DESIGNS FOR IMPROVING COUNTRY RESIDENCES. 



compared to which the Groves of Academus will be proaouuced mere clumps and 

 copses ! 



Entertaining this view of the matter, I cannot but indulge the hope that so pre- 

 cious an opportunity will not be neglected. The cost of introducing a specimen or 

 two of every tree in our forests, would be a mere trifle. It only requires a little 

 attention at the pr-oper season, and a person who will engage in the work con amove, 

 to ensure the accomplishment of the noble design, — and thus give the finishing 

 touch to the premises which you have so splendidly adorned. 



Reflect, for a moment, upon the advantages of knowing, with certainty, the 

 various timber trees with which our country abounds, — of understanding their true 

 character and value in the arts, and all economical purposes ; and then consider how 

 easy it will be, for eveiy boy who sports or rambles over the college grounds, to 

 become familiar with the aspect of every tree in the proposed Arhoretum ; and also 

 to learn, from his teacher, or his books, the character and economical value of every 

 species. By attaching a suitable lahcl, or painted board, to each tree — showing the 

 scientific and most common name of the same — the pupils could read as they ran; 

 and would learn to know, and distinguish them, with the same ease and certainty 

 that they become acquainted with the features and names of their comrades. 

 They would thus acquire a knowledge, without an effort, which would always be 

 interesting — and in many cases highly important — in the pursuits of after life. 

 But I have neither space, nor time, to set forth the many inducements which call 

 for the improvement I have thus referred to; and I trust it cannot be necessary to 

 amplify, or enter into details, with gentlemen so well able to comprehend the sub- 

 ject, and appreciate its importance in every aspect of usefulness and elegance. 



Believing that you will excuse the freedom of these suggestions, in consideration 

 of the motives which prompted them, I now submit them to the better judgment of 

 yourself and colleagues; and am, Dear Sir, with the highest respect, your friend and 

 obedient servant, AYM. DAllLLXGTOX. 



DESIGNS FOR IMPROVING COUNTRY RESIDENCES. 



NO. I. 



To lay out a rural residence satisfactorily, it is necessary to study the form and loca- 

 tion of the ground, as well as to consult with, and ascertain the paiticular require- 

 ments of the family. It would be an easy matter to ofier a series of designs, many 

 of which might be useful to those in need. I conceive, however, that it will sers'e 

 a more useful purpose to select occasionally sketches as they occur in practice, as 

 many opportunities are presented of taking advantage of existing features and turn- 

 ing them to account in the general improvement. Individual taste must be recog- 

 nised in the disposition of the various adjuncts to a dwelling. While some desire 

 purely ornamental character to predominate, others have more utilitarian obj 

 icw. The most numerous class are those who wish to have a little of 



