G6 
LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 
scattered groups, all of the same size. Even in arranging 
walks, a whole will more readily be recognised, if there are 
one or two of large size, with which the others appear 
connected as branches, than if all are equal in breadth, 
and present the same appearance to the eye in passing. 
In all works of art which command universal admiration 
we discover an unity of conception and composition, an 
unity of taste and execution. To assemble in a single 
composition forms which are discordant, and portions 
dissimilar in plan, can only afford pleasure for a short time 
to tasteless minds, or those fona of trifling and puerile 
conceits. The production of an accordant whole is, on 
the contrary, capable of affording the most permanent 
enjoyment to educated minds, everywhere, and at all periods 
of time. 
After unity, the principle of Variety is worthy of con- 
sideration, as a fertile source of beauty in Landscape Gar- 
dening. Variety must be considered as belonging more to 
the details than to the production of a whole, and it may 
be attained by disposing trees and shrubs in numerous dif- 
ferent ways ; and by the introduction of a great number ol 
different species of vegetation, or kinds of walks, ornamental 
objects, buildings, and seats. By producing intricacy, it 
creates in scenery a thousand points of interest, and elicits 
new beauties, through different arrangements and combi- 
nations of forms and colors, light and shades. In pleasure- 
grounds, while the whole should exhibit a general plan, the 
different scenes presented to the eye, one after the other, 
should possess sufficient variety in the detail to keep alive 
the interest of the spectator, and awaken further curiosity. 
Harmony may be considered the principle presiding over 
variety, and preventing it from becoming discordant. It, 
indeed, always supposes contrasts, but neither so strong nor 
