SITE OF THE HOUSE AND OF THE GARDENS. 19 



with the particular district selected, and with the winds that 

 prevail there. The most natural and best protection is found in 

 a wooded hill. Wind force is more effectually modified and tem- 

 pered by growing trees than by any other means. If no hill exist, 

 or the hill be quite bare, planting should be employed. It should 

 extend, and may be liberally used, on north-eastern, northern, 

 and north-western sides. In some districts, notably on the 

 southern coasts, such shelter is to be obtained by planting the 

 south-western side. Dr. Herbert Watney is of opinion that it 

 is not conducive to health to have a mass of foliage close to the 

 house on its south-western side ; but he lays down an opposite 

 rule in regard to the north-eastern side. It is frequently evident 

 to any one who stands at the south-western corner of a wood 

 that the north-eastern wind is tempered by its passage through 

 the trees, whereas the contrary position, with a south-westerly 

 wind passing through the trees, gives the watcher a damp and 

 disagreeable experience. Trees break the force of the wind, in 

 such circumstances, better than does a brick wall, apart even from 

 the question of picturesqueness. Trees break and disperse the 

 waves of wind ; walls divert the wind into draughts. 



(cf). Convenience of approach to a house, and the relation of its 

 position to high roads and lines for public travelling to necessary, 

 or valuable, stations, to town or village, and to the distances from 

 all these, are considerations of serious importance. We may, of 

 course, make our main drive with proper directness to the house, 

 and well-planned branching communications with the stables and 

 offices, through the park or estate ; but the position of all these in 

 regard to the surrounding conditions of public approaches, must be 

 an element of action in choice of site, and in modifying the details 

 of it. More is said on this subject under the head of THE APPROACH. 



(e). The natural levels of the land, however it may be possible 



