MODES IN WHICH VARIOUS OBJECTS ARE REPRESENTED IN THE ENGRAVINGS. Denotes buildings, walls, or any other solid erection, whether of stone, brick, or wood. Grass, whether lawn or field-terrace-banks having a little extra shading. Flower-beds or borders. Cultivated ground in kitchen gardens. Water in basins. (Pages 119 to 121.) Lakes or other pieces of water. Specimen plants on lawns, in beds or borders, or in fields. Masses of shrubs, or other plantations. * Hedges. Wire or hurdle fences. ་ Walks or roads,—not at all shaded. HOW TO LAY OUT A GARDEN. PART I. PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS AS TO THE CHOICE OF A PLACE. FROM that beautiful variety of taste which brings the commonest persons into association with the more cultivated, and secures for objects, that many would regard as inferior, a certain amount of approbation and patronage; scarcely any two individuals will be disposed to select, where there is a full latitude of choice, and a thorough knowledge of every peculiarity, precisely the same spot for a residence. What would perfectly satisfy one might be displeasing to another. The conditions that some would even detest, others might actually covet. And this it is, united to the fact that few can obtain exactly all they desire, and that, from local or other ties, the alternative must generally lie between situations which comprise a greater or less proportion of the required capabilities; that distributes the population of our towns pretty equally over the suburbs, and brings districts into use that would otherwise remain entirely waste, or be devoted only to the farmer or the grazier. Railways, however, with their annual contracts for conveyance, and the rapidity, ease, and certainty of transit, are now gradually bringing other parts of the country within the range of selection, and enabling the town merchant or man of business to locate himself from ten to twenty, or even thirty miles from the town, and thus get the benefit of country air and rural pleasures. B And from the greater abundance and cheapness of land in such districts, a wider field of choice is afforded, and more scope for the exercise of judgment and taste. Although, therefore, every person will necessarily have his own peculiar inclinations, and the opportunities of gratifying a refined and enlarged feeling may be very limited; it is right that a book like the present, which professes merely to be suggestive, should point out those characteristics most generally desirable in a place, and which might not be thought of, or would possibly be but lightly regarded, if not thus specifically presented; leaving every one to the exercise of his individual wishes, either with or without such aids. 1. The question which first arises in the mind of an inquirer after a site for a residence is, how it will be accessible. There may be different opinions as to the kind of road preferable for getting at a dwelling-place; but an actual necessity exists that there should be some convenient mode of access. Many would desire to fix themselves near a well-frequented or turnpike road; and some would rather be situated on the side of a more retired and private thoroughfare. It will be obvious, however, that the road by which a place is approached should be a sound one, likely to be kept in good repair, and capable of being used at all times. A bad road that has to be frequently travelled, is not merely an inconvenience and a nuisance, but gives a most unfavourable impression of a place to visitors; and a private road, that is closed at night, may occasion a good deal of trouble and discomfort. To settle in a place to which there is no good road already formed, or for the making of which last no covenant can be obtained, will seldom be otherwise than productive of misery. A mere expectation that a road will be made, should never be held sufficient; for a house may stand in a state of isolation several years, cut off, as it were, from all proper connexion with the world, if the road to it or past it be not already in existence, or certain to be cut. It will be well to calculate, further, the length of road or drive which will have to be made and kept in order by the owner or occupant of a place. Road-making is an expensive process in most districts; and the due preservation of roads is always troublesome. While, therefore, the having to provide a considerable length of private drive, in order to get at a place, will be an advantage, in the way of conferring more privacy and retirement; it must be looked upon as a source of increased outlay, and additional subsequent labour. Where there is any possibility of obtaining such a piece of land, it is most important that it should have a public road along one of its sides only, and that this road should be on the north, north-east, or north-west boundary. Access will thus be given to the house at the point which is of least consequence in regard to views, and the warmer and better sides can be kept open and private. Entrance from any other point would always more or less interfere with the lawn, and the more polished parts of the garden; besides laying bare some of the best windows of the house, or involving the necessity of giving these an inferior aspect. This is assuming, however, that the site be chosen with reference to a proper aspect and views for the house. Comparative nearness to a railway station, or to a line of road along which public conveyances frequently pass, will, even where a vehicle is kept, be a decided acquisition: for there is certain to be times when either the owner or his friends will want to make use of these conveniences. In wet weather, especially, it will be unpleasant to have to walk far before reaching some kind of conveyance. Proximity to some seat of business, where at least the necessaries of life can be readily procured, will also be an advantage. To have to send a great distance for articles of food when there may be an unexpected demand for them, will generally be a heavy tax upon patience and time. The situation ought, likewise, to be within reach, by an easy and pleasant walk, of some suitable place of worship, one that is well established being more congenial than an entirely new one, and particularly than such as are only contemplated, not built; for there is often much |