GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. 287 



CHAPTER XII. 



GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE LAYING-OUT AND 

 IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS. 



Landscape-gardening- — Analogies to Landacape-painting — Compara- 

 tive Power over Materials — Simplicity and Multiplicity of Points of 

 Vie-w — Processes wholly and partly Tentative — Propriety of Re- 

 vision—Utility of Plans — Hazard of Preparatory Operations. 



In the preceding chapters, vre have adhered, as 

 closely as possible, to practical views of the subjects 

 which we have treated, and we have carefully ab- 

 stained from all merely theoretical reasoning. Our 

 preparatory studies, however, as well as our experi- 

 ence in the exercise of the profession, have led us to 

 some general conclusions regarding the principles and 

 tlie practice of the art, which it may be proper to bring 

 under the notice of tlte reader, both as conducing to 

 the unity and as adding to the completeness of the 

 work. To a brief exposition of these conclusions, 

 then, we shall devote this chapter; and we shall allow 

 our remarks on principles to run at once into their 

 practical applications. 



The name. Landscape-gardening, usually given to 

 the laying-out and improvement of grounds, suggests 

 some considerations worthy of attention. Sir "Walter 

 Scott, in an interesting paper reprinted from the 



