IN CALIFORNIA 17 



be no incentive or stimulus for a walk about a gar- 

 den where one glance at any part would suffice to 

 show the plants and their disposition obtaining in 

 all parts. Some of the finest examples of beauty in 

 arrangement may be observed in the shrubbery 

 masses on shaded hillsides in the wilds. 



AVOID STRAIGHT LINES 



Nature makes no straight lines; for whether it 

 be the canopy above, the horizon about us, the shore 

 of ocean or lake, the course of streams, the lines of 

 a horse, bird, or other animal, beautiful curves, in 

 variety, everywhere abound. Without some specific 

 guide, such as a taut cord or a straight-edge, man 

 cannot make a straight line. It must then be appar- 

 ent that nature never expected he should try. 



Those who have trampled over freshly fallen snow, 

 though intent upon going in a straight line from one 

 point to another, may easily descry, by looking back- 

 ward upon their course, the most beautiful and 

 smoothly-flowing curves traced upon earth's other- 

 wise spotless mantle. Even the paths of wild or 

 domestic animals are of most artistic and gentle 

 departure from the monotonous straight line. 



Nevertheless, we should not violate the dictates 

 of common sense by instituting a curve or curves in 

 a walk but a few paces long. Curves should not be 

 made that would subject the maker to ridicule, yet 

 they are, otherwise, always permissible, and advis- 

 able, if it is possible to have them without showing 

 a strained effect or too great abruptness. If it is 

 found advisable or necessary to make a short or 

 sharp curve, plant in the "bay" a large shrub or 

 tree, or a group or object of a large and permanent 

 nature, made to appear as though present before the 

 path and therefore making the curve a necessity in 



