50 How to Lay Out 



CHAPTER VI. 



And some praise must be allowed by the most 

 scrupulous observer to him who does best 

 what multitudes are contending to do well. — 

 S. Johnson. 



ANCY free the dreamer thinks of arbors, seats, and 

 cool retreats, yet to build and make real in lines of 

 beauty is no dream. An arl^or in the grounds may 

 form a vista point in the landscape, be the excuse 

 for ending a walk or the means of commanding a fine view that 

 otherwise would not be seen from the house. If near the house, 

 it should be designed to be in keeping with the architecture of 

 the building. If at some distance away from the house spruce 

 poles, cedar slabs, or roots make good work. It is usually 

 better to have a floor raised at least one step from the gi'ound. 

 It is a good plan before building to observe structures that 

 have been built by others and note if they are inharmonious 

 with the house and grounds. Then avoid these in building on 

 the home grounds. The more dignified name for an arbor is a 

 pergola (the name is wrongly used), useful to inclose a lawn, 

 a flower garden, or help hide some objectional^le feature in 

 the neighl)orhood. It should look when built as if it belonged 

 to the place and not appear as if dropped by a passing wind 

 A\ithout relation to the house or lawn. See Plans V, and Xlll 

 and Plate XIX. 



Grape or flowering vin(>s can l)e grown over it making on hot 

 summer days a pleasant retreat from the heat of the house. 

 See Plates VIII, IX and XXI. 



A seat to end a walk or command a view is better built on 

 plain and unobtrusive lines. If l)ui t more on the style of an 

 old fash oned bench or form, it wil be less conspicuous than 

 the many commercial designs offered for sale. 



