196 THE PRAISE OF GARDENS 



Britain started up from being one of the mechanical arts, in 

 which mere utility is intended, to be one of the fine arts, which 

 join utility to pleasure. In all ages men have known the use of 

 fruits, flowers and herbs for the pleasure of the senses: it is 

 almost only in our age that they have introduced into gardens 

 one half of the pleasing objects of art and nature for the enter- 

 tainment of the imagination. ... 



There seem in nature to be four different dispositions of 

 grounds distinct from each other, and which create distinct and 

 separate sentiments. 



The first situation is that of a high-land country, consisting of 

 great and steep mountains, rocks, lakes, impetuous rivers, etc. 

 Such a place is Inverary. 



The sentiment which a situation like this creates in the breast 

 of a beholder is obviously, and every one feels it, that of Grandeur. 



The next is what one may call a romantic disposition of 

 grounds, consisting of small valleys, woods hanging over them, 

 smooth rivers, the banks steep but accessible, etc. Places like 

 this we have on the banks of many of our small rivers in the 

 low countries of Scotland. 



The sentiment which such a situation seems to flatter, is that 

 of composure of mind, and perhaps even of melancholy. 



A third situation is that of grounds running by gentle falls and 

 risings easily into each other. In situations of this kind are 

 placed many of the English modern gardens; and particularly 

 those which Kent delighted in laying out. Such a situation, as it 

 is generally attended with great verdure, cultivation and populous- 

 ness, naturally creates in the mind that sentiment of cheerfulness 

 which society and action are apt to create. 



The last situation is that of a dead flat. A situation of this 

 kind may, from its verdure, or from its extent, or from its contrast 

 with other grounds that surround it, create some particular senti- 

 ment, but merely considered in itself, it appears to create little 



or none. . . . 



The English in such a situation attempt to humour nature; the 

 French in such a situation attempt to hide her. ... In a small 



