361 



PART III. 



DRESSED OR GEOMETRICAL GARDENS. 



I have said that the ornamental garden near the house should 

 be laid out in geometrical patterns, in order that it may 

 accord with the formal character of that work of art ; that it 

 should have terraces and balustrades of masonry separating it 

 from the rest of the grounds ; and that to it a less formal 

 garden with borders and winding walks might succeed, — 

 leading by a gradual transition from the symmetrical and 

 artificial part to that which bears a nearer resemblance to 

 the wildness of nature. 



The mode of arrangement in the geometrical garden will 

 vary according to the nature and position of the ground, and 

 other considerations. The gentle slope of a hill or rising 

 ground is particularly suitable for a succession of stone ter- 

 races, or hanging-gardens as they are sometimes called, com- 

 municating with each other by flights of stone steps ; the 

 lowest terrace-garden being that most distant from the house. 

 Even this last may have its central area laid out, like the 

 others, in geometrical patterns; and avenues of dipt ever- 

 greens at each side, sometimes also at the end, may lead to 

 the walks of the less formal garden beyond — which I may call 

 the border-gax&en. But I need not enter into its arrangement, 

 as it will depend on the character of the ground, and may 

 have all the variety of which it is susceptible, both in the 

 direction and position of the walks, the number and character 

 of the borders, or of the flowers, shrubs, and trees introduced 



