preface ix 



the fundamental principles of landscape gardening, is 

 almost unknown to the public. 



It will be found that the contents of some of the 

 chapters deal with landscape gardening in ways that 

 will be liable to give a slight shock to those who have 

 the ordinary conception of the art. For example, the 

 treatment of grading, of planting, of roads and paths, 

 rocks, islands, water, the poetry of parks, the proper 

 function of gardens may seem to go somewhat far in 

 taking what might be termed novel views of the sub- 

 ject, in giving "a touch more than the maximum." It is 

 for that reason, chiefly, that many quotations are used in 

 order to prove that the ideas presented have the support 

 of competent authorities both ancient and modern ; and 

 the reference to models of standard excellence in many 

 periods and countries has a similar purpose in view. 



My own contribution to the present work has been 

 largely limited to the collection of these citations and 

 references made in the text and footnotes, and such 

 definition and explanation of ideas presented as will 

 tend to simplify their proper understanding. I have 

 endeavoured to show that landscape gardening has been 

 and is the result of an evolution and growth of an impor- 

 tant art, based on the deepest instincts of human nature. 



Above most other arts, landscape architecture is 

 based on nature, and my own particular function in this 

 book I conceive to be to point out how and why the art 

 should be practised on natural lines, and something of 

 the degree to which this course, in spite of much seeming 

 divergence, is supported by well-recognized authorities. 



