Jfa E. CORNELL, ITHACA, N. Y. cu:^^--^ Nfto fork WsXt ^oiit^ of Asrirultur? At QlornfU IntoraUB atljara. N. 1- library Gift of Miss Dorothy Cornell. >^^*f^^f'S?'^*i^^-'r?'^i'l^^^?''^2'$P^f^r^^'l^ I THE AMERICAN MERCHANTS UNION EXPRESS CO. W Transact a general Bxpreaa Business between all the Frlnolpal Cities and towns of _S New York, KENTrcKY, Wisconsin, West's Pennsyl'ia, 16 Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois, Z Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa, Canada, E, New England States, W And connectiDK with other reapoDslble Expresses to •?> -A.X,L ■ I»J^IJ,TS OI' THE -V^OS-X-U. >^s^««i^t^^i^^;s:^^s^^.j:gjj^i^^i^l^^s,g^>^t^^ The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924002817827 A TREATISE ON THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF LANDSCAPE GARDENING, ADAPTED TO |tort| %mzxxtK; WITH A VIEW TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF COUNTRY RESIDENCES. OOMFBIfiING HISTOBIOAI. N0TI0E3 AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF THE AET, DIRECTIONS FOB LAYING OUT GROUNDS AND ARRANGING PLANTATIONS, THE DESCRIPTION AND CULTIVATION OF HARDY TREES, DECORATIVE ACCOMPANIMENTS OF THE HOUSE AND GROUNDS, THE FORMATION OF PIECES OF ARTIFICIAL WATER, FLOWER GARDENS, ETC. WITH REMARKS ON RURAL ARCHITECTURE, BY THE LATE A. J. DOWNING, ESQ. SIXTH EDITION, ENLARGED, BEYISED, AND NEWLY ILLITSTEATED. WITH A SUPPLEMENT, CONTAINING BOMK BEMABKS ABOUT 00TT1?TBT PLACES, AND THE BEBT METHODS OF MAKING them; ALSO, AN ACCOUNT OF THE NEWEE DEOIDITOTJB AND EVEE- GEEEN PLANTS, LATELY INTEODUOED INTO CULTIVATION, BOTH HABDY AND HALF-HAEDY. BY HENRY WINTHROP SARGENT. Ncto S'orft: A. O. MOOEE & CO. AGEICULTUEAL BOOK PUBLISHEES, 140 rULTON STREET. 185-9. ■^ /^j ^^ EsTEEED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, Bt a. O. MOOEE & CO., In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Southern District of New Tort. v\ WYNKOOP, HALLENBECK & THOITAS, PEINTEES, 113 Fulton Street, N". T. TO JOHl^ QUINOY ADAMS, LL.D., EX-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES J THE LOVER OP RtTBAL PDRSUIT8, AS WELL AS THE DISTINGUISHED PATRIOT, STATESMAK, AND sage; THIS VOLUME BY PEBinSSIOV, IS RESPECTFULLY AND AFFECTIOITATELY DEDICATED, BY HIS FRIEND, / THE AUTHOR. P E E F A G E TO THE FOURTH EDITION. It 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, Jao. 1849. P E E F A E, A TASTE for rural improvements of every description is advancing silently, but with great rapidity in this country While yet in the far vsrest the pioneer constructs his rude hut of logs for a dwelling, and sweeps a,way 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 fcd 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 wiio 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, tiie Vlll PKEFACE. 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 gi-ounds 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 ; evevy 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 human 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 ma-ny other amuse- ments) is unembittered by the after recollection of pain or iftjury 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 excliisive 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 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 in rural scenery. I take pleasure in acknowledging my obligations and returning thanks to my valued correspondent, J. G. Loudon, Esq., F. L. S., etc., 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 rawings and descriptions. PEEFACE TO SIXTH EDITION. Although our advance in rural life has not attained, and may never reach, the extent mentioned by Mr. Down- ing, 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 togce." 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 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 tyees 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 General des Conif^res," par M. Carri^re. 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. H. W. S. WODEKETHE, FiSHKILL LANDING, DuOHESS Co., 1 New Tork, January, 1859. J CONTENTS. SECTION I. HISTOEIOAL SKETCHES. Objects 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. SECTION II. BEAUTIES OP LASDSCAPE OABDEKING. 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. SECTION III. WOOD AND PLANTATIOKS. 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 ornSe, and cottage grounds. General classification of trees as to forms, with leading characteristics of each class. SECTION IV. DECIDnonS 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. EVEBOEEEN 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 CLIMBING PLANTS. Value of this kind of vegetation ; fine natural effects. Kemariss ou the proper mode of introducing vines. Beautiful effects of climbing plants in connection with buildings. SECTION VII. TREATMENT OS OBOTOtD — FOEMATION OF WALKS. Nature of operations on ground. Treatment of flowing and of irregular surfaces to heighten their expression. Of flats or level surfaces. Koclcs as materials in landscape. Laying out roads and walks ; the approach. Rules by Kepton. 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 OE RURAL AROHrTEOTtTBE. 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. The Italian 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 ; AHOHrTEOTDRAL, ETISTIO, 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 flower-garden. French flower-garden. EngUsh flower-garden. Mingled flower-garden. Selections of showy plants, flowering in succes- sion. Arrangement of the shrubbery. The conservatory and green- house. Open and covered seats. Pavilions. Prospect towers. Bridges. Rockwork. Fountains of various descriptions. Judicious introduction of decorations. CONTENTS. XV APPENDIX. Notes 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. Common errors. The Lawn. SECTION IL How to make a Country Place. Commencing without trees. Com- mencing in it wood. History of Wodenethe. History of Welleslkt. Italian scenery. SECTION in. The newer deciduous ornamental trees and shrubs. SECTION IT. The newer half-hardy Evergreen trees and shrubs. Acclimatizing and employing them. Tabular view of Hardihood in different parts of the United States. SECTION V. Historical notices. Jlxamples of Landscape Gardening, and Rural Architecture in the United States. SECTION VI. Historical notices continued. Rural Cemeteries. Central Park, New York. Llbwilltm Park, New Jersey. Clintok Park, etc. INDEX. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. ENGRAVINGS ON 6TEEL. Portrait of i I. Downing. J'rontiepiece. Fagtv PLATE I. BijrnrETrooD. Eesidcnco of Eobt Donaldson, Esq '■ 17 II. ■WoDENKTHE. Eesidencc of 11. W. Sargent, Esq 425 III. ■Wblleslet. Eesidcnceof II. H. HunnewelliEsq 444 lY. EEiNcn Paeteeee at 'Welleslcy. 44S T. Italian Garden at Wellesley 452 TI. Llewellyn Paek. Orange, N. J - 568 ENfRAVlNGB ON WOOD. ng. 1. i. 6. T. Pagb. TiewatllrdoPark 29 Manor of tivingston 29 ilontgomery Place 31 Beaverwick 85 Eesidenco of W. II. Aspin- wall 35 Belmont 88 Cottage of Mr. Dnnn 38 Eesidence of Mr. Bheaff 42 Kesldence of Mrs. Camac... 42 Example of the Beautiful,, . . 68 Example of the Picturesque. 58 The European Linden 148 The Weeping Larch 242 The Magnolia 242 The Picea pectinata 25T The Cedar of Lebanon 262 Eesidence of Mr, Paulding, . 344 Eesidence of A. J. Downing. 844 Eesidenceof Mr. Eathbone.. 847 Eesidence of Mr, Lyon 34T Mansion in Elizab. Stylo 847 Eesidence of Eev, E. Bolton. 347 Pack. Fig, 54, Residence of T,W, Ludlow. 853 55. Kesldence of "Washington Irving 853 73. Conservatory at Montgom- ery Place 891 88. Tiow from Library, Wo- denethe 43» 89. Yiew from Breakfast Eoom, ■Wodenethe 440 90. Yiew Across the Park, Wodenethe 4451 91. The Dwarf Horse Chestnut 459 92. The Weeping Elm 4S9 93. Tie Weeping Juniper 603 94. The Scaled Juniper 60S 9.% Pinus patula : 621 96. Torreya 621 97, Eockwood 662 101. ViewinCESTEALPAEK.... 668 102. The Same^roposed effect. 568 103. Yiew of Water Terrace in CentealPaek 565 104. Same, before improvement. 685 ENGEATIHGB ON BTONB. Fig. 98. Plan of Cehteal Paek. ... 561 99. Original Condition of the Grounds 561 105, Entrance to Llewellyn Paek 570 Fig. 106. N. W. part of Llewellyn Paek 670 107. Arcade Cottage Grounds... BTS 108. Do. Working Plan... 573 XVI m M ^■i^ ^ ■ ESSAY ON LANDSCAPE GARDENING. SECTION I. HISTORICAL SKETCHES. Objects of the Art. Skctcli of the rise asd progress of the Modern style, Inflaence of the English poets and -nriters. Examples of the Art ahroad. Landscape Garden- i ng in North America, and examples now existing. " L'un a nos yeux presente D'un desseiii regulier I'ordonnance imposante, Prete aux champs des beautes qu'ils ne connaissaient pas, D'une pompe etrangere embellit leur appaa, Donne aux arbres des lois, aux ondes des entravee, Et, despote orgueilleux, brille entoure d'esclaves ; Son air est moins riant et plus majestueux L'autre, de la nature amant regpectueux, L'orne sans la farder, traite avec indulgence Ses caprices charmants, sa noble negligence, Sa marche irreguUere, et fait naitre avec art Des beautes du dtsordre, et meme du hasard," Delilli. U R first, most endearing, and most sacred associations," says the amiable Mrs. Hofiand, "are connected with gardens ; our most simple and most 18 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. refined perceptions of beauty are combined with them. And we may aud 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 enjoj ,nent 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 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 studiea with advantage, even by him who has only three trees to plant for ornament; and vfe 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, rendei 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 historj 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 niode-i-a word, first coined, we believe, by Shenstone. HISTOKIOAL NOTICES. 21 The most distinguished English Landscape Gardeners of recent date, are the late Humphrey Kepton, 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 ; »ad in his death %ve 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. 23 LANBSCAPE 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 fron 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 natural 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 modem sculptural works of art. Indeed many of the gardens' on the continent are more striking from their numerous sculpturesque ornaments, interspersed ■grith fountains and ^etii-d'eau, than from the beauty or rarity of their vegetation, or from their arrangement. In the United fState?, 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 i-esidences 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 i 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 embelUshments 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. Andre 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 Ktyle of laying out grounds, combined with a scientific arrangement of plants, whicii 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 geqme- 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 celebratea 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. 27 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 oi 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 3'ears 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 |.-Ii;. i._Vi,.w i„ the CriMinna ;il ilyilf Tark. iMc-;, ■_'.— Tlif ^^,^llnl■o^ Liviiif;slO]i 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, so fortunately are these disposed by nature, seems to appro- priate the whole scenery round, and to be a thousand in extent. At the present time, our handsome villa residences are becoming every day more numerous, and it would require much more space than our present limits, to 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 anS bold mountains. (See Fig. L) 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 GAEDENING. 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, afibrded 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 Livingstooi, lately the seat of Mrs. Mai'v- Livingston (but now of Jacob Le V\,oj, 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 charactei-, 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. BUthewood, formerly the seat of E. 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 h-oken only by islands and gleaming sails, and the horizon HISTORICAL NOTICES. 31 gr&ndly closing in with the tall blue summits of tne distant Kaatskills. The smiling, gently varied lawn is studded with groups and masses of fine forest arid ornamental trees, beneath which are walks leading in easy curves to rustic seats, and summer houses placed in secluded spots, or to openings aflfording most loveiy 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 pictm-esque — 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 so 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 tlian 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. 'iient. The lover 6f 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 countr}\ 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, ntucate and mazj walks along which are placed a variety of rustic seats (Fig. 4). This valley is musical with the sound of water- falls, of which there are severaJ fine ones in tlv bold impetuous stream which finds its course through the low- [Fij. 4. Oneof the Rustic Seats at lli.iilgonicry Place.] Cr 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 npen 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 NOTICES. 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. [Fig. 5. The Lake at Moiitgomery Place,] Elle.rsUe 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 34 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. distant hills. This is one of the most celebrated places on the Hudson, and there are few that so well pay the lover of improved landscape for a visit. Just below EUerslie 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 ia 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 embellish- ment of all kinds. Kenwood, formerly the residence of J, Eathbone, 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 vOlas 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 all 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 Ti... ('..— Bi.-iivcr«)Lk, iho Scat ol' Win. V. Van neiissulaor, Es.i. KiC. 7.— I'nlla^'r Ki-siik-ntC of Win. II, .Vsi.iiiwall, K.sq. HISTORICAL NOTICES. 35 enlarged and improved a few yeais 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. Yan Eensselaer, 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 six or seven miles of winding gravelled roads and walks have been formed — their boundaries now leading over level meadows, and now winding through woody dells. The drives thus afforded, are almost unrivalled in extent and variety, and give the stranger or guest, an opportunity of 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 ornee. The charming manner in which the wild foot-pritlis, 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 tlie best specimens 36 LANDSCAPE GAEDENING. of this kind of residence on the river. At Hastings, four or five miles south, is the agreeable seat of Kobt. B. Min- turn, Esq. About tvsrelve 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. Nothing, 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 see 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, aa 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 thai all is not the work of some mastef of art, and intended for tlie 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 Jiose 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- S8 LANDSCAPE GAKDENING. ing admirable hints for a class of residence likely to become more numerous than any other in this country — the taste- ful suburban cottage. The owner of a small cottage resi- dence may have almost every kind of beauty and enjoy- ment in his grounds that the 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. Gushing, Esq., is a residence of more note than any other near Boston ; but this is, chiefly, on account of the extensive ranges of glass, the forced fruits, and the high culture of the gardens. A new and spacious mansion has recently been erected here, and the pleasure-grounds are agreeably varied with fine groups and masses of trees and shrubs on a pleasing lawn (Fig. 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. At a 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- playec" in the dwelling itself The seat of the Hon. John Fiii. s._Bdm(jnt Tlacc, near Boston, tlie Seat ot J. r. Cusliing, Es(| Fio. '.I.— Mr. Dnnn's CollaKO. Mount Holly, N. -I. HISTORICAL NOTICES. 39 Lowell, at Roxbury, possesses also many interesting gar- dening features.* Pine Bank, the Perkins es'ate, 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 Httle 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 thij 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 beUeve 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 ordmary lifetime to rear " 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 sohtary elm or two were ahnost 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 existence. 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; and Pine Bank is now adorned with a most complete residence in the latest continental taste, from the designs of M. Lemoulnier. On the other side of the lake is the cottage of Thomas Lee, Esq. Enthusiastically fond of botany, and gardening in all its departments, Mr. Lee has here formed a residence of 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 ghmpses 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 liints 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 vai-iety, 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 Borden town, were very extensive ; 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 ivhole 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 elegant 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, was pronounced by him the model {axm. of the United States. At the present time we know nothing superior to it ; and Capt. Barclay, in his agricultural tour, sayg 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 bams, every season newly whitewashed internally and externally, paved with wood, and as clean as a gentleman's stable (with stalls to fatten 90 head of cattle) ; these, and the masterly way in which the whole is managed, both as regards culture and profit, render this estate one of no common interest in an agricul- tural, as well as ornamental point of view. ]'[ii. ID.— The Scat of (icorge Shcatl'. l'><[- Vic. 11.— Mrs. Caiufic's Ki^siiU'in-<'. 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 n 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 aie 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 approaching 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. BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 45 SECTION II. BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. Capacities of the art. Tlie beauties of the ancient style. The modem style. The Beauti- ful and the Picturesque : their distinctive characteristics. Illustrations drawn from Nature and Painting. Nature and principles of Landscape Gardening as an Tniilative 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." — CHAnBEllL.iyNE. " II est des soins plus doux, un art plus enchanteur. C'est peu de charmer I'ceil, il faut parler au cceur. Avez-vous done connu ces rapports invisibles, Des corps inanimes et des etres sensibles ? Avez-vous entendu des eaux, des pres, des bois. La muette eloquence et la secrete voix? Rendez-nous ces effets." Les Jardins, Book I. E F O R E we proceed to a detaileti and more practical consideration of the subject^ let us occupy ourselves for a moment witli ^"' 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 ihe capacities of 46 LANDSCAPE GAEDENING- that art, or the schools, or modes, by which it has previous- ]y 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 imacrination. [Fig. 12. The Geometric 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, by the 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 TV. (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 nia- 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, hke 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, Wohnrn 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 between 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 atone balustrades, sur- mounted, at regular intervals, with vases, planted either with Geraniums, or with Tuooa, Aloe, Bonapartias, and other formal plants. Elights 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 lo^^er of pictures and engravings, will at once call to mind examples ol 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 to tlie Park. The fl-it of the terrace, being laid out either in the most form.il and precise parterre, or in extremely rich and intricate beds of arabesque pat- terns in scrolls, to resemble carpets. In cither 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, also, of different-colored gravel in the division of the beds, the whole producing, when seen from the windows of the house, a brilliant combination, which, with the soft, verdant park as a background, is inexpressibly gay and effective. — H. W. S. BEAUTIES AND FKINCIPLES 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 cqol dash- ing oi the cascade, as it leaps over the rocky barrier. Le. 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 the other hand, where shall we find all the elements of the picturesque more graphically combined than in the vigorous landscapes of Salvator Rosa ! In those rugged 50 LANDSCAPE GARDENINC. 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 parlake 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 respect. 