WALKS, PATHS, ENTRANCES 87 



other circumstances, be permissible. Apply the 

 test of common sense and reason, however, and 

 rely upon its guidance, if the sense of propor- 

 tion is lacking. It will keep you within fair lim- 

 its either way. 



Similarly common sense will prevent the 

 building of an airy lattice arch between stone 

 posts, or the erection of clumsy monstrosities of 

 birch or beech saplings, laboriously put together 

 but never solid, anywhere but in the wilderness; 

 even there they are not practical. Arched 

 gateways, rightly conceived and executed, are 

 charming, without a doubt, but the entire place 

 must be considered and its character must de- 

 termine whether such an entrance will add to 

 or detract from the ensemble. With the simple 

 cottage type of dwelling, a vine or rose covered 

 arch entrance is a delightful and appropriate 

 feature, but with a formal house such a gateway 

 is too ingenuous and childish to be appropriate. 



The stiffer arch of living green, either privet 

 or hemlock, rising from an inclosing hedge @f 

 the same, is better suited to this type, with a 

 trim paneled gate swinging from simple posts 

 beneath it. But for the place that is in no 

 sense quaint there is probably greater dignity 

 and appropriateness in the uncovered gateway 

 than in any sort of arched opening. It is the 



