I?nEFACE. XVU 



fence of English gardening, that the present 

 style of laying out places is not a mere 

 capricious invention, but a consistent and. 

 regular system, founded on the most se- 

 ducing qualities ; and such as are likely to 

 operate in every age and country, where 

 extensive improvement in grounds may be- 

 come an object of attention— on smooth- 

 ness, continuity of surface, undulation, ser- 

 pentine lines, and, also, what is peculiarly 

 flattering to the vanity of the owner — dis- 

 tinctness. The whole purpose of my work 

 has been to shew — not that these qualities 

 are by any means to be abandoned Or 

 neglected, but that there are striking effects 

 and attractions in those of a totall}' opposite 

 nature : and that they must be mixed with 

 each other in various des^recs, in order to 

 ))roducc that beauty of combination, which 

 is displaj'cd in the choicest works of art 

 and of nature. 



VOL. II. b 



