1874. ] 
GARDEN LITERATURE. 
179 
and this, of course, should vary according to circumstances; the lines 
of beauty, in fact, being always in accordance with the local circumstances 
and situation of the ground. To gain the most desirable results in a landscape, 
we must have recourse to curved lines. In roads for conveyance it is otherwise, 
for the lines should not be so curved as much to increase the distance, but only 
enough to impart a pleasing diversity of outline, and thus make the most of the 
land. Lines of decoration in regard of planting trees and otherwise must be 
boldly curved, for the more numerous the outlines in proportion to the length 
with which we have to deal, the more beautiful will be the results, and the 
greater will be the permanent satisfaction. Drives which are frequently made to 
run along the side of a wood may, with much advantage, be carried through it, 
thus creating bold and striking outlines. A road made for the convenience of a 
dwelling-house ought not to be carried far out of the proper curve of convenience. 
In regard to Colour, we are taught that we may produce an excellent effect by 
making use of Rhododendrons as a base or ground for the display of strong 
colours or dark-foliaged plants, aided by golden-hued, the latter being mostly 
employed in indicating the more prominent outlines. Where the scene is extensive, 
we may have recourse to more than one well-defined tint, in addition to others 
kept subordinate. Still, it is necessary to rely upon one leading colour, in order 
to assure the desired effect. Golden shades impart rich effects, but each and 
every line exerts an influence proper to itself. Silver, for example, brings 
out a sense of lightness and grace, dark shades import meditation, scarlet gives 
brilliancy, and grey rest; brown indicates a subdued richness; purple, a refined 
awe. In short, the several vegetable hues originate results of varying character, 
according to their arrangement. Colour in a landscape may well be compared to 
the eye in the animal framework,- or the diamond which glitters in a lady’s dress, 
imparting light and brilliancy to the whole. 
As regards Comparison, plants should always preserve their individual char¬ 
acter in due subordination to the general arrangement, and not be jumbled up 
unmeaningly together, to the ruin of all true effect. If, indeed, plants had less 
beauty than they actually possess, still it must wound the soul of the observer to 
witness the harshness and inconsequence with which they are too often treated. 
Contrast, when rightly used, is, in truth, the source of developing great beauty. 
The second book is devoted to the Laws of Order. Here we come to deal 
with lines of sight, lines of distances, sites, outlines, &c. As regards the lines of 
sight, to impart a due sense of satisfaction in scenery, three sizes of vegetable 
growths will prove desirable. First come the plants which are to carpet the soil, 
occupying, as it were, the first line ; secondly, shrubs holding a sort of inter¬ 
mediate position rising out of the ground-line ; and thirdly, trees, imparting the 
greatest effects, rising above all. These lines of sight must be accommodated to 
the lines of distance—not the placing of subjects to be seen from some particular 
site, but the placing of objects so that satisfaction is felt in viewing the scene 
from any distance—since objects vary extremely as we approach or recede from 
them. The lovely outlines of leaves and flowers, for instance, are not visible 
from a distance ; but in that case, mass and outline impress us most. As regards 
the character of plants, form is undoubtedly the basis of arrangement, but colour 
gives life to form. Colour may sometimes have prominence for its own sake, but 
still it should embellish and set off form. Lights and shades are also attendants 
on colour, and must have due consideration. The lines of vegetation vary, im¬ 
parting suitable features in accordance with the period of the year. These 
features may be summed up under the following heads :—Outline, massing, 
young leafage, perfect leafage, fall of the leaf, flowers, fruit, stem, dimensions. In 
