18 LANDSCAPE GARDEN SERIES 



would require a formal treatment. (Fig. 41 ). Where there is no reason, 

 such as association with a building or the definite outline created by 

 walls, etc., there is frequently a chance for the freer, less formal, treat- 

 ment to be used in a fitting manner. 



Informal in this case does not mean naturalistic. Naturalistic con- 

 ditions occur in their true state only, within natural and virgin country, 

 few of which such places can be found for miles around in the districts 

 where most people live. One visit to such a place would quickly reveal 

 the possible opportunities for hunting or for building a hermit's lodge, 

 but the wild natural and uncontrolled character could not be trans- 

 ferred in a reduced portion to city property and even be tolerated, nor 

 would it have the slightest merit. 



Aristotle says, "Nature has the will but not the power to reach 

 perfection." We take our inspiration from nature but we should not 

 attempt to copy her. As Mrs. Van Rensselaer says,"Every step in civil- 

 ization is away from the wild state, which alone is true nature, and the 

 further we get the more imagination is needed to bring the elements of 

 use and beauty, which nature still supplies, into harmony with these 

 which man has developed." * 



Complete organization can be secured only in the finished plan, but 

 the work of organizing is carried on from the start to the finish. Know- 

 ing, then, what is required, our attention can turn to those special con- 

 siderations affecting the treatment of the different areas. 



* Art Out of Doors 



