THE APPROACH. 



THE approach through an enclosed estate to the house upon it, is 

 one of the most pressing matters to settle in laying out a residential 

 property, and this feature often determines the choice of a site for 

 the structure. The principal points for consideration are, firstly, the 

 place for entrance from the public road, and next the route thence, 

 requiring not only artistic treatment but convenience of approach, 

 and of access to the house, the offices, the stables, kitchen- 

 garden and the farm, and care that on the route such good views, 

 or objects of interest that may exist, shall be displayed. 



It may be taken as an axiom, that the approach to a house 

 should always appear to be direct, and any deviation from such 

 directness should not only arise from, but should also be made to 

 appear to arise from, some decided obstacle. By direct, is not 

 meant straight. A curved line of road is generally to be preferred, 

 because it is more easy of construction, and because more varied 

 views can be obtained, since it can follow in great measure the 

 natural contour of the ground. A straight drive should be used 

 only when an imposing, or somewhat pretentious building is at the 

 end of it. It is only allowable in flat country, or where some 

 special object has to be attained. If the ground is very un- 

 dulating a straight road is out of character with its surrounding. 

 Of course, when a venerable and stately avenue of old trees has to 



c 



