<>n tbe Stubs of IRatural Scenery 29 



distinctly from that of another ; the transformation is 

 gradual, we go from one scene to another without knowing 

 until the difference suddenly strikes us. Meadow and 

 woodland, field and forest, are all woven into one pattern 

 without any strong boundaries, except where man comes 

 in; but even there, the waving fields of corn and the blue 

 smoke from the farmer's chimney have their beauty, and 

 fit into the natural setting as perfectly as the gossamers' 

 airy castles, or the weaver-bird's nest. The stone bridge 

 over the creek, mossy and ivied, bordered by graceful 

 birches and bushy willows, fits admirably into the 

 scenery; the tall, distant church spire, rising above a 

 mass of foliage, adds decidedly to the beauty of the 

 landscape. 



It would be of no use to go into further details. I have 

 simply endeavored to show how and where to study the 

 natural landscape. In every imaginable place there is 

 something to learn ; even in the most desolate and monoto- 

 nous wilderness there are scattered scenes of rare and per- 

 fect beauty. In the open woodland, in the mountain valley, 

 by lake and river, the landscape-gardener, whether amateur 

 or professional, must learn the greatest secret of his art ; 

 and he should always remember that no copying of the 

 outward form alone will give the living impression of 

 nature. Although this is considered the humblest of the 

 beautiful arts, it is the one that speaks the most natural 

 language to the heart and imagination ; it is capable of the 

 most useful and universal influence upon the moral devel- 

 opment of a country ; it is conducive to health and happi- 

 ness and purity of mind and body. 



