prospects (though very pleasing) ought to yield to situations of this descrip- 

 tion ; for a mansion thus associated, though new, becomes at once embosomed 

 in shelter, and bears immediate marks of grandeur and dignity, which nothing 

 but antiquity could otherwise have given to it. And although it may not 

 command all the best and most desirable prospects, yet the absence of these 

 may in a great measure be compensated for by judiciously bringing into 

 view such scenery (where it exists) at various points in the pleasure grounds ; 

 a circumstance which would probably create more variety and greater interest 

 than if all the principal scenery were commanded at one view. We too often 

 lind a disposition to build on high elevations, for the mere sake of an exten- 

 sive view, which seems with some persons all-in-all, regardless of either com- 

 fort or health. But, in my opinion, the most desirable site for a mansion is 

 tbat which combines the greatest amount of comfort and convenience within 

 and around it, with the most interesting rich home and middle scenery. 

 This is far preferable to a site exposed to inconvenience and stormy blasts for 

 the sake of prospect. The house should be placed on ground composed 

 of dry- material, as damp situations are unhealthy. When the site is not 

 naturally dry, it may be rendered so in a great measure by forming, in addition 

 to the main drains, numerous rubble or tile chains, from eighteen inches to 

 two feet or more deep, in the immediate vicinity of the house, and by mixing 

 stones, gravel, or any other hard or shelly material, freely with the soil whilst 

 forming it. In fixing the site, the most appropriate and interesting capabilities 

 for creating pleasure ground are of the highest consideration, and it should 

 also present a suitable situation for the kitchen garden. 



