are
generally all that are necessary for a merchant, or law-
yer, or doctor, the Landscape Gardener must have not
only these but also ¢aste—a knowledge of the beautiful,
and a perception of the harmony of form and color; in
other words, he must be an artist.

The fashion of living in the country has not existed long
enough (though rapidly increasing) for this knowledge or
taste to have been very widely extended ; for every good

518 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

place there are a great many bad ones, and we cannot but
think that our country residences would be much more
agreeable, if artists were allowed to arrange the places—
at least, to make suggestions, just as artists are allowed
to build the houses, or, at any rate, help build them.

The necessary result then, as we have previously
observed, is that a person going into the country
to live, makes his own place from his neighbor’s sug-
gestions, or’ from ideas derived from his neighbor’s
place—which may be very faulty or of an entirely differ-
ent character from his own—with the aid, perhaps, of
his gardener and a suggestive nurseryman. A great
many places are manufactured from these three sources ;
and the general character of them all is so much alike,
that there is little or no distinction between half a dozen
in the same neighborhood, though a competent Land-
scape Gardener might have developed many different
beauties in each.

In the absence, therefore (from having been already
mentioned in the first part of this book), of any of those
very marked and distinguished residences which have
received the stamp of years, where trees have grown
into studies, and the places themselves have become
schools for the lovers of art, we trust we shall
not be thought invidious if we confine ourselves
to a brief mention of afew of the prominent places
which have come under our notice —being quite
aware that they are well deserving of much more than
we have an opportunity to say. We were in hopes
with many of these to have given illustrations, but here
again time failed us; even the one or two we succeeded
in procuring were too late for the engraver.

We are quite aware we shall be forced to omit a
great many in more remote parts of the country, which
we have not yet had the pleasure of seeing, and this
makes us the more regret that our limits and our time
will allow us to do so little.

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 549

The neighborhood of Boston was so thoroughly des-
cribed in the first portion of the present volume, that
but little is left us to add to this account. The same
places, more or less, which were prominent then, are
quite as distinctive now.

Mr. Lee’s lawn, as yet, has no rival, unless perhaps
that of Mr. Mudge, at Swamscot, near Lynn. Welles-
ley, the residence of Mr. Hunnewell, we have already de-
scribed ; and though there are a great many other fine
houses, the places themselves are yet comparatively
newly planted. .

Kenwood, the residence of Mr. Peabody, near Salem,
has a great deal of quiet pastoral beauty, and much ar-
tistic effect is shown in the arrangement of the house
and grounds.

Linmere, the residence of R.S. Fay, Esq., has great
capabilities, not yet taken advantage of. There is here
avery valuable collection of rare deciduous and ever-
green trees, which, if properly thinned out and planted,
would be very effective. The place itself is a fine es-
tate of some five hundred acres or more, mostly sur-
rounding a lake, and very much resembling Scotch
scenery.

The house and grounds of the late John E. Thayer,
Esq., including a vast extent of glass, are perhaps the
most expensive in the neighborhood of Boston.

The residence of Mr. J. L. Gardener has a pretty
sloping lawn, and an attractive flower garden, with
many fine Norways and other trees.

The difficulty of procuring suitable residences in the
city, has forced many persons into the country, and the
consequent high prices have prevented the occupation
of much land by any single individual.

The new residences are, consequently, surburban,
but very complete in all the outer accessaries of country
life—stables, green and fruit-honses, and very substan-
tial and handsome walls,

550 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Within a few years, there has been very visible im-
provement in the style and character of the marine
residences in the neighborhood of Boston.

At Lynn, and on what is called the Beverley shore,
are the marine villas of Mr. Prescott, Mr. Curtis, Mr.
lawrence, Mr. Jasigi, Mr. J. D. Bates, Mr. Loring, and
the late Mr. Dexter—all more or less distinguished
by the excellence of their houses, and with most
charming views.

Newport, having become, of late years, a very
desirable place of residence for people of fortune,
abounds, like the neighborhood of Boston, in very taste-
ful and agreeable villas and cottages, with prettily
arranged and well kept grounds, the most successful
of which, taking grounds with house, is Beachelyffc, the
residence of Delancy Kane, Esq. Mr. Kane’s house, a
very fine one, is in the style of the French chateaux,
with extensive views both inland and seaward, and his
lawn is quite as successful as any we iow. in this
country. The place is about twenty acres, and.very
charmingly planted with a great variety of the most
valuable trees. We think the growth of certain varie-
ties unsurpassed in any place we have ever seen;
and there is a luxuriance of habit and depth of color in
the masses which form his boundary plantations, which
is truly remarkable.

Mr. Kane had a great advantage over many of his
Newport neighbors, in finding quite a number of well-
grown horse-chestnuts, and other ornamental trees,
which he has contrived to work, with much good taste,
into his own plantations. The gate-lodge here is quite
a little gem in its way.

Malbone Place.—-The residence of Mr. J. Prescott
Hall is a fine house of red or rather brown freestone,
commanding an extensive view of Narragansett bay, and
surrounded by some most extraordinary Red cedars, of
great antiquity, but with their heads, so flattened ane

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 551

distorted by the winds as to produce the closest resem-
blance to that peculiar horizontal growth which cha-
racterizes the Cedar of Lebanon.

Mr. Hall’s farm is, we believe, a fine one, and he has
great command of water from a hydraulic ram, in the
driest seasons, sufficient to irrigate his entire garden.

The celebrated Buffum pear originated on this place,
and is still very prolific.

Mr. Wetmore’s residence, built of Fall River granite,
is the largest and most expensive house at Newport,
with a very successful lodge, and a fine extent of glass,
containing a vinery, and a very handsome octagonal
conservatory. The view of the sea from this place is
very impressive. ;

Mr. Parish has a fine place in the neighborhood of
Mr. Wetmore. The house, of brick and stone trim-
mings, is a very striking one, and the lawn admirably
kept to the water’s edge. Adjoining this is the estate
of Mr. Cadwallader, where at present there is no house.
We believe great and extensive improvements are con-
templated in this place; it is still in an unfinished
state.

The residence of Mr. King is a handsome brick house,
in the Italian style, surrounded by some fifteen acres,
with some remarkably fine specimens of Pinus cembra,
twelve to fifteen feet high; also some fine Junipers
and Purple beeches.

Mr. Calvert’s grounds, near the town, contain some
fine trees grouped with much taste.

Among other residences of more or less merit, are
those of Messrs. Russell, Lyman, Hoppin, Van Rens-
selaer, Wright, Mason, and Mr. Morgan Gibbes.

Notwithstanding the difficulty which is always sup-
posed to exist, in producing any effect by trees so imme-
diately in the neighborhood of the sea, yet experience,
shows that, at Newport, at least, much is and has been
done by judicious planting. Mr. Kane informs us, and

552 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

in this, we believe, Mr. Smith, who is the great autho-
rity at Newport on trees, coincides, that in making an
evergreen screen from the sea, the Scotch and Austrian
pines should be placed outside, Siberian (Thuja War-
reana) Arbor vite, and Pinus cembra next, with per-
haps the Common Red cedar; and among deciduous
trees, nothing succeeds better than Acer pseudo-pla-
tanus and Platanus orientalis (the Eastern plane).

