104 THE FARMER AT HOME. 



is small compared with others in the same vicinity. Many suppose it 

 necessarily has low walls and a steep roof, with perhaps several 

 gables. Such, however, is not the fact. The name rather applies 

 to its comparative size and its internal arrangements, than to its ab- 

 solute dimensions or style of architecture. Hence, a dwelling in the 

 midst of large mansions or villas might be called a cottage, although 

 if in the midst of small dwellings, much smaller than itself, it might 

 with propriety be dignified with another name. We are accustomed 

 to associate the idea of good taste, without great expense, in the con- 

 struction of a cottage, whether viewed in relation to its architecture, 

 to its accommodation to family purposes, or to the appendages with 

 which it is connected. Accordingly, there may be large cottages as 

 \vell as small ones, each adapted to the necessities of the occupants, 

 whether numerous or few ; yet, in both cases, having the appearance 

 of retrenchment or cautious expenditures. It may be Gothic, Swiss, 

 or Grecian, in its general outlines and decorations ; it may cost five 

 thousand dollars or five hundred, or any intermediate sum ; it may 

 have capacity for a dozen persons or the fourth part of a dozen ; yet, 



COTTAGE. 



in either case, the incidentals about it should leave an impression on 

 the mind of the observer that the proprietor has had, or is able to 

 occupy one far more capacious and expensive. The inductive associ- 

 ations, therefore, from viewing tastefully constructed cottages are of 

 the most agreeable kind, inasmuch as they denote a regard to econo- 

 my and a well-balanced mind ; and if the proprietors were driven to 

 them by necessity, the indications of good sense and remaining corn 

 peterice furnish more occasion for cheerful than pensive reflections. 



