132 OF RURAL GARDENING. SECT. XI. 



Why knows the nightingale to sing ? 



YVhy flows the pine's nectarious juice ? 

 Why shines with paint the linnet's wing ? 



For sustenance alone ? for use ? 

 For preservation ? Every sphere 

 Shall bid fair Pleasure's rightful claim appear, 

 And sure there seem of human kind, 



Some born to shun the. solemn strife ; 

 Some for amusive tasks designed, 



To soothe the certain ills of life ; 

 Grace its lone vales with many a budding rose, 



New founts of bliss disclose, 

 Call forth refreshing shades, and decorate repose. 



Mr. Shemtone succeeded admirably in laying out 

 his grounds, and producing a delightful scene about 

 his seat. Several gentlemen have done great things 

 in picturesque gardening, without the assistance of 

 professional artists ; but they have had a peculiar 

 talent this way, improved by study and observation. 

 Thus Mr. Walpole makes an easy affair of it, and 

 says, " the possessor, if he has any taste, is the best 

 designer of his own grounds." And indeed, as they 

 have come so frequently under his own eye and con- 

 templation, he must, in a great measure, becompe* 

 tent to the work ; and, at least, ought not to give up 

 his judgment too implicitly to general undertakers of 

 rural gardening. 



Ornamental gardening depends much on the form 

 of the ground, and therefore to shape that is the first 

 object. Some situations may not need it, and, per- 

 haps, a little alteration may produce a happy effect 

 in others ; therefore great alterations should not be 

 attempted without manifest advantages, as either le- 

 velling, or raising ground, is a heavier business than, 

 is commonly supposed, both as to time and ex- 

 pence. 



Too much plane is to be guarded against, and 

 when it abounds, the eye should be relieved by clumps, 



