PREFACE. 



fence of English gardening, that the present 

 style of laying out places is not a mere 

 capricious invention, but a consistent and 

 regular system, founded on the most se- 

 ducing qualities ; and such as are likely to 

 operate in every age and country, where 

 extensive improvement in grounds may be* 

 come an object of attention— on smooth- 

 ness, continuity of surface, undulation, ser* 

 pentine lines* and) also, what is peculiarly 

 flattering to the vanity of the owner— dis- 

 tinctness. The whole purpose of my work 

 lias been to shew— not that these qualities 

 are by any means to be abandoned or 

 neglected, but that there are striking effects 

 and attractions in those of a totally opposite 

 nature : and that they must be mixed with 

 each other in various degrees, in order to 

 produce that beauty of combination, which 

 is- displayed in the choicest works of art 

 and of nature. 



vol, ir. ]b 



