Rounding the walk too much would make it very uneasy to walk upon, and of an unpleasant appearance. No more gravel should be laid in one day than can be finished off and rolled effectually. Clean, hard gravel walks add much to the beauty and comfort of the garden.

A garden roller is indispensable where there is any extent of walks, and it should be applied as often as once a week, and particularly after a rain.

PLANTING BOX AND OTHER EDGING.

The surface of the garden having been levelled, and the walks dug out, according to the plan, and partially filled with stones and coarse gravel, the operator may now proceed to plant the box edgings, or any other plant he may substitute. for that purpose, or grass if that is preferred.

Box, of all other plants, makes the neatest and most beautiful edgings. This may be set in September or October, but will require protection, as it is very liable to be thrown out by the frost, or winter-killed, without it. It may also be planted in the spring, and also in June; but when late planted will require shading and watering.

Box takes root freely from cuttings, and is sometimes used without fibres; but, unless great care is taken, some of it will fail to grow, thereby making the edging uneven and full of gaps, and it will be found difficult to get into good shape again. If it is to be raised from cuttings, it should be done in a bed by itself, where it can have the benefit of shading and watering.

To make neat edgings, you should get some short, bushy box, and let it be slipped or parted into moderately small slips, of not more than six or eight inches in length, dividing it in such a manner that each slip shall have more or less roots or fibres upon it, rejecting such as are destitute, for planting by themselves. If any have long, straggling roots, they should be trimmed off, and the plants should be made pretty much of a length.

It is to be premised that the margin of the beds have all

LAYING OUT THE FLOWER-GARDEN.

23

been properly levelled or graded; then they should be trodden lightly and evenly along, to settle it moderately firm; if for a straight edging, stretch the line along the edge of the bed or border; with the spade make up any inequalities of the surface according to the line; then, on the side of the line next the walk, let a small, neat trench be cut, about six inches deep, making the side next the line perfectly upright, turning the earth out toward the walk or alley.

For a curving margin, a strip of board, an inch wide and twelve or fifteen feet long, with pegs attached by screws or nails, at various distances along its length, so that it can be made fast in the ground, to correspond with the design, may be used instead of the line; or some workmen are so expert, that, having the design transferred to the ground, they will proceed with accuracy without such a guide. At any rate, the trench is to be dug out as directed for a straight line.

The box is to be planted in the trench, close against the upright side, against the line or strip of board, placing the plants so near together as to form immediately a close, compact edging, without being too thick and clumsy, and with the top of the plants as evenly as possible, all an equal height, not more than an inch or two above the surface of the ground; and, as you proceed in planting, draw the earth up to the outside of the plants, which fixes them in their due position; and when you have planted the row out, then with your spade cast in the earth almost to the top of the plants, and tread neatly and closely thereto. When the edging is planted, let any inequalities of the top be cut as even and neat as possible, with a pair of shears.

Grass makes a very neat edging if kept in order, but it requires so much attention to keep it in its place, so much edging and cutting, that I would not recommend it. If, however, it is made use of, it should be obtained from a pasture or road-side, where it may be easily cut in strips to suit, of three or more inches wide, according to fancy. The sward should be fine and tough, so as not to break in cutting and removing.

The mode of laying will suggest itself to almost any one: the surface of the grass should be on a level with the earth, and but slightly raised above the walk.

Thrift, if neatly planted, makes handsome edgings to borders or flower-beds. This may be planted as directed for box, slipping the old plants into small slips; setting the plants near enough to touch one another, forming a tolerably close row.

Thyme, hyssop, winter savory, and pinks are frequently used for edgings, but they are too prone to grow out of compass, and therefore not to be recommended.

Many other plants are often used for edgings, but there is nothing that makes so neat and trim an edging as box.

It is a good time to clip old box edgings in June. They should never be suffered to grow tall, but be kept down low.

It is best to give some protection to box in the winter by coarse litter, or by throwing up a few inches of the fine gravel on one side, and the earth of the border on the other.

SELECTIONS OF FLOWERING PLANTS FOR

THE GARDEN.

"To raise your flowers, various arts combine,
Study these well, and fancy's flight decline;

If

you would have a vivid, vigorous breed,

Of every kind, examine well the seed;
Learn to what elements your plants belong,
What is their constitution, weak or strong;
Be their physician, careful of their lives,
And see that every species daily thrives;
These love much air, these on much earth rely,
These, without constant warmth, decay and die;
Supply the wants of each, and they will pay

For all your care through each succeeding day."

To select the most desirable plants, and to arrange them with good taste, requires an extensive knowledge of the floral kingdom. The time of flowering must be known, the height, hardiness, habits, odors, &c.; also the effect of the combination of different colors, so that the plants may be arranged in such a manner as to produce the happiest effect. I shall place before my readers an extensive collection of the most desirable plants, embracing hardy Annuals, Biennials, Perennials, and Shrubbery, pointing out their various habits, qualities, beauties or defects, and modes of cultivation, describing them as plainly as possible, without using any more technical language than is necessary for that purpose. The circumstances of different individuals vary so much, as well as their taste and fancy, that, having given these particulars, it must be left with each one to choose for themselves such plants as are adapted to their circumstances, the extent of their ground, soil, &c. Some suggestions may not be out of place.

Some persons, anxious for a great variety, crowd too many plants into a small space; consequently have nothing in per

fection. This is too often the case with young beginners, and it is not uncommon to see the small patch devoted to flowers as unsightly as if it were filled with weeds. It is much better to be confined to a few fine varieties, and cultivate them well, than to pursue the careless style which is frequently seen in the flower-garden, or what is denominated as such.

Tenants, who occupy their places for an uncertain length of time, are not generally disposed to make many improvements by the addition of plants. Those who may be thus situated, and have a desire for a flower-garden, can, without much outlay, have a succession of flowers through the season. The following Annuals may be obtained for one dollar :- Double Rocket Larkspur, Phlox Drummondii, Mignionette, German Asters, Coreopsis Drummondii, Pansies, Sweet Peas, Poppies, Gillyflowers, Chriseis, Purple and White Candytuft, Nemophila, Petunias, Lavateras, Convolvulus, Globe Amaranths, Immortal Flower, Mourning Bride, and Sweet Sultans. For two dollars a dozen, Verbenas, of different colors, may be obtained, that will keep up a lively bloom from June to November. A dozen fine Dahlias and a few Gladiolas will cost three or four dollars, which, with a few monthly roses to be turned out into the garden, and to be re-potted in autumn, and a few choice perennials, grown in deep pots and plunged in the ground, will not altogether exceed the sum of ten dollars. These plants, well grown, will make a fine display, and quite a respectable flower-garden.

NATIVE PLANTS.

Many beautiful plants may be selected from the woods and fields, by those who wish to ornament their grounds at the least expense. These would be more highly prized than many far-fetched plants, that are trumpeted before the public, from time to time, could they be seen grouped together in the flower-garden, with the same care of cultivation bestowed upon them as upon some of the expensive exotics. What plant can rival the splendor of the Lobelia cardinalis, with its thousands