Chapter III 



Enclosure 



I HAVE often heard the opinion expressed that 

 nothing is more contrary to the way of Nature 

 — to which, after all, landscape gardening seeks 

 to conform itself — than the enclosure of a park; 

 but I think otherwise, and quite approve of the 

 English fashion of having every park enclosed 

 with great care. This enclosure, however, should 

 be varied and in large part it should not be felt 

 inside the park. At bottom this question of en- 

 closure is rather a matter of expediency than of 

 aesthetics, and yet as an element of beauty I do 

 not condemn it. Are not such beautiful, unculti- 

 vated spots marked off as it were by distinct 

 boundaries, and does not such a division often 

 increase their charm ? For example, a valley shut 

 in by a dense forest or by impassable rocks, an 

 island surrounded by running water, give the feel- 

 ing of home, of entire possession, of security 

 against intrusion or disturbance, allowing us to 

 enjoy all the more comfortably the beauty of the 

 surroundings. And, therefore, in a park the pres- 

 ence of a protecting wall or fence should be wel- 

 comed as a highly desirable element, necessary, 

 in excluding the unwelcome intruder, for the 

 peace and security of our enjoyment, but which 



