How to Lay Out 



CHAPTER II. 



Choose, then, between the masterpiece of gar- 

 dening and the work of nature; between what 

 is conventionally beautiful, and what is beau- 

 tiful without rule. — Victor Hugo. 



HE nature of man and his tastes may be expressed 

 JDy the works he does or the choices he makes. 



Expression may be given in the architectural or 

 formal style of gardening, while others may be 

 satisfied by the informal or natural style. Instead of clinging 

 to one style there is often a desire to have both, a touch of 

 the regular well kept lines with an opportunity to retreat to 

 the easy flowing grace of the natural or wild treatment. See 

 Plates XXVI and XXVII. 



The choice of the site is important as providing opportunity 

 for the realization of these desires. Often a site is chosen for no 

 other reason than that a friend or neighbor will live next door. 



Much expense and disappointment may be saved by consid- 

 ering a few of the following suggestive questions before pur- 

 chasing. 



Are the transportation facilities to and from business frequent 

 and satisfactory? 



How far distant are the schools, churches, physicians, and 

 stores? 



Are there proper regulations and j^rovisions as to street 

 lighting, care of the streets, and removal of offal and ashes? 



Is there adequate provision for fire and police protection in 

 the nmnicipality? 



What are the taxes and assessments of the municipality? 



Is the street accepted and maintained by the town, or is it 

 a private way to be maintained by and at the expense of the 

 abutters. 