Upon the Hudson, the most marked place which has
been created since the first edition of this book, is Rock-
wood, the residence of Edwin Bartlett, Esq., near Tarry-
town. The house (Fig. 97), is truly-a princely mansion,
with a fagade of nearly or quite one hundred and fifty feet,
and with its internal arrangements and decorations, we .
should say, quite ‘the most complete establishment: in
the United States. The estate itself consists of several
hundred acres, very cleverly planted with park-like
effect ; and the approach, which is quite a long one, so
juditionaly managed, that it conveys the idea of a very
large place, and gives a stranger the most agreeable
impression of the house, at the first appearance, when
: emerging from a ravine or passage between, two rocky
eminences.

The views from the house and the plateau or terrace
around ‘it, are very superb, and unrivalled, we think,
upon the Sudson River.

Very extensive green-houses and conservatories have
been erected under the supervision of Mr. Luchars, a
builder of great experience; and we do not see why,
in a few years, with the taste and liberality of expendi-
ture on the part of the proprietor, Rockwood will not
be the, or certainly one of the most distinguished:
country-seats in America.

With regard to Hyde Park (Mr. Langdon’ s), Ellerslie
(Mr. Kelly’s), Montgomery Place (Mrs. Livingston’s),
and Annandale (late Blithewood), Mr. Bard’s, which we
have always considered the four great places in this

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HISTORICAL NOTICES. 553

country, we can only refer.our readers to Mr. Downing’s
remarks about them in the first portion of this volume.

While the hand of time has even still more mellowed
their beauties by those touches and effects which
Nature alone can produce with years, yet even here the
hand of man has not been idle.

At Annandale and Hyde Park, extensive ranges of
glass have replaced the old ones of previous owners,*
while at Montgomery Place and Ellerslie the most
showy and superb conservatories and green-houses have
been erected.

At Montgomery Place also, there has been planted
within the past ten years, the most complete and satis-
factory arboretum in the United States. Neither pains
or expense have been spared in obtaining the most entire
and thorough collection, or in the peculiar and appro-
priate preparation of soil for the reception of the
different varieties.

In the neighborhood of Rhinebeck, is ‘“‘ Wyndclyffe,”
the residence of Miss Jones, a very successful and dis-
tinctive house, with much the appearance of some of
the smaller Scotch castles. This place is still quite
new, but the situation is one of great beauty, upon a
bold, projecting point of land, in admirable harmony
with the style of the house, and with the most extensive
and superb views.

Immediately above Hyde Park, is the fine house of
Mr. Curtis, one of the most expensive and costly upon
the Hudson, possessing very much the same extended
views of river and mountain as at Hyde Park.

Roseneath—the residence of O. M. Wolcott, Esq.,
in our own immediate neighborhood, is the creation of
the past few years, and we are very much indebted to
itfor a great many advantages to our own place, which

* At Hyde Park, avery graceful and elegant house of the composite order,
designed and built by Platt, of New York, and with a facade of one hundred
and fifty feet, has within a few years, replaced the hospitable old mansion of
the late Dr. Hosack.

554 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

we should not otherwise possess. By the employment
of wire fences, and some careful planting out of the
houses in both places, a great deal of what Nature has
done for each, has been appropriated by both.

We know of no other place where such successful
masses of Rhododendrons, Azalias, and Mahonias are
grown as here, being on the north side of the house, and
getting but little ornosun. The graperies, green-house,
and gardens, are extensive, and admirably kept. By
means of a steam-engine, water can at any moment be
forced into the mansion and an outside reservoir, from
which it can be distributed over the gardens. In the
comparatively small space of sixteen acres, Mr. Wolcott
has every attribute of a well-kept country place—several
lawns, each distinct from the other, with separate and
lovely views ; an English flower-garden, a most success-
ful vegetable-garden, green-house, grapery, and forcing-
house, the most charming views, and no apparent
boundary but river and mountain.

Idlewild—the residence of N. P. Willis, Esq., across
the Hudson, some four miles below Newburgh, is a
piece of Nature’s Landscape Gardening, where the hand
of man should not, and, from the good taste of the owner,
has not been allowed to appear, except in the necessary
buildings. In a work like this, for the purpose of
showing the progress of Landscape Gardening, this
place should, properly, not be mentioned ; and we refer
to it, simply to show how delicate and refined that taste
must be which, appreciating all that Nature has done
with so much prodigality of beauty, as at “ Idlewild,”
has the courage to let her alone.

In the neighborhood of Philadelphia, there are a
great many fine places; among them is Medary, the
residence of Harry Ingersoll, Esq. A tasteful and sub-
stantial house, built by Notman, we believe, with
pleasure-grounds of very considerable extent, and of a
pretty, graceful character, softly undulating, and well

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 555

planted. The landscape and the character of the
country in the neighborhood of Medary, though defi-
cient in the bolder outlines of many of our more
northern places, yet has, what we confess is a great
attraction to us, the quiet sylvan beauty of English
scenery—that pastoral look, which seems to suggest the
presence of animated nature; and Mr. Ingersoll has,
with great good taste, we think, taken advantage of
this hint, by the introduction of fine cattle, which
harmonize most pleasingly with the character of the
place. There is here a pretty flower-garden, plant-
cabinet, green-house, vinery, and some new peach and
orchard-houses. ;

Brookwood—the residence of Charles Henry Fisher,
Esq.—a very extensive and complete establishment,
with a great amount of glass, most charming views, and
a great deal of well-kept, ornamental ground, will, in a
few years, be one of the most striking places near Phila-
delphia.

Alverthorpe—the residence of J. Francis Fisher, Esq.,
is another superb place, where a vast deal has been
accomplished, both with house and grounds. The park-
like view from the front is extensive and exceedingly
striking. An effective architectural appearance is pro-
duced in connecting the mansion and green-houses by-
a sort of cloister, or gallery. The collection of trees
and shrubs at this place is also large and very choice.

Fern Hili—nearer town, is the residence of J. Pratt
McKean, Esq., and is another of those remarkably fine.
and imposing houses which have been erected in the
neighborhood of Philadelphia within a few years.
Here, also, are fine ranges of glass, and extensive and
interesting views, and a great work in process of being:
accomplished.

There are many other places near Philadelphia (and,
we think the vicinity of no other city abounds in so many:
costly country residences) which we shall be compelled:

556 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

to pass over, from want of time and space, simply with
their names: such as the fine and expensive house of
Col. Eastwick, on the old Bartram garden; Woodjield,
the fine residence of Mr. Swift; Devonshire, the seat of
Mr. Blight, remarkable for its evergreens ; and Champ-
lost, the most charming old country residence of Charles
P. Fox, Esq.

