4 THE GARDEN, YOU, AND I 



certain defects in its conception, and beginning with a 

 priori set by another one does as one can. 



But in those choosing site, and breaking soil for them- 

 selves, inconsistency is inexcusable. Follow the lay 

 of the land and let it lead. Nature does not attempt 

 placid lowland pictures on a steep hillside, nor dramatic 

 landscape effects in a horizonless meadow, therefore 

 why should you ? For one great garden principle you 

 will learn from nature's close companionship con- 

 sistency ! 



You who have a bit of abrupt hillside of im- 

 poverished soil, yet where the sky-line is divided in a 

 picture of many panels by the trees, you should not try 

 to perch thereon a prim Dutch garden of formal lines ; 

 neither should you, to whom a portion of fertile level 

 plain has fallen, seek to make it picturesque by a tor- 

 tuous maze of walks, curving about nothing in particular 

 and leading nowhere, for of such is not nature. Either 

 situation will develop the skill, though in different direc- 

 tions, and do not forget that in spite of better soil it 

 takes greater individuality to make a truly good and 

 harmonious garden on the flat than on the rolling 

 ground. 



I always tremble for the lowlander who, down in the 

 depth of his nature, has a prenatal hankering for rocks, 



