A curved line changes direction at every point. This is a plain statement that an infinite variety of direction is contained in a curved line; a straight line has only one direction. The partial concealment of principal points of interest is a common and profitable expedient in most cases,—less so perhaps in the architectural style than in others.

In the natural style it is always admissible to group the trees so as to hide, partially or totally, the buildings from certain points of view, and to give a really complete view from only a few favorable points. If a tree group is so placed as to afford a partial view of the buildings from one standpoint, a totally different view is seen from a second standpoint.

In this way the buildings are seen in a great variety of forms. If a drive or walk leads up to some object of special interest, it may always be considered a good plan, where possible, to give successive glimpses of the object along the way, reserving a full view for a final triumph at a point from which the whole may best be admired.

Deep vistas in any landscape planting are desirable for many reasons. Our gardening is usually on too small a scale to satisfy fully the hungry eye. One's look will wander away and beyond the fence or garden fountain which limits the little garden, and seek to lose itself at the farthest reach of the eyesight's power.

It satisfies a natural desire if the openings in the garden plantings are so placed as to permit the eye full enjoyment of any good extraneous view. And even within the grounds a long perspective supplies a variety of views, since in it some objects are seen at a distance, some in middle-ground and some in the foreground.

The sky line should never be monotonous. In picturesque effects the sky line may be much broken. The charm of the purely natural style, on the contrary, especially in certain situations, lies in its utter quietness and peacefulness. A horizon full of Lombardy poplar exclamation points is not in key with such ideas.

But the sky line may be diversified more gently. It may be carried high on one side by a mass of heavy woods; it may sink low on another side, to the surface of a lake; and in one or two places it may perhaps be accentuated with the spire-like poplars.

This is a matter in which good taste must be exercised; for while very few observers will analyze a scene and itemize the excellence and defects of the sky line, the sympathetic mind will be keenly, though perhaps unconsciously, alive to both.

Along with the myriad species plants, trees, and various objects such as fountains and rocks that can be used to add variety to their art, landscapers can use the shape of the land itself. Perspective is another ingredient that can be added to the mix to ensure that the piece is original and unique.

If the artist is ever at a standstill in the middle of a creation, perspective is often the safety net they can fall to when all other ideas have been exhausted.