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a reasonable distance of the house, and, I would say, well sheltered 

 from the north-east, and if possible with a background of trees or 

 some such plantation ; and if the edifice could be so placed, at the 

 end of an avenue near the mansion. If picturesquely designed, this 

 structure, w^iether on a large or small scale, might be made a very 

 pleasing termination to the vista. Certainly the natural advantages 

 of the situation ought to be studied and taken into account. In some 

 successful landscape-drawings no buildings are shown. I regret this 

 from an artistic point of view, as in my opinion the happiest water- 

 colour is an example of rural life pure and simple, with the humble 

 house adorned by nature only. Nothing can surpass it. When in 

 its wildest and uncultured form, if I may be permitted to use the 

 expression, it is in many instances far more beautiful than any works 

 we can create or depict from imagination. Some may say. Look at 

 Savernake Forest in Wiltshire, Oakley Park in Gloucestershire, and 

 a few other examples of note, chiefly the works of the landscape- 

 artist Brown, better known as " Capability Brown." I grant these are 

 all good in their way ; but I contend that nature in its simplicity, 

 or if I may say, in its wild and crude state, has more charms for me. 

 The wildest and most unfrequented parts of our country possess a 

 beauty far beyond any work in which the hand of man attempts to 

 attain what we consider a standard of perfection, if there be such a 

 standard. 



To go back to the question under consideration — namely, the site. 

 This should be as high and dry as possible, with the ground gradually 

 falling away from it, and not situated in a swamp, where we find some 

 buildings placed. The whole site to be covered by the structure 

 should be cleared of all garden-mould to at least twelve inches below 

 ground-line ; it should then receive a good solid stratum of dry brick 

 or stone rubbish, not less than six inches thick, and above this a bed 

 of Portland cement concrete six inches thick. You may be assured 

 no damp will rise through this, and you will create a thoroughly 

 sound and dry foundation upon which to raise your building. 



Drainage. — The next important matter requiring consideration is 

 the drainage. This should be as simple as possible, and free from 

 complication ; the more simple it is, the more sure of success. Stables 

 without drains are preferable, but in these much straw must be used 

 to absorb the urine ; and really good ventilation is necessary to render 

 the buildings sweet, pleasant, and free from ammonia. In loose-boxes 