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 with trees allowed to grow in their natural forms, and with an easy assemblage' of sylvan scenery in the pleasure-gi'ounds, 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 BEAUalES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 51 simplest hints derived from the free and luxuriant forms of nature. No residetice 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 extraoeous 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 Beauth-ul and the PicTUREsauE. 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 to employ. 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 .nerit of the artist and his production is to be judged ; and these cannot b" 5-J LANDSCAPE GAB,DEXING. 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 ebjects to be " those which please from some quality capable of being illustrated in painting." Nothing can well be more vagus 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 qualit}' capable of being illustrated in painting.'' The beautiful female heads of Carlo Dolce are widely different from those of the pictu- resque peasant ghls 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 from the wild and twisted larcli 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. Beaut}', in all natural objects, as we conceive, arises from their expression of those attributes of the Creator — ■ infinity, unity, symmetry, proportion, etc. — 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 tlie artist stands much higher in the scale, \^ho, though a copyist of visible nature, is capable of seiz- ing it with poetic feeling, and representing it in its more dignified sense ■ such for example, as Raphael, Poussin, Claude, &c." — Wei.vbreu.vef. BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OP THE ART. 53 nious and well balanced development of a 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. 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 foi'ms 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 GAEDENING. 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 Beautiful in 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.f In pictures, too, one often hears the Beautiful coiifounded 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 beheve, tho 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 OP THE ART. 55 countenances we see only that calm and pure existence oi 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 a better feeling within, against this outward poverty of nature and condition. Architecture borrows, partly perhaps by association, the same expression. We find 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, Avho see only a few columns and broken architraves standing with all their exquisite mouldings obhterated 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 follow? 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 efibrts 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 ha-i 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 oi 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 OP 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 worli 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 ■vyide 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. The Beautiful in Landscape Gardening (Fig. 13) 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 gradually into each other. In the form of trees, by smooth stems, full, round, or symmetrical heads of foliage, and luxuriant branches often drooping to the ground, — ^which is chiefly attained by planting and grouping, to allow free development of form ; and by selecting trees of suitable 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 abrupt turns. 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 traes 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. ^11.'' "jS^i J-"iu. 1-3.— Example of the Bcautilul in L;iii(l»ca|)e Gunlciiii Fi.i. Hi.— ICxami'lc c,r llif rii'liircs.ino in Lnu'lscapo (lanlL-riiiiy. BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 59 it should be simple and symmetrical in its character, and its veranda festooned with masses of the finest climbers. The PicTUREsauE 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 planteti 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 •^'O LANDSCAPE GAHDENING. 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 tlie 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 attaineo 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 heau 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 cliinatet, 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 careful 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; oartly to the imper- fection of our natures by which most of us sympathize 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 ts a work of art, by the variety of the materials, as foreign trees, plants, &c., !ind by the polish and keeping of the grounds in the natural style, as distinctly as by the uniform »nd symmetrical arrangement in the ancient style. 02 LANDSCAPE GARDENINR. 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- uense, 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 begmning 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 charni 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 whodetects the true BEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OF THE ART. 63 character, and plants, builds, and embellishes, as he should constantly aiming to elicit and strengthen it — will soon arrive at a far higher and more satisfactory result, than one who, in the common manner, works at random. The latter may succeed in producing pleasing grounds — he will un- doubtedly add to the general beauty and tasteful appearance of the country, and we gladly accord him our thanks. But the improver who unites with pleasing forms an expres- sion of sentiment, will affect not only the common eye, but much more powerfully, the imagination, and the refined and delicate taste. Buf there are many persons with -small cottage places, of little decided character, who have neither room, time, lior income, to attempt the improvement of their grounds fully, after either of those two schools. How shall they render their places tasteful and agreeable, in the easiest manner ? We answer, hy attempting 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 anyplace. 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, macerials, 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. Unity, 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 i-ealized. This arises from the fact, that the mind can only attend, with pleasure and satisfaction, to one object, 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 UEAUTIES AND PRINCIPLES OP 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- templatmg it. There is an evident incongruity in bringing two modes of arranging plantations, so totally different, under the eye at one moment, which distracts, rather than pleases the mind. In this 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 LAl>fDSCAPE 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. 07 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 othei 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. : The Imitation of the Beauty of Expression, derived from a refined perception of the sentiment of nature : The Recognition op Art, founded on the immutabihty of the true, as well as the beautiful : And the Production of Unity, Harmony, and Variety, in order to render com- plete and continuous, our enjoyment of any artisticai 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, hes 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. oO SECTION III. ON WOOD. Tlie beauty of Trees in Rural Embellishinents. Pleasure resulting from tlieir cultivation Plantations in the Ancient Style ; their formality. In the Modern Style ; groupingtrees Arrangement and grouping in the Graceful school ; in the Picturesque sch(iol. Ilinstra tions in planting villa,ierme orn6e, and cottage grounds. General classitication of trep as to forms, with leading characteristics of each class. " He gains all points, who pleasingly confounds. Surprises, varies, and conceals the bounds. Calls in the country, catches opening glades, Joins willing woods, and varies shades from shades ; Now breaks, or now directs the intending lines : Paints as you plant, and, as you work, designs." Pope. ■ M O N G all the materials at our disposal ■ for the embellishment of country resi- st dences, none are at once so highly orna- mental, so indispensable, and so easily managed, as trees, 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 GAKDBNING. \ age, it constitutes in its various foinis, 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 tbe 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 cmcealing some portions, and throwing others ON WOOD AND PLANTATIOXS. 7] 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 a country 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, M hich otherwise would be but simple 72 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. vp-ays 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 clea- 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, thai they may justly rank with the most exquisite of human enjoyments." " Happy ig he, wlio in a country life Shung more perplexing toil and jarring strife; Who lives upon the natal soil he loves, And sit3 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." Plantations in the Ancient Style. 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 t|ie 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 atlirm 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 sun ounded 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. 75 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 \vith 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 maj jrity 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, etc. — so as to exhibit groups of forest and ornamental trees and shrubs, surrounding the dwelling of the proprietor, and extending for a greater or less distance, especially towards the place of entrance from the public highway. Near the house, good taste will 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 darUng tree, of one's own placing, every year stretching wider ita feathery head of foliage, and covering with a darker shadow the soft turf beneath i.% still, we vrill 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 consideraile sacrifice to get a place with some existing wood, or a few ready grown trees upon it; especially near the site for the house. It is better to yield a little in the extent of prospect, or in the direct proximity to a certain 76 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. Plantations in the Modern Style. In the Modern Style of Landscape Gardening, it is our aim, in plantations, to produce not only what is called natural beauty, but even higher and more striking beauty of expression, and 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 Geoup is equally the key-note of the Modei-n 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 locality, than to pitcn your tent in -i 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 ramiiicationg, tne variety of form, and the entire harmony, to be found in a fine old tree, as -p gazing from a site where we have no interruption to a panorama of tne whole liorizon ; 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. " ]S"atural 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, iDeyond 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. LANDSCAPE GARDENING. even where a veiy few trees are used, of which any person may convince himself by placing a few dots on paper. Thus two trees (fig. 16), 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) h ^^■•'*- 1 A ^ ^ J* ^« « & [Fig. 16. Grouping of Trees] In the composition of larger masses, similar ruies musi ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 70 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 oc- casionally, low trees should be planted on the outer edge of the mass, to connect it with the humble verdure of the surrounding sward. In many parts of the union, where new residences are being formed, or where old ones are to be improved, the grounds will often be found, partially, or to a considerable extent, clothed with belts or masses of wood, either 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, to single trees, he will be greatly disappointed if he expects them to stand long ; for the first severe autumnal gale will almost certainly prostrate them. The only method, therefore, is to allow them to 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 be called grouping in its simple meaning — for general effect, and with an eye only to the natural beauty of pleasing forojs Let us now explain, as concisely as we may, the mode of grouping in the two schools of Landscape Gardening here- tofore 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. Planting and Grouping 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 togethei 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 species of after treatment is required for the two modes, Trees, or groups, where the Beautiful is aimed at, should be ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 81 fPig. 16. Grouping to produce the BeantiruI.J pruned with great care, and indeed scarcely at all, except to remedy disease, or to correct a bad form. Above all, the full luxuriance and development of the tree should be encouraged by good soil, and repeated manurings vi^hen 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. Planting and Grouping to produce the Pictukesuue. 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 GAEnENING. and some species of oak, may be taken as examples. In Picluresque plantations everything depends on intricacy [Fig. IT Grouping lo produce tlio 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 ;tself 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. 83 ing groups, as painters love to study and introduce into their pictures. Sturdy and bright vines, or such as are themselves picturesque in their festoons and hangings, should be allowed to clamber over occasional trees in a 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 J. j.VDSCAPE GAEDENING. 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 PLANTATIOXS. 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 landscape engravings and pictures of distinguished artists, they are indispensably necessary to the picturesque im prover. In these he will often find embodied the choicesl 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- 8tj LANDSCAPE GARDENING. \y 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- •nent 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-ground will give dignity and importance to the house, and at the same time effectu- ally scieen 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 olT 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. Cai-e 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 extant, 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-g»TOund 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 openmgs, differing 'n 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 ajiswers 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, theii 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 w.aw. on any or all sides, to the lawn or park itself, the boundarv groups and masses must be so connected together a& frona ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 89 the most striking part or parts of the prospect (near the house for example) to answer this end. This should be done, not by planting a continuous, uniformly thick belt of trees round the outside of the whole ; but by so arranging the various outer groups and thickets, that when seen from the given points they shall appear connected in one whole. In this way, there will be an agreeable variation in the margin, made by the various bays, recesses, and detached projections, which could not be so well effected if the whole were one uniformly unbroken strip of wood. But where the house is so elevated as to command a more extensive view than is comprised in the demesne itself, another course should be adopted. The grounds planted must be made to connect themselves with the surrounding scenery, so as not < to produce any violent contrast to the eye, when compared with the adjoining country. If then, as is most frequently the case, the lawn or pleasure-ground join, on either side or sides, cultivated farm lands, the proper 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 joi)is natural woods, connexion is still easier, and where it bounds upon one of our noble rivers, lakes, or other large sneets of water, of course connexion is not expected ; foi 90 LANDSCAPE GARIENNC. sudden contrast and transition is there both natural and beautiful. In all cases good taste will suggest that the more polished parts of the lawns and grounds should, 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 af effects in keeping with the whole scene, than if no "egar-' be paid to this important point. This will be felt almos/ ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 91 Intuitively by persons who, perhaps, would themseVes 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 illustrate 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 [I'ig. 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. At a, the approach road leaves the public highway and leads to the house at c : from whence paths of smaller size, h, 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. It wil ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 93 Jiiiiiiiijiiiiiiiiiiii' !l I i !l I! li!! [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, conceahng 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, e e. 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 varitty of outline, be 94 LAVDSCAPE GARDENING. placed opposite the salient parts of the wood, and not in the recesses, which latter they would appear to diminish or clog up. The stables are shown at f ; the barn at g, and the kitchen garden adjacent at A ; the orchard at i ; and a small portion of the farm lands at A ; 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._ i'liiu of a Mansion Residence, laid out in tlic natural !>tyM ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 95 residence of considerable extent, only part of the farm lands, I, being here delineated. In this residence, as there is no extensive view worth preserving beyond the bounds of the estate, the pleasure grounds are surrounded by an irregular and picturesque belt of wood. A fine natural stream or rivulet, which ran through the estate, has been formed into a handsome pond, or small lake, /, 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, 6 ; 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 j. 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, lav/n, 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 a1 Burlington, New Jersey (to which we shah 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 anything which can be supposed necessary for the convenience or wants of the family, is lost sight of The house, a, stands auite near the bank of the river, ON WOOD 4ND PLANTATIONS. 97 [Fig. 21. Plan of a Suburban Villa Residence.] while one front commands fine water views, and the other looks into the lawn or pleasure grounds, b: On one side of the area is the kitchen garden, c, separated and concealed from the lawn by thick groups of evergreen and deciduous trees. At e, is a picturesque orchard, in which the fruit trees are planted in groups instead of straight lines, for the sake of effect. Directly under the wmdows of the drawing-room is the flower garden,/; and 98 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. at g, is a seat. The walk around the lawu is also a carriage road, affording entrance and egress from the rear of the grounds, for garden purposes, as well as from the front of the house. At h, is situated the ice-house ; d, hot-beds ; j, bleaching green ; i, gardener's house, etc. In the rear of the latter are the stables, which are not shown on the plan. The embellished farm (Jerme ornee) is a pretty mode of combining something of the beauty of the landscape gai-den 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 v^isitor to enjoy at the same time an agreeable fcircAit, and a glance at all the various crops and modes of o^ture. In the plan before us, the approach from the public road is at b ; the dwelling at c ; the barns and far.m-buildings at d; the kitchen garden at e; and the orchard at /. About the house are distributed some groups of trees, and here the fields, g, are kept in grass, and are either mown ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 99 [Fig. 23. View of a Fictwresqiie fiirm (Jerme arniB).] 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 i,. Exceedingly interesting and agreeable eflFects 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 GAEDBNING. only be gi'avelled 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 ornee may have more or less ground attached to it. It is the ambition of some to have a great house and little land, and of others (among whom we remember the poet Cowley) to have a little house and a large garden. The latter would seem to be the more natural taste. When the grounds of a cottage are large, they will be treated by the landscape gardener nearly like those of a villa residence ; when they are smaller a more quiet and simple character must be aimed at. But even where they consist of only a rood or two, something tasteful and pretty may be ar- 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 oui Deaisns for Cottage Sesidences. 