Practical Considerations 163 



rises in character to meet the requirements of the architec- 

 ture, until either art is so refined and attenuated that it would 

 be most difficult to say what belongs exclusively to each. 



Still, there is that about gardening, which in the nature of 

 things, and apart from the difference of the materials with 

 which it has to deal, constitutes it a distinctive art. And 

 garden architecture has hneaments of its own so decidedly 

 removed from those of house architecture, and so seldom 

 studied, that the ordinary architectural practitioner is at sea 

 the moment he enters the region of the garden. It is less a 

 matter of rule and measurement. Its effects are more to be 

 judged of by the eye. It comprehends a far greater variety 

 of combinations. It requires a man to be as much an artist 

 (at least in feehng) as an arcliitect, and to be familiar with 

 natural groupings and tones, — ■ to take in an entire landscape 

 in the range of his design, and not merely isolated or detached 

 objects. In fact the garden architect has to make a general 

 picture and not simply to set a work of art, as it were, on a 

 soHtary pedestal. 



The province of garden architecture is primarily to supply 

 fitting appendages and accompaniments to a house so that 

 the latter may not appear naked, alone, and unsupported. If 

 judiciously appHed it will be effective in helping to produce a 

 good outline or group; to carry down the Hues of the house; 

 to connect it with other buildings, such as a conservatory, 

 arbor, etc. ; to provide a proper basement for the house ; to 

 afford shelter and privacy to a flower garden; to extend the 

 facade or frontage of a house; to shut out back yards, offices, 

 etc. ; to enrich, vary, and enliven the garden ; to supply con- 

 veniences, such as shelter, receptacles for birds, plants, sculp- 

 ture, etc., with museums for works of art or specimens of 

 natural history, and supports for climbing plants; to indicate 

 refinement, wealth, and a love of art; and otherwise to blend 



