VI 



GAUDEN DESIGN 



In a country where gardens are the exception 

 rather than the rule, it is disappointing to find that 

 the existing specimens are not always such as 

 would inspire a man to acquire one of his own. 

 There is either an unkempt riot of bloom or a mel- 

 ancholy severity that says "Keep off the grass" 

 much more pointedly than any sign. There is the 

 obvious love of display on the one hand, and the 

 passion for growing things on the other, that will 

 pay no attention to the selection of material. 



The American garden, with, of course, many 

 well-known exceptions, is frequently thrust under 

 one 's nose, so to speak, and, as the show-part of the 

 estate, is given the most prominent position. The 

 idea is not noticeably present that privacy and soli- 

 tude are part of a garden's charm, and that the 

 desire for seclusion alone may lead to the acquir- 

 ing of a garden. 



It is to such a garden-loving race as the English 

 that we must go to find out what gardens can reaUy 



218 



