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LAYING OUT GROUNDS, FLORICULTURE, &c. 



MiLWAUKEK, December 10, 1852. 



Dear Sir — It is with great pleasure that I comply with the re- 

 quest with which you honored me, to furnish a few ideas on the above 

 subjects, for the use of the State Agriciiltural Society. Deeming these 

 to be highly subsidiary to the great objects which the Society has in 

 view, I only wish the task had fallen into more competent hands. How- 

 ever, I trust my attempt may at least have the effect of stimulating 

 others, who have the capability to espouse the cause, and treat it more 

 thoroughly and scientifically, on a future occasion. 



Laying out Grounds. — Under this head may be comprehended all 

 the operations requisite to the production of a finished residence, embrac- 

 ing the site for building, the embellishment of the grounds, and the 

 judicious disposition of the fields, garden, orchard, &c. After the land 

 is selected, the next important point is to choose the most eligible site 

 for building. The mansion and offices demand peculiar attention, as 

 they ought to form the centre of attraction, and present the prin- 

 cipal feature of the homestead, for there are assembled all those scenes of 

 usefulness, convenience, or elegance, which form the constituents of a 

 country residence. In selecting the situation, a variety of circumstances, 

 both of a local and general character, must be taken into consideration. 

 Proximity, or otherwise, to the boundary line, or public road, the suita- 

 bleness of the grounds contiguous for garden scenery, and trees, if any, 

 and their capability of aiding in the general effect, belong to the former; 

 to the latter, the prospect from the house, the view of the house from a 

 distance, shelter, facility for drainage, &c. A pleasant aspect for the prin- 

 cipal rooms is always desirable, and in the absence of any local objection, 

 perhaps that of the south, or south-east, would be the best. A south- 

 west aspect is objectionable from the constant dazzling rays of the sun 

 throughout the greater part of the day in summer, and a west aspect 

 from the prevailing icy winds of winter. A north aspect for the front 

 part of the house would at all seasons be too gloomy, although the view 

 from the windows in that direction might be the most pleasant, as all 

 vegetation looks the most luxuriant on the sunny side. A mere square, 

 or oblong house, can, therefore, have only one really good aspect, and it 

 naturally becomes a question as to what style of architecture would best 



