264 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



indispensably, as to exclude whatever distracts it, and as 

 much further as possible to accommodate the character of the 

 ground to that of the scene to which it belongs."* 



Rocks, either in detached fragments or large masses, enter 

 ^ into the composition of many scenes, and sometimes have an 

 excellent effect. Indeed much of the spirit of picturesque 

 scenery, is often owing to the bold projections made by rocks 

 in various forms. An overhanging cliff, or steep precipice, a 

 moss covered rocky bank, or even a group of rocks on a ledge, 

 from which springs a tuft of trees and shrubs ; all these give 

 strength to a picturesque scene. Their effect may often be 

 rendered more striking by art : sometimes by removing the 

 earth or loose stones from the bottom of the precipice, so as 

 greatly to increase its apparent height: for the perpendicular 

 position is the finest in which rocks can be viewed. At other 

 times, the effect of a continuous range of rocks may be much 

 improved, by planting the summit, and making occasional 

 breaks of verdure in the front surface. 



Rocks which are too apparent, and which cannot be re- 

 moved, may be concealed with trees and vegetation, or par- 

 tially covered with vines and creepers. The latter often have 

 a beautiful effect in picturesque scenery, and we have seen 

 very charming pictures formed of over-arching cliffs and 

 groups of rock, upon which hung and rambled in luxuriant 

 profusion, a rich mixture of climbing plants. Where rocks 

 thus accidentally occur in beautiful scenes, to which they, if 

 left bare would be inimical, they may be wonderfully softened 

 and brought into keeping by a covering of the honeysuckle, 



* Mr. Wbately has given such minute and excellent details in relation to this 

 subject, in his Observations on Modern Gardening, that we gladly refer the reader 

 who desires to pursue this subject farther, to that work: which indeed is so un- 

 exceptionable in style and good taste, that Alison has frequently quoted it in 

 illustration of his admirable Essay on Taste./ 



