06 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



scattered groups, all of the same size. Even in arranging 

 walks, a whole will more readily be recognised, if there are 

 one or two of large size, with which the others appear 

 connected as branches, than if all are equal in breadth, 

 and present the same appearance to the eye in passing. 



In all works of art which command universal admiration 

 we discover an unity of conception and composition, an 

 unity of taste and execution. To assemble in a single 

 composition forms which are discordant, and portions 

 dissimilar in plan, can only afford pleasure for a short time 

 to tasteless minds, or those fona of trifling and puerile 

 conceits. The production of an accordant whole is, on 

 the contrary, capable of affording the most permanent 

 enjoyment to educated minds, everywhere, and at all periods 

 of time. 



After unity, the principle of VARIETY is worthy of con- 

 sideration, as a fertile source of beauty in Landscape Gar- 

 dening. Variety must be considered as belonging more to 

 the details than to the production of a whole, and it may 

 be attained by disposing trees and shrubs in numerous dif- 

 ferent ways ; and by the introduction of a great number ol 

 different species of vegetation, or kinds of walks, ornamental 

 objects, buildings, and seats. By producing intricacy, it 

 creates in scenery a thousand points of interest, and elicits 

 new beauties, through different arrangements and combi- 

 nations of forms and colors, light and shades. In pleasure- 

 grounds, while the whole should exhibit a general plan, the 

 different scenes presented to the eye, one after the other, 

 should possess sufficient variety in the detail to keep alive 

 the interest of the spectator, and awaken further, curiosity. 



HARMONY may be considered the principle presiding over 

 variety, and preventing it from becoming discordant. It, 

 indeed, always supposes contrasts, but neither so strong nor 



