Book IV. PRACTITIONERS OF LANDSCAPE-GARDENING. 



1037 



Card. p. 10.) A more wise plan than that of doubting on the subject would be to have 

 the separate opinions of different landscape-gardeners and arcliitects ; for no opinion 

 need be followed if disapproved of; while the probability is, that there would be some- 

 thing valuable in each, and the proprietor might finally, aided by the artist he preferred, 

 decide for himself, never, however, forgetting the idea of a consistent and beautiful 

 whole. As to the expense of opinions, Girardin observes on this subject, " N'allez pas 

 le regarder il vous en coutera bien davantage pour des variations, et des retouches 

 continuelles. " 



7363. The intimate connection between landscape-gardening and architecture ; the pro- 

 priety and advantage of the joint consultations of the landscape-gardener and the 

 architect, as to the situation, aspect, and style of the house ; together with the almost 

 unavoidable encroachments of the former on the latter, by designing and executing 

 garden-buildings, has given rise to an opinion, that the landscape-gardener ought to 

 combine the functions of the architect. Repton justifies the idea, by referring to the 

 many excellent hcuses built by Brown, with no other knowledge than that acquired by 

 observation of all the best houses ; and of Kent, who was at once landscape-gardener, 

 architect, and historical painter. We are of opinion, that in the case of garden-build- 

 ings and small villas, or ornamented cottages, the knowledge both of the theory and 

 practice of architecture, which it is necessary every landscape-gardener should possess, may 

 sometimes enable him to combine the duties of both professions ; but such are the advan- 

 tages of a division of labor in the fine, as well as in the useful arts, that in all more exten- 

 sive buildings, and indeed even in those we have mentioned, we would recommend the em- 

 ployment of a regular architect, jointly with a landscape-gardener, as a surgeon consults 

 with a physician in important cases. The duties of the landscape-gardener resolve them- 

 selves into the formation of a plan or design, and the carrying of it into execution. 



Sect. I. Of the Study of the given Situation and Circumstances, and the Formation of a 

 Plan of Improvement. 



7364. Whatever may be the situation and circumstances where the opinion of a land- 

 scape-gardener is desired, he should be furnished with a written or verbal instruction as 

 to the points to which he should chiefly direct his attention ; with a complete map of the 

 estate, and an accurate detailed history and description of its localities and peculiarities. 

 From these, from topographical and county surveys, and a residence of a few days or 

 weeks, according to the extent of the subject and season of the year, (spring, before the 

 leaves expand, being the most favorable time,) he will be able to procure every requisite 

 information, and to establish in his memory every thing relating to the situation and 

 vicinity. He is then, and not before, to embody and mature his ideas of improvement ; 

 directing his attention first to the situation and aspect of the house and offices, the extent 

 of the park, and the emplacement of the kitchen -garden ; next to the general masses of 

 wood; and then, successively, to the breadth of lawn, the situation and character of water, 

 the pleasure-ground, farm, and other details. Before making up his mind on any part 

 of the subject, he will often find it of importance to have sections taken of the grounds 

 in different directions, levels of springs, and rills, &c. ; and most frequently he will have 

 occasion for stakes, for marking out lines on the ground ; of flagstaffs or poles, from six 

 to fifty feet high, to represent the effect of trees {Jig. 737.) and other objects; of strips 



of white sheeting, to show the effect of water, by forming a white outline on a perfect 

 level ; of frames partially covered with boards, to show the effect of buildings ; and he 

 may even require boring-irons, or pits dug, in order to enquire into the nature of the sub- 

 soil. Being furnished with a plan of the present state of the grounds, (such as Jig. 351.) 

 he will, as he makes up his mind on particular improvements, mark them down on this 

 map in pencil, and when the whole is finally adjusted, he will put them in red, or in any 

 distinguishing color. And on one or more general or panoramic views {fg. 355.), as well 

 as on the particular views which he may have taken on different spots, he will also mark 



