THE LANDSCAPE BEAUTIFUL 



If we seek to set forth, in short, what 

 Downing contributed to American garden- 

 ing, we may mention the following: first, 

 a high appreciation of the natural land- 

 scape of our country; second, the develop- 

 ment of all domestic appointments with 

 reference to the enjoyment of the surround- 

 ing landscape; third, the cultivation of 

 gardens full of trees, shrubs and fruits. 

 The last of these contributions seems to 

 me to have been the most important, as it 

 was the most characteristic of Downing. 

 His ideal garden was one filled to over- 

 flowing with splendid full-grown trees, 

 with blooming shrubs and with fertile fruit 

 trees. As we study the plans now, criti- 

 cizing them beside the style of the present 

 day, we say they were too much crowded, 

 and that they lack breadth and dignity. 

 But, at any rate, they were gardens full 

 planted with luxuriant, green growing 

 things, and not with carpentered and ma- 

 soned furniture. This was a great innova- 

 tion in its time, — a real advance, — and 

 Downing's ideals had a widespread and 

 very powerful influence in America, which 

 it would be interesting to trace if we had 

 the time. 



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