with regard to Practical Gardeneis. 31 



either case directs the magnitude and style of the accom- 

 paniments. 



If such congruous circumstances be reversed, much address 

 will be required to make a consistent whole. To change 

 beautiful ground or scenery into that of a picturesque charac- 

 ter, though perfecdy practicable, would incur heavy expense, 

 and occasion many ridiculous exploits ; and to reduce pictu- 

 resque scenery to that of beauty, would require such a system 

 of leveling and smoothing operation as would offend every eye 

 of real taste. 



If it be necessary that the gardener should know enough of 

 architecture to be able to accommodate his features to the 

 character and magnitude of a mansion, it is no less necessary 

 that the architect should be conversant with the principles of 

 landscape, in order that no such incongruities of architecture 

 and natural scenery above alluded to should ever occur. In- 

 deed a question has arisen, whether the architect or landscape- 

 gardener should hejirst employed in the formation or improve- 

 ment of a country seat; that is, whether the site of a new 

 house should be fixed by the former or the latter. On the 

 one hand it is admitted, that, as the architect must be account- 

 able for all the comforts, the stability, and the external appear- 

 ance of the dwelling, he should certainly have his choice of 

 the spot where it could best stand. This granted, the gar- 

 dener would only have to dovetail his accompaniments of 

 wood, water, &c. to complete the place. But, says the gar- 

 dener, the natural features and character of the country, the 

 uncontrollable " genius of the place " should govern the 

 architect as well as himself. The natural character is fixed ; 

 and there is almost always a central point which commands 

 the greater share of the surrounding surface, or at least the 

 most interesting parts of the landscape, all circumstances of 

 convenience, aspect, and propriety considered. The principal 

 windows of the house should command the best views ; and if 

 this has been neglected by the architect, the gardener's busi- 

 ness is rendered difficult, it will be beyond his power to form a 

 consistent whole ; his general design, which the character of the 

 place imposes, will be deranged, and, consequently, imperfect. 



This shows that the artists should understand something of 

 each other's business, and should always regard each other's 

 opinion. 



When, however, this very material point has been neglected 

 by the architect (and which is too often the case), all the gar- 

 dener can do in such circumstances is to make the immediate 

 accompaniments of the house partake as much as possible of 



