MR. DOWNING AND THE HORTICULTURIST. 



but labored to discover the first 'principles of his profession, and to bring it up to its 

 proper rank in the science and the fine arts. When we consider the discouraging cir- 

 cumstances under which he wrought, both in the means of prosecuting his work, and 

 the apathy of public sentiment, we wonder that he should have produced a treatise so 

 perfect in its kind, so elaborate and finished as his Landscape Gardening. He 

 handles with apparent ease, the subtil topics of abstract beauty, the moral and social 

 influence of its development in nature, and what is more remarkable, he is equally at 

 home in carrying his theory into practice. This work first appeared in 1841, and 

 though an elegant and costly book, has now passed through four editions. It was the 

 first publication on the subject by an American author, and so completely unknown 

 was the art, that the manuscript remained some time in the hands of the author with- 

 out a publisher. It was, however, a complete triumph, and may be said to have al- 

 most created a taste for ornamental gardening — it certainly refined and elevated it. 



The discussion of a disposition and adornment of the grounds pertaining to a resi- 

 dence, naturally led to the subject of Architecture. With all the branches of this 

 art, Mr. Downing was familiar, and his Cottage Eestdences and Country Hou- 

 ses, display with great effect his admirable taste. He discusses the meaning and ex- 

 pression of Architecture, in a profound and comprehensive manner ; and following, what 

 seems to have been a motto with him — " Never to lose sight of good sense,''' — he 

 shows the absurdity of adopting ancient architecture as the highest form of the art, 

 and argues the necessity of a peculiar national style of building. That he founded a 

 distinct school, we do not assert ; but from many sources, and particularly from his 

 own varied culture, sound judgment, and correct taste, he drew just what seemed best 

 adapted to the wants and capacity of the country. 



The Fruits and Fruit Trees of America, which was issued in 1846, presents to 

 great advantage, the pomological research and experience of Mr. Downing. This work 

 is admirably executed, and has met with universal favor. These works of Mr. Down- 

 ing have given this country a rank among other nations in Horticulture and Rural 

 Taste, and exerted a wide influence upon the improvement of our own gardens and 

 houses. Many a residence, beautified by his skill, many a smiling lawn, and gracefully 

 disposed group of foliage, remain as fit monuments to his memory, and many a home, 

 made happier by his teachings, will be saddened by his death. 



In the editorship of the Horticulturist, he has shown, perhaps, better than in 

 his other writings, the peculiar fitness of his talents to educate the popular taste for 

 the beautiful in nature and art. The success which has attended this periodical, and 

 the increased attention which is being paid to Landscape Gardening, Horticulture and 

 Rural Decoration, are proof of the beneficial influence of his labors. Whether we 

 read his Letters from England, which exhibit a refined literai-y taste, and a delicate 

 appreciation of, and full acquaintance with, the pleasures of a scholarly and cultivated 

 mind, or the plain sayings and wholesome counsel of an " Old Digger," we recog- 

 nise the same sterling sense and discriminating judgment. Mr. Doavning was not by 

 eminence a theorist. It was not his aim to build castles too grand and lofty for human 

 realization, or to show the power of his intellect by forming conceptions, which imagi- 



