44 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
these can scarcely hope to introduce anything approaching 
to a landscape garden style, in laying out their limited 
grounds, still they may be greatly benefited by an ac- 
quaintance with the beauties and the pleasures of this 
species of rural embellishment. When we are once master 
of the principles, and aware of the capabilities of an art, 
we are able to infuse an expression of tasteful design, or 
an air of more correct elegance, even into the most humble 
works, and with very limited means. 
While we shall endeavor, in the following pages, to give 
such a view of modern Landscape Gardening, as will enable 
the improver to proceed with his fascinating operations, in 
embellishing the country residence, in a practical mode, 
based upon what are now generally received as the correct 
principles of the art, we would desire the novice, after 
making himself acquainted with all that can be acquired 
from written works within his reach, to strengthen his taste 
and add to his knowledge, by a practical inspection of the 
best country seats among us. In an infant state of society, 
in regard to the fine arts, much will be done in violation of 
good taste ; but here, where nature has done so much for 
us, there is scarcely a large country residence in the Union, 
from which useful hints in Landscape Gardening may not 
be taken. And in nature, a group of trees, an accidental 
pond of water, or some equally simple object, may form a 
study more convincing to the mind of a true admirer of 
natural beauty, than the most carefully drawn plan, or the 
most elaborately written description. 
