68 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



Neither the professional Landscape Gardener, nor the 

 amateur, can hope for much success in realizing the nobler 

 effects of the art, unless he first make himself master of the 

 natural character or prevailing expression of the place to 

 be improved. In this nice perception, at a glance, of the 

 natural expression, as well as the capabilities of a residence, 

 lies the secret of the superior results produced even by the 

 improver, who, to use the words of Horace Walpole, " is 

 proud of no other art than that of softening nature's harsh- 

 ness, and copying her graceful touch." When we discover 

 the picturesque indicated in the grounds of the residence to 

 be treated, let us take advantage of it ; and while all harsh- 

 ness incompatible with scenery near the house is removed, 

 the original expression may in most cases be heightened, in 

 all rendered more elegant and appropriate, without lower- 

 ing it in force or spirit. In like manner good taste will 

 direct us to embellish scenery expressive of the Beautiful, 

 by the addition of forms, whether ?n trees, buildings, or 

 other objects, harmonious in character, as well as in color 

 and outline, 



