Boox IV. PRINCIPLES OF LANDSCAPE-GARDENING. 



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wealth and taste of individuals, Tliis art would be a very simple one in rude ages and 

 xnild climates, when man had few wants, and scarcely any desires ; but, like other arts, 

 would become more intricate as mankind betook to more variable climatesr and became 

 more refined in habits and manners. Taking a view, as far as history permits (see Part I. ), 

 of the past and present state of landscape-gardening in all countries, the objects desired 

 in the country-residence of a wealthy man, wishing to display his riches, are fundament- 

 ally the same. These were and are, adaptation to the habits of genteel life for the time 

 being, as to matters of use and convenience ; and distinction from the common scenery of 

 the country, as to matters of taste or beauty in landscape. The first object would prin- 

 cipally affect the mansion and accompanying erections for men or cattle ; and these 

 would, at first, be merely of greater dimension than those of the common mass of rustics; 

 but, as society improved, they would be distinguished by more perfect execution, and ap- 

 pendages indicative of the habits of genteel life. The second object, distinction in the 

 surrounding scenery, was and is effected by such dispositions of the common materials of 

 landscape, as ground, water, trees, &c. as indicate the employment of art and expense. 

 In early times, this would produce regularly level or sloping surfaces of ground, and 

 water and trees bounded by straight or geometrical lines, which w'ould distinguish the 

 country-residence from the natural or open unenclosed scenery around. In late or modern 

 times, when the general face of the country was disposed in artificial forms, a contrary 

 practice would be pursued, and natural-like scenery would be created for precisely the 

 same object as in the other case ; the display of wealth and taste, and the attainment of 

 distinction. 



7158. Hence the origin of what are called the geometric and natural styles m landscape- 

 gardening, both evidently founded on the same principle, the love of applause and distinc- 

 tion. The first has been generally condemned as unnatural and absurd ; and so it is, if 

 we look upon it as an imitation of nature ; but as it never pretended to this, but, on the 

 contrary, was avowedly a display of the power of art over nature, it ought to be judged, 

 like every other work of man, by the end in view ; and if, as we have already observed 

 (526.), it be considered as designed to distinguish the garden-scenery of the man of wealth 

 from the common fortuitous scenery of the country in rude or less cultivated times and 

 places, it will be found admirably calculated for that purpose, and just as natural to man 

 as any other part of his habits or manners. But v/e will even go farther, and maintain 

 that the geometrical disposition of landscape-scenery has powerful beauties, both of the 

 inherent kind, as that of a long broad avenue, or of general or particular associations, as- 

 its suitableness to Gothic architecture, very ancient residences, &c. Disapproving, there- 

 fore, of that absolute preference of the modern or natural style, which totally excludes the 

 other, we have, in treating of planting (Book III. Chap. IV.), not lost sight of the geo- 

 metrical dispositions of trees ; and we shall, in considering the present branch of our sub- 

 ject, notice also the dispositions of ground, water, roads, &c. peculiar to the geometric 

 style. A knowledge of both will be desired by the liberal-minded practical designer ; 

 and the occasional adoption, in part, at least, of the ancient style, will be dictated by ge- 

 neral good taste, as well as by the particular tastes of individuals, and the circumstances 

 of peculiar situations. We shall consider, in succession, the principles of composing 

 landscape ; the treatment of the materials of verdant scenery ; the union of these materials 

 in forming landscapes ; and the union of landscapes in connection with scenes of use and 

 Convenience in forming country-residences. 



Chap. L 



Of the Principles of Landscape- Gardening. 



7159. The principles of landscape-gardening, like those of every other art, are founded 

 on the end in view. " Gardens and buildings," Lord Kames observes, " may be destined 

 for use solely, for beauty solely, or for both. Such variety of destination bestows upon 

 these arts a great command of beauties, complex not less than various. Hence the diffi- 

 culty of forming an accurate taste in gardening, and architecture ; and hence, that diflfer- 

 ence or wavering of taste in these arts, greater than in any art that has but a single 

 destination." {Elements of Criticism, 4th edit. vol. ii. 431.) Not to consider landscape - 

 gardening with a view to these different beauties, but to treat it merely as " the art of creat- 

 ing landscapes," would thus embrace only a small part of the art of laying out grounds, 

 and leave incomplete a subject which contributes to the immediate comfort and happiness 

 of a great body of the enlightened and opulent in this and in every country ; — an art, as 

 the poet Mason observes, 



" Which teaches' wealth and pride, 



" How to obtain their wish — the world's applause." 

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