^m. 



^'.3:5^: 



SI IMPROVEMINT IN OROrNDS. 



house is determined on, remove none but what is absolutely necessary to open 

 out some beautiful object in the distant landscape, or suflicient s])aeo for the liouse. 

 The mind that can appreciate the beauties of Nature may afterward better decide 

 what to remove and which to retain. I would plead, then, for the trees, and the 

 preservation of Nature's flower gardens ; for in the most polished surfaces they are 

 of'ten wanted to blend in with the universal harmony of the distant view, to form a 

 connecting link with the immediate precincts ; and if it is found to be requisite 

 afterward to remove them, there is no more expense incurred than there would have 

 been had they been taken away fit firet, with perhaps the advantage of not having 

 to regret for a life time that which can not be replaced. 



In all cases before a country residence is proceeded with, some person who can 

 comprehend the beautiful, the grand, and the picturesque, ought to scan over the 

 position, and determine upon the various adaptability of each individual detail, so 

 that nothing be done but what will afterward be an improvement, and give gratifica- 

 tion to the proprietor. 



It is certainly pleasing to see that, notwithstanding the often misdirected applica- 

 tion of operations, there are many proofs existing where the right movement is in 

 action. As we travel along the broad expanse of the majestic Hudson, and view here 

 and there the noble mansions rearing their summits over the surrounding trees, the 

 picturesque and retired country residences, peeping out on the beautifully wooded 

 slopes, the neat cottages, nestled among the umbrageous shade, and the attractive 

 nllages, with their back-ground of verdure along its shores, we have ample satisfiic- 

 tion that public taste is now being convinced of the advantages of smoothing down, 

 instead of demolishing, the very many charming spots for man's enjoyment, which 

 Nature has so lavishly bestowed. If we add to this now more generally acknowledged 

 principle a greater number of skilled individuals who are spread over the country, 

 there is better hope for the future, and more certainty that the time is fast approach- 

 ing when, instead of the many hotch-potch, stiff, and formal apologies mis-called 

 pleasure grounds that at present exist, we shall have an universal scenery of beauty, 

 elegance, and grandeur, that shall outrival all older countries — a unitedness and great- 

 ness collectively which, although divided among a number of possessors, will give 

 gratification to the many, and, as a total, will form one great feature in the splendid 

 landscape — will more than equal the greatest individual and ponderous establishment 

 of the aristocratic nobleman of Europe. The splendor, sublimity, and greatness of 

 America's scenery, is by Nature formed exactly to suit these high pretensions. If not 

 destroyed by individual bad taste, there is every opportunity for carrying out so much 

 to be desired a consummation, and nothing to prevent it but an ignorant destruction 

 of some of the finest scenery in the world ; and without the protecting influence of a 

 law of primogeniture, we may possess a park-like landscape, equal in finish, and of 

 far greater extent, than Britain itself. May we hope that this progressive and onward 

 movement may rapidly extend until it becomes a general principle, so that our present 

 natural advantages may be retained, and only altered sc as to become worthy of, 

 a part of, that master spirit which governs all other atiairs. 



