General Principles 91 



whole place. In the latter case, terraces, straight lines of 

 walks, avenues of trees or shrubs, rows of flower-beds, and 

 geometrical figures, with all kinds of architectural ornaments 

 will prevail. Considerable dignity of character may certainly 

 thus be acquired; and, if well sustained, the expression of art 

 will be a very noble one. But there are not many places 

 which will bear to be thus treated, and it is less frequently 

 suitable for one of small dimensions. It is, moreover, a very 

 costly style, and requires the lawns to be on the most perfect 

 level, and the grass, beds, and masses to be always in the 

 highest preservation. A warm part of the country, where a 

 rich landscape surrounds the place, will best warrant its 

 adoption. In the near neighborhood of towns, or in a bleak 

 and ungenial climate, it will appear too bare and cold. A 

 purely town garden, however, may be treated thus with 

 excellent effect. Terrace walls, balustrades, flights of steps, 

 vases filled v^ith shrubs or flowers, and even statuary, will 

 here be most important accessories. 



Certain classes of plants seem peculiarly fitted for a garden 

 in which much art is to be displayed. Round-headed stand- 

 ards and upright or fastigiate shrubs are singularly appro- 

 priate. Rhododendrons, Portugal laurels, roses, and some 

 species of cytisus, treated as standards, will make admirable 

 lines of plants to flank a square or oblong lawn. Irish yews, 

 on the other hand, with several species of juniper, cypress, 

 and arbor vitae, fit most beautifully into the corners of 

 flower gardens, or points in other plots geometrically ar- 

 ranged. 



There is a possibility of such things as poverty and heavi- 

 ness constituting the tone of a garden, and every effort should 

 be employed to obviate this. A large proportion of somber 

 evergreens, a dearth of flowers, or a neglect of finish and 

 keeping, may impart a gloomy character, which is particularly 



