210 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



without destroying their beauty. Neither 

 the oak nor the elm are good subjects for 

 such a situation, which requires a more flow- 

 ing line, and smoother bark than characterises 

 either of them. The beech, the ash, or the 

 sycamore, according to the circumstances of 

 soil and exposure, will be found equally ap- 

 plicable for this purpose. The choice among 

 them (where the above circumstances admit 

 of it) will be determined by the question, 

 whether a lighter, or a more massive foliage, 

 suits best the general character of the scene ? 

 And here, the improver, if he be unacquainted 

 with the study of landscape painting, will do 

 well to consult such pictures or prints as are 

 applicable to the subject; for, indifferent as 

 it may appear to the common observer, the 

 effect of the composition is heightened or in- 

 jured by a judicious or injudicious selection. 



It would be difficult on this head to offer 

 particular directions for general application, 

 so much must depend upon variety of cir- 

 cumstances ; but, perhaps, a few suggestions 

 may assist in showing the advantage of apply- 

 ing the principles of landscape painting to 

 the improvement of real scenery. 



It may be sufficient for our present purpose 



