On architectural, rural, domestic, and other Improvements. 305 
are entitled ; and no less a matter of satisfaction, that they are now 
to receive notice in a city where there are so many advantages of 
location, scenery, knowledge-and taste, for their elucidation, combin- 
ed with right notions of een and of all the means of ronsijee 
and social well being. 
ut my object in thus taking the liberty to address you, is to sug- 
gest, on presumption that you take a part in the proceedings of the 
association, that the enquiries to be pursued should be extended to 
some other topics, not less essential to the main design than those 
which have been announced ; or rather that they should commence 
at an earlier point, and suitiides what relates to the kinds of soil on 
which human habitations ought to be erected, and the choice of lo- 
calities for that purpose considered in relation to neighboring forma- 
tions and objects. 
Without pretending to do more than to glance at some of the most 
obvious heads of enquiry under this branch of the subject, I may il- 
lustrate what I have in view, nt Sa a brief statement of sips which 
require investigation. 
tt —— are- es chief requisites in a site for a dwelling house ? 
e desirable, considered sim- 
ply in relation to the principal design ‘and use of the building ; and 
what, considered in relation to adjacent objects? 
What descriptions of soil are proper for the sites of dwellings ? ? 
What soils are to be preferred for yards, gardens, and adjoining 
grounds ? 
~ What soils are objectionable on account of their natural composi- 
_ or their liability to excessive moisture, or other vicissitudes ? 
3. What kinds of earth are to be preferred for céllars, considered 
in respect to moisture, temperature, and effects, in different seasons, 
on vegetable substances, and on the air in the apartments above ? 
4, What objects in the —— are in all cases to be avoided ? 
Amorig these may be specifie 7 
Marshes and all permanent feceptaclés of decaying vegetable mat- 
ter. 
Grounds which are periodically overflowed. 
~ Grounds which are excessively wet from ordinary rams during a 
portion of every year, and which exhibit extensive evaporation. 
Ponds which are drained in the course of the summer or autumn ; 
and other 
Vou. XXV.—No. 2. 39 
