THE GEOMETRICAL STYLE. 33 



Proper care and judgment should be exercised to avoid the methods 

 too frequently practised of leaving single trees, which, having 

 been drawn up in their growth, are devoid of beauty and pro- 

 portion, and are liable to be prostrated by the first severe gale. 

 They should rather be left in groups of large size which may be 

 thinned out from time to time as occasion may demand. The 

 walks and roads generally should be serpentine, and should follow 

 the natural shapes of the surface, avoiding all abrupt angles. The 

 lawn should be of the most velvety softness, and neatness com- 

 bined with the most perfect order should characterize every portion 

 of the estate. 



The second or Picturesque style is mai'ked by "extreme natural- 

 ness." Art is allowed to intrude only in the most limited degree, 

 and is confined for the most part to those portions of the estate 

 immediately adjacent to the buildings. The surface of the ground 

 is to be retained in all its irregularity. The plantations, copses, 

 and dells already existing are to be left untouched. The walks, 

 while they are more or less angular, should be free from formality, 

 and at a distance from the house may be allowed to become mere 

 footpaths. The grass plots contiguous to the dwelling are of 

 necessity to be kept with scrupulous neatness, but those at a dis- 

 tance are to have less care bestowed upon them. In the formation 

 of plantations, all uniformity is to be avoided. Every kind of tree 

 indigenous to the soil may be employed, but a predominance 

 should be given to those that possess boldness and irregularity of 

 outline. The groups formed, should be allowed to run into each 

 other, and to attain their growth in the most unrestrained manner. 



The third style, the Formal or Geometrical, is easily described, 

 consisting as it does in regularity, uniformity, and the predominance 

 of art over nature. Kemp says :* " The forms of nature which it 

 impresses into its service are simply those which have the closest 

 affinity to its own characteristics, and are in fact most artificial. 

 Flights of steps, balustraded walls, terrace banks, symmetry and 

 correspondence of parts, circles, ovals, oblong and angular beds, 

 exotic forms of vegetation, raised platforms and sunken panels, are 

 some of the materials with which it deals." 



This style is a carrying out of the form and outlines of the 

 building into the garden and grounds adjacent, and in consequence 

 is more closely allied to architecture than the other forms. 



*How to lay out a Garden. 



