164 OUT-OF-TOWN PLACES. 



We have admirable engineers who can lay down 

 an approach road, or other, with easy grades, and 

 great grace so far as the curves count for grace ; and 

 we have gardeners who shall lay down your flower- 

 beds and grounds for shrubbery according to the 

 newest rules, and with great independent beauties in 

 themselves ; but it is quite possible that both these 

 classes of workers may fill their designs admirably, 

 and yet steer clear of the great principles of the art I 

 purpose to discuss. It is an art which takes within 

 its purview good engineering and good architectural 

 work, and good gardening, and good farming, if you 

 please ; but which looks to their perfect accordance 

 which dominates, in a sense, the individual arts 

 named, and accomplishes out of the labors of each a 

 congruous and captivating whole. 



Good farming, good gardening, good engineering, 

 and good architecture may stand side by side upon a 

 given estate, and yet, for want of due conception of 

 what the landscape really demands for its completed 

 charm, the effect may be incongruous and unsatisfy- 

 ing. Over and over again a wealthy proprietor seeks 

 to supply the somewhat that is lacking by inordina- 

 tive and cumulative expenditure : he may thus make 

 outsiders wonder and gape ; he may also secure a 

 great assemblage of individual beauties ; but the 

 charming oneness of effect which shall make his place 