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 b^ produced in an exceedingly limited spot. The same limited grounds might be planted so as to produce the Beautiful ; choosing, in this case, shrubs of symmetrical growth and fine forms, planting and grouping them somewhat singly, and allowing every speci- men to attain its fullest luxuri- ance of development. In making these arrangements, [Fig. 23. Grounds of a Cottage urjieB.] evcu 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 o'' 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 Abbe Delille says nothing more true than that, " Ce noble emploi demand un artiste qui pense, Prodigue de genie, et non pas de depense." 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 oases 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- mg 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 Dr picturesque landscape, will be greatly aided by a study ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 103 of 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 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 necessai'ily must be), productive oi 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 outhne, but exhibiting in the (Tig. 2*. 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 oi 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 ol 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 shad& ; 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 i-ound-headed trees there niay be great difference in the comparative beauty of ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONa. 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 a very regular and compact surface and outline, as the horse-chestnut. In planting large masses of wood, therefore, or even in forming large groups in park scenery, round-headed trees of the ordinary loose and varied manner of growth common 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 to a point. The foliage is generally ever- green, and in most trees of this class [Fig. 25. sp^ry-topped jjg^jjgg jjj parallel or drooping tufts from 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, oi 106 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. almost sameness, in the difTjrent 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 Alpsj abroad, and the various rocky heights in the Highlands of the Hudson and the AUeghanies, at home) they are full of variety. It will readily be seen, therefore, that spiry-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 employea 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, 4iowever, 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 f>.>rmer decidedly 108 liANDSCAPE GARDENING. should, iu 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 " of horizontal ones, and in forming a conical or Ti'e^admi ?rees°f 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 evergi'een, 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 ro'jnd-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 hne 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 anj;^ 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 considei theni 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 m excellent keeping, and contribute much to give value to the leading expression. When drooping trees are mixed indiscriminately with other round-headed trees in the composition of groups or masses, much of their individual character is lost, as it depends not so much on the top (as in oblong and spiry trees) as upon the side branches, which are of course concealed by those of the adjoining trees. Droop- ing trees, therefore, as elms, birches, etc., are shown to the best advantage on the borders of groups or the boundaries of plantations. It must not be forgotten, but constantly kept in mind, that all strongly marked trees, like bright colors 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 oui 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 prevaihng expression, or (which is better) where they are evidently in good keeping. " The weeping willow," says Gilpin, with his usual good taste, "is not adapted to sublime objects. We wish it not to screen the broken 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 ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. Ill 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 [Fig. 27. Trees in keeping.] 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. 27), the abrupt hill, the rapid mountain torrent, and the distant Alpine summits, are in fine keep- ing with the tall spiry larches and firs, which, shooting up on either side of the old bridge, occupy the foreground. In the second (Fig. 30), there is evidently something discordailt in the scene which strikes the spectator at first sight ; this is the misplaced introduction of the large willows, which belong to a scene very different in character. Imagine a removal of the surrounding hills, and let the rapid stream spread out into a [Pig. 28. Trees out of keeping.] smooth peaccful lake with gradu- lUy 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 propei • Forest Scenery, p. 133. 112 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. method by which a harmonious combination of the aifferent 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 eifect. 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 efiect ; but in groups, willows alone produce sameness : in order therefore, to give variety, we must choose other trees ON WOOD AND PLANTATIONS. 1 13 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 fojmer trees, in dark or almost black masses of tapering verdure, the effect would be by no means s LiNDE>. a Tr [i I . lliL 1 >* kn t Mr D \i ti_ Am U years. nc-is;hl. 57 foot. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. I43 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 cliief 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. The Lime or Linden Tree. Tilia. Nat. Ord, Tilaceae. Lin. Syst. Polyandria, Monogyuia. 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 EuroptBus of Persoon, and the European botanists. Beck remarks that the American kind is bo little kpown, that it is difficult to determino whether it is a diiierent 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 Encyclopaedia of Plants (p. 467) " that the honey mad^ 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 belicTe, much given up ; therefore the lime has lost a most important branch of its usefulne.ss. 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, g4me, nets, etc., on the panelling of the walls is quite wonderful. It was of him that Walpole justly said, ' that he was the first artist who gave to wood the loose and airy lightness of flowers, and chained together the various productions of the elements, with a free disorder natural to eac'. species.' The Ihno tree is still, however, used by the carver, and we hopo that tlie art of wood carving may gradually be restored." — Sir T. D. Lauder DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 145 The leaves of the Hme 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 dipt 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. Il 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 l)owny lime tree. (T. pubescens.) The under side of the leaves, and the fruits of this species, are, as its name denotes, covered with a short down. Its flowers are nearly white ; the serratures of the leaves wider apart, and the base of the leaf obliquely truncated. It is a handsome large tree, a native of Florida, though hardy enough, as experience proves, to bear our northern winters. The European lime (T. Europcea) is distinguished from the American sorts, by its smaller and more regularly cordate and rounded leaves. Unlike our native species, the flowers are not furnished with inner scale-like petals. The foliage is rather deeper in hue than the native sorts, and the branches of the head rathe) DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. Ml 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. The Beech Tree. Fagus. Nat. Ord. Corylacese. Lin. Syst. Monceoia, 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 14S LANDSCAPE GARDENING. as "beech woods." The leaves of the beecn 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 patulae recubans sub tegmine fagi, Sylvestrem tenui musam meditaiis 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 apphed, 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. (JMichaux, 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 TKEES. 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 appeajrance, 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 «f 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 (F. sylvatica) is thought bpr 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 he gardens. Both surfaces of the leaves, and even the yo'ing 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 The Hornbeam {Carpinus Americana), and the Iron- wood, {Ostrya Virginicd), are both well known small trees, belonging to the same natural family as the beech. They are of little value in ornamental plantations ; but from their thick foliage, they might perhaps be employed to advantage in making thick verdant screens for shelter or concealment. The Poplar Tree. Popuius. Nat. Chi. Ejalicaceae. Xin. Sijst. Dioecia, 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 feol t.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 American kinds, as the Balsam and Balm of Gilead poplars, have their buds enveloped in a fragrant gum ; others, as the Silver poplar, or Abele, are remarkable for the snowy whiteness of the under side of the foliage ; and the Lorn bardy poplar, which " Shoots up its spire, and shakes its leaves in the sun," Pkoctor. for its remarkably conical or spire-like manner of growth. The leaves of all the species, being suspended upon long and slender footstalks, are easily put in motion by the wind. This, however, is peculiarly the case with the aspen, the leaves of which may often be seen trembling in the slightest breeze, when the foliage of the surrounding trees is motion- less. There is a popular legend in Scotland respecting this tree, which runs thus : " Far ofl in the Highland wilds 'tis said (But truth now laughs at fancy's lore). That of this tree the cross was made. Which erst the Lord of Glory bore ; And of that deed its leaves confess. E'er since, a troubled consciousness." In Landscape Gardening the poplar is not highly esteemed ; but it is a valuable tree when judiciously employed, and 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, turned up by the wind, give it very 152 LANDSCAPE GAEDENING. much the aspect of a tree covered with white blossoms. This effect is the more strilcing, 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 out 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 rrtay, 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 (o 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 conferred 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 poplai DECIDUOUS OKNAMENTAL TREES. ]53 IS 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 halsamifera), 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. angulatd). 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, etc. Sir J. E. Smith remarks in his English Flora, that the wood, though but little used, is much firmer than that of any other British poplar ; making as handsome floors as the best Norway fir, with the additional advantage that they will not readily take fire, like any resinous wood. The English aspen (P. tremula) considerably resembles our native aspen ; but the buds are somewhat gummy. The Athenian poplar (P. GrcBca) 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. The Horse-chestnut Tree, ^sculus. Nat. Ord. jSSsculaces. 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 is a 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 150 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, particulai-ly 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 o])en, 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 {^sculus Hippocastanum) is incomparably the finest. The American sorts are the following : {^ZEs- 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 {JEscu- lus ruiicunda) is a small tree with scarlet flowers ; and the Smooth-leaved (^. glabra) has pale yellow flowers. All the foregoing have prickly fruit. Besides these are two small Horse-chestnuts with smooth fruit, which thenee 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. The Bikch Teee. Betula. Nat. Ord. Betulacese. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, 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 ol 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.* * 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 olace 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 reain 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 calculated for four persons, vrith their baggage, weighs from forty to fifty pounds ; and some of them are made to carry fifteen passengers." 160 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. of trees ; but the European weeping birch is pecuh'arly 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." BjlTAHT. 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 the eye, when DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. ] 61 seen in connexion with other fohage. Several kinds, a? 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 a 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 brilHant 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. populifnlia) 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, hke the fore- going, is covered with silvery bark ; the branches are Blender, 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. luted) 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 m 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. 163 [t 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. ■ - The Alder Tree. Alnus. Nat. Ord. Betulaceae. Lin. Syst. MoncEoia, 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. J36. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 165 common alder {A. glutinosa), and the cut-leaved aldei {A. glutinosa laciniata). The latter is much the hand somer tree, and is also the rarest in our nurseries. • The Maple Tree. Acer. Nat. Ord. AceraceEe. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Monceoia. The great esteem in which the maples are he^a m 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 growB well either in the very moist soil of s-(^amps, 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 GAEDENING. 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 fadiug 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 difierent 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 remaif 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 oi 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 corrtrast 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- ledged 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 Sil^ar maple (Acer saccharinum) is a very abundant tree in the northern states and the Canadas, where it sometimes forms immense foi:ests. 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 are ripe 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. ruhruni) is found chiefly on the borders of rivers, or in swamps ; the 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 ©r 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. eriqfarpum.) 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 .irariety 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, tlie sap is more abund- ant, and much sweeter, and is considered at the West much the finer tree of the two.— H. 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 l^right 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. striatunf), 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,\ the Ash- leaved maple, has handsome pinnated foliage of a light green hue ; it forms a pleasing tree of medium size. These are our principal native species J * N. A. Sylva, i. 214. + Negundo fraxinifolium. t Mr. Douglas has discovered a very superb maple (A. macrophyllum), on the Columbia river, vrith very large leaves, and fine fragrant yellovf blosscma no 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 latter also considerably resembles the plane ; but the leaves, like those 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. The Locust Tree. Robinia. Nat. Ord. LeguminosEe. Lin. Syst. Diadelphia, Decandria. This is a well-known American tree, found growing wild in all of the states west of the Delaware River. It is a tree of secondary size, attaining generally the height of forty or fifty feet. The leaves are pinnated, bluish-green m 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, 1st, its meagreness and lightness of foliage, producing but little shade ; secondly, the extreme bfittleness 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. Notwith- 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 tree's : 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 (Far. 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. The Three-thoened Acacia Tree. Gleditschia. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Dicecia. 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. Thei-e is, however, a pecuhar ele- gance ahout 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, it 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 (G. horrida), with larger and finer foliage, and immense triple thorns, which is interesting from its great singularity. A tree of this kind which we imported, has stood our coldest winters perfectly uninjured, and promises to be beautiful and very hardy. Some noble specimens of the common Three- thorned Acacia may be seen upon the lawn at Hyde Park, the fine seat of the late Dr. Hosack. The Judas Tree. Cercis. Nat. Ord. Leguminosae. I,in. Syst. Decandria, Monogynia. A handsome low tree, aboii t 20 feet in height, which is DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. I75 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, vsrhich 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- hud. 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 1 596, 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 Sili- 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. 17G LANDSCAPE GAEDEXING. The Chestnut Tree. Castanea. Nat. Ord. Corylaceae. Lin. Syst.. MoncScia, 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, CasianetB molles, et pressi copia lactis." Vma. EcL. 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 shejl. Or Chestnut'3 armed huske and hid kemell. No squire durst touch, the law would not afford. Kept for the court, and for the king's own board." Ep. Hall, Sat. B. III. 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 therefore annually collected in those countries, and dried and stored DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 177 away for tlie 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 I have read in a good author. They also make fritters of chestnut flour, which they wet with rose-water, and sprinkle with grated parmigans, and so fry them in fresh butter for a delicate." The fruit of the 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 pei 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 pos'sible perfection. Michaux informs us, that the most superb and lofty chestnuts in America are to be found in such situations, in the forests of the Carolinas. Abroad, every one will call to mind the far-famed chestnuts of Mount Etna, of wonderful age and extraordinary size. The great chestnut there, has excited the surprise of numerous travellers ; at present, however, it appears to be scarcely more than a mere shell, the wreck of former greatness. When visited by M. Houel {Arboretum Brit), it was in a state of decay, having lost the greater part of its branches, and its trunk was quite hollow. A house was erected in the interior, and some country people resided in 12 ]7S LANDSCAPE GARDENING. it, with an oven, in which, according to the custom of Ihe 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, is 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 oi 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." Thia tree is still standing. On the estate of Marshall S. Eice, 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 Kew England. In proof of this, we arc 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 f /id other States, none of wliom have shown figures exceeding the following: size of the "Eice Tree" — eireumfercnce at base of trunk, 24 3-10 feet; height, 7G feet: spread of limbs, 93 feet. This tree is very prolific, and has never been known to fail of bearing a largo crop of nnta. About five feet from the ground, the trunk divides into two well- formed shafts, wliich run up to the heiglit of thirty feet, without a branch.— H. W. S. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. I79 In considering the chestnut as highly adapted to ornament the grounds of extensive country residences, much that we have ah'eady 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 sojl 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 oeen 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. Igl 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. The Osage Orange Tree. Madura. tfat. Ord. Urticaceae. Lin. Syst. Dioecia, Tetraadria. 'j'iiis 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 GARDENINU. Lewis and Clarke's Expedition. It was named by them in honor of the late Wm. Maclure, E^q., 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 lois 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 monoecious 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 UliCIDL'OUS ORNAMENTAL TKKKS. 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 jvould 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 thinlc 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 pai'ts 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 thia tree, by cutting it severely back for several years, and compelling it, as tbe English cull 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 fixty-fiiie feet I the limbs lying about with a profusion of growth positively <^ondcrful, and covered with fruit.