318 ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. BOOK 1, 



tists, taking advantage of this effect, have introduced different 

 coloured earths, which Lord Bacon justly reprobates as trifling. 

 The natural soil throughout is always preferable, and if taste- 

 fully varied by the green of vegetation will have a very harmo- 

 nious effect. Soil, with regard to its quality, should be poor 

 for most ornamental plants and shrubs: — various but chiefly 

 dry virgin pasture loam for most botanic plants : — mossy and 

 moist for ericas and most American and Cape plants, &c. 



Water is introduced in parterres, shrubberies, and botanic 

 gardens, either in still ponds, drooping fountains, or jets-d'eau; 

 but as they are all artificial, no perfect models can be held 

 forth for imitation. Still, however, there are principles to 

 which we can ever have recourse, either in judging of or con- 

 triving all works of art. Contrast, in every modification of 

 matter, is capable of producing either incongruity, variety, or 

 harmony, and consequently of effecting -scenes which shall 

 disgust, please, or highly interest, the spectator. The appli- 

 cation of the principle of contrast to the formation of artificial 

 ponds and jets-d'eau might be advantageously treated of at 

 great length; but it would occupy more time than can be 

 spared in this work ; and is the less necessary for this reason, 

 that to those who understand the principles of taste, which I 

 have already endeavoured to lay down, it would be almost un- 

 necessary; and to others it would not carry conviction unless 



