There remains considerable evidence of good planning in the gardens of the 

 ancients, although in many cases their works seemingly were intended only to 

 embellish the surroundings of buildings. If we may judge from what little we know 

 of them, the works of the Romans showed more eviden e of planning than was 

 apparent in the work of the earlier peoples; and this planning seemingly compre- 

 hended entire properties with all the structures and areas included therein. 

 On the whole, aesthetic considerations seem to have prevailed. Landscape 

 planning in Europe during the Renaissance varied considerably in the different 

 countries, but the most typical examples invariably show practical considerations 

 subordinated to artistic effects. Modem landscape architecture has recognized 

 the value of efficiency in planning. It seeks economy in the use of space and 

 topography, and convenience in the arrangement of related parts, as well as en- 

 deavoring always to obtain the most pleasing general effect. 



Too much stress cannot be laid upon the importance of careful planning. When 

 large properties are involved, such as country estates or farms, or such public 

 grounds as parks, playgrounds, or groups of buildings, the value of good profession- 

 al advice is more readily admitted, since the expenditure must necessarily be 

 relatively great, and the cost of the mistake's which may thereby be obviated will 

 offset the professional fee. In the development of small residences, or in the 

 planning of groups of buildings with but little open ground about them, the need 

 for careful planning is not at first so apparent, because the amount of ground is 

 small. The need of a landscape architect's advice is by some persons thought 

 to vary directly in proportion to the amount of land, or area, left after the build- 

 ings have been erected. One should recognize, however, that just the reverse 

 is true. The possibilities may not be so great where the land areas are small; 

 but, the requirements remaining constant, the problem of its arrangement and 

 convenience becomes more perplexing and difficult as the size of the grounds de- 

 creases. Especially in restricted situations should the buildings and grounds 

 be simultaneously planned, and that by one familiar with the particular needs, 

 both within the buildings and without, of the future occupant. Economy in the 

 use of the small space available is absolutely essential, and convenience is still 

 required. The alleviation of all appearance of cramped conditions and the 

 beauty of the whole, which must still be attained in spite of difficulties — these are 

 problems for the landscape architect. 



One has only to recall the almost universal disorderliness and unattractiveness 

 of the settings of our public buildings, and also the shabby yards of most city 

 homes, to realize both the neglect of, and, at the same time, the importance of 

 the landscape problems involved in the planning of Umited areas. To be well- 

 planned is their greatest need; to so locate buildings as to permit reasonable 

 disposition of the land; to plan walks and roads for convenience, grace of line, 

 and the conservation of unbroken lawns; and to recognize where to use every foot 

 of land sparingly and where to be generous with it — these are only a few of the 

 questions which bear on the reasonable arrangement of properties. 



Summarizing, then, landscape architecture is an art of design; and the princi- 

 ples of such design, intelligently appUed, should lend valuable aid in the solution of 

 problems of planning land areas, together TOth all the features they may include. 

 Our home surroundings and city environments are no exception to the rule that 

 beauty is generally wholesome and therefore necessary for our welfare and 



