Loose and detached fragments of rocks can never be permitted to lie scattered about the lawn in any style. In a scene expressive of graceful beauty, of course they would be entirely out of place: and in a picturesque scene, they should only be suffered to remain in spots where they have some evident connexion with larger masses. If they were allowed to lie loosely around, they would only give an air of confused wildness, opposed to everything like the elegance of tasteful art or the comfort of a country residence; but if only seen in particular spots where they evidently belong, they will, by contrast, give force and spirit to the whole. We do not now speak of large rounded boulders or smooth stones, such as are seen lying about the soil in some of our valley tracts, as such are void of interest, and, unless they are large, or in some degree remarkable, they ought to be at once removed out of the way. Characteristic and picturesque rocks, are those with firm, rugged, and distinct outlines, externally covered with a coating of weather stains, dark lichens, or mosses, and which meet the eye with a mellow and softened tone of color.
