Style 31 



— or natural — style in garden design. The contempt with which 

 the latter have always regarded the former is only equaled by the 

 disdain which the former have ever entertained for the latter. 



But it looks very much as if the long controversy were draw- 

 ing to a close. Not that it is fought out — oh, dear no! — but 

 in spite of the resolute defense each faction has made of its chosen 

 position, and the tenacity with which it has cltmg to it, force 

 of circumstances is bringing them both on to a common ground — a 

 middle ground that is neither strictly formal nor painstakingly 

 and laboriously natural, but rather a happy compromise. 



This is precisely as it should be. No amnesty, voluntarily 

 but grudgingly declared, could be as binding as this which a 

 constantly growing appreciation of the beautiful in art and 

 Nature is forcing. And the equilibrium which is thus becoming 

 established furnishes the most favorable condition for the develop- 

 ment of a national taste and skill in gardening, which shall be 

 indicative of and harmonious with national life and character. 



The most ardent adherents of the landscape or natural school 

 can hardly claim for it suitability to small areas, yet the small 

 area is the typical American home site ; while, on the other hand, 

 the loyal advocates of that exquisite perfection of line and bal- 

 anced detail which are the formal garden 's structural necessity, 

 must admit that these features demand an outlay in the build- 

 ing, and a skilled care in the maintenance, far beyond the 

 capacity of anything less than a truly plethoric purse. But 

 both sides must agree that all buildings, of whatsoever form they 

 may be, are artificial — hence, following strictly the logic of the 

 "natural" school, are abominations, out of harmony with 

 Nature. What is to be done about this? 



The apostle of Nature untamed and free, has tried to answer 

 by planting out base lines of buildings and the angles of masonry 



