52 Xanfcscape Hrcbitecture 



"The perfection in landscape gardening consists 

 in the four following requisites : First it must display 

 the natural beauties and hide the natural defects of 

 every situation. Secondly : it should give the appear- 

 ance of extent and freedom, by carefully disguising 

 or hiding the boundary. Thirdly : it must studiously 

 conceal every interference of art, however expensive, 

 by which the scenery is improved, making the whole 

 appear the production of nature only; and fourthly, 

 all objects of mere convenience or comfort, if in- 

 capable of being made ornamental, or of becoming 

 proper parts of the general scenery, must be removed 

 or concealed." x 



Another principle that needs emphasis in laying out 

 places is the general plan of bordering plantations 

 around the entire boundaries with walks and roads 

 running in and out through the trees and shrubbery, 

 leaving great open spaces of greensward with only 

 here and there an isolated tree or small group of shrubs 

 set near the main mass. The value of these open 

 spaces of greensward from a strictly artistic standpoint 

 cannot be overestimated. It is a helpful idea to recog- 

 nize that the lawns of a place have frequently a shore 

 line, as itjwere, like that of most lakes, with promon- 

 tories and bays, thus making the grass space really 

 the eye of the landscape. Catullus says in addressing 

 his own lake in the country : 



1 Humphry Repton, The Art of Landscape Gardening. 



