42 



be the basis of any plan of improvement ; the next step 

 is the adaptation of those features to the purposes of a 

 pleasure ground for the people. And here, again, I can- 

 not resist the reflection that true taste in any art consists 

 more in adapting tried expedients to peculiar circumstances, 

 than in that inordinate thirst after novelty — the charac- 

 teristic of uncultivated minds. 



The rules which govern the improvement and embel- 

 lishment of ground are as well defined as those which 

 regulate the duties of any other profession or occupa- 

 tion ; and an innovation 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 sub- 

 ject. It is the way in which these rules are applied to 

 the varieties of surface, not the exhibition of absurd 

 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 pain- 

 ful to the eye, and destroying the symmetry of the whole ; 

 thus securing that unity and harmony so essential to the 

 perfection of the design. 