In the vicinity of Princeton, N. J., are some fine resi-
dences. The most interesting one to us is Woodlawn,
belonging to Richard 8. Field, Esq, and which we have
alluded to so often in course of this supplement, that
we have no right, perhaps, to say anything more. The
house is a very fine one, and the place most successful
in certain varieties of evergreens.

There is here a Oedar of Lebanon (Fig. 38) larger
than any other in the country, except Mr. Ashe’s at
Throge’s Neck; a Juniperus squamata, unsurpassed in
any collection, and Siberian arbor vite (as they are
called) though probably the Thuja Warreana, and many
other evergreens of matchless size and beauty.

Near Wilmington, Del., is the fine place of Mr. Ship-
ly; and in the neighborhood of Baltimore, is Farm-
lands, the noble estate of G. W. Lurman, Esq., com-
prising nearly six hundred acres, a large portion of
which is cultivated for agricultural purposes, with very
remunerating success. ‘The mansion, without any archi-
tectural pretension, is one of great comfort and extent,
commanding varied views over a fine rolling country to
the city, and adjacent Chesapeake ; a well designed walk
leads from the lawn, shaded by majestic oaks, with a
few fine and effective cedars, to a pretty valley, bordered
by masses and clumps of Rhododendrons, Hollies, Azalias,
and other rare and valuable shrubs and trees; the whole
terminating in a brilliant French parterre, surmounted
on a terrace by an extensive green-house, in the rear of
which, a gardener’s house, a double curvilinear vinery,
a frame-yard with several hundred feet of brick pits, a

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 557

well concealed vegetable and fruit garden, complete
the modern appliances of a fine country seat.

Hampton, the residence of John Ridgley, Esq., is
situated about nine miles north of Baltimore, and be-
longs more properly to the early edition of this work,
than to this supplement, which is intended simply
to describe what has been done within ten years.
It has been truly said of Hampton that it expresses
more grandeur than any other place in America.

It belongs to the stately order of places almost unknown
here at the North, situated as it is in the midst of a do-
main of six thousand acres. The fagade of the house is
one hundred and eighty feet in length, with offices at-
tached, erected soon after the Revolution, in 1783.

The entrance hall, of great width and dignity, passes
the visitor to the south front, where is a terraced gar-
den of great antiquity, with clipped cedar hedges ot
most venerable appearance. The formal terraces of
exquisitely kept grass, the long rows of superb lemon
and orange trees, with the adjacent orangerie and the
foreign air of the house, quite disturb ones ideas of
republican America.

Clifion Park, near Baltimore, the residence of John
Hopkins, Esq., is unquestionably one of the most elabo-
rate places in this country. We remember no other,
where in addition to a fine and costly house, there is so
large arange of glass, with such diversified and extensive
grounds; the varieties of trees, shrubs, walks,. lawns,
large pieces of ornamental water, containing numerous
islands planted with masses of rhododendrons and ever-
green shrubs, and connected by appropriate and tasteful
bridges, are all, certainly, much in advance of any other
place we know.

Lyndhurst, the country seat of Reverdy Johnson,
Esq., has a new and very striking house, with a most
extended and superb view.

Carroll Manor is another fine old place, like Hampton,

558 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

with a turf unbroken for nearly two hundred years, and
of the softness and thickness of velvet.

Mondawmin, the residence of Mr. Brown, is a very
attractive place, prettily laid out and planted.

In concluding our remarks on what has been done the
past ten years, in various parts of the United States, as
illustrating the progress in country life, we insert a
short account of the state of Landscape Gardening in
Ohio, extracted from a letter of Robert Buchanan, Esq.,
a well known enthusiast in rural matters, whose taste-
fully arranged grounds should, undoubtedly, have a
place in the list of beautiful residences in the pictur-
esque environs of Cincinnati.

“Landscape Gardening, according to the modern
taste in that beautiful art, is of but recent introduction
into the West. Previous to the publication of Mr.
Downing’s valuable book on that subject, the improve-
ments of public and private grounds were made under
the direction of the proprietors, or of some gardener
who had strayed out to this new country to better his
fortune. There was no system—nothing to copy after;
and although all were desirous to improve in good taste,
they had no guide, until Mr. Downing’s work appeared,
and that was at once adopted as the text-book. Since
that period, the magic wand of the enchanter has passed
over the country, and in the vicinity of our cities and
towns has transformed the barren hills and vales of
their environs into tasteful suburban villas, through the
skill of the Landscape Gardener.

“No public or private grounds with any pretensions
to elegance, are now undertaken to be improved, with-
out the supervision of a competent master of this art; for
no one wishes to have it said, that his improvements
were in bad taste.

“In the vicinity of Cincinnati, on the beautiful hills
surrounding the city, many fine specimens of well-im-

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 559

proved country seats are to be found. Among others,
may be mentioned those of R. B. Bowler, Wm. Resor,
W. B. Smith, Griffin Taylor, Thos. Sherlock, 8. J. Kel-

logg, and Henry Probasco, of Clifton; W. W. Scar-

borough, and his neighbors of Kast Walnut Hills ; Miles

Greenwood, and others, of Avondale ; several on College

Hill, in the neighborhood of Farmers’ College; and

” Jacob Hoffner, of Cumminsville, in the valley below.

“In the West, of late years, the establishment of
Rural Cemeteries i in the vicinity of towns and cities has
been introduced with commendable zeal, and with a refin-
ing influence on those interested, as well as on the public
at large. Among the most prominent of these improve-
ments may be named ‘Spring Grove Cemetery,’ near
Cincinnati; ‘Alleghany Cemetery,’ near Pittsburgh ;
‘Bell Fountain,’ of St. Louis; ‘Cave Hill, of Louis-
ville; and those of Lexington, Frankfort, Dayton, Colum-
bus, and Cleveland; many of them presenting good
specimens of the art of and taste in modern Landscape

Gardening.

' “The environs of these last-named cities are also
adorned with many elegant country residences, too nu-
merous to mention here; but the country seats of John
H. Shoenberger, of Pittsbur gh; Dr. C. W. Short, of
Louisville ; and Col. John O'Fallon, of St. Louis, may
be given as examples. The latter, for extent and
beauty, is excelled by none in the West.”

In connection with Landscape Gardening at the West,
we feel the importance of impressing upon all planters
the great advantage, and even necessity of thick belts
and screens of evergreens on the prairies, to shelter or-
chards, buildings, and stock-yards from the severity of
the winter winds.

Mr. Edwards, the Secretary of the Illinois State Hor-
ticultural Society, writes us, that in this State, especially
in the neighborhood of Lamoille, Bureau County, the

560 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

following evergreens do well: the White, Gray
(Banksiana), Austrian, Cembran, and Scotch pines; -the
Red, Black, White, and Norway hemlock spruces; also,
the Red cedar, the Savin, the Swedish and Irish juni-
pers, the Balsam fir, the American and Siberian Arbor
vitee; that the Pine and Juniper are peculiarly adapted
to the high, dry prairies—the Arbor vite and Spruce tp
moist localities; and that the following varieties have ~
been tried, but al? need protection in the winter:
Araucaria imbricata, Cedar of Lebanon, Pinus excelsa,
Pinus maritima, Deodar cedar; Douglas, Menzies, and
Pinsapo spruces ; English and Irish yews, English Silver
fir, Chinese and Golden arbor vite; the Tree box,
and even the Dwarf box, for edging.

