46 GARDEN PLANNING 



The treatment I advocate is based upon the 

 use of straight lines, and experience has shown 

 that it is the only successful method of solving 

 the problem. I have termed it the "rectilinear 

 principle." It might, at first sight, appear to 

 imply the very essence of formality, but, under 

 careful scrutiny, this objection disappears. 

 Let us consider the alternative: this would 

 involve the use of curves or irregular lines, 

 which would at once establish a new factor 

 in the problem. The curves might be laid 

 down with the utmost skill with a view to 

 obtaining a unity inter se, but they would 

 individually and collectively remain in perma- 

 nent discord with the rectilinear boundaries, 

 emphasizing their squareness. 



It should be understood that the problem 

 under consideration is the planning of a garden 

 of moderate size, to which type of garden alone 

 I should apply the rectilinear treatment. 



On garden plots of larger size, even if 

 bounded by straight lines, the case is different. 

 Usually means may be adopted in such cases 

 to sufficiently mask the fences or walls, which, 

 owing to the larger area of the plot, would 

 never be obtrusive. 



