MAIN FEATURES IN GARDENS. 



rpHOTJGH some of the several features, which in various ways render gardens enjoy- 



able, have been referred to, it is necessary to concentrate attention on those which 

 are either indispensable or of such a distinct character as to be essential to the com- 

 pleteness of many gardens, large and small. It is not suggested that something of 

 everything which may have been admired in certain enclosures should be represented 

 in all, irrespective of their size, configuration or environments. Any such idea would 

 be in conflict with the canons of good taste. What may be an object of beauty 

 in one position may be an absurd incongruity in another. Beauty lurks in fitness, 

 appropriateness, and the pleasing association of ideas as represented in gardens, as in 

 dress or in architecture. Pretentious display in either conjures no pleasing thoughts 

 and gives no intellectual satisfaction ; it is neither attractive nor imposing, but repel- 

 lent and garish. But while this should ever be kept in mind, it is not the less desirable 

 that information should be imparted on the production of such features in gardens as 

 walks and lawns, mounds and dells, rockeries and roseries, water scenes and sheltering 

 screens, with such other adjuncts as are introduced with advantage and eff'ect into 

 many home surroundings. 



Much of the enjoyment connected with a private or public garden depends upon the 

 arrangements of the walks and drives, and the way in which these are constructed. 

 There should be no such thing as viewing all that is to be seen from one or two walks, 

 but these and, in a lesser degree, the drives, ought to be made to wind in and out so as 

 to bring into view difi'erent features at every turn. It is really astonishing what can be 

 done in this way. "What at the outset might be nothing more or less than a flat, 

 uninteresting expanse of ground can, by the landscape gardener, be converted into 

 a little paradise ; and what the landscape gardener can do, not a few private gardeners 

 are also equal to achieving. 



There can be no fixed rules laid down as to what directions walks ought to take, 

 or of the form they should assume. In some instances, or say when they are imme- 



WALKS AND DEIVES. 



