90 Prince PucJcler Muskaii^s 



encloses Iiis parks : the boundary fences should, however, be ingeniously con- 

 cealed from within. Slight and almost invisible fences are more suitable to 

 the EngHsh style of gardening, than walls or any other kind of fences, which 

 are more avowedly works of art ; and, consequently, I prefer them, though at 

 the same time I do not mean to say that I despise art. How often are the 

 most beautiful scenes of rural nature partially concealed by enclosures, and, 

 by that means, how much are their charms increased ! A thick forest, an 

 apparently impenetrable rock, enclosed valley, or an island surrounded by 

 water, are objects which each produce in our minds a feeling of secresy, of 

 certainty of perfect possession, and of security against intruders, which makes 

 us to enjoy the spot with double pleasure. A park, to a certain extent, creates 

 similar feelings when provided with a wall or hedge; which, indeed, may be 

 considered necessary to enable us to enjoy perfect freedom and repose ; as 

 from such a spot the uncalled-for intruder is excluded, while those within can 

 go out and be at liberty when they please. But this strange representation 

 of freedom, when seen, is very unpleasant. These limits will soon be done away 

 with, and every thing of the kind will be abhorred. In England, as I have 

 already said, not only their parks, but all the subdivisions, groups, and single 

 young trees contained in them, are enclosed, on account of their cattle ; and, 

 although these enclosures are so common, and, generally speaking, so offensive, I 

 have yet often found that, by an enclosure here and there, particularly where 

 the character of the neighbourhood is varied, a picturesque effect is produced ; 

 and I may even say that it seems to prepare the mind for a new impression, 

 and to point out a peaceful retreat which it longs to obtain.' 



" The author proposes the following kind of enclosure for the parks in Ger- 

 many, where the locality and soil will permit : — 



" ' There should be a piece of ploughed ground, about a yard broad, round 

 the park (particularly where there is no distant prospect), sown with black- 

 thorn and acacias, which, in the course of a few years, if the soil is tolerably 

 good, will form an impenetrable fence. Next to that a plantation of firs, 

 which should also surround the park, and always be adjusted according to the 

 view, and mixed with only a few of the deciduous trees and shrubs, to form a 

 variety of colours in summer. In low and sheltered spots, in our climate, we 

 must plant junipers, yew, the low-growing firs, and, also, such of the common- 

 sized pines and white firs as can, by means of pruning, be kept as shrubs. 

 Along this plantation, which may be sometimes broad and sometimes narrow, 

 but which, however, should never exceed three yards, there ought to be a path 

 of grass 24 ft. wide, which should be of this breadth to leave room for the 

 spreading branches of the pine and fir tribe. On the inside of the park, the 

 same kind of mixed plantation of ornamental shrubs, in groups, would have a 

 fine effect from the opposite side ; the deciduous trees predominating, which 

 would, in a great measure, conceal the monotonous appearance of the pine 

 and fir tribe, which should be only allowed to appear where it might be thought 

 desirable. It is inconceivable how much this mode of arrangement would en- 

 liven a park during our long gloomy winters'; and the grass pathway, which 

 would be seldom covered with snow, though every thing around it looked 

 barren, would afford the most delightful promenade. The evergreens in the 

 foreground, which, of course, would remain green all winter, would give life to 

 all around, and afford that appearance of vegetation which is so much wanted 

 in German scenes at that period. With respect to the general appearance, if 

 the park is well laid out and grouped, the effect will be very good, without a 

 variety of colour in the tree ; particularly in winter, when they are deprived of 

 their leaves ; though yet, by the harmony of the masses in which they are dis- 

 posed, the grass and pieces of water, the agreeably formed outlines, paths, and 

 banks, an interesting picture is produced. How these border plantations of 

 pines are to be formed, so as to resemble nature, will be easily understood, 

 and copious directions on the subject are given in the section on plantations.' 



" The fourth section treats of the form and grouping of large masses of trees. 

 It is particularly well arranged, and rules are given how to lay out and group 



