HINTS ON LANDSCAPE GARDENING; LAYING OUT GROUNDS, &c.
We have, as yet, proposed to finish the model in the plainest and most
simple way, completely unaided and unadorned by the adjuncts of gardens
or trees. And yet, that models are frequently considerably improved in
appearance by these imitations of natural objects, when taste and skill
go hand in hand, will be admitted by all, but we often see them
completely spoiled by such additions. It is indeed somewhat difficult to
say how far we may venture with propriety upon this path, and where to
draw the line requires some tact; we will not, therefore, lay down any
rule absolutely as to how far the laying out of grounds and the
modelling of the trees, &c., may be admissible, only giving some
instructions for modelling the objects themselves. And though the
grounds are laid out, the picturesque undulations of the surface, the
ponds, flower-beds, arcades, terraces, lawns, shrubs, and trees,
faithfully represented, let it not for one moment be supposed that by so
doing we render what was before a work of art, a mere toy. Far from it.
We do not wish the reader, when he thinks of a model, to remember those
of York Minster, or Strasbourg Cathedral, and which, borne aloft upon
the shoulders of some wandering Italian, tempt the vulgar by the rich
colours of the stained glass inserted in their chalk sides, and
brilliantly illuminated by the light of a farthing candle placed within;
or of the grounds, as bearing any resemblance to those interesting toys
representing a “_castle in cork_,” about an inch high, whose clinging
ivy is represented by one of the largest species of moss, and in whose
luxurious gardens bloom roses two inches in diameter, roses which should
have decked some matron’s cap, but which for the nonce were pressed into
this more noble service. But, to proceed. Balusters of grotesque,
Elizabethan, or other patterns, when cut out of the solid stone, must be
made by gumming the paper in different thicknesses, till that required
is obtained, carefully drawing the pattern, and then cutting out with
knife No. 3. Turned work, as circular pedestals for statues, sundials,
gate-piers, balusters, &c., cannot be successfully imitated in paper,
but are better turned in wood of some light colour, and then tinted with
body colour to the required shade; all work of the same description that
is _square_ may be constructed in exactly the same manner as before
described for chimney-stacks. For a representation of lawns and grassy
slopes, meadow, &c., we may take white velvet, and tint it to any
required shade, or use cloth which can be obtained any shade of green,
or even flock paper may be procured, which, when cleverly laid on the
work, gives an excellent imitation of grass; but of all these methods,
velvet tinted will be found the most effective and best. Water,
represent with looking-glass, or with mica, to the back of which is
gummed paper of suitable tint for the situation of the water. For rocks,
grottoes, &c., take stout white paper, and thoroughly soak it in water
until it is rendered quite pliable, and then with the fingers, pieces of
wood, or any thing that may suggest itself as being useful, mould or
model it to the required shapes fancy or skill may suggest, and
afterwards tint it to resemble nature. An effect better still may be
obtained by gumming it, when perfectly dry, with thick gum, and then
dusting or sprinkling it with fine sand, which may be procured of
various shades. This method adopt also for walks, carriage-drives, or
any place where a representation of road, or gravel, may be required.
Cut out your flower-beds in thin cork, and then burn the upper surface;
this will give the appearance of rich mould, or earth, and also serve as
a good groundwork to stick the shrubs and flowers into. In your trees,
rather aim at a general or suggestive effect, than at much minutiæ of
detail; procure pieces of twigs, and shape them for the trunks and
branches, and then gum on them the smallest-leaved moss, in good outline
to represent nature; this moss will, when perfectly dried, bear tinting
well. Flower-patches, the same moss with a bit of bright scarlet, or
other paper, here and there gummed among it.
We have now given sufficient general instructions to enable the student
to proceed with this branch, should his fancy lead him; and with these
suggestions, and his own practice, he may in a short time be enabled to
imitate successfully the quaint gardens of the Elizabethan period, or
the more natural taste evinced in the landscape gardening of our own
times.
... “Does airy fancy cheat
My mind well pleased with the deceit?
I seem to hear, I seem to move,
And wander through the happy grove,
Where smooth springs flow, and murmuring breeze
Wantons through the waving trees.”
CREECH.