20 THE BOOK OF GARDEN FURNITURE 



should be placed so that it is partly screened from the 

 hot sun, and should not be too far from the house itself; 

 a paved walk leading from one to the other would be a 

 great convenience in wet weather. A garden-house 

 would often be a welcome addition in grounds which 

 command a view of some interesting scene, such as those 

 which are situated on a cliff and overlook the sea, with its 

 constant interest of passing vessels. A summer-house 

 would hardly be substantial enough, and moreover would 

 not be sufficiently comfortable for remaining in for long 

 at a time. The termination of a raised walk, which runs 

 from the house, and gives in many cases a good view over 

 a wide stretch of country, would be fittingly occupied by a 

 small structure of one or two rooms. The walk could be 

 crossed by a pergola, giving both shelter and shade, and 

 giving a delightful means of approach. In small gardens 

 these buildings would be quite out of place, and, apart 

 from the question of expense, would look meaningless 

 when seen in close proximity to the residence. In old- 

 fashioned rambling country places, however, where there 

 are extensive views, elevated sites, and convenient spots 

 near woodland and shrubbery, nothing can be more 

 charming or desirable than a simply constructed garden- 

 house ; for this reason I have briefly referred to a class 

 of garden architecture not directly connected with the 

 simpler forms of furniture more generally employed. 



Summer-houses have existed in gardens from very early 

 times, though they were often places of outdoor entertain- 

 ment rather than mere shelters from sun and rain. By 

 summer-house is now meant a very simple structure, 

 usually open on one or more sides, though occasionally 

 provided with a door or windows. Carried out in a great 

 variety of materials, stone, brick, wood, or wattle, they 

 can be made to harmonise with any style of garden, from 

 the stately Italian pleasure grounds to the homely surround- 

 ings of the country cottage. Both in choice of site and 



