Beauties and Principles of Ihc Art 39 



Leaving such, however, lo a broader range of study Hum 

 a volume like this would afford, we may offer what, per- 

 haps, will not be unacceptable to the novice - - a more de- 

 tailed sketch of the distinctive features of the Beautiful and 

 the Picturesque, as these expressions should be embodied 

 in Landscape Gardening. 



THE BEAUTIFUL in Landscape Gardening is produced by 

 outlines whose curves are llowing and gradual, surfaces of 

 softness, and growth of richness and luxuriance. In the 

 shape of the ground, it is evinced by easy undulations melt- 

 ing gradually into each other. In the form of trees, by 

 smooth stems, full, round, or symmetrical heads of foliage, 

 and luxuriant branches often drooping to the ground, - 

 which is chiefly attained by planting and grouping, to allow 

 free development of form; and by selecting trees of suitable 

 character, as the elm, the ash, and the like. In walks and 

 roads, by easy flowing curves, following natural shapes of 

 the surface, with no sharp angles or abrupt turns. In water, 

 by the smooth lake with curved margin, embellished with 

 flowing outlines of trees, and full masses of flowering shrubs 



- or in the easy winding curves of a brook. The keeping 

 of such a scene should be of the most polished kind, - 

 grass mown into a softness like velvet, gravel walks scrupu- 

 lously firm, dry, and clean ; and the most perfect order and 

 neatness should reign throughout. Among the trees and 

 shrubs should be conspicuous the finest foreign sorts, dis- 

 tinguished by beauty of form, foliage, and blossom; and 

 rich groups of shrubs and flowering plants should be ar- 

 ranged in the more dressed portions near the house. And 

 finally, considering the house itself as a feature in the scene, 

 it should properly belong to one of the classical modes; and 

 the Italian, Tuscan, or Venetian forms are preferable, be- 

 cause these have both a polished and a domestic air, and 

 readily admit of the graceful accompaniments of vases, urns, 

 and other harmonious accessories. Or, if we are to have a 

 plainer dwelling, it should be simple and symmetrical in its 

 character, and its veranda festooned with masses of the 

 finest climbers. 



