the Landscape Gardener not only sketches, but attends to the filling-up 

 and carrying out of his designs. 



I have followed Landscape Gardeners, indeed, whose practice has been 

 merely to give rough sketches of their projected improvements, and then 

 to leave their execution to others. But such is not my idea of a Land- 

 scape Gardener's duty, for in this way the Home view, or Dress Grounds, 

 which ought always to be brought to the nicest finish, because they are 

 constantly under the eye, are often left in the most slovenly and inartistic 

 state ; thus exposing the artist to censure, and occasioning disappointment 

 and vexation to those who consult him. 



It is thought by many that, if the art of Landscape Gardening were 

 more generally studied, the result would be materially to injure the profes- 

 sion, by destroying its emoluments, — that landed proprietors and others 

 would design their own plans, lay out their own estates, and superintend 

 their own alterations. But this is not my opinion, for I have generally 

 found persons of the most cultivated taste peculiarly anxious for improve- 

 ments, and most ready to employ a professional man to execute them. 

 And this is reasonable; for the same good taste which shews them what 

 is wrong, also convinces them of their own inability, from want of practical 

 experience, to rectify it. However, my object in this work is to assist 

 in promoting a general taste for Landscape Gardening, and I hope my 

 readers will find considerable assistance from a careful perusal of its pages. 

 In them are suggestions for the Laying-out and Arrangement of both 

 Park and Villa Grounds, and for the Planting of Forests, down to that of 

 Flower beds. They will find, also, what methods to pursue and what to 

 avoid, — what constitute harmonious beauties, and what discord. 



In matters of taste, there have always existed, and ever will be found, 

 great differences of opinion ; but I am content to submit my ideas to the 

 ordeal of public opinion, and to abide its decision. Some of the views 



