THE BEAUTIFUL AND THE PICTURESQUE. 31 



imitation. In Landscape Gardening, we should aim to separate 

 the accidental and extraneous in nature and to preserve only the 

 spirit or essence. As an art, it does not consist as many seem to 

 suppose, in producing a counterfeit of nature, but in idealizing 

 natural beauty in a lawn, park, or garden." 



A later writer, Edward Kemp,* upon this same point makes the 

 following observations : "It may be worth while then to specifi. 

 cally enquire how far the imitation of nature is possible and right. 

 I profess not to be of those who would carry this principle very 

 far or into minor matters. It is in her broader teachings and gen- 

 eral promptings that material should be gathered for practical use, 

 and these, be it remembered, will be solely available in idealizing 

 and exalting art. Reflections such as these, will make it plain 

 that they who would imitate nature must do so in another way 

 than by copying her piece-meal. They ought indeed to be imita- 

 tors but not copyists, transcribing her spirit and not her individual 

 expressions — her general countenance and aspect, and not her par- 

 ticular features." 



When we take into consideration the infinite variety of circum- 

 stances which must necessarily govern in all that pertains to the 

 laying out of even the smallest estate, whether country or subur- 

 ban, and which must depend upon the habits, tastes, and associa- 

 tions of the owners, the situation and shape of the estate, the 

 position and character of the dwelling and its surroundings, it is 

 at once evident that it must be impossible to lay down any fixed 

 laws which would be alike applicable in all cases. There are, how- 

 ever, certain general principles which if faithfully practised, will 

 lead to successful results. And this is true, not only in regard to 

 the art of Landscape Gardening, but also to that of Architectui'e, 

 with which it is closel}"- allied, and of which we shall speak in con- 

 nection. Before entering upon these, it would seem necessary for 

 the better understanding of our subject to consider briefly the 

 characteristics which mark the two variations in natural scenery, 

 known as the Beautiful and the Picturesque. 



The Beautiful is characterized by easy flowing lines, by an 

 absence of all abruptness, b}^ harmony and symmetry. In ground, 

 it is marked by gentle undulations. In trees and shrubbery, by 

 roundness, fulness, and a luxuriance of growth, as exhibited in a 



* How to lay out a Garden. 



