42 Landscape Gardening 



to the rest of the garden or they will annihilate all semblance 

 of extent. At least two-thirds of the length of the lawn, 

 measuring away from the house, should be free from such 

 innovations. And if three-fourths, or even five-sixths, of it 

 be unencumbered in this manner there will be greater har- 

 mony of parts. 



Two exceptions to the application of this doctrine may 

 probably be admitted. Where a rich pastured country, suf- 

 ficiently spotted with timber trees, lies in front of a place, and 

 by the skillful treatment of the boundary fence appears to 

 belong to the owner, a strictly formal plan of the garden may 

 be eifective. And the same remark will apply where a very 

 picturesque and rugged piece of natural scenery joins on to a 

 place. [This opinion of the author is allowed to stand on 

 account of its general interest, though it is by no means 

 shared by the present editor.] 



14. Monotony. — ^ Akin to the style just condemned in its 

 relation to moderate-sized gardens, is a certain baldness and 

 plainness, which may likewise exist under different modes of 

 arrangement, and which, more than almost any other charac- 

 teristic, contributes to make a place appear poor and unin- 

 teresting. Where the space will at all justify it, — and it must 

 be restricted indeed if it will not do so, — the walks and 

 plants can be so disposed as to afford as many different views 

 as possible. From no single point, unless it be an elevated 

 one, should every part be seen. A lawn need not be like a 

 bowling-green, with a simple fringe of plantation, but should 

 have a variety of minor glades and recesses, that are only to 

 be discovered and examined from particular points. Bare- 

 ness is nearly as faulty as meretriciousness of ornament. 



Monotony of character may likewise often be deepened and 

 confirmed by the endeavor to bring the whole of the garden 

 too much into one level or slope. In the formal style, some 