— H. W. S. 184 . LANDSCAPE GAIiDENING. 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. The Mulberry Tree. Morus. Nat. Ord. Urticaceae. Lin. Syst. Moncecia, Tetiandria. 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 the very first quality , when fully seasoned, it takes a dull lemon-colored hue, and is scarcely less durable than the locust or Live oajv. 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 treenails 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 genc' 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' deUght." Leonid. B. II. We regret that so excellent a fruit should be so Httle cultivated here. It succeeds extremely well in the middle * Further experience has shown, that tliis tree is not to be depended upon, at least as far north as tlie middle portion of the Hudson Eiver. 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.— 11. W. S. 186 LANDSCAPE GAKUjiNllVU. states ; and as it ripens at the very period in midsurnmei when fruits are scarcest, there can be no more welcome addition to our prmional 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 sjjecies to be found in the different nurseries and silk plantations ; among them the Chinese mulberry {M. inulti- 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. The Paper Mulberry Tree. Broussonetia. Nat. Ord. Urticaceoe. Lin. Syst. Dioecia, 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 DECIDUOirs ORNAMENTAL TREES. ] 87 iixipossible to find two exactly alik§, 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 feniales ; 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. The Sweet Gum Tree, Liquidambar. Nat. Ord. Platanaceae. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, Polyandria. According to Michaux,*- the Sweet gum is one of our most extensively diffused trees. On the seashore it is seen as far north as Portsmouth ; and it extends as far south as the Gulf of Mexico and the Isthmus of Darien. In many of the southern states it is one of the commonest trees of the forest ; it is rarely seen, however, along the banks of the Hudson (except in New Jersey), or other large streams of New York. It is not unlike the maple in general 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 TEEES. '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 necessarj' to its production in considerable quantities. We hardly know a more beautiful tree than the Liquid amber in eveiy stage of its growth, and during every season of the year. Its outline is not picturesque or graceful, but simply beautiful, more approaching that of the maple than any other : it is, therefore, a highly pleasing, round-headed or tapering tree, which unites and harmonizes well with almost any others in composition ; but the chief beauty lies in the foHage. 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 partferre. 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 LANDS! APE GAKDBNING 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 sxceedingly 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 Blacsk walnut and some other native trees. The average height of mil grown trees- is about 35 or 40 ffeet. Liquidambar styracijlua is the only North American species. It grows most rapidly in moist or even wet situa- tions, though it will accommodate itself to a drier soil. The Walnut Tree. Juglans. Nat. Ord. JuglandaoeEe. Lin. Syst. MoncEcia, 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 DECIDtroUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 191 eight pairs of opposite leaflets, terminated by an odd one I'liey contain a very strong aromatic odor, whicii 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 falHng 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 interioi 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 in a 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 (/. 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-shelleJ fruit, which, though not exceeding the Black walnut in size, yet contains 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 Evelyn, 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 s. new and curious variety, witii large scalloped leaves. — H. W. S. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 193 many miles about that country under a continual arbcr 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 imported into this country in greal quantities ; and as they are chiefly brought from Spain and the Madeiras, they are liere 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 (/. 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. reseiribles 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 il is well worthy of a place for the excellence of its fruit.* The Hickory Tree. Carya. Nat. Ord. Juglandaceae. lAn. Syst. Monoecia, Polyandria. The hickories are fine and lofty North American trees, highly valuable for their wood, and the excellent fruit borne by some of the species. The timber is extremely elastic, and very heavy, possessing great strength and tenacity. It is not 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 wooden rings used upon the rigging of vessels, whip-handles, and axe- * Loudon errs greatly in his Arboretum, in supposing the butternut to he identical with the Black, walnut : no trees in the whole American fofest are more easily, distmguished at first sight. He also states the fruit to be rancid and of little value ; but no .\merican lad of a dozen j'ears will accord with him in this opin on. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 1-<=cker and yellowish, while that of the latter is white. It is but little known except west of the Alleghanies. The Mockernut hickory {G. 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 ((7 amara), sometimes called the White hickory, grows 60 feet high in New Jersey. The husk which covers the nut of this species, has four winged appendages on its upper half, and never hardens like the other sorts, but becomes soft and decays. The shell is thin, but the kernel is so bitter that even the squirrels refuse to eat it. The Water Bitternut (C aquatica) is a very 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. The Mountain Ash Tree. Pyrus* IVoi. Ord. Rosaceas. Lin. Sijst. Icosandria, Di-Pentagyma. The European Mountain ash {Pyrus aucuparia) is an elegant tree of the medium size, with an erect stem, * Sorhus of the old Botanists. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. IQQ smooth bark, and round head. The leaves are pinnated, four or five inches in length, and slightly resemble those of the ash. The snow-white flowers are produced in large flat clusters, in the month of May, which are thickly scattered over the outer surface of the tree, and give it a lively appearance. These are succeeded by numerous bunches of berries, which in autumn turn to a brilliant scarlet, and are then highly ornamental. For the sake of these berries, this tree is a great favorite with birds ; and in Germany it is called the Vogel Beerhaum, i. e. bird's berry tree, and is much used by bird catchers to bait their springs with. Twenty-five feet is about the average height of the 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 35 or 40 feet. The lower classes throughout the whole of Britain, for a long time attributed to its branches the power of being a sovereign charm against witc.Vs ; and Sir Thomas Lauder informs us that this super^'tition is still in existence in many parts of the High- lands, as well as in Wales. It is probable that this tree was a gro-rtt 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 evil spirits ; and this property is alluded to in one of the stanzas of a very ancient song, called the Laidley Worm of Spin- dlcton's Ileughs. ' Their spells were vain ; the boys retum'd To the Queen in sorrowful mood, Crying that " witches have no power Where there is rowan-tree wood f " 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, hastilj 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 t.rees. 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 moimtain covered with dark pines and waving birch, which cast a solemn gloom on the lake below, a few Mountain ashes joining in a clump and mixing with them, have a fine effect. In summer the light green tint of their foliage, and in autumn the glowing berries which hang clustering upon them, contrast beautifully with the deeper green of the pines : and if they are happily blended, and not in too large a proportion, they add some of the most picturesque furni- * Arboretum et Fnticetum, 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 OARDENING. aigh, 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 sligljt 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. The Ail.vntus Tree. Ailantus. Nat. Ord. Xanthoxylaoece. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Monoeeia. 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 BECIDUOUS 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 to cabinet work ; for which, from its close grain and bright satin-like lustre, it is well adapted.* The male and female flowers are borne on separate trees, and both sexes are now common, especially in New York. The male forms the finer ornamental tree, the female being rather low, and spreading in its head. In New York and Philadelphia, the Ailantus is more ' 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 Society d'Horticulture. 204 LANDSCAPE GARDEMNG. The largest Ailantus trees jn 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.* The Kentucky Coffee Tree. Gymnocladus. J^at. Ord. LeguminosaB. 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 ook almost too heavy, were it not lightened in effect by * Wc tliink putlio opinion has very nQuoh changed about this tree, since the early editions of tins 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 b? now supplied by a much more effective tree, from the same coun- try (Japan) : the Paulowma — 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 dioecious, it is necessary that both sexes of this tree should be growing near each other, m 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 07 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 certainly 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 Ihe 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.* [Fig. 83. 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 fije specimens upon the lawn at Dr. Hosack's seat [lydo Park, N. Y., which have fruited for a number of years. See Fig. 33. DECIDUOUS OBNAMENTAL TREES. 207 The Willow Tree. Salix. Nat. Ord. Salicaceas. Lin. Syst. Dicecia, Diandria. A very large genus, comprising plants of almost every stature, from minute shrubs of three or four inches in height, to lofty and wide-spreading trees of fifty or sixty feet.* 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 peculiar character, deserve especial notice. These are the Weep- ing, or Babylonian willow (Salix Babyhnica), the White, or Huntington willow {S. 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, eithel indifrenous 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 trees, 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 incline sur la rive penchante, Balan9ant raoUement sa tete blanchissante." In the middle distance of a scene, also, where a stream winds partially hidden, or which might otherwise wholly escape the eye, these trees, if planted along its course, 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." Cowter. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 209 There, when properly introduced, not in too gieat 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 01 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 a ring 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 it is extensively cultivated in coppices, for timber and fuel, U •JIO LANDSCAPE GARDENING. for hoops, lies, 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 low lands. " Ropes and baskets made from willow twigs, were probably among the very earliest manufactures, in countries where these trees abound. The Romans used the twigs for binding their vines, and tying their reeds in bundles, and made all sorts of baskets of them. A crop of willows was consi- dered so valuable in the time of -Cato, that he ranks the S-alictum, 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. gj 1 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. The Sassafras 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 greatlv 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, g»ey 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. The Catalfa Tree. Catalpa. Nat. Ord. BignoniaceiE. Lin. Syst. Diandria, Mouogynia. A native of nearly all the states south and west of 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 a very pleasing effect. The branches are rather brittle, like those of the locust, and are therefore somewhat liable to be broken by the wind. Accustomed to a warmer climate, the leaves 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 m 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 efiects 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.* The Peesimon Tree. Diospyros. Nat. Ord. Ebenaoeae. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Dicecia. 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, lungei, C. Tcomferi, and C. hvmmalayensis — 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 veiy 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. Yirginiana) grows readily from the seed. There is an European Species (Dyosporus Lotus), with yellow fr.uit 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. The Pepeuidge Tkee. Nyssa. Nat. Old. SantalaceEE. Lin. Syst. Polygamia, Dioecia. The Peperidge, Tupelo, or sour gum tree, as it is callea in various parts of the Union, grows to a moderate size, and is generally found in moist situations, though we have seen it in New York State, thriving very well in dry upland soils. The diameter of the trunk is seldom more than eighteen inches, and the general height is about forty or fifty feet. The flowers are scarcely perceptible, but the fruit borne in pairs, is about the size of a pea, deep blue, and ripens in October. The leaves are oval, smooth, and have a beautiful gloss on their upper surface. The branches diverge from the main trunk almost horizontally, and sometimes even bend 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. Syloalicd), DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TEEES. 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 (ree of the largest size, with large, coarsely toothed foliage, and a large blue fruit, three-fourths of an inch long, which is sometimes called the wild olive ; and the sour Tupelo (N. capitatd), 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 autuinnal 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 t^arly autumn. 218 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. The Thokn Tree. Crategus. Nat. Ord. Rosaceae. Lin. Syst. Icosandria, Di-pentagyniai 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 oxycantha), 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 coccined), and its varieties, the Washington Thorn (C populifolia), and the Cockspur Thorn (C crus-galli) ; all of which, in good soil, will grow to the height of twenty or thirty feet, and can readily be transplanted from their native sites. .The English Hawthorn is not only a beautiful small tree, but it is connected in our minds with all the elegant, DECIDUOUS OENAMKNTAL TKEES. 219 poetic, and legendary associations which belong to it in England ; for scarcely any tree is richer in such than this. With the floral games of May, this plant, from its blooming at that period, and being the 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 Hawthorne tree. Which finely cloathed in a robe of white, Fills fiiD the wanton eye with May's delight. Court of Love. And Herrich has left us the following lines to " Corrina going a Maying :" " Come, my Corrina, come ; and coming marke How eche field turns a street, eohe street a park Made green, and trimmed with trees ; see how Devotion gives eche house a bough Or branch ; eche porch, eche doore ere this, An arke, a tabernacle is, Made up of Hawthorne, neatly interwove, As if here were those cooler shades of love." The following lines descriptive of the English species, we extract from the "Romance of Nature." " Come let us rest this hawthorn tree beneath, And breathe its luscious fragrance aa it flies. 220 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. And watcli 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. The Magnolia Tree. Magnolia. Nat. Ord. Magnoliaoeae. Lin. Syst. Polyandria, Polygynia. 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 TEEES. 221 the size and fragrance of their blossoms, or the beauty of their large and noble foliage, we may be allowed to doubl 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. grandijlora), 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 iii 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 origmal 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 elevatiorf, 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 tkree 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 broad, 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 country bordering on the Alleghanies, says Michaux, gather these cones about midsummer, when they are half ripe, and steep them in whiskey ; the liquor produced, they take as an antidote against the fevers prevalent in those districts The Umbrella Magnolia (M. tripetald), though found DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 223 voinetimes 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. Prom 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 m North Carolina. The leaves grow to an enormous size when the tree is young, often measuring three feet long, and nine or ten inches broad. They are oblong, oval, and heart-shaped at the base. The flowers are also immense, opening of the size of a hat-crown, and diflTusing 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. glaucd), 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 {M. 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. The White-wood, or Tulip Tree. Liriodendron. Nat. Ord. Magnoliaceae. Lin. &jst. 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 a cone. It is remarkable that young trees under 30 or 35 feet high, seldom or never perfect their seeds. Whoever has once seen the Tulip tree in a situation where the soil was 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 ORNAMENTAI, 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. PlCEERIjra. 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. 22S LANDSCAPE GARDENING. This tree was introduced into England about 1608 : and IS now to be found in almost every gentleman's park on Ihfi 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 a^ 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 TREE3. 229 The Dogwood Tree. Cornus. ^at. Ord. ComaoeEB. Lin.Syst. Tetrandria, Monogynia. There are a number of small shrubs that belong to this genus, but the common Dogwood (Cornus •fioridd) is the only species which has any claims to rank as a tree. In the middle states, where it abounds, as well as in most other parts of the Union, the maximum height is thirty- five feet, while its ordinary elevation is about twenty feet. The Dogwood is quite 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 involucrum, which produces all the eflfect 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 GARJENiNO, 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 OKNAMENTAL TREES. 231 yellow flowers come out close to the branches in Maich 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.* The Salisbueia, oe Ginko Tkee. Nat. Ord. Taxaoese. Lin. Syst. Monoecin, 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, i.s almost always to be seen for sale in the markets of China * {Gwnusvariegaia), the Variegated Dogwood, with leaves ourioitslyblotclicd witli wliite, and (C. sanffumea), with its young slioots of a bright scarlet— very showy in Winter, are both very desirable varieties.— II. W. S. 232 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. and Japan, the native country of this tree. They are eaten after hping been roasted or boiled, and are considered excellent. The Salisburia was introduced into this country by thai 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 TREE3. 233 near a Pagoda, an immense Ginko tree, with a trunk nearly iorty feet in circumference, and still in full vigor of vegetation.* Although nearly related to the Pine tribe, and forming, apparently, the connecting link between the conifercB 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. Salishuria 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, de la Soc. d'Agr. du depart de J'Herault. Arb. Brit. 234 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. The American CrpEESs Tree, raxodium. . Nat. Ord. Coniferas. Lin. Syst. Monceoia, Monadeliiliia. The Southern or Deciduous cypress {Taxodium disti- chum)* is one of the most majestic, useful, and beautiful trees of the southern part of North America. Naturally, it is not found growing north of Maryland, or the south part of Delaware, but below that boundary it becomes extremely multiplied. The low grounds and alluvial soils subject to inundations, are constantly covered with this tree ; and on the banks of the Mississippi and other great western rivers, for more than 600 miles from its mouth, those vast marshes, caused by the periodical bursting and overflowing of their banks, are filled with huge and almost endless growths of this tree, called Cypress swamps. Beyond the boundaries of the United States its geographical range extends to Mexico ; and Michaux estimates that it is found more or less abundantly, over a range of country more than 3000 miles in extent. " In the swamps of the southern states and the Floridas, on whose deep, miry soil a new layer of vegetable mould is deposited every year by the floods, the Cypress attains its utmost development. The largest stocks are 120 feet in height, and from 25 to 40 feet in circumference above the conical base, which at the surface of the earth is always three or four times as large as the continued diameter of the trunk ; in felling them, the negroes are obliged to raise themselves upon sccifiblds five or six feet from the ground The roots of the largest stocks, particularly of such as are * Cupressus disticha. