232 



LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



that richness and variety so essential to the 

 size of the garden. Such a process would 

 also apparently lessen the depth of the flower 

 beds below the terrace, which I cannot but 

 think rather too great. 



Having already expressed my opinion, that 

 it is essential that a professor should explain 

 the principles upon which he suggests any im- 

 provement, I would now warn the proprietor 

 not hastily to adopt any plan which cannot 

 be thus explained ; as, I am sorry to say, I 

 have seen too many instances of irreparable 

 mischief arising from the utter ignorance of 

 the professional improver. 



Alteration is frequently mistaken for im- 

 provement, and laborious operation for su- 

 perior taste. I should recommend caution 

 in adopting any proposal of the latter class, 

 as a professor destitute of true principles will 

 overlook those apparently little circumstances 

 upon which real improvement frequently rests, 

 and will proceed to a total subversion of the 

 scene which he knows not how to adorn. 



If the practical hints I have thrown toge- 

 ther have any foundation on principle, I trust 

 they will assist the proprietor in determining 

 the character of his own place, and in adapt- 



