114 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



considered good taste. There are, indeed, few persons who are 

 aware how instructive and interesting to an amateur, a visit to all 

 the finest country residences of the older States, would be at the 

 present moment. The study of books on taste is by no means to be 

 neglected by the novice in rural embellishment ; but the practical 

 illustrations of different styles and principles, to be found in the best 

 cottage and villa residences, are far more convincing and instruc- 

 tive to most minds, than lessons taught in any other mode what- 

 ever. 



We shall not, therefore, hesitate to commend a few of the most 

 interesting places to the study of the tasteful improver. By the 

 expenditure of the necessary time and money to examine and com- 

 pare thoroughly such places, he will undoubtedly save himself much 

 unnecessary outlay ; he will be able to seize and develope many 

 beauties which would otherwise be overlooked ; and, most of all, he 

 will be able to avoid the exhibition of that crude and uncultivated 

 taste, which characterizes the attempts of the majority of beginners, 

 who rather know how to enjoy beautiful grounds than how to go to 

 work to produce them. 



For that species of suburban cottage or villa residence which is 

 most frequent within the reach of persons of moderate fortunes, the 

 environs of Boston afford the finest examples in the Union. Averag- 

 ing from five to twenty acres, they are usually laid out with taste, 

 are well planted with a large variety of trees and shrubs, and above 

 all, are exquisitely kept. As a cottage ornee, there are few places 

 in America more perfect than the grounds of Colonel Perkins, or of 

 Thos. Lee, Esq., at Brookline, near Boston. The latter is especially 

 remarkable for the beauty of the lawn, and the successful manage- 

 ' ment of rare trees and shrubs, and is a most excellent study for the 

 suburban landscape-gardener. There are many other places in that 

 neighborhood abounding with interest ; but the great feature of the 

 gardens of Boston lies rather in their horticultural than their artis- 

 tical merit. In forcing and skilful cultivation, they still rank before 

 any other of the country. Mr. Cushing's residence, near Watertown, 

 has long been celebrated in this respect. 



An amateur who wishes to study trees, should visit the fine old 

 places in the neighborhood of Philadelphia. A couple of days spent 