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 23.") 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. 236 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. causes it to be neglected or disregarded as such, its rarity here allows us fully to appreciate its beauty. ' North of the 43° of latitude it will not probably stand the winter without protection ; but south of that, it will attain a good size. The finest planted specimen which we havre 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 fathei 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 a resemblance to the Hemlock, Yew, and other evergreen trees, its cheerful, bright green tint, and loose airy tufts of foliage, give it a character of great lightness and elegance. In young trees, the form of the head is pyramidal or pointed ; but when they become old, Michaux remarks, the head becomes widely spread, and even depressed, thus assuming a remarkably picturesque aspect. This is also DECIDUOUS ORXAMENTAL 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 foliagei 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 Pino 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." Bp. Hat.i- The Larch Tree. Larix. Nat. Ord. Coniferee. Lin. Syst. Moncecia, MonadelpWa. 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, [n 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. 36. 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 surroundmg 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 ti'ee ; 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 frees. DECIDUOUS OKNAMENTAL TREES. 24' The Larch is the great timber tree of Europe. Its wood is remarliably heavy, strong, and durable, exceeding in all those qualities the best English oak. To these, it is said tc add the peculiarity of being almost uninflammable, and resisting the influence of heat for a long time. Vitruvius relates that when Caesar attacked the castle of Larignum, near the Alps, whose gate was commanded by a tower built of this wood, from the top of which the besieged annoyd him with their stones and darts, he commanded his army to surround it with fagots, and set fire to tlje whole. When, however, all the former were consumed, he was astonished to find the Larch tower uninjured.* The Larch is unquestionably the most enduring timber tnat we have. It is remarkable, that whilst the red wood or heart wood is not formed at all in the other resinous tiees, till they have lived for a good many years, the Larch, on the contrary, begins to make it soon after it is planted ; and \Vhile 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 fuidmg 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 iralue of the Larch as a timber tree, several experiments w ure made in the river Thames. Posts of equal thickness and strength, some of Larch and others of oak, were driven down facing the river wall, where they were alternately covered with water by the effect of the tide, and then left dry by its fall. This species of alternation is the most trying of all circumstances for the endurance of timber; and accordingly the oaken posts decayed, ana •were twice renewed in the course of a very few years, * Newton's VltruTius, p. 40. 16 i;42 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. while those that were made of the Larch remained altogether unchanged. Besides the foregoing species {Larix Europed)*\ve. 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 {Larix pendula) the Weeping Larch, differing from our {Pendula Americana) American Weeping Larch, and mucli more extraordinary. When worked ten or fifteen feet higli, the inclination of tlie branches and spray is immediately downward, and wlien gently swayed by th3 wind, it is excessively graceful and pretty. AVe do not know a more di^tinctive and striking tree, or one more rare. It seems difficult to transplant— at leas-t this is our experience — and it can only be increased by grafting by approach. Kurjerymen are apt to work it too low ; it should never be grafted at a less distance than ten to twelve feet - -and for some years, it should be supported by a stout stake, as the tree is apt Id be top-heavy. This curious variety was found accidentally, if we remember right, some ten to fifteen years since, in a nursery near Hereford, Eiigland, by a Mr. GiOdsall, and is known in English nurseries as Larix communis pendula Gndsalii. Larix Ginffithii, the Silckin Larch, and Aiies Iccemferi (though at present classed as an Abies^ we believe may prove to be Larch), are two very new varieties, tooi'Xpensivi- ;it present to be generally introduced. A Kcemferi^ known also as the Golden Pine of China, is very highly extolled for its beuitti- ful green in Summer, and frclden clrir in Aiilnmn nr Winter. — IT. W. S. DECIDUOUS ORffAMENTAL TKEES. 243 In the uppei; 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. The Viegilia Teee. Virgilia* Nat. Ord. Leguminaceffl. Lin. Sysi. 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 bi oad, 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 vi'hole 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- fusel v. DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 245 The Paulownia Tree. Paulownia. Nat. Ord. Sorophulariaceas. JLin. Syst. The Paulownia is an entirely new ornamental tree, ver} 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 be worthy of a prominent place in every arrangement of choice ornamental trees. * We doubt if this tree proves quite as hardy as Mr. Downing 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. — II. W. S. •Ziti LANDSCAPE GAKDENIWO SECTION V. EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. I he History and Description of all the finest Hardy Evergreen Trees. Bema.rks on THGIK EFFECTS in LANDSCAPE GaUDENINQ, INDIVIDUALLY AND IN CoMrOSITIOS. Their Cultivation, etc. The Pines. The Firs. The Cedar of Lebanon, and the Deodar Cedar. The Red Cedar. The Arbor Viti. 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 foHage sigh. Bkyant The Pine Tree. Pi Nat. Ord. Coniferse. Lin. Syst. Monceoia, Monadelphia. ==' H E Pines compose by far the most important genus of evergreen trees. In either continent they form the 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.f The Pines are, most of them, trees of considerable magnitude and lofty growth, varying from 40 to 1 50 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 t.he * Edinburgh Phi]. Journ. t Proc. Geological Soc. Lend. Arb. Bril. 248 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. various shapes of tar, pitch, rosin, turpentine, balsam, etc a considerable article of trade and export. As ornamental trees, the Pines are peculiarly valuable for 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. strohus), 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 with a majestic and stately shaft, studded every six or eight feet with horizontal tiers of branches and foliage. The hue of the leaves is much paler and less sombre than that of the other native sorts ; and 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, psetically thought to give out rather a melancholy sound : — " The pines of Moenalus were heard to mourn. And sounds of woe along the grove wore borne," EVEKGEEEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 249 says Virgil, speaking of the European Pine. But the murnmr 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 form entire. 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, bat becomes cracked and rough, like that of the otliei 200 LANDSCAPE GARDEfflNG. Pines, when they grow old, ahhough 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. 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 — 2C. BVEKGREEN OKNAMENTAL TREES. 251 whence it is sometimes called the Spruce Pine. The term iTellow 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 gi'een. The cones are pyramidal, from one to three inches long, and armed with short spines. The bark of this kind of Pine is remarkably rough, black, and furrowed, even upon young trees ; and the wood is filled with resinous sap, from which pitch and tar are copiously supplied. The trees grow in various parts of the country, both on the most meagre soils and in moist 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) is a dwarfish species, often called the Scrub Pine, which seldom grows more than 25 feet high. There are some splendid species that are Confined to the southern states, where they grow in great luxuriance. Among the most interesting of these is the Long-leaved Pine (P. 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. Tada) 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 EVEKGKEEN OKNAMENTAL 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 nohilis, 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. syliiestris), 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 tJierefore 254 LANDSCAPE GAEDENING. valuable in new places. The Stone Pine (P. pinea) is a native of the South of Europe, where it is decidedly the most picturesque evergreen tree of that continent. It belongs peculiarly to Italy, and its " vast canopy, supported on a 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 mark the Stone Pine ; while its thickly massed foliage, clustering cones, and rough bark, render it distinct and ' strikingly interesting. The Corsican Pine (P laricid) 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 cemhra 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 m 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 Yellovk^ 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 fuel consumed by the great number of steamboats employed in navigating our numerous inland rivers. The Long- leaved Pine is the great timber tree of the southern states ; and when we take into account all its various products, we must admit it to be the .most valuable tree of the whole family. The consumption of the wood of this tree in build- mg, 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 boxe^ 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 of them to England alone amounted to nearly $800,000 in that single year. 256 LANDSCAl E OAIIDENINR. The Fie Teees. Abies. yai , Ord. Coniferae. Lin. Syst. Monoecia, Monarielpliia. 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 plantation? owe their beauty in most cases more to their symmetrical regularity of growth than to picturesque expression. The Balsam, or Balm of Gilead Fir (^4." bahamea), 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 Fi- ar. The Silver Fir, at Ihe n-siL^nf, „r Dr. Johnson, Oermantown, Pa Ag:u 57 years, height 100 feet. EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 257 display the same symmetiy 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 sonietimes 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. communis]) 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 c(jlder parts of Europe, and consequently orrows 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 gileadensia. t Ahiea excelsa. n 258 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. beautifully pendent, and greatly increase the beautj of an old tree of this kind. The Norway Spruce is the great tree of the Alps ; and as a park tree, to stand alone, we scarcely know a more 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, Mame, New Hampshire, as well as New Bruns- wick and Lower Canada. The leaves are quite 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 vailue 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 OENAMENTAL TREES. 2o9 is of a light bluish green tint. The cones are also mwcn larger on the White Spruce tree. The Hemlock Spruce, or, as*it is more commonly called, ihe 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 humia 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 rov/s 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 GAEDENXNG. Sometimes it grows up in a thicic, 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 leer 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 thp 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 v^ith 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 neacly 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 tlie more hardy and vigorous sorts. •262 LANDSCAPE GARDENINB. The Cedar op Lebanon Tree. Cedrus Nat. Ord. Coniferae. Lin.. Syst. Moncecia, Monadelphia The Cedar of Lebanon is universally admitted bj European authors to be the noblest evergreen tree of the old vsrorld. 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, ^nd 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 Fii;. :',S.— C'niAi! .iF LEriAxoN. ril Woo.llrnvn. iirai- Prinreloii. S. J. Tfrislil. .■;': I EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 263 the chestnut trees like his branches, nor any tree in the garden of God hke 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 grovsm, 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 nov(^ grov^ing 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. 1801. 1820. 1825. 1833. First Cedar, Second do. Third do. ft. in. 10 8 6 7 10 ft. in. 13 IJ 10 9i 9 9i ft. in. 14 11 4 10 8 ft. in. 15 1 12 3 11 6 Increase in 32 years. ft. 5 3 3 A Chestnut measured at the same periods, only increased 2 Ezekiel xxxi. 264 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. From the above table, it will be seen how congenial even the cold climate of Scotland is to the grow^th of this tree. Indeed in its native soils, the tops of the surrounding hills are almost perpetually covered vsrith 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 ^vhen 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 bave 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 TRE.33. 265 one of the fastest growing timber trees, as we have already noticed. The Deodara, or Indian Cedar {Gedrus 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 appeal 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. The Red Cedak Tree. Juniperus. Nat. Ord. Coniferae. 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 Cedar is about 40 feet in height, and little more than a foot in diameter. The leaves are very small, composed of minute scales, and lie pretty close to the branches. Small blue berries, borne thickly upon the branches of the female trees in autumn and winter, contain the seeds. These are covered with a whitish exudation, and are sometimes used, like those of the foreign juniper, in the manufacture of gin. The Red Cedar has less to recommend it to the eye than most of the evergreens which we have already described. The 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 'ndeed a picturesque tree. Then its branches shooting out ■ EVEKGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 267 in a horizontal direction, clad with looser and more pendeni 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. The Akbor Vitte Tree. Thuja. Nat. Ord. Coniferae. Lin. Syst. Monosoia, Monadelphia. The Arbor Vitee (Thuja occidentalis), sometimes also called Flat Cedar, or White Cedar, is distinguished from 268 LANDSCAPE GAEDENING. most evergreens by its flat foliage, composed of a great number of scales closely imbricated, or overlaying each other, which give the vsrhole 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 Vitas, 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 virinter 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 Vitee 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 Vitse, 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 Vitee {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 Vitse, is a much loftiei • 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 Vitae, 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." The American Holly Tree. Ilex. Nat. Ord. Aquifoliacese. Lin. Syst. Diceoia, 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 oh for a long 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 (Ilex opaca), which indeed very closely resembles the foreign species in almost every particular. The leaves are waved or irregular, in surface and outline, though not so much so as those of the latter, and their 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 briUiant 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 wu 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 27'2 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 ilium nemo impune lacessit.' " The Yew Tree. Taxus. Nat. Ord. Taxaceae. Lin. Syst. Monoeoia, 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 EVERCKEEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 273 oerries 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. In twenty years, says Loudon, it will attain the height of fifteen or eighteen feet, and it will continue growing for one hundred years ; after which it becomes comparatively stationary, but will live many centuries. When young, the Yew is rather compact and bushy in its form ; but as it grows old, the foliage spreads out in fine horizontal masses, the outline of the tree is irregularly varied, and the whole ultimately becomes highly venerable and 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. [Fig. S9. The English Yew.J In England, it has been customarj^ 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, as the Cypress is in the south • 18 274 LANDSCAl-E GAEDENIAG. of Europe. For the decoration of places of burial it is wel 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. b. fastigiata), remarkable for its dark green foliage, and very handsome, upright growth, and the Yellow berried Yew (T. b.fructo-fiava), 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 iTom Canada to Virsinia VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 275 SECTION VI. VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. Valne of this kind of Vegetation. Fine natural effects. The European Ivy. 'Tb'' Virginia Creeper. The Wild Grape Vine. The Bittersweet. The Trumpet Creeper. The Pipe Vine, and the Clematis. The Wistarias. The Honeysuckles and Wooil- bines. The Jasmine and the Periploca. Remarks on the proper mode of introdncin; vines. Beautiful effects of climbing plants in connexion with buildings. Quite over-canopied with lush woodbine. With sweet musk roses, and with eglantine. Shaesfeabe. I N E S 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 luxuria'nt 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- suie-ground. 276 LANDSCAPE GAEDENINO. Climbing plants may be classed among the' adventitious heauties of trees. Who has noX 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 und pliant shoots and rich foliage of some beautiful vine, rlothing even its decayed limbs with verdure, and hanging down in gay festoons or loose negligent masses, waving to and fro in the air. The European Ivy {Hedera Helix) is certainly one of the finest, if not the very finest climbing plant (or more properly, creeping vine, for by means of its little fibres or rootlets on the stems, it will attach itself to trees, walks, or any other substance), with which we are acquainted. It possesses not only very fine dark green palmated foliage in great abundance, but the foliage has that agreeable property of being evergreen, — which, while it enhances its value tenfold, is at the same time so rare among vines. The yellow flowers of the Ivy are great 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 enfolJ With her lythe twigs, till they the top survew. And paint with pallid green hor buds of gold." VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 277 The fine contrasts between the dark coloring ot 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 wiiich 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 (ire In the American forests nothing adds more to the beauty of an occasional tree, than the tall canopy of verdure with which it is often crowned by the wild Grape vine. There its tall stems wind themselves about until they reach the very summit of the tree, where they cluster it over, and bask their broad bright green foliage in the sunbeams. As if not content with this, they often completely overhang the liead of the tree, falling like ample 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 GAKDENING. scandens) is another well known climber, which 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 chmbs 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 Birthvvort (Aristohchia sipho). It is a native of the Alleghany moun tains, and is one of the tallest of twining plants, growing on the trees there to the height of 90 or 100 feet, though in gardens it is often kept down to a frame of four or five feet high. The leaves are of a noble size, being eight or nine inches broad, and heart-shaped in outline. The VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 281 t 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, a very 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. Afisto- 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 (G. vilicella 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 fiammula and C. jiorida), the former very fragrant, and the latter beautiful, are perhaps too 282 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. V tender, except for the garden, where they are highly prized. The Glycine or Wistaria (Wistaria puhescens) is a very beautiful climbing plant, and adds much to the gracefulness of trees, when trained so as to hang from .heir 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 (TF. 