SECT. XI. OF RURAL GARDENING, 127 



fcure, the grand characteristics of which are case and 

 simplicity. 



The pleasure we seek in laying out gardens, is 

 DOW justly founded upon the principles of concealed 

 arty which appears like Nature ; but still, wJietheF 

 ingenious contrivances and decorations, (altogether 

 artificial) should be so entirely laid aside as they 

 are, may deserve to be considered. Gardens were 

 formerly loaded with statues, and great improprieties 

 w*ere committed in placing them, as Neptune in a 

 grove, and Vulcan at a fountain,, large figures in- 

 small gardens, and small in large, c. ; but perhaps 

 works of the statuary might still be introduced, and 

 the meeting with Flora, Ceres, or Pomona, &c. well 

 executed, and in proper places, could hardly give 

 offence. A terrace as a boundary, is now seldom 

 formed, but in some situations, such an eminence, 

 however, might in several respects prove agree- 

 able. 



It would certainly be too much to attempt here 

 particular directions for extensive gardening. The 

 peculiar capabilities of any place must suggest what 

 may be done, and muck judgment is necessary to 

 plan aright. It is presumed only to give a few hints 

 to those private persons who would do something 

 in this way, which they may consider as they 

 please. 



If trees are planted injudiciously, the error is a 

 trifle ; but if cut down so, the consequence is serious, 

 and- has often been sorely lamented ; extirpation 

 should therefore be well thought of before it is exe- 

 cuted ; especially trees about houses, for many dwel- 

 lings have been thus too hastily exposed, and de- 

 prived of comfortable shelter and shade. And why 

 should a taste have prevailed for so sudden a transi- 

 tion, as no sooner out of the house than to arrive 

 in the open country ? or why should an extensive 