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HISTORICAL NOTICES. 561

SECTION VI.
HISTORICAL NOTICES CONTINUED.

Nor very many years have passed, since from the
_erowded and confined state of our public Burial
Grounds within our large cities, the question of extra-
mural interments excited great and earnest consider-
ation, and eventually led to the establishment of Rural
Cemeteries. :

The first one of any importance, was that at Laurel
Hill, near Philadelphia, a most successful enterprise,
mainly due to the taste and perseverance of Mr. John
Jay Smith, of that city. This was followed by the one
at New Haven; Mount Auburn, near Boston; Green-
wood, at New York; Spring Grove, near Cincinnati;
two near Baltimore, &c., until there is hardly a city or
town of any size in the Union “= does not possess
its Rural Cemetery.

This was one of those grand improvements in civili-
zation, the importance and necessity of which was so
apparent, that it has since been universally adopted, and
may be fairly considered now one of our institutions.

Another, and the next great step onward which is
now exciting much attention throughout the land, is
the establishment of Parks, which may be dlasdifed as
Public Parks, for the enjoyment of the People of our
Cities and larger Towns, as the Central Park in New
York, and Hunting Course Park, near Philadelphia;
semi-Public Parks, owned and enjoyed by the persons
who live around them; and lastly, the Parks, or Orna-
mental Grounds, attached to our Public Buildings,

36

562 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Colleges, &c. As illustration, we will give from each
class one example, selecting such as we happen to be
the most familiar with. *

The Central Park, in New York,. being the most
important work of the kind that has been undertaken in
America, some slight reference to its plan and general
intention will be appropriate here, the more especially,
as the editorial articles that appeared in the “ Horti-
culturist,” urging its necessity, and setting forth its
advantages, unquestionably exercised an important in-
fluence in favor of the project.

The ground set aside for the purpose, consisting of
about 750 acres (represented by the small diagram, Fig.
99), was appropriated by an Act of Legislature, in the
course of the year following Mr. Downing’s death. It
was not, however, till the close of 1857, that the actual.
purchase of the land was completed. Premiums for de-
signs were at this time offered by the Commissioners
intrusted with the conduct of the enterprise, and early
in June, 1858, the plan (Fig. 98), submitted by Fred.
Law Olmsted, and Calvert Vaux, was adopted by the
Board. The work was at once actively commenced,
under the guidance“df the designers, and has since been
steadily pressed forward by the Commission—a force of
over 2,000 men being employed during the most favor-
able part of the season.

From the published description of the design, and
such other data as have been furnished us, it appears
that the Park is two and-a-half miles long and half a
mile wide. It is divided into two distinct parts by the
old and new Reservoirs—the former a quadrangular
basin of mason-work; the latter, of an irregular curved
outline, with an earth embankment to retain the water.
These two artificial structures occupy a considerable
space, and when complete, will have appropriated
about 150 acres of ground out of the middle of the site ;

th

Ny

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 563

narrow spaces being left on either side, that at certain
points become mere connecting links between the upper
and lower portions of the Park.

The horizon lines of the upper Park, between the New
Reservoir and 106th street, are bold and sweeping, and
the slopes have considerable breadth and amplitude in
almost every direction in which they may be viewed.
This character is, perhaps, taken altogether, the best
that can be desired for a park; and but little alteration
of surface is, therefore, needed. .

A ravine of considerable extent runs through this sec-
tion of the Park, in which a small lake (A) may readily
be formed, a view of which is given in Fig. 102; and
west of this point (2), where the road meets the dip of
the two most important hills, a stone bridge is pr oposed
to be erected, so that the main circuit-drive may in-
elude in its course a view of all the principal features of
interest in the upper Park. The land, for some distance
to the north of the boundary line (CC), provided by the
Act of the Legislature, should have been included in
the original grant, as it commands extensive views that
are not obtained within the present limits, and consists
of aseries of bold and picturesque rocky bluffs, termi-
nating abruptly at 110th street, which offer the only
natural boundary to the Park property. The advisa-
bility of making this alteration in the line is now evi-
dent. to all who visit the locality; and the attention of
the. city authorities has been, for some time past, drawn
to the subject. It is, therefore, quite possible that the
northern boundary may soon be advanced to 110th
street. This will add about sixty acres to the area of
the Park.

On the eastérly side of the upper Park it is proposed
to plant an American Arboretum (J), so that every
one who wishes to do so may become acquainted with
the trees and shrubs that will flourish in. the open
air, in the northern and central parts of our country.

564 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

‘It is not intended to be arranged formally, but so that
it may present all the most beautiful features of lawn
and woodland landscape, preserving, at the same time,
the natural order of families, as far as practicable. In
the event of the extension of the Park to 110th street
being made, the space uccupied by the Arboretum
might be considerably enlarged.

The lower Park, between 59th street, and the New
Reservoir, is far more heterogeneous in its character,
and requires a much more varied treatment. Its most
prominent and characteristic feature is the long, rocky
hill-side immediately south of the Old Reservoir; and
this has been accepted as the central point of landscape
attraction, to which the other ornamental arrangements
of the plan are to be made more or less subservient. A
skating-pond, or lake, of varied outline, and containing
about fifteen acres, surrounds a considerable portion of
the base of this hill, and, in a measure, separates it from
the rest of the lower Park. Expanses of lawn are pre-
pared on the table-land forming the summit of the hill,
and the side is converted into a ramble, with a labyrir-
thine arrangement of foot-faths, leading the visitor
among groves and shrubbery, rivulets, rocks, and glens,
to the prominent points of view that are obtained in this
part of the grounds.

A cavernous passage formed by large, overhanging
rocks has been discovered, and excavated during the
summer, and is an interesting incident heightening the
naturally picturesque character of the ramble.

The Promenade (£’) is the feature next in importance in
the lower Park. It consists of a broad level walk be-
tween double rows of elms. The boundaries are to be
on all sides irregularly planted, so that its formality will
scarcely be perceived, except within itself. Its northern
extremity is finished architecturally, and, as suggested
by the original outline of the surface, is elevated about
twenty feet above the ground immediately to the north,

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 565

overlooking the hill-side occupied by the ramble, and
being connected with the intervening lake by a Water
Terrace (see Fig. 103), with which it communicates bv
flights of stone steps, and also through a spacious corridor
passing under one of the carriage-drives.

To the west of the promenade a tract of about
twenty-five acres, of nearly level ground, has been pre-
pared, by the removal of rocks and other obstructions,
which is intended to be used as a parade-ground.

On the east of the promenade (£), and partially separ-
ated from it by an intervening ridge and plateau, is a
stretch of pleasantly undulating ground (/’), intended to
be carefully cultivated and planted with fine shade trees.
To the southwest of the promenade is the play-ground,
containing now about fourteen acres of levelled surface,
overlooked by picturesque rocks that offer ample oppor-
‘tunity for spectators to view the games.

