THE 



THEORY AND PRACTICE 



OF 



LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



ON CONSULTING THE LANDSCAPE GARDENER PRIOR TO 

 FIXING THE SITE FOR A HOUSE. 



When a gentleman has made up his mind to huild or alter a house with 

 appropriate grounds, and intends to consult the Landscape Gardener, he 

 should do so in the first instance, before taking further steps. I confess I am 

 surprised that this is so little regarded, because it is the very object of the 

 Landscape Gardener's profession to fix the different views, and subject the 

 varied scenery to his own command. In his mind the house is but a mere 

 speck, and yet so important a point that every tiling else should be made to 

 contribute to its grandeur, beauty, comfort, and convenience. Nor am I alone 

 in the opinion which I have thus expressed. Mason says — " I am of opinion 

 that, when a place is to be formed, he who disposes the grounds and arranges 

 the plantations, ought to fix the situation, at least, if not to determine the 

 shape and size of ornamental buildings."' Loudon also remarks — " In most 

 cases an Architect is almost as ill qualified to decide upon the proper situa- 

 tion for a house, as a Landscape Gardener would be to build one." 



By these remarks I mean no disparagement to the Architect, nor do I 

 wish either to supersede him, or to interfere with his particular province, viz.. 

 that of building the house and its appendages ; but to determine the position 

 of the house and its principal entrance, with the sites for stables and other 

 outbuildings, is unquestionably the province of the Landscape Gardener. The 

 Architect himself would acknowledge the propriety of my suggestion, and the 



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