CHAP. EX.] PLEASURE-GROUXDS. 259 



most uncomfortable and disjointed kind of con- 

 versation. The minor evils of clothes beinsi 

 caught by branches, and leaves discharging; on 

 the pedestrians the remains of a recent shower, 

 would likewise be avoided by broader walks. 



The Laying out of Pleasure-Grounds em- 

 braces a wide field : and, when they are exten- 

 sive, they require the eye of a painter, as well as 

 the taste and skill of a landscape-gardener. 

 Even in small places, so much depends on situa- 

 tion (particularly as regards the house, and 

 whether there may or may not be any distant 

 prospects) ; on the taste of the occupier ; and 

 on the expense to be incurred, not only in laying 

 out and planting, but in after keeping, that few 

 directions can be given that would be generally 

 applicable. It may, however, be observed, that 

 in all places, whether large or small, the walks 

 should be so contrived, that no person passing 

 along one should see the persons walking on 

 another. Indeed, if more than one walk be 

 ever seen at a time, it gives an idea of want of 

 space and confinement; and this idea is one 

 which the landscape-gardener always endeavours 

 as much as possible to avoid. For the same 

 reason the boundary fence should never be seen, 

 if it can possibly be disguised. Even in a small 

 street garden, with three low walls on three of 

 the sides, and the house on the fourth, a very 

 pleasing effect may be produced by effectually 

 concealing the boundary walls with ivy, and 

 thus permitting the imagination to fix the 

 boundary where it will. 



Another general rule in laving out pleasure- 

 grounds is, to avoid monotony or sameness as 



s 2 



