FORMAL GARDEN 
it is the more important of the two, so that a special effort must be 
made to fix this quality clearly in mind. 
Argument 
Much time has been wasted in years gone by in arguing that the 
formal style is better than the natural style, or vice versa. Power- 
ful arguments may be made in the abstract for either style; but 
practically, as well as from the highest standpoint of art, the decision 
is always to be made, not on abstractions, but in view of concrete 
conditions existing in particular instances. Thus in one set of con- 
ditions and on a given piece of property a design in the formal style 
may have overwhelming advantages, while on another piece of land 
and under different requirements the natural style may be clearly 
preferable. This principle is now generally recognized by all com- 
petent landscape gardeners, and controversy on these matters is 
possible only between persons of quite limited education and narrow 
views. 
Working Rules 
It is always dangerous in art matters to lay down dogmatic 
rules. While recognizing these dangers it still seems best to make 
certain rules or suggestions covering the design of gardens in the 
formal style. These should prove helpful to the beginner, who must 
understand, however, that the experienced designer is sometimes 
able to break some of these rules without disaster. With such 
limitations in mind the following rules are offered: 
1. Formal gardening should be attempted only on relatively 
small areas. For the ordinary family garden one-fourth to one-half 
acre would be the maximum allowance; for a very pretentious private 
mansion 1 to 2 acres; for large public grounds 3 to 5 acres. Best 
results are usually secured on areas considerably smaller than these 
maxima. 
2. The area should be rectangular or nearly so. Circular or 
semi-circular areas can sometimes be designed, but they are diffi- 
cult. 
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