LODGES AND GATES. 



Poetees' Lodges are essential to either country or villa residences ; and 

 although to some tastes they are rather objectionable, when the distance is 

 short between them and the house, I should not hesitate to introduce them 

 in all places where they can be concealed from the living rooms and private 

 pleasure grounds. They are at all times a great protection against intruders, 

 and highly convenient to callers, whether riding or driving, without a servant. 



Lodges to hve in should, as much as possible, partake of the character 

 and style of the house to which they belong, except in localities where the 

 ground is abrupt or romantic in the site chosen for a lodge; such rugged 

 ground demands simplicity, rather than any attempt at grandeur, even when 

 the edifice itself is imposing. In all cases care must be taken to guard 

 against display in the entrance, so that the mind may not be led to expect 

 more grandeur in the residence itself than really exists ; otherwise the lodge 

 would prove a false index to the mansion to which it is designed to direct. 



Palaces or mansions require lodges and gates of corresponding preten- 

 sions with themselves ; and I agree with Gilpin, who says, " The most noble 

 " and most appropriate will be the arched gateway, when it is of sufficient 

 " boldness to allow of the porter's lodge being formed within," similar to the 

 arch bearing the statue of the Duke of Wellington in the Green Park. 

 Gilpin's idea of a lodge is, in fact, far more in character for a baronial 

 hall or palace than if the lodge were detached ; and I think that a wall of 

 corresponding height and character would give a better idea of strength and 

 importance corresponding with the mansion to which it points or guides, than 

 a low wall surmounted by palisades. Such gates should be placed at a 

 moderate distance from the turnpike or village road, — say fifty or more yards, 

 having a spacious lawn on either side of the carriage road, relieved by small 

 groups of ornamental deciduous and evergreen trees, placed naturally at 

 intervals over the grass, and separated from the plantations by walls corres- 

 ponding with those connected with the lodge, and to which they are to be 

 attached at right angles. These walls should branch off in curves up to the 



