THE FORMAL GARDEN 85 



line. In exceptional cases the main axis may be developed trans- 

 versely to the greatest length of the garden. 



7. At right angles to this major axis a minor axis might be de- 

 veloped. In some cases two or three minor axes are permissible. In 

 rare cases also the minor axis may be merely indicated or entirely 

 suppressed. 



8. The minor axis or axes must be distinctly subordinate to the 

 major axis in all particulars — in width, in length (usually), in interest 

 and in termini (see 10, 11 and 12). In the case of a garden having 

 several minor axes their combined length should be less than the 

 length of the major axis. 



9. Major and minor axes will often be treated as paths which 

 should be nicely proportioned to the size of the gardens. The width 

 of the path in the major axis should be about ten per cent of the 

 width of the garden; that of the minor axis should be less. 



10. Each axis must be provided with suitable termini, and these 

 termini must appear definitively at the ends of the axes. 



11. These termini must be objects of definite interest and beauty. 

 Those most commonly employed are: Fountains, sundials, seats, 

 arbors, pergolas (of doubtful suitability), statues, tea houses, and small 

 buildings generally. A broad outlook over several miles of beautiful 

 scenery does not terminate any axis; and it is never permissible to 

 allow any axis to disappear into any exterior view. 



12. These terminal features must be carefully proportioned in size 

 and interest to the length and importance of the axes on which they 

 are placed. Roughly speaking the height of the terminal features 

 may be ten per cent of the total length of the axis. Features on the 

 major axis must be distinctly larger and more interesting than those 

 on the minor axis. In case several minor axes are developed, their 

 termini must be plain and inconspicuous; nevertheless definite terminal 

 features must be provided. 



13. Fountains, arbors, belvideres, etc., must not be built within the 

 garden so as to obstruct the general view. Under no circumstances 

 should anything be built upon any axis intermediate between the 

 termini in such a manner as to interrupt the axis line. The intersec- 

 tions of axes may often be marked by pools of flat water (not playing 

 fountains). Pools in this position are attractive on account of the 

 reflections they offer toward the principal points of view. 



