HOUSES AND GARDENS 



in homeliness, a quality which is accentuated by downward steps. Those old 

 country cottages which one enters from a roadside, which is slightly above 

 the level of the floor, owe much of their charm to this slight change 

 of level. 



Much of the artistic effect of changes of level in a house is due to the 

 corresponding changes it affords in the point of view ; and in stepping down 

 into a room from a higher level, from which one looks down on the interior, 

 an impression is gained which differs materially from the normal, and whatever 

 quality of homely comforts an interior may possess will be much accentuated 

 when approached from a higher level. 



CHAPTER FIFTEEN 



ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILY PETS 



5BS HMtfl ^-^ not aware tnat an y s P ecia l modifications of plan have yet 

 US fail been made to meet the demands of the family pets. I do 

 iSc *1fil not su gg est that tne ntt i n g f the ingle should include a 

 Bt sSI s P ec i a l niche for a dog or cat, for such is the contrary nature 

 BtadiSS of these animals that it is doubtful whether such accommo- 

 dation would be appreciated or used. It is the same spirit which makes 

 them whine or scratch at a closed door which has been open five minutes 

 before and which must often be opened again in deference to a change of 

 plan in the movement of the cat or dog. In view of this erratic dis- 



OUTSIDE 



K 



WALL 



3-6" 



PL A 



position in these animals it might be reasonably suggested that a little 

 passage made in the thickness of a wall or chimney breast might be intro- 

 duced, provided with self-closing valves or doors hung from the upper edge. 

 This would allow free ingress and egress without draughts, and the 

 animals would soon learn how to push open these little doors. 

 36 



