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basis of arty plan of improvement ; the next step is the adap- 

 tation of those features to the purposes of a pleasure ground 

 for the people. And here, again, I cannot resist the reflection 

 that true taste in any art consists more in adapting tried expe- 

 dients to peculiar circumstances, than in that inordinate thirst 

 after novelty — the characteristic of uncultivated minds. 



The rules which govern the improvement and embellish- 

 ment of ground are as well defined as those which regulate the 

 duties of any other profession or occupation ; and an innova- 

 tion upon these rules, instead of being an indication of genius, 

 shows rather the absence of it, and the want of a correct 

 knowledge of the subject. It is the way in which these rules 

 are applied to the varieties of surface, not the exhibition of ab- 

 surd novelties, which gives that variety in the landscape, which 

 we look for in a skillfully improved park. 



Among these rules are the following : First, studiously to 

 conceal every appearance of art, however expensive, by which 

 the scenery is improved ; secondly, carefully to disguise the 

 real boundary, however large or small the area ; thirdly, to 

 hide the natural defects and to display the natural beauties 

 to the utmost advantage; fourthly, to obtain from the most 

 favorable points the greatest possible extent of view, and to 

 conceal all objects which limit or obstruct the view ; fifthly, 

 by so blending all the parts, that while the beauties of each 

 are distinctly visible, there are no abrupt contrasts painful to 

 the eye, and destroying the symmetry of the whole ; thus 

 securing that unity and harmony so essential to the perfection 

 of the design. 



The boundary may be successfully disguised by an irregular 

 belt of trees along the exterior line, and the view as a general 

 thing being limited by this exterior line, it follows that its 

 extent is diminished as we approach the centre, since instead of 

 having one broad view, with the necessary distance to complete 

 the landscape, we divide the view in two, and have an incomplete 

 one on each side. Hence, the avenue of communication which 

 is intended to develop the principal features of the park, should 

 be located as near to the exterior line as the character of the 

 ground and other circumstances will admit. An additional 

 reason for which is found in the greater extent of drive which 

 is thereby secured — an important consideration where the area 