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 plant within her reach. Rough Elm, or smooth-grained Ash, or glossy Beech, In spiral rings ascends the trunk, and lays Her golden taisels on the leafy sprays." COWPES. • Woodbind is the original name, derived from the habit of the plant oi winding itself around trees, and binding the branches together. ^ VINES AND CLIMBING PLANTS. 283 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. jlavd), 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. puhescens), 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. jlexuosa) 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 summit 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 sterr. of the old forest tree, where — " With clasping tendrils it invests the branch, Else unadom'd, with many agay festoon. And iragrant chaplet ; recompensing well The strength it borrows with the grace it lends." There it difiuses 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 garden. At the south, where they are quite hardy, they are, however, most luxuriant and splendid objects. But there are two classes of Roses that are perfectly hardy climbers, and may therefore be employed with great advantage by the Landscape 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 Prairies, 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 European 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 GAKDENING. 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 ia 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 ounging about in idle and useless dissipation. TREATMENT OP QROUNU. FOUMATION OF WALKS. 287 SECTION VII. TREATMENT OF GROUND. FORMATION OF WALKd. Nature of operations oa Ground, Treatment of ilowing and irregular surfaces tn heighten their expression ; flats, or level surfaces. Rocks, as materials in Landscape. Laying out Roads and Walks : Birections for the Approach : Rules by Repton, The Drive, and minor walks. The introduction of fences and verdant hedges " Strength may wield the ponderoiis spade. May turn the clod and wheel the compost home ; But elegance, cliief grace the garden shows. And most attractive, is the fair result Of thought, the creature of a polished mind." CoWPER. ROUND is undoubtedly the most un- wieldy and ponderous material that comes under the care of the Landscape Gardener. It is not only difficult to remove, the operations of the leveller rarely extending below two or three feet of the 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. , Roads and walks are so directly connected with opera- tions on the surface of the ground, and with the disposition of plantations, which we have already made familiar to the reader, that we shall introduce in this place a few remarks relative to their direction and formation. 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 ^ront 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, displaying nor TilKATJiENT OF GROUND. FOEMATION OF WALKS. 289 < nxly the beauty of the architectural fa^sade but also one of the end elevations, thus giving a more complete idea of :iie size, character, or elegance of the building : and instead of leading in a direct line from the gate to the house, it curves in easy lines through certain portions of the park or lawn, until it reaches that object. If the point where the Approach is to start from the 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 witfiout some reason, either real or apparent. 19 290 LANDSCAPE GAKUENING. The most natural method of forming a winding Approach where the ground is gently.undulating, is to follow, in sonic degree, the depressions of surface, and to curve round the eminences. This is an excellent method, so long as it does not lead us in too circuitous a direction, nor, as we before hinted, make the road itself too uneven. When either of these 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 Iiouse, 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. Wherevei 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 Jirst TREATMENT OF GROUND. FORMATION OF WALKS. 291 view of the house shall be obtained. If seen at too great a distance, as in the case of a large estate, it may appeai 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 tc 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 jiossible, it ought artificially to be made to appear so. Thirdly. The artificial obstacles which make this road tlie 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 flie river. When a building is so situated, much the most * Repton's Inquiry into the Changes of Taste in Landscape Gardening, p. 109. TREA MENT OP GROUND. FORMATION OP WALKS. 293 elegant effect is produced by having two fronts : one, the entrance front, with the porch or portico nearest the road, and the other, the riverfront, facing the water. The beauty v)f the whole is often surpriisingly enhanced by this arrange- ment, for the visitor, after passing by the Approach through a considerable portion of I he grounds, with perhaps but shght 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 j)eautiful 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 tlie 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 pubhc 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 rivei, 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 i( 294 LANDSCAPE GAKDENING. leaves tlie 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 Drive-3, but are much more common, and may be introduced 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 summer. 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 tc 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, ai TREATMENr OF GKOUND. FORMATION OF WALKS. ayS 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. But 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 Dean 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 Vitcs (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 midsummei 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 Ensr'and, the Buckthorn is preferred from its rapid and luxuriant TREATMENT OF GROUND. FORMATION OF WALKS. 297 i^rowth ;* and in the middle states, the Madura, or Osage Orange, 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 wrouglit 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 Buckthorn is perhapa the best plant where a thick screen is verj i-jieedily 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 GAEDENING. The sunken fence, fosse, or ha-ha, is an English in- vention, used in separating that portion of the lawn near 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, c its importance even recognised as yet among us. THEATiVIENT OF WATER. ggg SECTION VIII. TREATMENT OF WATER. BeauUful effects of this element in nature. In what cases it is desirable to attempt the formation of artillcial 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 shagg'd with mossy rocks. Whence on each hand the gushing waters play. And down the rough cascade white-dashing fall, Or gleam in lengthened vista through the trees. Teomsom. w* ^ "'"■"' ■ 4- H E 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 almosl 300 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. magical effect in a beautiful landscape. The murmur ol 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 thu 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 be considered perfectly complete without either a water view or water upon its own grounds, wherever it does not so exist and can be easily formed by artificial means, no man will neglect to take advantage of so fine a source of embellishment as is this element in some of its varied forms. " Fleuves, ruisseaux, beaux lacs, claires fontaines, Venez, portez partout la vie et la fraicheur? Ah ! qui peut remplacer votre aspect enchanteur ? De pres il nous amuse, et de loin nous invite : C'est le premier qu'on cherche, et le dernier qu'on quitte. Vous fecondez les champs ; vous rep^tez les cieux ; Vous enchantez Toreille, 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 watei TREATMENT OF WATEK. 301 at great cost and extreme labor, would be considered both absurd and uncalled for. Indeed, when nature has so abundantly spread before us such an endless variety of superb lakes, rivers, and streams of every size and descrip- tion, the efforts of man to rival her great works by mere imitation, would, in most cases, only become ludicrous by contrast. When, however, a number of perpetual springs clustei 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 witli 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 ihese 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 disj)layed 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 in 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 upon wliicli nature displays this fine elemeni 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 En?iand would be t'hought a charming lake, is here simply a pond. Th3 term may be equally correct, but it is by no means as elegant. TREATMENT OF WATilR. 303 height of the head and consequent depth of water deter- mined upon, is the proposed /or?n 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 ">A"ill accurately note in his mind all these varied forms — their separate outlines, the way in which they blend into one 304 I.ANnSCAPE GARDENING. anothei, 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 ;he 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 banss 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 by digging. In order to do this with any exactness the TREATMENT OF WATER. 305 improver should take his stand at that part cf the g.ound 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 thei'e, 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 sho'vyn 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 irregujar and abrupt variations will be found most suitable and appropriate. The intended water outline once fully traced and under- stood, the v/orkmen 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, and at others perhaps three, four, 20 306 LAN;>o>i:\Pa GAUUEiMNG. or six times as n,uch. This they will do, not in the same manner in all portions of the outline, sloping away with a like gradual i-ise on both sides, for this would inevitably produce tameacss and monotony, but in an irregular and varied manner; sometimes falling back grtidually, some- times starting up perpendicularly, and again overhanging the bed -cf the lake itself. All this can be easily efTected while the excavations of those portions of the bed which require deepening are going on. And the better portions of the soil obtained from the latter, will serve to raise the banks when they are too low. It is of but little consequence how roughly and irregularly the projections, elevations, etc, of the banks and outlines are at first made, so that some general form and 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 to operate in any othei way than in i-egular 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 TEEATMENT OF WATEE. S07 from one, and seldom from more than two sides. "When a lake is viewed from above, its contour should be studied as a whole; but when it is only seen from one (fr more sides or points, the beauty of the coup d'osil 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 from either extremity, its apparent breadth and extent is much increased ; while, if the spectator be placed on one side and look across, it will seem narrow and insignificant. Now, although the form of an artificial lake of moderate size should never be much less in breadth than in length, yet the contrary is sometimes unavoidably the case ; and being so, we should by all means avail 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 morceaux of natural banks, he should go a step further in arranging his materials before he inti'oduces the water, or clothes the margin with vegetation. In analysing the finest poitions 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. Ali these have much to do with the expression of a truly pic- 308 LANDSCAPE GAEDENING. turesque bank, and cannot be excluded or taken away from it without detracting largely from its character. There is no rea»;on, therefore, in an imitation of nature, why we should not make use of all her materialsto produce a similar eflPect ; and although in the raw and rude state of the banks at first, they may have a singular and rather outr& 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 requiics 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 into 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 pi'oper 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 diflferent heights and sizes, and underwood and shrubs of lower growth, disposed sometitnes 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 diflferent 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 diflferent 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 VVATEK. 31] produce bieadth of effect and strong ricli ciuilrasts, that Ufiderwood 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 OUT 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 thbir 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 {Lysaniachia 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 312 LANDSCArE 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 bits of fine landscape. A more striking 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 raxe foreign shrubs, vines, and aquatic plants of hardy growth, suitable for such situations. While these are arr.anged 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 oflT gently with a gravelly beach, and there rise abruptly in different heights, abounding with hollows, projections, and eminences, show- ing various colored locks 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-beania TREATMENT OP 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 indication in the grounds through which it is proposed to divert it — as a succession of hollows, etc., to forni 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 slones, branches, etc., or hollowing away the * The Abbe Delille has given us a fine image of a brook thus divided, it the i'ollowing lines : — " Plus loin, il se separe en deux ruisseaux agiles, Qui, se suivant I'un I'autre avec rapidite, Disputent do vitesse et de limpidite ; Puis, rojoignant tons deux le lit qui les rassemblo, Murmurent enchantes de voyager ensemble. Ainsi, toujours errant de detour en detour, Muet, bruyant, paisible, inquiet tour a tour. Sous mille aspects divers son cours se renouvelle " 314 LANDSCAPE GAKDENING. adjoining bank for a short distance, fine little expanses or pools of still water may be formed, which are happily ro'i- trasted with the more rugged course of the rest of tl'.e 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 and rivulets. Whatever may be their size they are always greatly admired, and in no way is the peculiar stillness of the air, peculiar to the country, more pleasingly broken, than by the melody of falling wa'e . 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. f Now any one who examines a small cascade at all attentively, in a natural brook, will see that it is often formed in the simplest manner by the interposition of a few large projecting stones, which partially dam up the current and prevent the ready flow of the water. Such little cas- cades are easily imitated, by following exactly the same * The most successful improvement of a natural brook that we have evei 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 mile of the course of this stream, its pretty cascades, rustic bridges, rockwork. etc., reflect the highest credit on the taste of that gentleman. t The fine stream which forms the south boundary of Blithewood, on the Hudson, the seat of R. Donaldson, Esq., affords two of the fine,-t natural cata- racts that we have seen in the grounds of any private residence. Fig. 41 is a view of the larger cascade which falls about 60 feet over a bold, rocky bed. TUEATMENT OP WATER. oIS 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 diflferent growths, and arranging them as we have directed for the margins * It 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 GAKDENING. of lakes and ponds. In some places where easy, beau'tifu/ 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 OP WATER. 317 pUces. But in the grounds of a residence in the modern style, nature, if possible, still more purified, as in the great chefs-d'oeuvre of art, by an ideal 'standard, should be the great aim of the Landscape Gardener. And with watei 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: " l'aHTE CHE TUTTO i'A, NULLA 81 SCOrKE.'' 318 LANDSCAPE CrARDENIN^O SECTION IX. LANDSCAPE OR RURAL ARCHITECTURE. Difference between a city and a country liouse. The characteristic features nf a counlr>' house. Examination of tJie leading principles in Rural Architecture. The different styles. The Grecian style, its nierils »m\ defects, and itsassociutions. The Roman and Italian styles. The Eointert or (lothic style. The Tudor Mansion. The English Ciillrtgo, or Rnral Gothic style. These stjies considered in relation to sitaation oi "ifenery. Individual tastes. Enirance 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." R C H I T E C T U 11 E , either practically considered or viewed as an art of taste, is a subject so important and comprehensive in itself, that volumes vs^ould 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 : exceptint' RUKAL AKCHITECTUKB. 319 only those wandering sons of Ishmael, who pitch their ten's with the same indifference, and as little desire to remain fixed, in the flowery plains of Persia, as in the sa;idv deserts of Zahara or Arabia. In a city or town, or in its immediate vicinity, where sjsce is limited, where buildings stand crowded together, anil 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 facade, 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 are highly elegant and beautiful. But how shall we designate that singular perversity of taste, or rather that total want of it, which prompts the man, who, under the name of 3 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 leauty must be considei'ed conjointly with the heauty 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 a character upon the surrounding landscape. Their effect will frequently be good or bad, not merely as they are excellent or indifferent examples of a certain style of building, but as they are 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 RURAI- ARCHITECTURE. 32] more likely to be successful are the efforts of him, who, in composing and constructing a rural residence, calls in to the aid of architecture, the genius of the landscape ; — whose mind is imbued with a taste for beautiful scenery, and who soi 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, eiIso 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 by an able writer in the following heads. " 1st, 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 arohiteu- TURAI. STYLE." The most enduring and permanent source of satisfaction iu house? is, undoubtedly, utility. In a country residence, 21 822 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. therefore, of whatever character, the comfort and 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, worthv 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, vi?. the exp'e^- 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 .{estination for which the edifice is intended. In a RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 323 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 concealer' cl iiiinej-tops, and without porches or append- ages of b,n} 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 "324 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. houses and their oiEces 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 countrj 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-tope, 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' nevei', 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 ; fur whatever is a characteristic and necessary feature, should undoubtedly, if possible, be rendered elegant, or at least prevented from being ugly. KUEAL AECHITECTUEE. 325 Much of the picturesque effect of the ola English and Italian 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 is;ic 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 oi 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 arid 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 i^nd 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 tho richly carved capitals of the classic portico. 326 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. In this country no architectural 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 eland' instead of the paved terraces of the English mansion? ai 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 efiect 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 ARtHITUeTURE. 327 of purpose in a dwelling intended for the habitation of man, 've ihink, can be at no great loss to understand what would be rharacteristic 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 mterfering 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 328 LANCSCAFE 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 in corresponding divisions. Some ingenious writer has already developed this idea, and, following a hint taken from the two leading schools of literature and art, has divided all architecture into the 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 English 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 oi RURAL ARCHITECTURK. 