TREATMENT OF GROUND. FORMATION CF WALKS 333 



variation in ground is undoubtedly that of gradually vary- 

 ing lines and insensible transitions of surface, and these 

 should correspond in magnitude and breadth to the size and 

 style of the place. Such surfaces are full of the flowing 

 lines and rounded smoothness which Burke considers 

 characteristic of beauty, or the long undulations exhibit 

 the outlines of Hogarth's favorite line of grace. 



In places of large extent there may be scenes in different 

 portions of the park of totally different character ; one sim- 

 ply beautiful, abounding with graceful and flowing lines, 

 and another highly picturesque, and full of spirited breaks 

 and variations. Such often form very pleasing and striking 



contrasts to each other, and should therefore, bv all means, 



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be preserved : but they should also be rendered distinct by 

 their own surrounding plantations, else much of their effect 

 as a whole, when separately considered, will be lost upon 

 the spectator. For it should be remembered the mind is 

 incapable of appreciating or doing justice to two distinct 

 and dissimilar expressions at the same time. Whatever be 

 the scene to be improved, therefore, it should be taken by 

 itself and considered as a whole, if the eye command that 

 scene alone. Then the improver can proceed on the prin- 

 ciple that every piece of ground is distinguished by certain 

 properties : it is either tame or bold, graceful or rude, con- 

 tinued or broken ; and if any variety inconsistent with these 

 expressions be obtruded, it has no other eflect than to 

 weaken one idea without raising another. " The insipidity 

 of a flat is not taken away by a few scattered hillocks ; a 

 continuation of uneven ground can alone give the idea of 

 irregularity. A large, deep, abrupt break, among easy 

 swells and falls, seems at best but a piece left unfinished, 

 and which ousht to have been softened ; it is not more 



