232 
HINTS TO YOUNG GARDENERS ON MENTAL IMPROVEMENT. 
artificially, the applicability of which demands much and careful observation. In 
this instance, again, we cannot refrain from declaring the inadequacy and utter 
futility of a mere record of operations performed, or systems commenced, without 
further regard to their consequences and results. We have known young 
enthusiasts, who very diligently kept a journal on the above plan ; but in every 
case have they abandoned it after its novelty has subsided, and, we are confident, 
from no other cause than that we have before assigned. To render these observa- 
tions available, not only the particular kind of soil employed, the mode of potting, 
administration of water, and other similar matters, must be recorded, but the 
construction of plant structures, including every portion of them, and the method 
of heating, should be accurately noted. With such data, subsequent notice of the 
precise manner in which plants are affected by each and all of these different agents 
or media, will be invaluable. 
We have now to advert to a subject which, of all others connected with our 
profession, is most grossly neglected ; as the appearance of our modern pleasure- 
gardens of every description abundantly testifies. We allude to the observation of 
natural scenery, with a view to the impartation or improvement of an original and 
correct taste for landscape gardening. Far from wishing to be censorious, we state 
it as a remarkable fact, that not one gardener in a hundred is competent to design 
and execute the disposition of a garden in a manner worthy of the present or even 
antecedent ages. It is not our intention to direct the youthful gardener to the 
examination of hedge-row T s and woods, for the purpose of learning the art of 
planting. These are as purely artificial as the plantations of gardens. Striking 
deeper at the root of the evil, we would point to the natural formation of hill and 
dale, streamlet and waterfall, rocky and mountainous districts, and say — are there 
not in these, ample materials and bases for more exquisite and expressive creations 
of art than we are accustomed to witness in most of our artificial villa gardens ? 
The mere sciolist may, perhaps, negative this interrogatory ; but, unquestionably, 
the man of taste and judgment will decide affirmatively. 
In referring our younger professional brethren, who are desirous of attaining 
respectability in landscape gardening, to Nature's school, we must do so qualifiedly. 
A much admired piece of natural scenery is not to be examined that each particular 
trait may be literally or slavishly copied. It is the outlines, and not the details, 
the general features, and not the individual objects, that we wish to be studied ; so 
that the student may become possessed of the spirit of beauty — the beau ideal of 
grace and congruity. It would thus be impossible for him to err greatly in design 
or disposition ; for any deformity or constraint would be distasteful and annoying 
to his own eye, accustomed to the lineaments of the living landscape, to the precise 
extent it would be inharmonious with nature. To pursue this study successfully, 
the mind must be unshackled by every lovely but isolated portion of scenery which 
might engage its attention, that the grand distinguishing characteristics of the whole 
may be fully grasped, comprehended, and retained. By thus ascertaining some of 
