LAYING OUT OF GROUNDS 



LANDSCAPE GARDENING 



IS it an art or a trade that I propose for dis- 

 cussion? I think it is an art. The back- 

 woodsman would not agree with me ; there 

 are many plethoric citizens who would not 

 agree. Good roads, and paths laid where you 

 want them, and plenty of shade trees — is there 

 anything more than this in the laying out of 

 grounds? Is there any Unesse, any special 

 aptitude requisite, or anything that approaches 

 the domain of art in managing the matter, as 

 such matter should be managed? 



I think there is; and that it is an art as 

 yet, in this country, almost in its infancy; and 

 yet an art instinctively appreciated by culti- 

 vated persons wherever it declares itself, 

 whether upon a small or a large area. 



We have admirable engineers who can lay 

 down a« approach road, or other, with easy 

 grades, and great grace — so far as the curves 

 count for grace; and we have gardeners who 

 shall lay down your flower-beds and grounds 

 for shrubbery according to the newest rules, 



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