General Principles 47 



order to produce any really good effect, and that, while such 

 a result may be accomplished by accident, it is far easier, and 

 more satisfactory, to attain it by design. In what follows, 

 then, most of the rules given will be found more or less appli- 

 cable to all gardens of the class treated of, though they will 

 often require much consideration, and some ability, to adapt 

 them to pa ticular localities. It will, however, be a primary 

 aim to render them as suited as is possible to the condition 

 of the majority of those likely to consult them. 



1. Simplicity is the first thing to be aimed at in laying out 

 a garden. In its absence there can be no indication of refined 

 taste. A design may be essentially simple, without being 

 bald or severe; and intricate, without becoming labyrinthine. 

 Simplicity is the opposite of ostentation and extravagance; 

 intricacy, of mere blankness. Simplicity is the offspring of 

 the highest taste, and is a prime element in pure beauty. 

 Not that it altogether characterizes the beauty which is, 

 "when unadorned, adorned the most." For it is perfectly 

 consistent with some degree of chaste ornament. 



A garden should have more or less simplicity, according to 

 its size and character, in its main outlines, arrangements, and 

 furniture. The transitions in it should all be easy and flow- 

 ing, the lines all graceful, the decorations elegant. Very 

 rarely will a small garden bear being furnished with any 

 striking evidences of wealth, luxury, or elaboration. The 

 hand of art should touch it so lightly as to leave few traces 

 of its operations. Its forms and figures ought all to be gently 

 rounded off, and unite softly with each other. Lawn and 

 gravel, shrub, tree, and flower, with all the less common 

 and more costly appendages, must appear to belong to one 

 another, and to fit into the place in which they occur. 



2. Intricacy. — At the same time, the intricacy which 

 arises from a partial and pleasing involution of parts, from 