The southern extremity or entrance to the promenade
is approached by roads and foot-paths leading from the
different gates at the lower end of the Park, and offers
a point of concentration and divergence both for pedes-
trians and those driving. Commencing at this point, a
short circuit or vis-a-vis drive of a mile is provided
around the parade and play-grounds, with branches
connecting it with the longer circuit-drive that passes
through the whole: length of the upper and lower
Parks.

Between the Fifth and Sixth Avenue entrances, near
the southern boundary of the Park, another lake of
about six acres is provided in low ground that is sug-
gestive of such an arrangement.

Around the New Reservoir it is intended to construct a
course for riding, and connecting with it, a bridle road
is arranged, that commences with the principal entrance
gates, and winds through the Park, passing under the
roads and foot-paths by bridges, one of which is shown
in Fig. 100.

566 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

Fig. 100.

Along the westerly side of the Park, for a distance
of nearly two miles, there will be a winter-drive, pro-
tected by hardy evergreens ; and on the easterly side of
the lake, a Geometric flower-garden (@) of considerable
size is proposed, as will be seen on the diagram of plan.
Fig. 99.

In adapting to its present purpose the site selected

‘for the Park, its situation in the probable future heart
of the city had to be considered, and transverse roads
between the east and west sides of the city were, of
course, demanded. The Park being two and-a-half miles
in length, it was also evident that these transverse roads
would, at no very distant time, become crowded tho-
roughfares, having nothing in common with the Park
proper, but every way at variance with the agreeable
sentiments it should inspire. Eight times in a single
circuit of the Park, they would oblige a pleasure-drive or

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 567

stroll, to encounter a turbid stream of traffic. Each of
these roads has, therefore, been so located and arranged
on the adopted plan, that it may be carried through
the Park on a grade that will allow the pleasure-drives
to pass entirely over it at the necessary points of inter-
section, without any obvious elevation or divergence
from their routes. Short tunnels are preferred for this
purpose to ordinary bridges, so that the spaces at the
sides of the pleasure-drive may be thickly planted, and
the view of the city-street below shut out from view.
To illustrate still further the treatment of the grounds,
we have selected two of the more important points of
view (Figs. 101 and 102, 103 and 104), showing the
original condition of the land, and the improvements
which are contemplated.

In regard to the second description of Parks, we
would first remark, that in the United States, the most
numerous class from whom the art of Landscape
Gardening will receive attention, is composed of persons
of moderate means. They are mostly merchants or
professional men, who seek a refuge from the confined
and unwholesome air of the city, or whose taste leads
them to find agreeable recreation in the cultivation and
adornment of a country residence; who still maintain
their business, or social connection with the adjacent
city or town, but whose time and means which can be
appropriated to their “ place,” are more or less limited.

We have, indeed, a rapidly increasing number of
men of fortune, whose estates are large "eroael, and
whose means and liberality are adequate for the pro-
duction of the highest results of the art; but our best
efforts must fall far short of the grand effects attainable
under the English system of proprietorship, and the
great majority of the practical exponents of American
Gardening, will always be cultivators of few acres,
whose taste, if correctly formed, will lead them to
attempt only modest results.

568 LANDSCAPE GARDENING,

There are many practical difficulties, which every
one must find, who essays to make such country or sub-
urban residences. If the selection of a site is to be
made, the proximity of nuisances, or the danger that
an advancing population from the neighboring city will
soon supply them, renders the task one of much per-
plexity. The limits of your place, plant as you may,
can not always be concealed, without shutting out the
distant prospect ; and all breadth of effect, and grace
of outline, is destroyed by the effort to secure yourself
from present or anticipated annoyances. High boundary
fences, and a separate gate-lodge for each place, seem
necessary for protection from ‘marauders—while the
idea of even a respectable drive over your own ground,
secure from the disagreeable objects of the public high-.
way, israrely entertained. These difficulties, and many
others, the enthusiastic lover of a country life will
bravely meet, and patiently endure, when they are
insurmountable; but the attempt to overcome them
has been made with apparent success, by the project
before mentioned, of a semi-public, or, as it is, we
believe, called a Weighborhood Park. The general
plan on which such an enterprise can be based, may
perhaps, be best elucidated-by the history and des-
cription of Llewellyn Park,* at Orange, New Jersey, in
illustration of which, the engraving on steel (Plate VIL),
presents a view of the entrance. A Plan of the same
is also given in Fig. 105, and the upper and north-
western part of the Park is shown in Fig. 106, the
figures being further explained by the Table of Re-
ferences, page 573.

The site selected for this Park is on the eastern slope
of the Orange mountain, which here forms an inclined

* The origin and execution of this valuable scheme, is attributable to
Mr. L. 8, Haskell, a merchant of New York, who has enthusiastically devoted
the past three years to the development of this, his favorite idea.

HISTORICAL NOTICES. « 569

plane, starting from an elevated plateau, on which is
the village of Orange, and ascending westerly, at a
moderate grade, for about a mile, until surmounted by
a rocky cliff of “Trap,” which forms the crest of the
mountain. The location gives accessibility to New York,
by railroad, and to the pleasant village at the base of
the mountain. The view from the grounds comprehends
the entire area, extending to the city of New York,
with a peep of the ocean through the Narrows, on the
east ; the Highlands of the Hudson on the north; and
the receding blue of the New Jersey plains in the
south; with the intervening cities, villages, forests, and
farms. The tract of land procured for the enterprise,
consisted of some 350 acres, mostly of half-cultivated
or deserted farms—partly forests of oak, hickory,
chestnuts, cedar, and pines.

It will usually be found, as in this case, that the most
suitable land for such a project is—from the desirable
irregularities of surface, the profusion of rocks and ra-
vines, and its elevated position—the least useful for the
agriculturist. That portion of the grounds selected for
the Park proper is centrally situated, as regards the
whole tract, and in form it is irregular, following the
natural indications of the surface—being traversed by
a finely wooded ravine, through which flows a brook,
affording material for ornamental water and. cascades,
which have been tastefully made throughout its course.
It comprises nearly sixty acres—its greatest length mea-
suring one mile—the entire tract being encompassed by
a road which gives access to the surrounding residences ;
and the other drives made for the convenience of those
sites not immediately contiguous to the Park, increase the
extent of carriage roads to an aggregate of five miles.
The walks, measuring about the same length, lead from
the entrance, to the summit of the cliff, and to other
interesting parts of the grounds ; while at suitable points
are kiosks, seats, and bridges, constructed in rustic-

