LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE. 



wise pleasant and attractive home, or detracting from the 

 dignity of an imposing situation, by diverting the atten- 

 tion from the sublime or beautiful natural features, which 

 are sufficient in themselves to excite admiration and 

 occupy the attention. 



In selecting the position for a house, which is to 

 become a family homestead, on an estate comprising the 

 usual variety of rural scenery, in the form of hills, valleys, 

 wood, water, etc., either within or immediately adjacent 

 to its own limits, it should be remembered that the imme- 

 diate wants of its first occupants comprise but a single 

 link in the chain of circumstances, which should be taken 

 into consideration before making the final decision. The 

 building about to be erected may outlast several genera- 

 tions of occupants, and it would prove a source of ,con- 

 stant annoyance to discover, when too late, that an error 

 had been made in its position, involving disagreeable con- 

 sequences which might have been avoided, or failing to 

 secure advantages which another situation would have 

 afforded. 



Such mistakes are very common, and a consideration 

 of some of the questions involved will show that the 

 probability of their occurrence is very great. 



If any considerable elevation, commanding an extended 

 prospect, is included in the area, the first impulse of an 

 inexperienced person will be to select the summit as the 

 most desirable site for the residence. The importance of 

 securing such a view from the windows, as conducive to 

 the happiness of the daily life of the occupants is apt to 

 be over-rated in the enthusiasm excited by its first cori- 



