58 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
tailed sketch of the distinctive features of the Beautiful and 
the Picturesque, as these expressions should be embodied 
in Landscape Gardening. 
The Beautiful in Landscape Gardening (Fig. 13) is 
produced by outlines whose curves are flowing and gradual, 
surfaces of softness, and growth of richness and luxuriance. 
In the shape of the ground, it is evinced by easy undulations 
melting gradually into each other. In the form of trees, by 
smooth stems, full, round, or symmetrical heads of foliage, 
and luxuriant branches often drooping to the ground, — which 
is chiefly attained by planting and grouping, to allow free 
development of form ; and by selecting trees of suitable cha- 
racter, as the elm, the ash, and the like. In walks and 
roads, by easy flowing curves, following natural shapes of 
the surface, with no sharp angles or abrupt turns. In water, 
by the smooth lake with curved margin, embellished with 
flowing outlines of trees, and full masses of flowering 
shrubs — or in the easy winding curves of a brook. The 
keeping of such a scene should be of the most polished 
kind, — grass mown into a softness like velvet, gravel walks 
scrupulously firm, dry, and clean; and the most perfect 
order and neatness should reign throughout. Among the 
trees and shrubs should be conspicuous the finest foreign 
sorts, distinguished by beauty of form, foliage, and blossom ; 
and rich groups of shrubs and flowering plants should be 
arranged in the more dressed portions near the house. 
And finally, considering the house itself as a feature in the 
scene, it should properly belong to one of the classical 
modes ; and the Italian, Tuscan, or Venetian forms are 
preferable, because these have both a polished and a 
domestic air, and readily admit of the graceful accom- 
paniments of vases, urns, and other harmonious 
accessories. Or, if we are to have a plainer dwelling, 
