ANNUAL MEETING. 199 



usually a saving in the cost. The same thing holds true in landscape garden- 

 ing. Its piiMci|)les are as applicable to sintill places as largo, just as the prin- 

 ciples of architecture are as iip[)licable to tho small building as to the stately 

 mansion, or ;is the principles of painting :is well to tho smallest piece as the 

 huge ni:isterpi(!ce. It is a profession by itself, requiring long study and con- 

 siderable natural talent and its full value will only be recognized when the 

 demand is sucli as to stimulate it to its fullest development. 



The objection that the mass of tho people cannot ailord to employ it, is one 

 that the facts will not sustain for as tho architects plans are found to save 

 more than their cost, so the plans of the landscape gardener will be proved a 

 measure of economy besides i)roducing so much more satisfactory results. 

 And the improvement will be more marked in the work on the grounds, for 

 the builtling is usually done by skilled workmen while the work on the 

 ground is usually done by men who have no knowledge of the principles 

 nvolved, without skill or experience, and with almost no idea of the fitness 

 of things, 'i'he principles and rules of the art can be stated, but there is 

 hardly a rule that might not need some modification to suit existing circum- 

 stances, hence it is almost an impossibility to give a rule that would bo appli- 

 cable to all places, and it is just for this reason that such poor results are 

 reached when people attempt to do the work without any plan- 



At present there is little stimulus to the acquirement of skill in this direc- 

 tion, but it is to be hoped that those who can afford to aid in this development 

 will do so by a denmnd for greater skill and taste, and by giving it employ- 

 ment. It will certainly pay in every way. While specific directions cannot 

 be given there are a few general principles that are applicable in all cases, and 

 which if followed will prevent one from going far astray. 



The first and most important is a plan. Have a plan, made by a competent 

 artist if you can, if not, make it yourself, but have a plan. No good results 

 ■were ever accomplished without a plan, in any kind of work. Avoid attempt- 

 ing too much. Simplicity of style should mark all small places. Conven- 

 ience first, then as much beauty as possible. 



A curved walk gives variety and more lasting satisfaction than a straight one 

 but needs more room, and in many cases the straight walk is the best, evea 

 for beauty. 



A carriage drive should be introduced for use, not for show, and the same 

 may be said of walks. A smooth lawn is much pleasanter than a walk. 



A perfectly smooth even thick turf is of the first importance. Nothing 

 satisfactory can be reached without it. 



The location of buildings and walks and size of grounds must determine 

 the planting, but large trees should be used sparingly on small lots. Tno 

 houie needs a little support by planting; out-buildings screened from view; 

 corneis rounded and smoothed, and the exquisite beauty of sunlight and 

 shadow pi'oduced on the lawn. 



Avoid all set forms in the planting, and while rare specimens are desirable, 

 the must satisfaction will come fi'om using such varieties as are known to suc- 

 ceed well in the soil and climate in which they are to be used. 



1 trust 1 shall not discouiage anyone fiom attempting the adornment of 

 their own home. Tiicie is no greater source of profit and enjoyment. But 

 we greatly need a deveiu[)ment of taste and skill in tiiis branch of art, and 

 tlie recognition of the fact that it is art. When this siiall have become more 

 fully established, tlien will the capabilities of the art be more fully developed 