570 LANDSOAPE GARDENING.

work, to be in keeping with the natural character of thé
surrounding forests. The entrance from the public
road is protected by a gate-lodge, and is set back from
the highway two hundred and fifty feet; a liberal space
here rendering the change from the road to the culti-
vated grounds of the park less abrupt, and expressing
the idea of hospitality. The main avenue from the
entrance soon leads the visitor into the ravine; while on
either hand diverge the other roads; following Glen
Avenue, we emerge from the ravine, by a picturesque
turn up the precipitous bank. The somewhat laby-
rinthian drives which now offer themselves, lead in
graceful curves throughout the estate, the unity of
which is not marred by interior fences; for though the
proprietors are not restricted in this respect by any”
rule, they have, by common. consent, thus far avoided:
the erection of any barriers, excepting those necessary
to enclose the whole tract. The Park itself and all the
private places, seem like one large estate, enlivened by
the dwellings and embellishments which, at intervals,
are seen throughout the vistas of the forest. After
making the detour of these grounds, the drive may be
continued to other interesting places in the neighbor-
hood, among which is “ Eagle Rock,” a bold projecting
portion of the cliff, commanding a wider scope of the
horizon, and more nearly a birds-eye view of the land-
seape. Around this central tract, especially termed
“the Park,” the remainder of the property is divided
into about fifty villa sites, of from three to ten acres
each, the proprietors of which have a joint interest
in and common access to the Park, but who possess
the sole and unrestricted right to the lot which
they may have selected. The fund for the. pur-
chase and embellishment of the Park is derived from
an assessment on the surrounding sites, of one hundred
dollars per acre; and for the maintenance of the Park,
and future improvements, an annual assessment is made

U

LLEWELLYN PARK.

The Futrance

and
GLYN ELLYN.
Orange N. J.

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NORTH WESTERN PART
) OF

LLEWELLYN PARK.

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Orange N.

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Tath of Robertson Seibert & Shearman .93 Fulton St NY

FIG 106.

HISTORICAL NOTICES. 571

by the proprietors, not to exceed ten dollars per acre.

The fee of the Park is in three trustees and their
successors, and its care and embellishment is entrusted

to a “Committee of Management,” who are elected
annually by the lot owners.

Some of the advantages which are aimed at, in what
may be termed the social park, may be thus stated :

1. The securing a neighborhood free from nuisances
and an inferior class of buildings.

2. The rural character of the grounds is preserved,
instead of assuming the rectangular forms of a village,
which are a repetition of city lots on an inferior scale.

3. The different places can be laid out with mutual
reference to each other, so that the subdivisions are not
apparent in a way detrimental to the general effect.

4, A fine entrance and approach road can be secured,

even where the private grounds are small, and the
amount appropriated to these embellishments limited.
_ 5. The Park affords extensive drives and walks for
the exclusive use of the proprietors, with a variety in
the ornamental gtounds unattainable on places of ordi-
nary magnitude.

To illustrate the general mode of treatment of the
private grounds adjoining the Park, we give, in Figs. 107
and 108, plans of one of the sites of five acres. It is
situated on a gentle knoll, and the house, which is in
the Tuscan manner, occupies the summit, and com-
mands fine distant views in all directions. The place
is laid out in the natural style, by that very clever
Landscape Gardener, Mr. Bauman, and an appropriate
connection between the house and the surrounding
grounds is maintained by an artificial terrace, fifteen
feet wide at the top, and ornamented with vases, etc.

The plans may serve, also, to show the method of
grouping the trees—their positions, and the varieties
used, being given in the Table of References, page 573.

Another phase of improvement in our rural taste is
the increasing care and attention bestowed upon the

572 LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

grounds attached to our colleges, hospitals, and other
»ublic buildings.

Mr. Downing, we think, did much to develop this in
the taste he displayed in the arrangement of the grounds
attached to the Smithsonian Institute and’ La Fayette
Square, in Washington. We are rapidly passing from the
straight, formal walks, and the rectangular plantations
of the past, into the more harmonious and pleasing
arrangements of the modern school. Clinton Park and
Botanic Garden, which contains within its limits Hamil-
ton College, at Clinton, N. Y., is a very successful illus-
tration of this improvement. Fifteen or twenty acres
have been enclosed within the College Park, and en-
tirely laid out in the most skillful and artistic manner.
Broad and extensive lawns are divided by graceful
walks throughout the whole extent; trees and shrubs,
of every description flourishing in this climate, have been
planted in groups, masses, or as single specimens.

A section of the ground will be used as a Botanic
Garden, in which trees, shrubs, and flowers will be
arranged according to their several families.

The humanizing influence of harmonious and beauti-
ful surroundings upon every one, is beyond all question;
and it was truly said by the Rev. Mr. Gridley, to whose
taste and energy much of the success of the Clinton
Park is due, that “it is no vain thing to suppose that
the minds and hearts of students will be benefited by
daily walks through such grounds, and in view of such
a varied and wide-spread landscape: these peaceful
shades and sunny slopes and laughing streams—this
hum of cheerful industry—the music of distant church
bells, and the glimpses and echoes here caught of the
great thoroughfares of business and travel that mark
the great world without—these skies, ever changing and
ever beautiful, and the seasons rolling through them—-
what mind can be brought into the midst of such scenes
without deriving from them essential profit ?”

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Buyt.t Baumann, Laretscape lard

LANDSCAPE GARDENING,

573

'

REFERENCES.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES FOR FIGURES 105 & 106,

No. 1. Lyceum.
“« 2. The Wigwam.
“ 3. Summer-house.

“ 6. Children’s Play-ground.
“ 6, Social Circle.

“ { Tho Evergreens.

“ 8, The Hickories,

“ 9. The Chestnuts.

“10, The Oaks,

“11. The Rocks.

No. 12, Stone Bridge on Oak Bend.
“ 18, The Cascade.
“ 14, Gate-lodge.
“ 15. Conservatory and - Propagatingy

ouse.
“ 16. Prospect Tower.
“ 17. The Kiosk.
“ 18. Rockwork.
“ 19. Ravine Spring.
P. RB. Private Residences.

TABLE OF REFERENCES FOR FIGURES 107 & 108.

. The House.

The Conservatory.
Grass Terrace.

ZB. Gravelled Terrace.

W. Approach,

N. Fountain and Jet d'eau, surrounded
with beds of flowers.

O. Kiosk, from which is the best view
of the house.

K. Rosery, in the centre of which is a
suitable place for a statuc or vase.

A. Coach-house and Stable.

C. Kitchen-garden, separated from the

lawn by a belt of trees, D ZL.
£ 1, Sugar Maple.
2, Silver “
8. Norway “
4. Lombardy Poplar.
5. Screen of American Arbor Vite.
6. Group of Rhododendrons.

F 1, Group of White Pines.
2. Lofty growing trees, near the bound-
ary, Sake, aples, and Tulips.
8. Chinese double-flowering Apple, Ken-
tucky Coffee tree, and Kélreu-
teria,

1,6, &T7. A large group of trees, both
Evergreen and Deciduous, planted
on the outskirts of the place.

2, Acacia Bensoniana.

3. Group of Euonymus (purple-leaved).
4, Austrian Pine and Pinus excel

6, European Weeping Ash,

I 1. Group of low evergreen trees, Yew

& Arbor Vite.
2. Group of Mountain Laurels.
8. “ — of Mahonias.

