P E E F A C E 



TO THE FOURTH EDITION. 



It is even more gratifying to the author of this work to 

 know, from actual observation, that the public taste in 

 Rural Embellishment has, within a few years past, made 

 the most rapid progress in this country, than to feel assured 

 by the call for a fourth edition, that his own imperfect 

 labors for the accomplishment of that end have been most 

 kindly appreciated. 



In the present edition considerable alterations and 

 amendments have been made in some portions — especially 

 in that section relating to the nature of the Beautiful and 

 the Picturesque. The difference among critics regarding 

 natural expression and its reproduction in Landscape 

 Gardening, has led him more carefully to examine this 

 part of the subject, in order, if possible, to present it in 

 the clearest and most definite manner. 



The whole work has also been revised, and more 

 copiously illustrated, and is now offered in a more com- 

 plete form than in any previous edition. 



A. J. D. 



Newburgli, New York, Jan. 1849. 



