22 THE BOOK OF GARDEN DESIGN 



which, if not indispensable, are at least highly desirable 

 in almost every case, and in briefly discussing a few of 

 the foremost considerations which must present them- 

 selves to everyone about to build and lay out grounds, 

 it is left to each one to modify or alter according to his 

 own opinions and preconceived ideas. 



In the first place, the accessibility of the piece of land 

 which it is proposed to treat, must be carefully studied, 

 and this before any possible advantages or disadvantages 

 connected with the actual site come to be weighed. 

 The exigencies of modern life demand that ample 

 facilities shall exist both for ourselves to visit others 

 and for others to visit us. There are many who have 

 settled in delightful places in country districts whose 

 subsequent regret is that they are out of the beaten 

 track. They can neither make calls nor receive their 

 friends without great difficulty and inconvenience ; and 

 worse than this, communication with tradesmen, and 

 the delivery of letters and parcels, are matters attended 

 with serious disadvantage. A time comes in the lives 

 of most city people, when the only form of existence 

 which seems desirable is that known as " buried in the 

 depths of the country." As a temporary expedient, or 

 regarded in the light of a picnic excursion, this is no 

 doubt delightful enough ; but a permanent residence so 

 situated becomes after a time well-nigh intolerable. 

 Convenient distance, then, from railway, post office, 

 shops, and other evidences of civilisation, is the first 

 point upon which the prospective purchaser must satisfy 

 himself. Carrying the question of accessibility a step 

 further, it becomes necessary to ensure that the property 

 shall be approached by a convenient road. As to 

 whether the road is little frequented, or is in the 

 nature of an important thoroughfare, individual taste 

 and opinion will necessarily be divided, but the main 

 consideration, applicable in both cases, is that the road 



