LAYING OUT GROUNDS. 27 



tator may not be aware he is at times nearly retracing the ground 

 he has previously passed ; thus a greater extent will be made to 

 appear than really exists. A straight walk, running parallel to, or 

 at right angles with the house, is objectionable, from its formal and 

 antiquated appearance, and is considered at variance with good 

 taste; it is of the date when square beds of flowers and evergreens 

 were placed with all the precision of geometrical exactness. Where- 

 ever paths are turned, they should lead to the beauties of the 

 scenery : hilly or mountainous walks should have gradual and regular 

 ascents, at times, amidst broken rocks, interspersed with Alpine 

 shrubs ; then winding through the umbrageous plantations to the se- 

 questered vale, treading the banks of a gentle stream embelUshed with 

 appropriate plants; then toward a piece of statuary, on the border 

 of a shady grove, or to the Temple of Peace, to a cascade, or where 

 a river falls and foams along its rocky bed. (See Plates 4, 5, and 6.) 

 In short, such walks, if judiciously directed, lead wherever any 

 object may be seen to excite admiration, or tranquillize the mind 

 to calm reflection : the edge of a precipice, or of a torrent, is to 

 be avoided, unless they be well guarded ; and seldom should those 

 views be seen which are calculated to disturb that tranquillity of 

 mind, which is best disposed to receive impressions pleasing and 

 satisfactory. 



" With various prospect gratify the sight, 

 " And scatter fix'd attention in dehght." 

 E 2 



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