able. We must also know our present resources in 

 trees and shrubs, though the vegetation, since almost 

 entirely in our own control, is of less moment than 

 the shape of the land. Lastly, the soil itself should 

 be examined, and chiefly because this also is in our 

 power, at least to modify considerably. 



Out of this general investigation must grow our 

 plan. The point on which all turns is the position 

 of the house. When we remember that nine-tenths 

 of the pleasure which we shall have in our grounds 

 will be got by looking from windows, piazzas, and 

 terraces, we shall take care that no minor considera- 

 tions deter us from selecting that spot whence most 

 may be quietly enjoyed ; and, the position of the 

 house being settled, let us resolutely subordinate 

 other parts to this all important feature. It is evi- 

 dent now that the more definite plan we can have the 

 better, and that, if we could be sure just where every 

 tree ought to grow, it would be an advantage. But 

 it is equally certain that we cannot have at once this 

 desirable exactness. One sometimes sees plans, made 

 after a cursory view of the ground, finished with 

 very suspicious accuracy ; for every one who thinks 

 of the matter, must know that designs, to be of value, 

 must be founded on considerable acquaintance with 

 the place ; and, even then, it is nearly impossible to 

 direct rightly on paper the position of every separate 

 tree. There are many of these positions which ought 

 to be determined by looking often from the given 

 point of view, some object, such as a pole or a circle 



