THE APPROACH TO THE HOUSE 57 



character of the lodge should be concealed or 

 merged into the expression of its more important 

 function as a sentry by the gate. The whole 

 entrance, even in its most modest phase, is in the 

 position of a frontispiece, and it should be worthy 

 of its public position and the place of honour 

 which it is its duty to fill. 



The Approach to the House 



The drive from the lodge gates, if of any length, 

 is little different from a beautiful country road save 

 in its privacy. Its course will be determined by the 

 contour of the ground, and it will have to be formed 

 in a substantial manner to stand the wear of heavy 

 traffic. Through an undulating park it can follow 

 the devious curves which the way of least resistance 

 offers, and it is permissible to fetch a wide circuit to 

 reach a fine view or pass through a beautiful glade. 

 The formality of the garden does not require its ex- 

 tension into the surrounding estate, which is nothing 

 more than an enclosed portion of the countryside, 

 and it is a laudable desire to make the drive through 

 the property as beautiful and varied as possible. In 

 a flat country there is more need of artificial aids to 



