THE GENERAL PLAN OR THEORY OF THE PLACE 9 
maker should develop his plan before he attempts to develop 
his place. He must study the various subdivisions in order 
that the premises may meet all his needs. He should determine 
the locations of the leading features of the place and the rela- 
tive importance to be given to the various parts of it, — as 
of the landscape parts, the ornamental areas, the vegetable- 
garden, and the fruit plantation. 
The details of the planting may be determined in part as 
the place develops; it is only the structural features and pur- 
poses that need to be determined beforehand in most small 
properties. The incidental modifications that may be made 
in the planting from time to time keep the interest alive and 
allow the planter to gratify his desire to experiment with new 
plants and new methods. 
It must be understood that I am now speaking of ordinary 
home grounds which the home-maker desires to improve by 
himself. If the area is large enough to present distinct 
landscape features, it is always best to employ a landscape 
architect of recognized merit, in the same spirit that one 
would employ an architect. The details, however, may even 
then be filled in by the owner, if he is so inclined, following 
out the plan that the landscape architect makes. 
It is desirable to have a definite plan on paper (drawn to 
scale) for the location of the leading features of the place. 
These features are the residence, the out-houses, the walks and 
drives, the service areas (as clothes yards), the border planting, 
flower-garden, vegetable-garden, and fruit-garden. It should 
not be expected that the map plan can be followed in every 
detail, but it will serve as a general guide; and if it is made 
on a large enough scale, the different kinds of plants can be 
located in their proper positions, and a record of the place be 
kept. It is nearly always unsatisfactory, for both owner and 
designer, if a plan of the place is made without a personal 
inspection of the area. Lines that look well on a map may not 
