From the PREFACE.
The arrangement of vegetation is a matter of such moment as to require little justification in advocating its needfulness. To lovers of Nature the advantages of discussing such a subject must, in truth, be obvious; for the aim of Horticulture is to beautify the earth. Books setting forth right principles are useful to students, and, even to proficients, are not without their advantages,
When the object is once brought before the thinker's attention, he must be impressed by its importance. The intention, indeed, is no other than to enhance the productiveness of the soil, and to fitly ennoble our temporary abode. To do this effectively is to develop the thinking principle itself — to further the interests of both heart and soul. The better culture of the land, taking into account the activities and energies which it is calculated to elicit, cannot be otherwise than advantageous — cannot, in fact, fail to influence for good the life of man.
When the mind is suitably prepared, working with skill and method on the materials which have been lent for our instruction and our use, every act tends to elevate the soul. Our task, indeed, is to assist Nature, to realise some effects that perchance shall last for ages. To render natural objects yet more gracious is of greater moment than is commonly imagined, for, after all, what would life be without beauty. It is, perhaps, questionable whether any great man ever yet existed who did not love nature. In fact, in his truth to nature resides, in a sense, the secret of his greatness. Monuments of marble and bronze may excite wonder and amazement, but to develop the material world, in order to improve our thoughts, helps us to love our fellows yet better, and tends to raise the heart to God.
My inexperience in authorship has kept me from venturing to place these pages before the public at an earlier date. Of the truth of the chief of the conclusions to which I have given expression in these pages, I have for some time been convinced, and I submit them now only after a learned friend has gone carefully over the manuscript, for which I feel most deeply indebted. I beg also to express my earnest thanks to Thomas Moore, Esq., F.L.S., for looking over the proof-sheets; and to Mr. W. R. Bradshaw for his various valuable labours.
Repton seems to have been aware of the object to be gained in improving scenery when he wrote the following words:— " Landscape gardening is, if possible, to inculcate the great secret of true happiness." To gain this we must endeavour, for the general good, to develop the true beauties of the natural objects which we assume to arrange, and to display their excellencies in such a way as to make them consonant with the feelings of the human race.
–AUTHOR.