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. In the 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 to 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 3onsiderable 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 jr 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 and effects. Of this kind are the Swiss and the bracketed cottage, and the different highly irregular forms of the Italian villa. Tlw 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 rural Gothic or old English cottage styles, all of which are variations of Gothic architecture. Grecian or classic architecture was exhibited in its purity in those splendid temples of the golden days of EUEAL AUCHITECITTEE. 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 Eural 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 temple — 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 pf different sizes, and many other little accommo- dations expressive of purpose, become necessary, and, therefore, when properly arranged, add to the beauty ©f Rural Architecture. But the admirer of the true 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 iportico alone ! 332 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. It has been well obsei-ved by modern critics, that there 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 [Fig. 40. Roman Residence.) wcU arranged. Small ves'i- 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 moi-e [Fig. 41. View at Fresque Isle, the residence of Wm. Denning, Esq., Dutciiess Co., N. Y,] 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'a house," near Albany, the ancient seat of the Van Rensselaer family, lately remodelled and improved by that skilful architect, Mr. Upjohu, of New York. 334 LANDSCAPE GARDENINO. "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 oi 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."f 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 [Fig 42. A Villa In the Iliilian style.] ridged, being formed abroad of semi-cylindrical tiles, which give a distinct and highly marked expression to this ■ Loudon's Ency. of Arch. p. 951. t In this countiy, owing to the greater number of fires, the effect wcuJd be improved by an additional number of chimney-tops. RlIRAt. 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 d'ail, 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, ar finished with a heavy architrave. [Fig. 43. Residence of Gnv. Morelieatl, Nt-rth 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 zinc or tin coverings. The bold projection of the eaves, in the Italian etyle, offers great protection to a house against storms and dampness. S3C LANDSCAPE GAEDENING. closeness of window fixtures, the houses may also be mado 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 [rig.44. The New Haven sub:;rba;i Villa,*] accordance 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. " Hillliouse Avenue," in particular, is remarliable 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. 41, without being a precise copy of any one of these buildings, may bo taken as a pretty accurate representation of their general appearance. liURAL ARCIHTECTURE. 337 even were it in this single point alone, the Italian style it* superior to the Grecian for rural residences. Pleasing associations are connected with Roman and Italian architecture, especially to those who have studied Iheir 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 v/hich 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 ne Mediterranean, finely cut in Maltese stone, at very 22 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 ha 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 ETJRAL ARCHITECTURE. 339 a good ieal 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 fFig. 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 LjJndscape 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, sjian of his pointed arch, resting on distant pillars, kepi the ^viloIe RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 341 area beneath free and unencumbered. Applied, too, to openings for the admission of light, which were deemeo" 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 oi 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 ; 342 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 13th century ; four centred or low arched, in the times of Henry VII. and VIII. ; anrt 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 ^' ^-/ '" \ building against assaults. Modern buildings in the castellated style, without sacrificing almost eveiy- thing to strength, as was once necessary, preserve the general character of [Fig, 47. The castellated Mode.j *® 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. Tlia RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 343 windows are either pointed or square-headed, or peihaps 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 diflferent 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 ,'J4J: 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 a style less florid than that employed in churches, but still sufliciently 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, aflfect a great variety of forms and sizes. Among these stand conspicuous the hay and oriel windows. The bay fi(i. 4S.— Mr. riuililiiiK's Rcsiflenfe, Tiirrjiown, N. V. Fin. 4'.).— Ucsiilcnci; of Uic; Aiitlmr, iieui Nu« biirj,'li, N. "i . RURAL ARCHITECTURE. ."45 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 attaaned when the windows are mere openings cut in the solid walls. The oriel-window is very similar to tlie 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, tlian 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 pecuhar 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, etc. — 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 mile3 south of Albany, on a densely wooded hill, is the villa of Joel Rathbonc, Esq., Fig. 50, one of the most complete specimens of the Tudoi Btyle in the United States. It was built from the designs of Davis, and ia to the amateur, a very instructive example of this mode of domestic arciij lecture. Fici. 50.— Kcsidciicc of Jol-1 UatliboTiL-, Es^., near Albany, N. Y. Flci. 6'3.— CoLlage Eesidciice nl' Tljonias W. Ludlnw, near Ynakcra, N. V. Fig. 53.— Kesidence of Wa.sliiriLiloii Irviii!;', Esq., near Tarnlowii, N, Y. RURAL ARCHITKCTURE. 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 ol 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. f • 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. t 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. 53. Tha 348 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. The English cottage style, or what we have denomhiated 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 varietys 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 tlie simplest taste of the Elizabethan age, an#being built amidst a fine oak wood, of the dark rough stone of the neighh^irhood, it has at once the appearance of considerable antiquity. The interior is constractod and fitted up throughout in the same feeling, — with harmo'nious wainscoting, quaint carving, massive chimney pieces, and old fiiniitttje and armor. Indeed, we doubt if there is, at the present moment aayjeoent private residence, even in England, where the spirit of the antique i^Bre entirely carried out, and where one may more easily fancy hmiself in "We of those " man ;ions builded curiously " of our ancestors m the time of ■*: good Queen Bess " RUUAL ARCHITECTURE. 349 adopted, not only appears in the two ends 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 brick, with a handsome mouided coping, or they are finished with the widely pro- jecting roof of wood, and vei-ge 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 moi-e 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 comes within the reach of all persons "f inoderaw 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 surroundiag forms of vegetation. The Grecian villa, with its simple forms and horizontal lines, seems to us only in good keeping when it is in a smooth, highly cultivated, peaceful scene. But the Rural Gothic, the lines of which point upwards, in the pyramidal gables, tall clusters of chimneys, finials, and the several other portions of its varied outline, harmonizes easily with the tall trees, the tapering masses of foliage, or the surrounding hills ; and while it is seldom or never misplaced in spirited rural scenery, it gives character and picturesque expression to many landscapes entirely devoid of that quality. What we have already said in speaking of the Italian style, respecting the facility with which additions may be made to 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 simplicity, 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 oonstructmg a false inner-roof— leaving a vacuity between the two roofs of six or eight inches, which being occupied with air and ventilated at the top, will almost entirely obviate the objection. In our Cottage Residences, Design II., we have shown how the comfort of E full second story, suilablo for this climate, may be combined with the expies sion of the English cottage style. RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 351 judiciously made will tend to increase this beauty, or aflbra more facility for its display ; while it is equally evident that in the interior arrangement, including apartments of every description, superior opportunities are afforded for attaining, internal comfort and convenience, as well as external effect. The ideas connected in our minds with Gothic architecture are of a highly romantic and poetical nature contrasted with the classical associations which tha 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 manner in which it awakens association? fraught with the most enticing history of the past. The older domestic architecture of the English may bt viewed in another pleasing light. Their buildings and residences have not only the recommendation of beauty and complete adaptation, but the additional charm o^ having been the homes of our ancestors, and the dwellings of that bright galaxy of English genius and worth, which dluminates eijually the intellectual firmament of both hemispheres. He who has extended his researches, c^n LANDSCAPE GARDENING. amove, 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 beautiful 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- Fu:. 5-1.— A Ma llip Kliziiliilhan Sl\le ■'■'■-''''"■ l:^'S''l''iit- ■ llir Urv. l!„l„;]-|, B.illuii, i,rar Ni;w l;,iclirllr, N. KUEAL AECHITECTURK. 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 whc 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 GAKDENING. cocks and fiuials, the crow-stepped gables, and the hal 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 th 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 chmbing roses, and embosomed in thickets of shrubbery. Mr. Sheldon's residence, in the same neighborhood, furnishes us with another example of the Kural 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 numerous 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 EUKAL AKCHITECTUBE. 855 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 in such a way as to be easily accessible at all times without going into the open air, is undeniable. It must also be admitted that these domestic offices, 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 Increased 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 356 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, ■Jut 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 nURAL ARCHITECTUKE. 357 gardener or farmer and his family. In this point of view, arrangements for the comfort and convenience of tha inmates should be regarded as more important than the fanciful decoration of the exterioi" — 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, m.ay 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. Al the bottom of the hanging pest of the gate, is a bevelled iron pinion, that works into another pinion, b, at the end of the horizontal shaft, o, which shaft is fixed in a square box or tunnel under the road. The part to the right of the partition line, /, is the interior of the gate-keeper's house ; and by turning the winch, e, die upright shaft, c, is put in motion, which moves by means of the bevelled pinions, g, d, the shaft a, and therefore, through d, the back post of the gate. 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 a 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 wliich is opened and shut by the motion of the winch, without obliging tno amates 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 lateh of the got» through the walls of the house into the usual sitting-room— here to turn on » crank, or simply pulled hand over, hand, as the sailors term it. The gat» being hung a little out of plumhiis held open from the house, by the chain, until a carriage passes, and falls back again, from its own inclination, against o ;.og, 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 incongruitj. A certain correspondence in size is also agreeable ; where I he dwelling of the proprietor is simply an ornamental cottage, the lodge, if introduced, should be more simple and unostentatious ; and even where the house is rhagnificent, 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. [Fig. 5T. The New Gite Lodge at Blithswood.] 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 ~ pleasingly embowered in fe^t^'-' foliage; but, occasional- ly, highly picturesque and striking in appearance. , A view of the pretty gate lodge at Nether- wood, Duchess County N. Y., the seat of Gardi- f Fig. 58. The Gate Lodge lit Netherwood.] ner Howland, Esq., is shown in Fig. 58. Half a mile uorth of this seat is an interesting lodge in the Swiss style, at the entrance to the residence of Mrs. Sheafe. In Fig. 69, 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. ^Fig. 53. Gate Lodge in tlie 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. •Ml 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. Note. — To veadera who desire to cultivate a taste for rural architecture, we take pleasure in recommending the following productions of the English press, Loudon's Encyclopadia 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- iecture ; Goodwin's Rural Architecture ; Hunt's Picturesque Domestic Architecture, and Examples of Tudor Architecture ; Pugin's Examples of Gothic Architecture, etc. The mast successful American architects in this branch of the art, with whom we are acquainted, are Alexander J. Davis, Esq., of New York, and John Notman, Esq., of Philadelphia. [Fig. 60. The Gardener's House, Blithewood.] 302 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. SECTION X. EMBELLISHMENTS ; AKCHITECTUEAL, RUSTIC, AND FLORAL. /alue 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 ditferent 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 succession. Arrangement 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 various descriptions. Jadiciuus introduction of decorations. Nature, assuming a more lovely face. Borrowing a beauty from the works of grace. COWPEK. - Eacli odorous bushy shrub Fenced up the verdant wall ; each beauteous flower ; Iris all hues, Roses and Jessamine Reafd high their flourished heads betweea. And vsTought Mosaic, Mo.roic. 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 We are 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, however, there is felt to be a certain mcongruity 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- 3C4 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, thi-ough 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 EMBELLISHMENTS. 365 agreeably the fprms 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. Tndeed the terrace itself, in so far as it denotes a raised dry • Essay on Ornamental Gardening, by Thomas Hope. 666 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 a vase or urn. When a more elegant and finished appearance is desirable, the parapet formed of open work of stone, or wood painted in imitation of stone, rises above the level of the terrace two or three feet with a suitably bold coping. On this vases may be placed, not only at the corners, but at regular intervals of ten, 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 ('.he Ivy of America) may take its place in any other portion of the Union. To these we may add, the Chinese twining Honeysuckle (Lonicera flexuosa) and the Sweet-scented Clematis, both deliciously fragrant in their blossoms, with many other fine climbers which will readily recur to the amateur. There can be no reason why the smallest cottage, if its occupant be a person of taste should not have a terrace EMBELLISHMENTS. 307 decorated in a suitable manner. This is easily and cheapl} effected by placing neat flower-pots on the parapet, oi border and angles of the terrace, with suitable plants grow- ing in them. For this purpose, the American or Century Aloe, a foiT/ial architectural-looking plant, is exceedingly well adapted, as it always preserves nearly the same appearance. Or in place of this, the •^FT*^ Yuccas, or "AdawbS needle and thread" i||1"ir"f which have something of the same character, tT=r- while they also produce beautiful heads of \T\%. 61.] flowers, may be chosen. Yucca jlaccida 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 Vucca in an ornamental flower-pot in f^ig- 62. IpigTez.] 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 diflferent 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 two objects so strongly contrasted. In direct union. But when 368 LANDSCAPE G VRDENING. 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 use 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 tWe case were it put down, without any preparation, on the bare turf or gravel. Figure 63 is a Gothic, and Figures 61, 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 I pedestals — a being the vase, and h the pedestal. /(SS These with many other elegant vases and urns are manufactured in an artificial stone, as durable as ;Fig. 63.] 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 rnpmore, the beds being cut out of the smooth turf. " 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 •uQ 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, CJ_'^''_CCv-S^. ^Fig 72. Ji^glish Flower-Garden.J '* 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. 12, 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, * la many English residences, the flower-garden is maintained in never- fading brilliancy by almost daily supplies from what is termed the reserve garden. This is a small garden oiit 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 fiowers, 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 ia the ultimatum of refinement in flower-gardening, has never, to our knowledge, been attempted ia this country. 3', 8 LANDSCAPE GAUDENING. when a small botanic flower-garden may be preferred — the herbaceous and other plants being grouped or massed n beds after the Linncean, or the natural method. Some persons have an enthusiastic fondness for florist flowers, as Pansies, Carnations, Dahlias, Roses, etc. ; others for bmbous 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. EMBELIJSHMENTS. 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 c/bject 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, oi 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. 850 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. The shrubbery is so generally situated in 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 species being disposed about the dwelling, and the more hardy and common sorts along the walks, and in groups, in different situations near the eye. When, however, the residence is of larger size, and the grounds have a park-like extent and character, the 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 this is the case, however, a portion near the house is divided from the park (by a wire fence or some inconspicuous barrier) for the pleasure-ground, where the shrubs are disposed in belts, groups, etc., as in the first case alluded to. There are two methods of grouping shrubs upon lawns which may separately be considered, in combination with 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 ; thai 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 EiMIlELLISIIMENTS. 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 melange. In the following list, the shrubs are divided into two classes — No. 1 designating those of medium size, or low grov:th, and No. 2, those which are of the largest size. Flowerixg in Apkil. 1. Daphne mezereum, the Pink Mezereum, D. M. album, the white Mezereum. 2. Shepherdia argentea, the Buffalo berry ; yellow. 1. Xanthorhiza apiifolia, the parsley-leaved Yellow-root ; brown. 1 . Cydonia japonica, the Japan Quince ; scarlet. 1. Cydonia japonica alba, the Japan Quince ; white. S. Amelanchier Botryapium, the snowy Medlar. I. Eibea aureum, the Missouri Currant ; yellow. 1. Coronilla Emerus, the Scorpion Senna ; yellow. 9. Magnolia conspicua, the Chinese chandelier Magnolia ; white.. May. 2. Craiegus oxycantha, the scarlet Hawthorn. Q Crategus oxycantha, fl. pleno, the double white Hawthorn. il, Chionanthua virginica, the white Fringe tree. 1. Chionanlhus latifolius, the broad-leaved Fringe tree ; wliite. I. Azalea, nrany fine varieties ; red, white, and yellow. 1. CaZycan i . , and eight Canadensis ot this country, as to be constantly con- otbers. founded and grown for it. J. oblunga peiidula (Weeping juniper) — unquestionably the Sj/n. most attractive of the junipers ; a small tree J. pe-dula vera. gf^^g^ ^^ ^^^^^jy f^^^ j^j^j^^ f^^^ ^j^^ Hakone ridge of mountains in the island of Niphon in Japan ; perfectly TIIE NEWEE HVEKGEEEN OENAMENTAL TEEES. 