i8o GARDENS IN THE MAKING 



feature. They tend to be mean and superfluous if 

 placed along the margin of a lawn or walk, but in 

 conjunction with a balustrade, a flight of steps, or a 

 low retaining wall they may be of great value. In 

 paved enclosures or on a flagged terrace they are 

 especially appropriate, and seem to be the natural 

 growths of the level stone floor ; it is for this 

 reason that they are often the staple part of the 

 design for town or roof gardens. But they are also 

 of great charm when in close proximity to masses of 

 foliage or even to the untamed growth of climbing 

 roses and similar plants. Thus they are beautiful 

 finials to gate piers, isolated pedestals, boundary 

 walls, and in many situations of a somewhat deserted 

 nature they are ready to recall to us our own human 

 ideals and to give a sense of comfort and companion- 

 ship. 



The whole class of architectural ornaments, which 

 includes vases, urns, and various forms of the 

 sculptor's art, lies ready to hand when we wish to 

 provide a central feature, to give some emphasis to 

 certain points and situations in the design, or again 

 to add some subtle element of beauty which will 

 not easily come otherwise. Sculpture per se, that is 