4. “ — of Bohemian Olives.

5, Thuja Warreana,
6. eyelngs Chinensis.
7. Group of Lindens.
8. A Weeping Willow.
9, Red Flowering Horse-chestnut.
10, Double-white as
11. Hemlock, European Silver Fir, Irish
Juniper, and Picea Webbiana,
planted singly.
12. Pyrus Japonica.

M1. Groups of Evergreen Trees,
2, Syringa grandiflora, Forsythia Viri-
dissima and Kerria Japonica.
8. Berberis purpurea, Amygdalus pu-
‘ mila, Calicanthus levigatus,. and
Deutzia gracilis,
4, Double-flowering Cherry.
5. Three single American Silver Firs.
6. Juniperus communis.
7. American Weeping Willow.
8. Magnolia tripetala.
9. Magnolia Soulangiana.
10, Deciduous Cyptess and Ginko.
11, Purple-leaved Beech.
12. Paulownia imperialis.
18, Judas Tree and Amer. Nettle Tree.
14. Spireas.

P 1, Group of six Mahonias,
2. “ ~ of Rhododendrons,
8“ of Kalmias and Epigea re-

pens.
Qi. Group of Roses, Spireas, and Weigo-
ias,
2. Azalias.
8, Rhododendrons.
4, Magnolia purpurea,
UT Yard and Well.

GENERAL INDEX.

Pace

Abies. sadtinclvcoewammsaci recess 208,484
bracteata. wees 508

© en6A ks eee eee eee . 611
© Brasevic....scsseceeceeeeeccens 508
“ Kempferi.. - 242, 506
“nobilis - 509
“ pinsapo.......... 511
** spectabalis. . é11
we ebbiana.... 611
Acclimatizing trees. aa 418
Acer. 165, 455
‘Acacia, three thored... aes AED
Afsculus..........08 155, 457
African Cyprus. «» 585
Ailanthus.. -.. 202
Alder. 9

DUS. sees eaee

168, 45!

Alderthorpe, residence of J. F, Fisher 555
» 163, 45!

American Silver Fir

Aristolochia sipho
Appendix...

Approach, ‘the. 288
Arnold, James, residence of......... At
Ash, thes! cocessen sivas rie 138, 462, 463
Aspinwall, W. i, residence ) or 86
Balm of Gilead .......... reeeeeere 256
Balsam Fir,.........0.c..0006 sveeee 256
Baltimore, residences around.. +. 556
Bartram Garden.........0.... +» 856
Basswo0d........0e0eceeees 145
Beachelyffe.........--eeeseee seer ee 550
Beautiful, in Landscape Gardening. 51
Beautiful, planting to produce.. 80
Beech, ie mates aie Girereateater eeio aq, 461
Belmont.. we . 88, 158
Betula........... +» 461
Berberis. 589
Bignonia.. 280
Birch, the. 158, 460
Black Gum.. 216
Blithewoad. .. » 80
Boston, résidences around... 549

Brookwo0d, residence of sii H Fisher 555

Brooks, treatment of ......... . 818
Broussonetia........... 186
Brown, Alex., residence of. . 48
Bridges..........65 . 899
Buttonwood, the.. aaa Ba cieve/o.% « 184
- California Nutmeg........... seerene 688
California Redwood. . « 527
Oamac, Mrs., residence of.......... » 42

574

Pacs
seveccensees 150, 462
eagle st 588
194

inet ee 814

«+» 176, 460

Catalpa... seve 212
Ceanothus... saves 470
Cedars....... 266, 491
Cedar, Incense.. aeee 506
Cedar, Japan... +. 495
Cedar of ‘Lebanon 262
Cedar, the White.. « 495
Cedrus... 7 491
Gelastrus scandens...........0s 0005 279
Cemeteries, rural.. 559, 561

Central Park, N. Yo

Champlost, residence of ¢: P. Fox..
Chestnut.....
Chinese rice p
Chinensis procumbens. .
Chinquapin

p . ‘
Clinton Park,
Compost for Rhododendrons
Cornus.........6-
Cornus variegata..
Conservatory...
Cotoneaster. .

Cushing, JP, Pe Ofssccie saizets 338
Cupressus..... ee 288, 497, 527
Cypress ........055 284
“ the African..... 6. wees eee
“Deciduous ..... aingase ee shi 527
® the TTie...ccisies — secene 497
Dacrydium......... 0 .eseeeeeeeee 498
Daphne atro purpureum.. 471
Deciduous Shrubs..... . 469

Diospyros.........+ 214
Deutzass siercicaricatseinwacasinaene te G1
Devonshire, residence of Mr. Blight 556
DOE WOOd wales iacmsisiavrarin: wee saiaragis ove 299

“ Variegated-leaved 470
Drive, the..ccscescscecsese secvcee 298
Elder, black.......cccsseeesensesere SUL
Ellerslie..... ‘ : 83

Emmet, Wm., residence of... s

+

GENERAL) INDEX.

Pacr
English Cottage Style.. seceeeee 848
Entrance Lodges.... . 856
European Silver Fir. / . 267
Expression in Architecture - 823
Evergreen TEES... eee eee - 246
the newer ~ 484
Evergreen shrubs........ - 585
Evergreens, transplanting. o» 419
Fagus.....
Farmlands,
Fences....
Ferme ornée......0.-.0.seeees oe eee

Be the seas? Bilver..
“European, Silver...

Fitz-Reya Patagonia,........

Flower Seales fi

« ae ropmore..
Gi Trench dsion eiejeimaatless 7
ie « Per AeU IST sn stan eea eres 878
Flowers, introduction of. .
Forsythia viridissima,......
Fountaing........ aise
PREMISE sc cesvevaves.< cevseeee 188, 483

ee J.L., residence of......... 549
elseminum.........eeeeeeees weeee 285

Geometric gardening « 12
GINKO Tas cas geiaseeine 26, 281
& editschia, . . 172
.Glycine....... asta «ee 282
Gly: yptosirobus sista aja’sjeiniv esniat col lesan 499
Gothic Style for Domestic Architec-
ULC ssc w ites sie ooMiaina sa viemaisianete 841
Green House.........cseeceeseeeeee 886
Ground, treatment oe aa» 287

Grouping of trees.. weil T, 114
Gymnocladus..... Serer rere ,. 204

Hamilton, Wm., residence of.... ... 25
Hampton, residence of Mr. Ridgley.. 557
Harmony between House and
Grounds......... wen
Heong in Landscape ” @arden-
Hiawriiona English....... apeievestia laine
Hedera Helix.......-.scse-eeaseees
Hedges, trees suitable for
Hercules’ Club Dees
Historical Notices...... Prisco iin 1,
Hillhouse, James, residence of »»... 7

Honeysuckle. .
Hornbeam.........
Horse Chestnut. .
Hudson River, residences on.

Hunter's Island. .........-
Tlunnewell, H. H., residence . 442
Idlewild. ... . 554

Tex. scans 270
Tlex laurifolia.......+-seceseeees 536, 586
Ulinois, Mr. Edwar Report on

Eivergreens in......- sees e eee
Irving, Washington, yesidence of, 85,. 853
Tronwood........ 150
Islands, formation of.

