nB/i SOUTHERN OR PLANTATION HOUSE. 



ble derision Mith many tree-fiinciors in these more tasty da)'S,as it was equally the admi- 

 ration of our fathers, of forty years ago — would set off and give effect to a mansion of 

 this character, either in a clump at the back -ground, as shown in the design, or occasion- 

 all}^ shooting up its spire-like top through a group of other trees. Yet, if built in a fine 

 natural park, or lawn of oaks, with a few other trees, such as we have named, planted 

 immediately around it, this house will still show with fine effect. 



The style of finish given to this dwelling may appear too ornate and expensive for the 

 position it is supposed to occup}^ If so, a plainer mode of finish may be adopted, to the 

 cheapest degree consistent with the manner of its construction. Still, on examination, 

 there will be found little intricate or really expensive work upon it. Strength, substance, 

 durability, should all enter into its composition; and without these elements, a house of 

 this appearance is a mere bauble, not fit to stand upon the premises of any man of sub- 

 stantial estate. 



If a more extensive accommodation be necessary, than the size of this house can afford, 

 its style will admit of a wing, of any desirable length on each side, in place of the rear 

 part of the side verandas, without prejudice to its character or effect. Indeed, such wings 

 may add to its dignity and consequence, as comporting with the standing and influence 

 which its occupant may hold in the community wherein he resides. A man of mark, in- 

 deed, should, if he live in the countiy, occup}^ a dwelling somewhat indicating the posi- 

 tion which he holds, both in society, and in public affairs. By this remark we may be 

 treading on questionable ground, in our democratic countr}^; but, practicall}^, there is a 

 fitness in it which no one can dispute. Not that extravagance, pretension, or any other 

 assumption of superiority should mark the dwelling of the distinguished man, but that 

 his dwelling be of like character with himself: j)lain, dignified, solid, and, as a matter of 

 course, altogether respectable. 



It is a happy feature in the composition of our republican institutions, both social and 

 political, that we can afford to let the flashy men of the day — not of twie — flaunter in all 

 their purchased fancy in house-building, without prejudice to the prevailing sober senti- 

 ment of their neighbors, in such particulars. The man of money, simply, may build his 

 "villa," and squander his tens of thousands upon it. He may riot within it, and fidget 

 about it for a few brief years; he ma}' even hang his coat of arms upon it, if he can for- 

 tunately do so without stumbling over a lapstone, or greasing his coat against the pans of 

 a cook-shop; but it is equally sure that no child of his will occupy it after him, even if 

 his own changeable fancy or circumstances permit him to retain it for his natural life. 

 Such are the episodes of countrj' house-building, and of frequent attempts at agricultural 

 life, by those who affect it as a matter of ostentation or display. For the subjects of these 

 we do not write. But there is something exceedingly grateful to the feelings of one of sta- 

 ble views in life, to look upon an estate which has long been in an individual family, still 

 maintaining its primitive character and respectability. Some flve-and-twenty years ago, 

 when too young to have any established opinions in matters of this sort, as we were dri- 

 ving through one of the old farming towns in Massachusetts, about twenty miles west of 

 Boston, we approached a comfoi table, well-conditioned farm, with a tavern-house upon 

 the high road, and several great elms standing about it. The road pas.sed between two 

 of the trees, and from a cross-beam, lodged across their branches, swung a large square 

 sign, with names and dates painted upon it — the name and date we have forgotten; it was 

 a good old Puritan name, however — in this wise: 



" John Endicott, 1652." 

 " John Endicott, 1695." 



