By Geo. E. Woodward, Civil Engineer & Architect, No. 37 Park Row, New Tore.

The execution of ornamental landscape work by contract is a subject that admits many arguments on both sides, it presents many advantages to the proprietor engaged in other business, relieves him from anxiety, and informs him of the precise cost. If he deals with reliable men, the result of such operations is satisfactory; but if he bargains for work below a fair price with those who con-aider present profit only essential, he will soon find out that he has paid a round price for shabby work. That work can bo done honestly, fairly, and economically by contract, there can be no manner of doubt; but one must first rid himself of the idea that he can get good work done below the current rates, or that the low-est bid is the cheapest. A contractor, like any other business man, pursues his business for the purpose of making money out of it, and it must be evident, on the least reflection, that if he takes work below its value, ho must intend in some manner to deceive. A few exceptional cases might occur, where it would be deemed better to execute works honestly at low rates, than to keep idle horses or disband well-organized laboring forces; but such opportunities can not be relied on.

It is a mistake to suppose that the business of a contractor is one that can be taken up at once without previous training; it is a pursuit to which one should be educated, and one which requires a man of intelligence. The great evil of contract work lies in the want of discrimination among those who have work to be done, and the contractor is not judged by his character or his ability, but the question is, has he the means and forces to carry out his proposals, and does he propose to do the work at the lowest price % Such is the usual practice, and such practice is certain to bring contract work into disrepute. Those who wish first class, substantial work, reject the contract system, and it is considered among dealers as a strong recommendation to a house to say that it was built by day's work. There is no plausible reason that could be advanced why a house, a road, or work of any kind that can be planned and specified, should not be as well executed by contract as by day's work. There is a percentage of gain in systematic- ing work and superintending day laborers, that a salaried foreman not interested pecuniarily in results, invariably overlooks, and that per centage amounts to a handsome profit, desirable to an intelligent man, who could fairly execute the same class of work for the same sum.

It is customary to hear persons of limited experience scout the idea of doing Landscape work by contract, simply because it is a work of art. They do not comprehend that a contractor (unless he be also an artist) has nothing to do with design. No one denies that architecture is a fine art; yet all know that it is an every-day matter to put up buildings by contract that embrace fine artistic effects; but no one thinks of holding a contractor responsible for those effects. He fulfils his obligation by reproducing in real materials the design which is furnished him on paper; and so long as he follows instructions, he must be successful. What is true in architecture is equally true in all branches of construction; any thing that can be planned and specified is a subject of contract.

It must be evident to a careful observer, that as we go up the scale from rough work to that which is polished and beautiful, we must in the same ratio look for increased intelligence and talent in the person who executes. A contractor should be selected who has both ability and experience in that department of work which he proposes to undertake, and who can readily comprehend both the plan and specifications that relate to it; then if he be a man of integrity, and receives a fair price for his services, the results will be satisfactory.

There is a growing desire among most business men who are carrying out extensive improvements, to have an accurate knowledge of the cost before any thing is done; but there is likewise a popular impression that in landscape work it can not be definitely ascertained. This is owing in a great measure to the fact, that but few who contemplate improvements either know what they want, or what effects their grounds are most capable of producing. The moment they find out either by professional aid or otherwise, precisely what is required, the further solution of the problem is a simple matter. It is just as easy to give the sum required to grade and beautify one's grounds, as it is to build a house; but there arc in most eases so many more facts required, so much more labor necessary, and so little competition, that estimates of the value of ' landscape work must be mode for a consideration, and not, as is usual in build-ing operations, for a possible chance of being the successful competitor.

Then, again, but few novices in the higher grades of country life have just ideas as to the values of work; and when they get a fair bid for honest work, treat it as an extortion; and the fact that they can get bids for the same work at half those prices confirms the opinion first formed. Planting trees by contract seems, at first thought, somewhat absurd; but experience shows us that it can be well done, if done by those who take pride in their reputation; who do their work in such a manner that they can refer to it, and who pursue their business with the intention that it shall honor them; yet every one knows that a tree can be set out at almost any price, and there are but few that can be convinced that among all things that are best, when well done, the planting of a tree should be included. It is not the nurseryman's fault, but the mistaken notions of economy every where prevailing. If, in planting operations, men would do well what they do, and leave undone that which they would do cheap, it would be an actual saving of money and annoyance.

To do work successfully by contract would require the employment of men of ability in that department of work required; they should be men of integrity, and a fair price should be paid. Such men can always be found by making the proper inquiries.