268 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



the least apparent reason for the curves. Happily, we are 

 not therefore obliged to return to the straight line ; but 

 gradual curves may always be so arranged as to appear ne- 

 cessarily to wind round the groups oftrees^ which otherwise 

 would stand in the way. Wherever, then, a bend in the road 

 is intended, a cluster or group of greater or less size and 

 breadth, proportionate to the curve, should be placed in the pro- 

 jection formed. These trees, as soon as they attain some size, 

 if they are properly arranged, we may suppose to have origi- 

 nally stood there, and the road naturally to have curved, to 

 avoid destroying them. 



This arrangement of trees bordering an extended Approach 

 road, in connection with the various other groups, masses, 

 and single trees, in the adjacent lawn, will in most cases 

 have the effect of concealing the house from the spectator 

 approaching it, except, perhaps, from one or two points. It 

 has therefore been considered a matter worthy of considera- 

 tion, at what point or points the^r.^^ vieio of the house shall 

 be obtained. If seen at too great a distance, as in the case 

 of a large estate, it may appear more diminutive and of less 

 magnitude than it should ; or, if first viewed at some other po- 

 sition, it may strike the eye of a stranger, at that point, unfa- 

 vourably. The best, and indeed the only way to decide the 

 matter, is to go over the whole ground covered by the Ap- 

 proach route carefully, and select a spot or spots sufficiently 

 near to give the most favourable and striking view of the 

 house itself. This, if openings are to be made, can only be 

 done in winter ; but when the ground is to be newly planted, 

 it may be prosecuted at any season. 



The late Mr. Repton, who was one of the most celebrated 

 English practical landscape gardeners, has laid down in 

 one of his works, the following rules on the subject, which 



