COUNTRY VILLAS. 



201 



On an estate where the surface is flat, the squares may be large ; because, 

 from the general sameness of the whole surface, the character of the ground 

 included in one square must be very like that in all the others : but on a very 

 irregular surface they must be small ; because each square may have a dif- 

 ferent character of surface. By having a stake with a number on it, in the 

 corner of each square ; by having these numbers in regular series from one 

 side of the plot of ground to the other ; and then by having corresponding 

 numbers on a plan, and a memorandum-book for reference and description, 

 it is evident that a tolerably correct idea may be conveyed of the soil, sub- 

 soil, surface, and distant views, even to a person who has not seen the estate. 

 297. The memorandum, or field-hook may have the same numbers on two 

 opposite pages, as in the specimen below : the one to describe the present 

 state, and the other the intended alterations or improvements, thus : 



Present State of the Five Fields, purchased by 

 Mr. C., and intended to he laid out as a 

 Villa Residence. — Tlie numbers preceding 

 each paragraph refer to the numbers in the 

 squares in the plan (fg. 106.)- 



1. Surface here only about 5 ft. higher 

 than the public road, towards which it gra- 

 dually slopes. Soil loamy. 



2. Surface still higher. 



3. Continuing to rise. 



4. About the same height as at 1. Sur- 

 face apparently wet in winter, judging from 

 the kinds of grasses growing on it ; such as 

 Carex, Phl^um, &c. 



5. One of the liighest points within the 

 ring fence, from which, in the direction of 

 N. E., a tolerable view of the \'illage church 

 is obtained, backed by a green hill, as in 

 sketch No. 1. (Jig. 107.). The grasses 

 chiefly rye-grass and meadow-fescue. 



107 



6, 7. Ground flat, but fully as high as at 

 5. The view from 7 to the s. E. shows a 

 viaduct thrown over a valley for a raikoad. 

 No. 2. (fg. 108.). 



Bemarks as to the Improvements which may be 

 made on the Property purchased by Mr. C., 

 &c. 



1. This, being the lowest part of the 

 ground, and also near the public road, 

 would seem an eUgible place for the en- 

 trance-lodge and the approach. 



2, 3, 4. Soil good either for trees or pas- 

 ture. Little or no distant view ; and, there- 

 fore, this part may, if thought desirable, be 

 covered with wood. 



5. A few yards s. E. from this point pro- 

 mises to be the best situation for the house, 

 as the ground falls from it on three sides. 

 Considering that the country has an equal 

 claim in point of beauty all round, a square 

 house seems the most desirable ; and a 

 square is accordingly drawn on the plan, at 

 a, in fig, 106. 



6, 7. The offices may very properly be 

 placed in this direction, so that the view 

 may be obtained from the pleasure-grounds 

 and the conservatory, which may be placed 

 against the kitchen-court. There is here a 

 very fine opportunity of connecting the con- 

 servatory with the kitchen-garden, by means 

 of an architectural conservative wall, with 

 an open or covered walk. 



108 



