impression is quite as erroneous as its production is practically impossible. As well 

 miglit we expect to derive as true an idea of the magnificent proportions of the 

 Washington monument from the exhibition of a five-foot model, as from the con- 

 templation of the great original, so great is the difference between imagination and 

 reality. 



But much can be done to render small places interesting; their confined and 

 limited extent suggests a method of arrangement by which a great variety of 

 interesting features can be introduced, and although they may not arrest the 

 attention and admiration of the spectator by their magnificent grandeur, they afford 

 more pleasure in the examination of details. "Unity in objects is essential to 

 beauty, from the limited nature of the mind, which can only see and understand 

 one thing at one time, and variety is equally necessary, from the expansive nature 

 of the mind, which can see and understand an indefinite number of objects, provided 

 they are presented to it in succession." The leading features to be kept in view 

 are variety and contrast, or distinctiveness in the various objects introduced. The 

 converse of this is well exemplified in many places where the trees and shrubs are 

 so numerous, and planted in such a regular and systematic manner, as to convey the 

 idea of a nursery rather than of pleasure ground. There is nothing to arrest 

 attention ; turn which way we will there is the same unmeaning assemblage, and 

 we are lost in the vain endeavor to discover the design or intention of the planter. 



Many persons have vague and indefinite notions respecting the dispositions of 

 trees and shrubs in pleasure grounds. It is not uncommon to see shnibs of the 

 smallest size, and even herbaceous plants, placed in isolated positions on the lawn. 

 This mixing up of grass and small plants is veiy prevalent, and where it is adopted 

 any thing like striking effect cannot be produced. Shrubbery should be considered 

 and treated as quite distinct from the lawn proper. The ground occupied by masses 

 of shrubbery should, at least while the plants are yoimg, be cultivated and kept 

 clear of grass and weeds. A few years of such treatment, until the plants are of 

 sufiicient size to shade and prevent the growth of weeds, is all that will be found 

 requisite. Shrubberies, more especially in small places, where a feeling of extent 

 and intricacy is desired, should be allowed to grow into dense masses, so as to form 

 a screen or thicket impenetrable to the eye. This is one of the finest features of a 

 small place, and the only way in which it can be made to appear extensive, so that 

 in walking through the grounds all the paths are concealed except the one occupied 

 at the time. By this means a vai-iety of interesting views and scenes may be of 

 constant occui'rence, and the attention of the spectator is directed to the variety and 

 intricacy, rather than to the extent of the whole. 



Further to secure this illusion, recourse may be had to the frequent occun-ence of 

 striking objects, isolated, although apparently connected with the principal groups 

 of planting. Hare trees and shnibs, or those of botanical or historical interest, 

 flower vases, statuary, rastic seats, &c., may be effectually introduced, but they 

 require to be skillfully managed, otherwise what is intended for variety may result 

 in confusion and absurdity. 



The most expensive improvement in grounds, and in most cases the least satisfi 



