7 
able. We must also know our present resources in 
trees and shrubs, though the vegetation, since almost 
entirely in our own control, is of less moment than 
the shape of the land. Lastly, the soil itself’ should 
be examined, and chiefly because this also is in our 
power, at least to modify considerably. 
Out of this general investigation must grow our 
plan. The point on which all turns is the position 
of the house. When we remember that nine-tenths 
of the pleasure which we shall have in our grounds 
will be got by looking from windows, piazzas, and 
terraces, we shall take care that no minor considera- 
tions deter us from selecting that spot whence most 
may be quietly enjoyed; and, the position of the 
house being settled, let us resolutely subordinate 
other parts to this all important feature. It is evi- 
dent now that the more definite plan we can have the 
better, and that, if we could be sure just where every 
tree ought to grow, it would be an advantage. But 
it is equally certain that we cannot have at once this 
desirable exactness. One sometimes sees plans, made 
after a cursory view of the ground, finished with 
very suspicious accuracy ; for every one who thinks 
of the matter, must know that designs, to be of value, 
must be founded on considerable acquaintance with 
the place; and, even then, it is nearly impossible to 
direct rightly on paper the position of every separate 
tree. There are many of these positions which ought 
to be determined by looking often from the given 
point of view, some object, such as a pole or a circle 
