*with regard to Practical Gardeners. 473 



the improver, is impressed with reference to the character of 

 the rooms whence they are seen^. For instance an avenue 

 should lead to the principal entrance ; the windows of a library 

 or study should look to a shady grove of sombre-tinted trees, 

 while those of the breakfast and drawing rooms should be 

 cheered by the gayest and most interesting scenery ; and, if 

 circumstances permit, the shaded windows of the picture gal- 

 lery should only look on objects purely picturesque. 



These are the ideas which an improver would entertain in 

 composing the views from the house, as far as the character of 

 the ground will allow; and, if within the bounds of the park 

 the ground partakes of much diversity and presents peculiar 

 features, it should only receive additions which will accord 

 therewith. As much care should be taken in the formation of 

 the details as in the general composition. 



In alpine regions, where the surface of the ground rises into 

 mountains, or is depressed into deep ravines, the implements, 

 and the art of the landscape-gardener are equally useless. 

 Except the operation of road-making, or forming a terrace, no 

 other alteration can be made by him ; and whatever he at- 

 tempts for the sake of convenience or safety, or even ornament, 

 here, the marks of his operations must always be carefully 

 concealed. 



Of Water. — Water is one of the indispensable elements of 

 the landscape-gardener; it adds splendour to all his other dis- 

 positions. Whether as an estuary of the sea, a lake, a river, 

 stream, or rivulet, it may form of itself, or may be disposed so 

 as to form, the finest trait of the landscape. As a fluid, its 

 natural bed is the lowest ground ; and it should only be seen 

 there, or on its way towards it. It is true, pools and springs of 

 water are found on the sides, or even on the tops of mountains, 

 and, as natural productions, they may, in such situations, be 

 imitated, if practicable, without impropriety ; but the lowest 

 ground is the proper place, where onl}^ it will be best seen, 

 and best show its pleasing reflections. Wherever water ap- 

 pears, it shows that the soil on which it reposes is impervious 

 to it; and whenever it is to be displayed by the improver, the 

 tenacity of the bed is the first thing to be ascertained, and, if a 

 new channel or a new bed is to be formed, the bottom must 

 be first made retentive before water can be admitted. 



As an element, it is no less necessary than ornamental ; use- 

 ful as the principal food of vegetation, always refreshing to the 

 eye, and from its properties of weight and fluidity, capable of 

 being displayed as one of the principal ornaments of gardens 

 in warm climates, and of garden scenery everywhere. When 

 its source is high, either naturally or by art, it may be led as 



