PARKS AND PLEASITRE-GEOUXDS, 



CHAPTER I. 



THE HOUSE A:S'D OFFICES. 



Introduction. — Climate of the Site. — Soil and Subsoil. — 

 Drainage. — Supply of Water. — Shelter. — Position of the 

 House in the Park. — Elevation of the Site. — Extent of the 

 Site. — Style of the House. — Arrangement of the Interior of 

 the House. — Conservatory. — Stable Court, and Offices. 



The House, being the head-quarters of the family — 

 the capital, as it were, of the park or demesne, — is by 

 fai' the most important object within the grounds, and, 

 as such, the selection of its site must take precedence of 

 all other matters, whether it be a castle or a cottage, 

 and whatever be its form and constiniction. "^Tiile this 

 ought to be the domiQant principle in the foraiation of 

 a country- residence, and while the house should be made 

 the central point, to which all operations connected 

 with the la^-ing-out of the park and pleasure-gi'ounds 

 should be referred, there are certain requirements be- 

 longing to a mansion-house, as a comfortable dwelling, 



B 



