X 
PREFACE. 
which surround the country residence of the man of taste, — 
are confined by no barriers narrower than the blue heaven 
above and around them. The taste and the treasures, grad- 
ually, but certainly, creep beyond the nominal boundaries of 
the estate, and re-appear in the pot of flowers in the window, 
or the luxuriant, blossoming vines which clamber over the 
porch of the humblest, cottage by the way side. 
In the present volume I have sought, by rendering fami- 
liar to the reader most of the beautiful sylvan materials of the 
art, and by describing their peculiar effects in Landscape 
Gardening, to encourage a taste among general readers. 
And I have also endeavoured to place before the amateur 
such directions and guiding principles as, it is hoped, will 
assist him materially in laying out his grounds and arrang- 
ing the general scenery of his residence. 
The lively interest of late manifested in Rural Architec- 
ture, and its close connection with Landscape Gardening, 
have induced me to devote a portion of this work to the con- 
sideration of buildings in rural scenery. 
I take pleasure in acknowledging my obligations and re- 
turning thanks to my valued correspondent, J. C. Loudon, 
Esq., F. L. S., etc. of London, the most distinguished garden- 
ing author of the age, for the illustrations and description of 
the English Suburban Cottage in the Appendix ; to the seve- 
ral gentlemen in this country who have kindly furnished 
me with plans or drawings of their residences ; and to A. J. 
Davis, Esq. of New- York, and J. Notman, Esq. of Philadel- 
phia, architects, for architectural drawings and descriptions. 
