IN CONSIDERING the value of evergreens for general planting, it is the wise generation that profits by the experience of the past. I would call attention to certain matters which in past years attained more or less prominence, and even now we see attempts at imitating these features that are so weak as to be nothing less than ridiculous in the majority of cases. I refer to the practice of shearing and forcing conifers into various artificial shapes, known as topiary "art;" art it is, and that alone, and should have no more toleration than any "art"which has no counterpart in nature. In speaking of this matter, I do so with reference to existing modern conditions only, as I have no desire to condemn the practice under every and all circumstances.

FIG. 2. Free Grouping of Conifers.

With the extensive employment of this art in England, under conditions of unlimited time, cheap labor and unstinted means, and under the artificial influence then prevailing, gardens of great extent were created that possess a rare interest to the admirer of human ingenuity and as examples of man's control of natural forces. Ability to surpass others in producing extravagant and grotesque forms was the highest recommendation of a gardener, not only with trees, but throughout the entire garden, where formality and affectation pained the highest appreciation. Some examples are still to be met with which are splendid monuments of patience and skill. Fig. 1 (page 727) will give some idea of the length to which this art was carried, being a portion of an illustration in Veitch's Manual of Coniferae. Concerning the few remaining instances of the perfection of this work, Shirley Hib berd, I believe, in the following extract voices the sentiment of nearly all true garden lovers :

" I have a most respectful regard for the examples that remain to us, as representing the archeology of horticulture. It may be no difficult matter for the disciples of the little school of garden da-doists, who in most of their utterances combine variety with ignorance, to sneer at this sort of thing. But they never say anything really smart or witty that will affect the opinion in favor of keeping up the few good examples that are found in certain grand old gardens. "When this style of decoration was in universal favor the world was smaller than now for the man of taste, and the ' curiously knotted garden ' gave much delight, and aided greatly in softening certain features of human character that were a trifle too hard for healthy progress. For the observant student of plant form and artificial scenery (or natural scenery modified by art) this kind of work is full of interest. It is a thing the world will not willingly let die, albeit there may be much said against its continuance in an age which abounds alike in beautiful garden trees and progressive garden papers".

The prime object of landscape gardening as now understood is to enhance the beauty of nature; and in this impatient age this result must be apparent in the shortest possible time, and must also be enduring in its character. We have neither time nor money to expend upon anything that requires as much of both as a proper practice of topiary art. even were the element of beauty to be thus gained. Herein lies the contrast between old and modern methods; in Fig. 1 no trace of real beauty can be discovered, however long the study. Turn to Fig. 2 and what a sense of relief is felt I It is only a careless grouping of evergreens, but the group will increase in comeliness year after year.

But it may be remarked, it is unnecessary to go to such an extreme; may not a specimen of this art, dotted among other features, tend to ren. der the whole more interesting and attractive ? This is a matter of taste which must be decided individually, to a large degree, but I wish to direct attention to Figs. 3 and 4, as affording an illustration.

The first shows one of two corners exactly alike, which, set off by a broad walk, occupies the foreground of a garden, and which was doubtless considered an attractive bit of garden work. To my mind, however the scene would be far more beautiful were the two corners occupied by naturally grown trees, as shown by the hemlock spruce in Fig. 4.

In many of o u r cities it is not uncommon to see, on small lawns, specim. e n s of topiary work. They usually attract attention from their rarity and oddity, but never by their beauty, which, indeed, they never possess. It is gratifying to note that these instances are not multiplying. True gardening art never resorts to such devices for winning notice, and soon, owing to the constant efforts being made to instill right principles, such weak attempts to imitate old-country style will no longer be seen. If one has an over-powering love for topiary work and can afford it, let him enter into and carry out every detail on a worthy scale, keeping the old and new modes entirely distinct.

Another evil in connection with the employment of evergreens may be seen in the older portions of our country, where they and other trees have been so thickly planted about the house that they now shut off air and light; even in winter such a place has a gloomy aspect instead of being cheeringly pleasing in the contrasts which, at this season, evergreens should present. Besides this, it may be mentioned that these trees are often planted too near walks and drives, and also in such positions that, as they grow, they shut out desirable views. Monotony is induced also by using too freely of only certain kinds, like pines and spruces.

These abuses, however, are fast being lessened by the general increase of popular knowledge on this subject. It has been made possible for the humblest home-owner to wisely select and properly care for such subjects as may best suit his special location, by placing at his disposal plans from which he may draw suggestions.

La Salle Co., N. Y. E. E. Summey.