ACCESSORIES 
83 
ject, any more than it can justify putting a sim- 
ilar object in the midst of a drawing-room 
floor. Things of this nature are to adorn, not 
to monopolize. True, a sculpture of merit de- 
serves a setting wherein all its beauties may be 
fittingly enjoyed; but such a work demands its 
own gallery or alcove, whether it be outdoors 
or in, and only when an area sufficient to pro- 
vide this is available should an image or group 
of such importance be used. For then the ob- 
ject itself, not the garden, is the feature; the 
latter, or that portion of it immediately about 
a great work of art, is secondary — an effect 
obviously to be avoided, where space is limited. 
Let it not be understood that I am arguing 
against merit, however, in garden statuary or 
ornament, for of merit there can never be too 
much anywhere — certainly not in the garden. 
It is only the too ambitious conception that 
should be barred from the garden which it will 
overtop and render insignificant. Neither in 
actual size nor in the idea expressed may orna- 
ment ever assume greater proportions than the 
thing it ornaments. Be sure that it has done 
this, however, whenever it conveys the stronger 
impression. If any garden accessory sends you 
away with the thought “ So-and-so has a fine 
statue — or pool or garden house — in his gar- 
