60 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



these can scarcely hope to introduce anything approaching 

 to a landscape garden style, in laying out their limited 

 grounds, still they may be greatly benefited by an ac- 

 quaintance with the beauties and the pleasures of this 

 species of rural embellishment. When we are once master 

 of the principles, and aware of the capabilities of an art, 

 we are able to infuse an expression of tasteful design, or 

 an air of more correct elegance, even into the most humble 

 works, and with very limited means. 



While we shall endeavor, in the following pages, to give 

 such a view of modern Landscape Gardening, as will enable 

 the improver to proceed with his fascinating operations, in 

 embellishing the country residence, in a practical mode, 

 based upon what are now generally received as the correct 

 principles of the art, we would desire the novice, after 

 making himself acquainted with all that can be acquired 

 from written works within his reach, to strengthen his taste 

 and add to his knowledge, by a practical inspection of the 

 best country seats among us. In an infant state of society, 

 in regard to the fine arts, much will be done in violation of 

 good taste ; but here, where nature has done so much for 

 us, there is scarcely a large country residence in the Union, 

 from which useful hints in Landscape Gardening may not 

 be taken. And in nature, a group of trees, an accidental 

 pond of water, or some equally simple object, may form a 

 study more convincing to the mind of a true admirer of 

 natural beauty, than the most carefully drawn plan, or the 

 most elaborately written description. 



