34 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



We have already remarked that there were certain general prin- 

 ciples in architecture, which must be recognized by those who 

 would best succeed in Landscape Gardening. This fact does not 

 seem to have received the attention which its importance demands. 

 We have much need of the architect who shall combine a knowledge 

 of the two arts — a combination only to be acquired by him who is 

 at once the true lover of nature as well as of art — and who can 

 comprehend within his glance thci harmonious relations which 

 should exist between the dwelling and its surroundings. Of these 

 general principles we shall speak more particularly of Fitness, 

 Purpose, and Style. 



Fitness is seen not only in the convenient arrangement of the 

 dwelling and in its situation as regards shelter and salubrity of soil, 

 but especially in the material of which it is constructed. Owing 

 to the great abundance, and the facilities for procuring it, wood 

 has long been considered the most economical as well as the most 

 suitable material for building, not only in the country villages, but 

 even in many of the cities of New England. 



In the nature of circumstances, this condition, as regards econ- 

 omy, cannot continue longer, for suburban residences may now be 

 erected of either stone or brick, quite as cheaply as of wood. 

 The first cost may undoubtedly be greater, but, if we take into 

 consideration the constant repairs necessary and the frequent 

 painting requisite for the preservation of wood, a very few years 

 will show a balance in favor of the other materials. In respect to 

 the suitableness, we maintain that either stone or brick will be 

 found vastly superior, not only in point of durability and solidity, 

 but also of comfort and external appearance. In fact there seems 

 to us an entire absence of all fitness in the construction of a sub- 

 urban dwelling of wood, no matter how pleasing may be its out- 

 lines, and more especially when it'is surrounded by the embellish- 

 ments which the hand of taste and the love of nature can create. 

 The very idea of its want of solidity strikes us unpleasantly, and 

 the same remark applies to all the appurtenances of the garden 

 and adjoining grounds, such as balustrades, terrace walls a)id 

 steps, pedestals, obelisks, etc., when made of this material. 



Our views are entirely corroborated by Downing, when he says :* 

 " In point of taste, a house built of wood strikes us the least 



* Cottage Kesidences. 



