2 
SUBURBAN GARDENS. 
more closely approaching each other, till a significant extension 
of the elbow conveys an idea of the dreadful consequences of a 
collapse. “ This must be altered” is the first exclamation ; “ but 
how ?” you cannot take a piece from either neighbour, even in 
exchange for part of the long length spread out in tantalizing 
continuance. Here it is that the first principle of suburban garden¬ 
ing steps to the aid of the almost despairing operator; by its 
assistance the difficulty is overcome, and all that before was ugly 
is rendered pleasing; here, as in all other works of art, it must 
be consulted, studied, and made the foundation of the entire 
design; it must appear in every part and pervade the whole; 
without it nothing is complete, and through it the utmost detail 
may be accomplished with ease; this first, great, and all import¬ 
ant principle is—Proportion. Without attention to proportion, 
all that is done will seem to be disjointed and out of place ; 
harmony of parts cannot occur without proportion to the whole; 
and the first thing to be settled in the arrangement of the long 
narrow garden we were speaking of, is the length that will wear 
a proportionate aspect to its breadth—there the view must be 
broken—the exact spot may differ in the opinion of perhaps all 
called upon to point it out, but that there is a limit beyond which 
proportion will not pass is unquestionable, however taste or other 
circumstances may incline us to vary it. So also this principle 
must regulate the size and number of walks, beds, lawn, and 
should be carried even to the consideration of what is to be grown 
therein. 
Much more might be said on the importance of proportion, 
but the individual who possesses not an inherent perception of 
its value and extent is beyond our reach, and ought not to be 
permitted the opportunity of displaying his vagaries, while to 
those who can appreciate its presence, we need only say, insist 
on its observance throughout. Before we dismiss the subject, 
however, it may be well to mention a few instances that have 
recently occurred to us, in which the total absence of regard to 
proportion has rendered some otherwise meritorious works 
perfectly ludicrous; taken at random, the first which recurs to 
mind is a large mass of rockwork, composed of pebbles and small 
flints, a horizontal sundial of exquisite workmanship, requiring 
steps to enable one to see its face, a standard rose tree of ordinary 