Italian Scenery.....+..
Italian Gardem......-c.eesseeeeceee 444

Pace
Jessamine, . 285
Judas Tr 174
duglans. . a
Junipers.

Landscape Gardening
Do. _ progress in..
Lakeg.in Landscape Gar
Larch, the.
Larix......+-
Latimer, J. z. Yesidence of .
QULUG wcices oeewaee sce
‘Lawn, treatment of.

Grass Seed for.... 22

“ Mowing Machine. . 422
“Top Dressing for... 424
Lee, Thomas, residence of. 40
Lemon Hill.............. 27

Leycesteria..... sare away eaiee
Libocedrus...........0ese0e
Ligustrum... eae

Liriodendron

1
Linmere, residence of R. 5. wear
Lime Tree.......seeeseeeee eens. + 148, pee
af

Tedlow, T. W,, residence of.

Lyman, Theo., 26
Lyndhurst, residence of R. Johnson.. 558
Machine for Mowing Lawns.... 417, 422
Maclura........ cise wteidjuceraiaveia’a bieusatere 181
M
Ma!
Malbone Place, residence of J. Pres
cott Hall, Esq........ beacaccoeene cD
Mammoth Tree, the.. - 584
Maple, the...... ane » 165, 455
Margins of Water..........20e+ce0s 318
Marine Residences. ea oe ceeeee 5D
Minturn, Robert B.......... . 86
Modern Btyle, plantations in. - 76
- Monroe, Jumes, residence of. 86
Mondawmin.............005 -. 559
Montgomery Place..... -. 81
MOTUS scre.etora ine vercianwiavesaiase alouie a'etainior ve = 2
Mountain Ash.. - 198, 467
Mowing Lawns,......s.c.seseee vee 4
Mulberry. ait, whe pfu walla eras seeee 184

Newport, residences around.
Norway Spruce...........+
Sh ee

Qak, the......
Ohio, Landscape rdening
Ornamental Tismianone
Ostrya
Osage Orange...
Outline of Wat

576

Pack

Persimon, the........--++s0000+ eoee 214
eet Judge, residence cf nn 26
Peperidge, t the. Kissa ia dteinia avast weaare ee wee 216
hiladelphia, residences around..... 555
AGOR s.irs sicrsinieidistscaia's § ¥/s'nih Finiaiainiaisjeia «» 507

Picturesque in Tandseape Gard..... 51
pjctanenans, planting to penta «.. 81

Pine, the..........+-ccereeveee O11, 246
Pine, oni hie tuk. WScain ay Ale viv snsbra nave ea6 489
“ Norfolk Island.......+sssesere 489
Pine-Bank....... “ais: .8O
inus....... 246, 511, 509
SE COORG. 2 ic sissoe srainisiScin sie alejsiaonan’ 493
SS Ood ar as iise-sisiaseieisus via. vig a sie sia Fie » 491
& Mpaser ls siso:siaiyis ais vie sissies 508
“ Kempferi. 506
“ lasiocarpa.... 507
“ pinsapo. -» 511
“striate. - 511
“. Siberica -. 510
Pipe vine...... . -» 280
Pits for wintering plants. - 482
Plane ae is 184
Plantanus....... 184
Planted half: -hardy. 418
Podocarpus....... - 525
Poplar, the,

Prat tower. .......
Pseudo larix Kempferi

PHTUS. .dyodene ees amelie aeoey acct 198
QUeCTCUS........ sce e se eeee eoee LT, 465
Rathbone J., residence of........... 34
Repose in Landscape Gardening .... 482
Retinispora ericoides ...... secseceee 585
Rhododendrons:.........ss+eeeeeee . 586
-Ribes sanguineum flore pleno....... 471
River side villa, iHustration of. 97

Roads, construction of.
Robinea. 5
Roseneath, residence vot Cc. M. Wot. >

tt 554

« 284
Rocks, used ee ornamental water. 307
Rock-work.......... - 400
Rockwood.
Rustic work, ‘fences of.

Salisburia
Salix......

Sambucus

P
Sargent, H. W., residence Ofoswe 439, 1 ;

Sassafras tre@:.......eeeee eee eee cove 2
Saxe Gothea conspicua............. 526
Service tree... .......00e "
Seats, open and covered.
Sequoia gigantea........
- Sempervireis,...........006

SULVOr ATs 5 .ccicisine scion we nawegnvenceaae

. Sheaff, G., residence of..........0.., 41
Sheldon, Mr residence of........... 354
Bhrubbery, the....:.+-+--cssecoce. 880

tatues...s.s0.« moon tan 368

GENERAL INDEX.

Pacs

suai aiaieie So deseadsresicoee AB

Brie ‘of ‘Atchitecture.......2:.2s++ 828
Supplement to Landscape Gardening 425
Survilliers, Count de, residence of... 41
Sweet Gum tree.. crcececcees 188
Syrings Josikwa........sserccoeeses 412

Tabular view of evergreens....... «- 540
Tamarix Africana, saininewaractin es
Taxus..
a ‘Montana. aes
© Lambertiana .

Thorn tree....
Pile siieesincecoas

Transporting trees... 418, 417
Trees, choice of......... « 415
classification of. 102

“ expression in......... -». 112
- drooping........ ootse rene eees 109

“ spiry top.

“ oblong eaded..... ss... ccs 108
Trumpet creeper.........-..... ae 280
PORTO Ys sarecniacsin x(erssetssn'era eretsrser usar 582
aa CLO. s acssscesuva dine seas estes Asis-einiaretere 217

ip tree....... w'esieles a tistinmavelvvents » 225
caine aia aioe WEA eelaasre steals 128, 470
Unity i in ‘Landscape Gardening...... 64

Variety in Landscape eaten «66

bene Hoven iegla Sree traceeaigseiete wale
irginia ereeper.

Virgilia er

Wadsworth, D., residence of.
Walks, construction of.....
Waltham House,.

Walnut tree............. . 198
Warren, Mr., residence of. . 854
Washingtonia gigantea, -.. 584
Water, treatment of. wae 299
Waterfalls... .0..... ccc. ce eee oes wees 814
Watering trees whon planting....... 418
Wellingtonia gigantea......... wee 584
White beam, the...... santos oa BOL
Write Wood.......... cc sees eee eee 225
Widdringtonia ................00008 585
Willow...... +» 207, 466
Wistaria. ices seas sel sexeaceeies
Wood, management of....... 70, ts 440
Woodbine. cs ..suceecc ccceeeee
Woodfield, residence of Mr. Swift. 2
WOO A WI i5.d:0ie didieceicjaisinieis's-aiaised sraiorere 2 BBG
Wodenethe........ pena oes seiaeiere
Yew, WB iicaneiau nese tay sae 272, 494, is
“ stinking......... sae Reates anes 382
VSOOH css caamaiy oy Kad eee +» 863

SESS

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