^72 Landscape- Gardenings 



and unless a very striking and respectable feature can be 

 gained, nothing of the kind should be attempted. Interest 

 and variety can most easily be given, by planting trees of dif- 

 ferent altitudes, tints, &c. 



Beautiful ground, as has already been noticed, is that which 

 is varied by gentle swells and graceful slopes : here dipping 

 into easy hollows, and there rising in gradual ascents of mo- 

 derate height. The varied outlines of the undulations, the 

 different shadows and tints of mild colouring, thrown across 

 the view by the different inequalities, form of themselves a 

 pleasing picture. On such a field of action, the business of 

 the improver is easy. The character of the ground fixes the 

 character of the scenery which should be created. It marks 

 the places, the extent, the margins and sinuosities of the addi- 

 tional features which may be introduced. If water is, or can be 

 brought, upon such a spot, the w^hole will admit of the highest 

 enrichment under the direction of taste. It remains with the 

 planter either to give unmixed beauty by the position, the 

 number, and the forms of his objects, if confined for space ; or 

 in addition to beauty give the air of grandeur, by the broad 

 masses and wide distances of his principal features, if the 

 ground be extensive. 



The next description of ground is that where the surface is 

 broken into irregular parts : deep valleys, abrupt elevations, 

 precipitate declivities, studded with insulated rocks, natural 

 woods, dingles, dells. When such ground is to be improved, 

 no attempt should be made to alter the character ; it is im- 

 possible. After every thing is done for comfort and conve- 

 nience, the next endeavours should be to hide deformities, 

 clear away unsuitable objects, and bring all the most striking 

 circumstances into view by suitable accompaniments. This 

 can only be done by planting such kinds of trees as will sym- 

 bolise with the character of the ground. Water usually forms 

 a part of such scenery, either as a river or streamlet. The 

 former may be exposed, or here and there concealed to add 

 to its effect, but cannot be turned with propriety. The latter 

 ma}' be arrested in its course, expanded into a lake or lakes, 

 and made one of the most expressive ornaments of the compo- 

 sition. 



In many cases where the landscape-gardener may be em- 

 ployed, he finds ground of different characters. This is al- 

 ways an advantage ; because a variety in general scenery is as 

 desirable as in a single picture. Sometimes these characters 

 may be kept distinct, yet judiciously blended. The principal 

 views are usually disposed with reference to the mansion ; and 

 the character of these views, when it is within the option of 



