FIRST PRINCIPLES 13 



each part. By a careful observance of this rule we 

 may avoid one of the severest criticisms of the care- 

 less plan : — that it is meaningless. 



With these suggestions we may pair three other 

 considerations of equal value. The simplicity of 

 treatment should always be in the direction of 

 utilising to their very best advantage whatever 

 peculiar qualities the site may possess, or such as 

 may be offered by the surrounding country. 

 Second, the deft and skilful unfolding of the garden 

 plan and scheme cannot be better achieved than by 

 the use of well raised boundaries of stone and brick, 

 yew, box or beech, such as will ensure the shelter 

 and privacy of every part. For shelter and privacy 

 are as essential to the grateful flourishing of all 

 things planted in the garden as to the full use and 

 enjoyment by its possessors ; and even where a 

 distant view must be preserved, much can be done 

 in framing and focusing its charm. And lastly, all 

 the divisions and special features, in regard to their 

 position and use, cannot be considered apart from 

 the plan of the house itself, and many have placed 

 as the very first requirement of design the strict 

 unity of house and garden, in all its aspects. 



