44 Xan&scape Hrcbftecture 



of establishing unity of details, of eliminating obtrusive, 

 discordant, or redundant elements, of changing existing 

 conditions by planting, grading, and otherwise estab- 

 lishing harmonious relations between the old parts 

 and new parts of the place, for it is quite as important 

 to carefully retain the valuable old part as to add new 

 effects however charming. There is a superior quality 

 peculiar to an old tree or the old and natural swell of 

 the ground that should have the most careful atten- 

 tion, often to the extent of leaving it entirely alone and 

 doing new work elsewhere where there is less to harm. 

 It is one of the most difficult problems of landscape 

 gardening to manage this combination of the old with 

 the new in accordance with a good general plan so that 

 you can feel yourself in the presence of genuine nature. 

 The result we should seek to avoid is a gathering together 

 in woodland masses trees and shrubs incongruous with 

 their surroundings and therefore unnatural in appearance, 

 and altogether unfitted to the general artistic scheme. 

 To lay out a park or garden properly it should be 

 studied on the ground and the peculiarities of the place 

 carefully estimated and recorded so as to give due re- 

 gard to comfort and convenience as well as artistic 

 possibilities. The idiosyncrasies and even the less 

 peculiar likings of the owner should also be considered 

 and constant effort put forth to make a home that is a 

 realization of his taste and requirements. 



"How is it possible that any persons can make a 

 good design for any garden whose situation they 



