LAYING OUT OF GROUNDS 



to the dispersion of the property into 

 a dozen lesser homes. Absolute unity of 

 plan will, in such a case, be naturally out of the 

 question. There must be some measure of 

 sacrifice to the contingencies reckoned upon; 

 no sacrifice of charm, indeed, when the pur- 

 pose is understood : six adjoining sites, well 

 ordered, and planted with a view to future 

 occupancy, may embrace a thousand beauties, 

 but will not, of course, preserve that unity of 

 effect which would belong to a single perma- 

 nent property. 



On the score of taste, a competent land- 

 scape-gardener has no need to compare notes 

 with the proprietor of country property; but 

 he should be put in full possession of all the 

 economies of his plan. Does he wish a reser- 

 vation for agricultural purposes, for vineyard, 

 for orcharding, more than will be essential to 

 his household supply ? Does he count upon sub- 

 sequent division of the property for building 

 purposes? These questions should meet full 

 discussion and the outlay be adjusted thereby. 

 But it is unfortunately true that half the own- 

 ers of country estates entertain no considera- 

 tions of this kind, and, entering upon their im- 

 provements with a vague improvidence, find 

 after a lapse of years, the bulk of them useless 



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