166 ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. 



RICHNESS AND FINISH. 



A certain air of richness and finish in the arrangement 

 and keeping of the pleasure grounds, goes far towards 

 raising them up to the highest ideal of such a place. 

 Gracefulness of lines, elegance of ornaments, and a gen- 

 eral appearance of finish in the composition and the effect 

 of groups, are among the features that delight us. 

 A place in even a partial state of disorder and neglect, 

 shocks our sense of beauty. Due regard to the lit- 

 tle matters of mown lawns, clean Tvalks, carefully at- 

 tended edges, absence of weeds and litter, cultivated 

 borders, clean and well-painted architectural features, 

 have such a marked effect on the pleasure a place may 

 afford that they can not be lightly disregarded. 



CONVENIENCE. 



Let it be remembered that gardens are for use as well 

 as ornament, hence they should be accessible and con- 

 venient, and this should always be kept in mind in lo- 

 cating different objects, walks, and drives. There is no 

 more conflict between utility and beauty in the garden 

 than elsewhere, and we may always aim to have it 

 very convenient, and at the same time very handsome. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



THE HOME BUHDINGS. 



The house, because of its crowning importance, and 

 for sanitary reasons also, should stand somewhat elevated 

 above the common surface. The same is true in a some- 

 what less degree of other buildings also. If grounds are 

 level, or if the most suitable place for the building is not 

 as high as would be desirable, the foundation walls may 



