10 Retrospective Vieiv of the 



specimens of this art. Our correspondent, Mr. Downing, has 

 pubUshed a new edition of his Treatise on Landscape Gar- 

 dening, in which he has introduced several new ilhistrations, 

 embracing views of some of the finest residences around 

 Boston. 



The Banks of the Hudson, present, probably, the best 

 specimens of Landscape Gardening in the country, and from 

 the description of many of the parks and pleasure grounds, 

 by Mr. Downing, they equal in some instances, if not excel, 

 places of similar extent in England. 



If our climate will not allow of such verdant lawns, it will 

 give health and vigor to our native trees, whose grandeur, 

 and whose foliage, whether in spring or autumn, is unknown 

 in that humid climate. 



Our absence abroad has prevented us from giving that at- 

 tention to Landscape Gardening which we intended in the 

 early part of the year. A continuation of our illustrations of 

 the art would have appeared in the last volume, but for this 

 reason. In the present one v/e shall endeavor to make up, if 

 the details of our tour do not occupy too much space. In the 

 practice of the art there is every thing to learn : many of the 

 specimens we have seen attempted can scarcely?' deserve the 

 name. Great efiects in Landscape arrangement are easier 

 described than carried into practice. 



A knowledge of landscape, and a perception of the beauti- 

 ful, united with an intimate acquaintance with the habits, 

 character and capacities of trees and shrubs, for forming 

 groups and masses, or single specimens, are essentially 

 necessary to carry out the principles of this elegant art. 



Rural Architecture. 



Rural Architecture is attracting more attention, and is 

 slowly acquiring a more extended influence in the Middle and 

 Eastern States. Many of the cottages of recent erection, 

 show a decided improvement in style ; the Grecian facade is 

 giving way to the picturesque front of the Gothic, or the 

 graceful finish of the Italian. Each of the latter forms of 

 building are admirably adapted to our climate, especially the 

 Italian, and we hope to have more examples of it. One de- 



