11 



FIRST PRINCIPLES 



THE principles of garden design are more 

 easily felt than formulated, and the subject 

 scarcely admits of the strict definition or classifica- 

 tion which we should apply to a science or a craft. 

 We may observe, however, in the first place, that all 

 arrangements, of whatever kind, should bear the im- 

 press of a direct and simple method. Second, that 

 the aim should be to lay out and reveal the beauties of 

 the garden by degrees, not with any forced intricacy, 

 but by such means as shall give as much diversity 

 and mystery as is consistent with simplicity of 

 general treatment. Third, that each division of the 

 garden should have its own special purpose, its own 

 significance or meaning, and should be adorned 

 with such architectural or other features as will 

 sustain the interest and promote the usefulness of 



