20 How to Lay Out 



On the land below the street the house is usually placed high 

 enough so the earth may be filled against the cellar wall and 

 get a slight drainage for the surface water away from the build- 

 ing to the street. This leaves the opposite front or rear well 

 out of ground, and often gives the house an appearance as if 

 sliding off the hill. To obviate this effect a stone wall or earth 

 terrace may be built broad enough to form a good foundation 

 for the house to rest upon. If there is material enough avail- 

 able, the base may be broadened out and a natural treatment 

 secured. This base gives opportunities for a terrace formal 

 garden which may be viewed from the rooms of the house. 

 From this level place, steps can lead down to the orchard or 

 vegetable garden. See Plates XIX and XXI, and Plans I, VII, 

 VIII, XII, and XV. 



In exceedingly steep land it may be necessary to locate the 

 house below the street grade. There should be ample space 

 between the side line of the street and the house front to allow 

 for shaping of the land so the surface water will be forced to run 

 away from the house on either side, or the street may be held 

 by a retaining wall and steps lead down to the house. In this 

 latter case it will be necessary to use the catch basin and drain. 



The down hill buried effect may be greatly relieved by a 

 proper selection of plants. 



