PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION. 



Outdoor art is to-day recognized as necessary to the com- 

 j letion of a home. What are the best methods to pursue in 

 designing small suburban grounds? As an assistance to those 

 with moderate incomes wishing to secure beautiful surround- 

 ings, the following thoughts are written. They are not intended 

 to deal with the treatment of large estates or explain the many 

 principles of landscape architecture, but only as an incentive 

 to good taste. 



The need for planning and "counting the cost" before begin- 

 ning the construction of the house is a})parent. The problem 

 should be treated as a whole, rather than to consider the 

 grounds as an afterthought. 



It is not my intention that the plans and sketches shown 

 shall be designs to be carried out, but only as an example of 

 what can be done. Every site presents conditions and oppor- 

 tunities which should be taken advantage of in the develop- 

 ment. As every locality has plants that are indigenous to 

 the region, it seems useless to merely give an extended list of 

 trees and shrubs, but to direct the reader to a means of securing 

 the knowledge in one's own community. 



In the hope that many may be inspired to seek better things 

 a1:)0ut the home this small work is sent forth. 



Herbert J. Kellaway. 



Boston, ]\Iass., June, 1907. 



