450 



fFig. 19. View across the Water, looking towards the House., 



but which, by the paring, is obtruded on the eye, so as to destroy all allu- 

 sion to stability. We are displeased with the paring of the edges, because 

 it conveys the idea that the walks are not finished, or that they are liable 

 to be disturbed in this way from time to time ; and nothing, either in grounds 

 or in buildings, is more unsatisfactory than an apparent want of stability or 

 fixedness. It is as much the nature of the ground to be fixed and immova- 

 ble, as it is of trees and shrubs to increase in growth ; and, hence, any 

 operation, such as clipping, which seems to stop the growth of the one, is 

 as unsatisfactory to the eye as paring, which seems to derange the fixed 

 state of the other. Would that we could impress this on the minds of all 

 gardeners and their employers ! 



The Pond is of an irregular shape, so arranged as with the assistance of 

 the island to prevent the whole of it, and consequently its limited extent, 

 from being seen from any one point in the garden. For the same reason, 

 the walk only goes along one side, there being but one point on the western 

 side, viz: where the iron seats are close to the agaves, from which any 



