96 SUBURBAN GARDENS 
left to the last because, although it is in its pur- 
pose an ornament, it is at the same time a struc- 
tural feature, even as the arbor and garden 
house — although it has not the usefulness of 
either — there is just one positive thing to be 
said. This is with regard to its position, which 
should always be at a point of transition from 
one part or phase of the garden to another — 
and never anywhere else. In other words, re- 
gard it as a door, and imagine that it leads 
through a wall; then you will have a true idea 
of the difference which should be apparent be- 
tween the two apartments which it connects. 
This gives it a raison d’etre, and it immedi- 
ately acquires the character and importance 
which should distinguish it, however simple and 
crude the materials of which it is constructed. 
Let it mark an end and a beginning always; 
never put it midway of a path or in the gar- 
den’s center. Even though it leads through no 
wall which obscures that which lies beyond, this 
definite dividing function which is peculiarly its 
own, this ceremonial leaving and entering 
which it expresses, must never be taken away 
from it. Subject to this one limitation and ne- 
cessity, it may be used with excellent effect at 
almost any portion of the grounds or garden. 
