58 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



tailed sketch of the distinctive features of the Beautiful and 

 the Picturesque, as these expressions should be embodied 

 in Landscape Gardening. 



THE BEAUTIFUL in Landscape Gardening (Fig. 13) is 

 produced by outlines whose curves are flowing and gradual, 

 surfaces of softness, and growth of richness and luxuriance. 

 In the shape of the ground, it is evinced by easy undulations 

 melting gradually into each other. In the form of trees, by 

 smooth stems, full, round, or symmetrical heads of foliage, 

 and luxuriant branches often drooping to the ground, which 

 is chiefly attained by planting and grouping, to allow free 

 development of form ; and by selecting trees of suitable cha- 

 racter, as the elm, the ash, and the like. In walks and 

 roads, by easy flowing curves, following natural shapes of 

 the surface, with no sharp angles or abrupt turns. In water, 

 by the smooth lake with curved margin, embellished with 

 flowing outlines of trees, and full masses of flowering 

 shrubs or in the easy winding curves of a brook. The 

 keeping of such a scene should be of the most polished 

 kind, grass mown into a softness like velvet, gravel walks 

 scrupulously firm, dry, and clean ; and the most perfect 

 order and neatness should reign throughout. Among the 

 trees and shrubs should be conspicuous the finest foreign 

 sorts, distinguished by beauty of form, foliage, and blossom ; 

 and rich groups of shrubs and flowering plants should be 

 arranged in the more dressed portions near the house. 

 And finally, considering the house itself as a feature in the 

 scene, it should properly belong to one of the classical 

 modes ; and the Italian, Tuscan, or Venetian forms are 

 preferable, because these have both a polished and a 

 domestic air, and readily admit of the graceful accom- 

 paniments of vases, urns, and other harmonious 

 accessories. Or, if we are to have a plainer dwelling, 



