HOME GROUNDS 147 



in its immediate vicinity. Even when placed on a 

 hillside, there should be a narrow valley between 

 the foundation of the house and the hill for appear- 

 ance as well as for surface drainage. If the ground 

 selected for a house site is level, its appearance 

 will be greatly improved by even a slight varia- 

 tion from a flat surface. Usually the earth exca- 

 vated for foundations and basement or cellar can be 



'/ 



FIG. 31. THE SURFACE LINES. Showing grades about house. 



employed to make a broad gentle mound where the 

 house is to stand (Fig. 31). Sometimes additional 

 emphasis may be given to the mound by depressing 

 the natural level surface beyond or outside of the 

 fill about the house. Sometimes, if the grounds are 

 extensive, it may even be wise to make a hill in 

 one place and a valley in another. In determining 

 the grade, there is a chance for the exercise of con- 

 siderable ingenuity, but the final result must appear 

 natural and dignified, not childish or artificial. 



The first step in the actual building of a house, per- 

 haps after the construction of a road, should be the 



