LAYING OUT GROUNDS. 23 



The owner of a property delightfully situated cannot be supposed 

 to be insensible to its beauties ; his taste suggests an improvement, 

 and the judgment by which it is regulated is founded on correct 

 principles ; but if his sketch of the proposed picture be committed 

 to hands unused to the pallet and the pencil, it must not be thought 

 extraordinary that failure should be the result. The study of the 

 Landscape Gardener, aided by a practical knowledge, enables him 

 to perceive what can be effected towards the accomplishment 

 of the proposed improvements, and a familiar intimacy with the 

 subject teaches him how to avoid certain obstacles, or the best 

 methods for their removal ; the beautiful and the picturesque of 

 nature ever occupying his mind and directing his hand— 



" He best can paint them, who can feel them most." 



In considering the surface of ground, the breaks, the cavities, and 

 the inequalities should be noticed ; and if the spot which is fixed upon 

 for the building should be level, or that near the site of the house 

 the surface should be lower than the surrounding parts, such spot 

 should be raised, not merely to make it appear dry and comfortable, 

 but to render it so in reality. In doing this, if the soil necessary for 

 the purpose be taken from some adjoining land, the effect is more 

 speedily produced, and an undulated surface may be formed in 

 view from the house, which gives the desired variety, and assists, 

 even where the grounds are very limited, in producing the pleasing 



