56 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



nothing would be presented but a sameness of dots, or spots 

 of verdure, without tasteful or artistical effect, or any features 

 to arrest the eye, or fix the attention. 



In order, therefore, to produce that diversity, and that 

 breadth of light and shadow, so agreeable in real landscape, 

 and so enchanting in fine pictures, the whole must be thrown 

 into groups, single trees, and large masses. To do this prop- 

 erly, will require the greatest skill of the landscape gardener 

 in the arrangement of wood. 



To succeed in arranging the plantations so as to produce 

 the most satisfactory effects in the modern style, we con- 

 ceive that the artist or operator will be greatly aided by 

 keeping the two following principles constantly in view: 

 the production of a whole ; and the proper connection of the 

 parts. 



Any person who will take the trouble to reflect for a mo- 

 ment on the great diversity of surface, change of position, 

 aspects, views, etc., in different country residences, will at 

 once perceive how difficult, or indeed how impossible it is, to 

 lay down any fixed or exact rules for arranging plantations in 

 the modern style. What would be precisely adapted to a hilly, 

 rolling park, would often be found entirely unfit for adoption 

 in a smooth, level surface, and vice versa. Indeed, the chief 

 beauty of the modern style is the infinite variety produced 

 by following a few leading principles, and applying them to 

 different and varied localities ; unlike the geometric style, 

 which proceeded to level, and arrange, and erect its avenues 

 and squares, alike in every situation, with all the precision 

 and certainty of mathematical demonstration. 



In all grounds to be laid out, however, which are of a lawn 

 or park-like extent, and call for the exercise of judgment and 

 taste, the mansion or dwelling-house itself being the chief or 



