THE SURFACE. 167 



be carried to a proper elevation, then by using the soil 

 excavated for cellars and foundations, and more if needed, 

 for filling in, the surface may be brought as high as de- 

 sirable, allowing properly for settling. As finished, the 

 surface should slope away from every building, so that 

 water from heavy rains and snows will be led from, in- 

 stead of towards the walls, to cause dampness. 



The windows and verandas should be so situated as to 

 command good views of the garden, and especially from 

 the living rooms. We want the benefit of garden beauty 

 in the home, when the state of the weather forbids walk- 

 ing out, and at all other times. There is no more de- 

 lightful time for enjoying the garden than during, 

 or just after a rain, or in twilight, when approaching 

 nightfall softens the outlines and casts a mellowness 

 and quietness over the scene. The house and garden 

 should both be planned with reference to the enjoyment 

 of the view at such times as these. When buildings are 

 too low, as seen from the street, or from the garden it- 

 self, they have a depressing influence on the surround- 

 ings, robbing the scene of much of the fine effect which 

 belongs to every well designed structure, and not allow- 

 ing the purely ornamental features of it to show for all 

 they are worth. 



CHAPTER XV. 



THE SURFACE. 



That which may be called character, in an ornamental 

 garden, is largely owing to the contour of its surface. 

 It is realized at once that a flattish garden, which hap- 

 pens to be lower through its center, has a tame look, 

 while a similar piece, but slightly crowning along the 

 middle, seems to possess character. Sometimes, however, 