503 hardy with us, and the most graceful and pendulous of ever- greens. Our best specimen (Fig. 93) 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. exceisa. ijaye 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 5y„. hardy in Jersey. Our plants are out for the J. monspeiiensium. g^gt 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. Phmnicia (Phasnician 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. Lyda (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 junipervs 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 LANDSCAl'E GARDENING. J. prostrata (Prostrate-branch juniper). — This interesting „ species, so well known all over the Middle and J. repens, Northern States, need hardly be described ; J. humilis, \\'n\\ us t is a common road-side plant, and J. eabma 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 junipep). — This is certainly a 5j,„ very charming variety, and we wish we could say J. Ncpalensis. jj jg 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. I., 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, G:i., where it is grown without trouble. fectly hardy. P.pichta (Pitch or Siberian Silver fir). — Although this tree Syn. does not become so majestic as the preceding, P. Siberica. ygt 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 THIL NEWEK EVERGREEN ORNAMENTAL TREES. 511 is another variety, with longer and more glaucous leaves, called P. longifolia. F- Pindrow (Upright Indian Silver fir)— A fine tree, grow- ^*'"- ing from eighty to one hundred feet, and Abies "Webbiana. ^ , , . ^ ^ Taxus Lambertiana. lound on the mountains ot 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- ^ tinctive, and perfectly hardy everywhere, as Abies Pinaapo. far as tried. Our best specimen is ten feet Pinus do. 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 Honda and Malaga ; also in Granada, and on the jighest 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 from seventy to eighty feet high ; discovered on '^Tbiosspectabiiis. the Himmalayas above an elevation of ten thou- A. densa. sand, and Dr. Hooker found it in Sikkin at an 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. Pindrow, it suffers in its leader, if ex- posed, but does pretty well in a wood. Pinus. The Pine. 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 onr portion of it on the Hudson Kiver-and there are a few 512 LANDSCAPE GAKUENIXG. 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. avslralis (Southern pine). — This superb tree, more com- _ monly known as the Georgia pine, is found from P. Palustris, Virginia to Georgia, growing to the height of p. Georgioa. gjxty to seventy feet, with a bright green foliagei 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 Germanj-^, 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. Ayacahniie (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 Si/n. hardy everywhere, is found on the mountains in V. nigra, Austria, Styria, Transylvania, &e., and reaches a height of one hundred to one hundred and twenty THE NEWEE EVEEGEEEN OENAMKNTAX TEEES. 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 ol moisture and dryness better, even, than the Larch. By some, il is supposed to be only a variety of laricio. P. 'Banhsiana (Sir Joseph Banks' pine) — Is a stunted, scrubby, straggling bush, from five to ten feet P. Hudsonica. high ; in good soil it reaches, sometimes, fifteen , feet. It is found in the most northern parts ol North America, in Maine, Nova Scotia, Labrador, &c., 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 p. Craigeana, ' o -^ 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 General 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- P. Sinclairi. ' "^ . tains of Vera Cruz, where he discovered specimens two hundred to two hundred and twenty feet high, with stems 33 514 LANDSCAPE GAKDENIKG. 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 Creeli. The timber is said to be the most valuable of the piues, 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 liigh. 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. F. Brulia (Calabrian Cluster pine). — A fine lofty tree of sixty to seventy feet, and bright green foliage, *Z!" , . with spreading head, found in Calabria, and p. conglomerata. t a j ? 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. F, Canariemis (Cuiuiry Island pine). — A charming, grace- ful, slender pine, witli long pendulous leaves, growing seventy to eighty feet, in its own country, but too tender for any thing but pot-culture here, tliough it might do at tlie extreme South. P. Gemlra (Swiss Sione pine). — All travellers who have crossed Mount Cenis and the Tyrol, must have Syn. . . p. Helyetica. been Struck with the vast forests of this tree, p. montana, fING. as fine- as Aurea, making a most superb tree. It holds its coltw even better than Thu. Siberica, while it is a hvely, soft greeu, bp^ter than Aurea, and not as sombre as Siberiea. It is now, even in midwinter, as green as most arbor vitses are in summer. Messrs. Hovey have two other se«dlings, not as distinct or iine as the above. Thu. plieaia (Nootka Sound ai^boi' vitae). — These two plants plieata and Warreana, though often sold by se- Thu. 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O « O 0*3 -5 -S *„SS . fe jg •Ola g rt fe „ d '^ Q) 3 « m £ o life S'o ►? ■a' '.a -a ^ S'O'a'e & 1- o ta-o cW t> U .» « e Balsam fir, the American and Siberian Arbor vitse ; that the Pine and Juniper are peculiarly adapted to the high, dry pi'airies — the Arbor vitse and Spruce to moist localities ; and that the following varieties have been tried, but all need protection in the winter: Araucaria imbricata, Cedar of Lebanon, Pinus excelsa, Pinus maritima. Deodar eedar ; Douglas, Menzies, and Pinsapo spruces ; English and Irish yews, English Silver fir, Chinese and Golden arbor vitse; the Tree box, and even the Dwarf box, for edging. X 3 ^ tl 1 S HISTOBIOAL NOTICES. 561 SECTION VI. HISTOEiqAL NOTICES CONTINUED. Not very many years have passed, since from the crowded and confined state of our public Bnrial Grounds within our large cities, the question of extra- mural interments excited great and earnest consider- ation, and eventually led to the establishment of Eural 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 which does not possess its Kural 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 onwai'd which is now exciting much attention throughout the land, is the establishment of Parks, which may be classified 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, 36 662 LA'ifDSCAPE GAEDENING. 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 "florti- 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 of tlie 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 Eeservoirs — the former a quadrangular basin of mason-work ; the latter, of an irregular curved outline, with an earth embankment to retain the water. Tiiese 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 ; HISTOEICAL 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 Eeservoir 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 {£), where the road meets the dip of the two most important hills, a stone bridge is proposed to be erected, so that the main circuit-drive may in- clude 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 a series of bold and picturesque rocky bluffs, termi- nating abruptly at 110th street, which oflFer 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 easterly side of the upper Park it is proposed to plant an American Arboretum (D), 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 LANDSCAPK GAEDENING. 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 hiil-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 tlie 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 labyrin- thine arrangement of foot-paths, 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 {E) 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 by 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, whicli is intended to be used as a parade-ground. On the east of the promenade {E), and partially separ- ated from it by an intervening ridge and plateau, is a stretch of pleasantly undulating ground {F), 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-Orvis 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 LAITOSCAl'E GAKDENING. 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 easterlj' side of the lake, a Geometric flower-garden (G) 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 futm'e 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 woiild, 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 HISTOEICAL N0TICK8. 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 pla,nted, 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 ITiiited 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 mercliants 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 enough, 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 GAKDENING. 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 pr(jximity of nuisances, or the danger that an advancing population from the neighboring city will Eoon 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 sepairate 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, is rarely 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 Weighiorhood Park. The general plan on which such an enterprise can be based, may perhaps, be best elucidated by the history and des- cription oi Llewellyn Park^* at Orange, ITew Jei-sey, in illustration of which, the engraving on steel (Plate VI.), 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 Ee- 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. S. Haskell, a merchant of New York, who has enthnsiastioally devoteJ Ibe past three years to the development of tliis, hia favorite idea. I o HISTOEICAL 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 jocky 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. Tliat 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 LANDSCAPE GAEDENING. work, to be in keeping with the natural character of the 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 tlie 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 neiglibor- hood, among which is " Eagle E.ock," a bold projecting portion of the cliff, commanding a wider scope of the horizon, and more nearly a birds-eye view of the land- scape. 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 ^ a ►^ M ^ ti5 o ' H- ■ --4 H 10. ^ ° t/j f^ 'A H ^^ K' ;. w ^ V ^ *> l__ / 53 w K^ ^. t) to .=^ #"•^7? ^^ ^ ^ HISTOEICAL 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 finf 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 grounds 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 aa 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 673. 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 public buildings. Mr. Downing, we think, did miich 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, K 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 Kev. 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 ?" LANDSCAPE GAItDENING. 573 KEFERENCES. EXPLANATION OF EEFERENGES FOE FIGURES 105 A 106. No.l, " 2. " 3. " 4. " 5. Lycenm. The "Wigwam. Summer-house. Children's Play-gi-ound. Social Circle. The Kvergreens. The Hickories. The Chestnuts. The Oaks. The Rocks. No. 12. Stone Bridge on Oak Bend. " 18. The Cascade. " 14. Gate-lodge. " 15. Conservatory and Propagating! house. '* 16. Prospect Tower. " 17. The Kiosk. " 18. Rockwork. " 19. Ravine Spring. P. R, Private Residences. TABLE OP REFERENCES FOR FIGURES 107 & 108. 8. The House. T. The Conservatory. R. Grass Terrace. S. Gravelled Terrace. W. Approach. If. Fountain and Jet d''eau, surrounded with beds of flowers. O. Kiosk, from which is the best view of the house. K. Eosery, in the centre of which is a suitable place for a statue or vase. A. Coach-house and Stable. C, Kitchen-garden, separated from the lawn by a belt of trees, DLL. E 1. Sugar Maple. 2. Silver " 8. Norway " 4. Lombardy Poplar. 5. Screen of American Arbor Vita. 6. Group of Rhododendrons. f 1. Group of "White Pines. 2. Lofty growing trees, near the bound- ary, Oaks, Maples, and Tulips. 3. Chinese double-flowering Apple, Ken- tucky Coffee tree, and Kolreu- teria.- ff 1, fl, & 7. A large group of trees, both Evergreen and Deciduous, planted on the outskirts of the place. 3. Acacia Bensoniana. 8. Group of Euonymus (purple-leaved). 4. Austrian Pine and Finns excelsa. 5. European Weeping Ash. I 1. Group of low evergreen trees. Yew & Arbor Vitse. 3. Group of Mountain Laurels. 3. " of Mahouias. 4. " of Bohemian Olives. 5. Thuja Warreana. 6. Syringa Chinensis. 7. Group of Lindens. 8. A Weeping Willow. 9. Red Flowering Horse-chestnut. 10. Double-white " •* 11. Hemlock, European Silver Fir, Irish Juniper, and Picea Webbiana, planted singly. 12. Pyrus Japonlca. Ml. Groups of Evergreen Trees. 2. Syringa gvandiflora, Forsythia Viri- dissima and Kerria Japonica. 3. Eerberis purpurea, Amygdalus pu- mila, Calicanthus liBvlgatus, and Deutzia gracilis. 4. Double-flowering Cherry. 5. Throe single American Silver Firs. 6. Juniperus communis. 7. American Weeping Willow, 8. Magnolia tripetala. 9. Magnolia Soulangiana. 10. Deciduous Cypress and Ginko. 11. Purple-leaved Beech. 13. Paulownia imperlalis. 13. Judas Tree and Amer. Nettle Tree, 14. Spireas. PI. Group of six Mahonias, 2. " of Ehododendrona, 3. " of Kalmlaa and Eplgea re- pens. Q 1. Group of Roses, Spireas, an^ Weige- lias. 2. Azalias. 3. Ehododendrons. 4. Magnolia purpurea. JT Yard and Wea GENERAL INDEX. F1.GE ibies 256, 484 " bracteata 508 " densa 511 " Fraseri 508 " Kwmpferi 242, 506 " nobilis 509 " pinsapo 511 ■' spectabalis f 11 " Webbiana 511 Acclimatizing trees 473 Acer 165, 455 Acacia, three thorned 172 uEsculus. 155, 457 Afi'ican Cyprus 535 Ailanthus 202 Alder 168, 459 Alderthorpe, residence of J.F. Fisher 555 Alnus 163, 459 American Silver Fir 256 Ampelopsi? hederacea 278 Ancient Style, plantations in 75 Arabia 470 Araucaria 488 Arbor vitae 267, 489, 529 " broad-leaved 529 " Don's 507 Architecture Kural 818 Aristoloehia sipho 280 Appendix 418 Approach, the 238 Arnold, James, residence of 41 Ash, the 121, 188,462, 463 Aspinwall, "W. H., residence of 36 Balm of Gilead Balsam Fir Baltimore, residences around Bartram Garden Basswood Beachclyffe Beautiful, in Landscape Gardening. . Beautiful, planting to produce Beech, the 147, Belmont... 88, Betula Berberis Bignonia Bii'cb, the 158, Black Gum BUthewood Boston, residences around Brookwood, x-esidenceof C. H Fisher Brooks, treatment of Broussonetia » Brown, Alex., residence of Bridges Button wood, the 256 256 556 556 146 550 51 80 461 158 461 589 134 California Nutmeg. 533 California Redwood 527 Camac, Mrs., residence of 42 574 Carpinns 150, 463 Carroll Manor 538 Carya 194 Cascades . - 314 Castanea 176, 460 Catalpa 212 Ceanothus 470 Cedars 266, 491 Cedar, Incense 506 Cedar, Japan 495 Cedar of Lebanon 262 Cedar, the White 495 Cedrus 491 Celastrue scandens 279 Cemeteries, rural 559, 561 Central Park, N. Y 562 Cercis 174, 461 Cephalotaxus 494, 528 Chamfficyparis. 535 Champlost, residence of C. P. Fox. . . 556 Chestnut 176 Chinese rice paper plant 470 Chinensis procumbens 49T Chinquapin 180 Clematis 281 Clifton Park, residence of Mr. Hopkins 557 Clinton Park, Clinton, N", T 572 Compost for Khododendrons, &c 53T Cornus 229 CornuB variegata 470 Conservatory 886 Cotoneaster 536 Cottage ornee 100 Country place, how to make 437 Crataegus 218 Cryptomerias 495 Gunningbamia 496 Currant, flowering 471 Gushing, J. P., residence of. 38 Cupressus 233, 497, 52T Cypress 284 " the Afiican 535 " Deciduous 527 " the True 497 Dacrydium 493 Daphne atro purpureum 471 Deciduous Shrubs 469 Diospyros 214 Deutzias 471 Dbvonshire, residence of Mr. Blight 556 Dogwood 229 " Variegated-leaved 470 Drive, the 293 Elder, black 471 EUersll e S3 Elm, the 123, 469 Embellishments 862 Emmet, Wm., residence of 84 GENERAL INDEX. 575 Englisli Cottage Style 848 £ntrAnce Lodges 856 European Silver Fir 257 Kxpressiun in Architecture 823 Evergreen trees 246 " the newer 484 Evergreen shrubs. 635 Evergreens, transplanting 419 Eagua 147,461 Earmlands, residence of Mr. Lurman 556 Fences 295 Ferme ornee 99 Forn-HiU, residence of J. P. M*Kean 555 Firs 256 Fir, the American Silver 246 " European Silver 257 Fitz-Eoya Patagonia. 499 Flower Garden, architectural 871 " " ' English ..i 876 " " at Dropmore 875 " " French 874 •^ " irregular 873 Flowers, introduction of 430 Forsy thia viridissima. 471 Fountains 404 Fraxiuus 188, 462 Gardiner, J.L, residence of 549 Oelseminum 285 Geometric gardening 72 Ginko 26, 231 Gleditschia, 172 Glycine 282 Glyptostrobus. 499 Gothic Style for Domestic Architec- ture 841 Green House 886 Ground, treatment of. 287 Grouping of trees 77, 114 Gymnocladus 204 Hamilton, "Wm., residence of 25 Hampton, residence of Mr. Kidgley . 557 Harmony between House and Grounds 827 Harmony in Landscape Garden- ing 66 Hawthorn, English 218 Hedera Helix 276 Hedges, trees suitable for 296 Hercules' Club 470 Historical Notices , 17, 546 Hillhouse, James, residence of 87 Hickory Tree 194 Holes for Trees 418 Holly 270 Honeysuckle ..." 283 Hornbeam.... 150, 462 Horse Chestnut 155, 457 Hudson River, residences on 552 Hunter's Island 36 Hunnewell, H. H., residence of. 442 IdlewUd 554 Ilex 270 Ilex laurifolia. 636, 63fa Hlinois, Mr, Edwards' Report on Evergreens in 560 Irving, WasWngton, residence of. 85, 368 Ironwood 150 Islands, formation of 808 Italian Scenery. . . . . ^ 451 Italian Gartleu ....... t 444 pAoa Jessamine. 2S5 Judas Tree 174 Juglans. , 190 Jumpers 266, 500 Landscape Gardening 17, 45, 67 Do. progress in 426 Lakes in Landscape Gardening. 302 Larch, the 288, 506 Larix 288 liatimer, J. R., residence of 48 Laurus 211 Lawn, treatment of 420, 424 " Grass Seed for 122 " Mowing Machine 422 " Top Dressing for. 424 Lee, Thomas, residence of . . . ; 40 Lemon Hill , 27 Leycesteria 471 Libocedrus 506 Ligustrum 471 Llriodeudron 225 Linden, the 143, 469 Linmere, residence of R. S. Fay 149 Lime Tree 148, 469 Liquid Amber 183 Livingston, Chancellor, residence of 27 Livingston, Manor of 80 Llewellyn Park, Orange, N. J 567 Locust, the 170 Lonicera 288 Ludlow, T. W., residence of. 353 Lyman, Theo., " 26 Lyndhurst, residence of E, Johnson . . 558 Machine for Mo wing Lawns.... 417, 422 Madura 181 Magnolia 830, 464 Mtthonia BS6 Malbone Place, residence of J. Pres- cott Hall, Esq 650 Mammoth Tree, the 684 Maple, the 165, 455 Margins of Water 818 Marine Residences 649 Minturn, Robert B 86 Modern Style, plantations in .... 76 Monroe, James, residence of. 36 Mondawmin 558 Montgomery Place 81 Mo^us 184 Mountain Ash 198, 467 Mowing Lawns. 422 Mulberry 184 Newport, residences around 550 Norway Spruce 257 Nyssa. 217 Oak, the 117,465 Ohio, Landscape Gardening in 558 Ornamental Plantations 91 Ostrya 150 Osage Orange 181 Outline of Water 304 Park, treatment of. 83 Parks...., 563 Paulownia 245 Pavia 167, 458 Peach, White flowering. 471 Periploca 285 Perkins, Col., residence of. 88 Persica vulgaris, floro pleno alba 471 576 GENERAL INDEX; Paob Fersimob, the 214 Peters, Judge, residence of. 26 Peperidge, the 216 Philadelphia, residences around S55 Picea 607 Picturesque in Landscape Gard 51 Picturesque, planting to produce 81 Pine, the 511, 246 Pino, Chili 489 " Norfolk Island 489 Pine-Bank 89 Pinus 246, 511, 509 " cedrua 493 " deodara 491 " Praseri 50S " Kasmpferi 506 ** lasiucarpa 507 " pinsapo 511 " striata 511 '* Sibcrica 510 Pipe vine 280 Pits for wintering plants 482 Plane tree 184 Plantanus 134 Plants, half-hardy 473 ■ Podocarpus 525 Poplar, the 228, 150 Populus 150 Porch, expression of 325 Prairies, evergreens on the 560 Privet 471 Prospect tower 397 Pseudo larix Kismpfeh 506 Pyrus 198 QuercuB 117, 465 Eathbone J,, residence of 84 Kepose in Landscape Gardening 432 I^ctinispura eriuoides 535 Rhododendrons 536 Kibes satiguinoum fiore pleno 471 liivcr side villa, illustration of. 97 lioads, construction of 288 Eobinea 170 Koseneath, residence of G. M. Wol- cott 554 Eoses 284 Eocks, used with ornamental water. 807 Eock-work 400 Eockwood » 552 Eustic work, fences of 297 Salisburia 26, 281 Balix. 207, 466 Sambucus flore pleno 471 Sargent, H. W., residence of 439, 34 Sassafras tree 211 Base Gothica conspicua 526 Service tree 201 Seats, open and covered 892 Sequoia gigantea 534 *' sempervirens 527 Silver fir 507 Shoaff, G., residence of. 41 Sheldon, Mr., residence o£ 354 Shruhberv, the 880 Shrubs, Evergreen 535 Sophora '. 467 Spireas 471 Spruce Pirs. 484 Stakes, use of. In planting. 448 Statues 868 Stenton 43 Styles of Architecture 328 Supplement to Landscape Gardening 425 Survilliers, Count de, residence of. . . 41 Sweet Gum tree 188 Syringa Josikaea 472 Tabular view of evergreens 540 Tamarix Africftna, 472 Taxus ■ 272, 528 " Montana 533 '* Lambertiana 511 Taxodiuui 234 " pendulum 500 " distichum 527 " Japonicum 499 " sempervirens 527 Terrace,to connect house and grounds 368 Thayer, J. E., residence of 549 Thuiopsis 497, 529 Thuja. 499, 529 " Australis 491 Thorn tree 218 Tilia 143, 468 Transporting trees 413, 417 Trees, choice of 415 " classification of 103 " expression in 112 " drooping. 1U9 " management of, in Landscape, 69 " round headed 103 "• spiry top 105 " oblong headed 108 Trumpet creeper 280 Torreya 532 Tupelo 217 Tulip tree 225 Ulmus 128, 470 Unity in Landscape Gardening. 64 Variety In Landscape Gardening 66 Vines 275 Virginia creeper 273 Virgilia lutea 243 Wadsworth, D., residence of 37 "Walks, construction uf 288 Waltham House 28 "Walnut tree 198 "Warren, Mr., residence of 354 "Washingtonia gigantea 534 Water, treatment of 299 Waterfalls 314 Watering trees when planting 418 Wellingtonia gigantea 584 White beam, the 201 White wood 225 Widdringtonia 585 Willow 207, 466 Wistaria 282 Wood, management of Tu, 87, 440 Woodbine 283 Woodfleld, residence of Mr. Swijft... 25 W oodlawn 556 Wodenethe 34 Tew, the 272,494, 523 " Prince Albert's 526 " stinking 532 Vases 868 Verandah 325 CO > m » >i •z b -^, ijo CD^^^o uio N) ^ ^3 O^^i 09 £. 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