334 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



natural because it is more rude. On the other hand, a fine 

 small polished form, in the midst of rough, mis-shapen 

 ground, though more elegant than all about it, is generally 

 no better than a patch, itself disgraced and disfiguring the 

 scene. A thousand instances might be added to show that 

 the prevailing idea ought to pervade every part, so far at 

 least indispensably, as to exclude whatever distracts it, 

 and as much further as possible to accommodate the 

 character of the ground to that of the scene to which it 

 belongs."* 



Rocks, either in detached fragments or large masses, 

 enter into the composition of many scenes, and sometimes 

 have an excellent effect. Indeed much of the spirit of 

 picturesque scenery is often owing to the bold projections 

 made by rocks in various forms. An overhanging cliff, or 

 steep precipice, a moss-covered rocky bank, or even a group 

 of rocks on a ledge, from which springs a tuft of trees and 

 shrubs — all these give strength to a picturesque scene. 

 Their effect may often be rendered more striking by art ; 

 sometimes by removing the earth or loose stones from the 

 bottom of the precipice, so as greatly to increase its apparent 

 height — for the perpendicular position is the finest in which 

 rocks can be viewed. At other times the effect of a con- 

 tinuous range of rocks may be much improved by planting 

 the summit, and making occasional breaks of verdure in 

 tiie front surface. 



Rocks which are too apparent, and which cannot be 



* Mr. Whately has given such minute and excellent details in relation to 

 tlus subject, in his Observations on Modern Gardening, that we gladly refer 

 the reader who desires to pursue this subject further, to that work: which 

 indeed is so unexceptionable in style and good taste, that Alison has frequentJj 

 quoted i' in ;!:atration of his admirable Essay on Taste. 



