THE 



GARDENER, 



NOVEMBER 1 871. 



THE ADAPTATION AND KEEP OF GARDENS. 



AST month we made some remarks on the laying out of 

 pleasure-grounds, referring more especially to those con- 

 nected with the rapidly-increasing numbers of places of 

 moderate dimensions. We then attempted to point out 

 what we conceive to be the principles on which such grounds should 

 be dealt with by the landscape-gardener, in order to convey as much 

 as possible the impression of expanse and seclusion, instead of con- 

 tracted intricacy; and have now a desire to supplement these remarks 

 with a few others which naturally present themselves as a sequel to 

 the same subject, and which have a bearing upon matters that we 

 think of considerable importance to all who wish for as much enjoy- 

 ment as can possibly be derived from the ownership of a garden. 



While it may safely be recognised that the idea of extent and vari- 

 ety is natural to most minds, and that it cannot be otherwise than de- 

 sirable that small grounds should if possible be so laid out as to be 

 productive of the illusive effect of seeming to be larger than they 

 really are, we may be considered paradoxical, if not bold, when we 

 affirm our conviction that scarcely anything would tend so much to the 

 improvement of gardening, and to the heightening of that enjoyment 

 which is derivable from gardening, than that half the pleasure-grounds 

 in the country should be absolutely reduced in area instead of increased. 

 In taking this position, we raise no objections to mere extent; all 

 other things being equal, the more extensive the better. There is, 

 however, no getting rid of the conviction, that one acre of garden well 

 laid out, and kept in first-rate order, is far better calculated to yield 

 the highest pleasure and enjoyment than three acres indifi'erently 



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