300 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



The leading principles which should be our guide in Land- 

 scape or Rural Architecture, have been condensed by an able 

 writer in the followino: heads. " 1st, As a useful art, in fit- 

 ness FOR THE END IN VIEW : 2d, as dXi art of design, in 

 EXPRESSION OF PURPOSE : 3d, as an art of taste, in expres- 

 sion OF SOME particular ARCHITECTURAL STYLE." 



The most enduring and permanent source of beauty is, 

 undoubtedly, utility. In a country residence, therefore, of 

 whatever character, the comfort and convenience of the va- 

 rious members of the family being the first and most impor- 

 tant consideration, the quality of fitness is universally appre- 

 ciated and placed in the first rank. In many of those articles 

 of furniture or apparel which luxury or fashion has brought 

 into use, fitness or convenience often gives way to beauty of 

 form or texture : but in a habitation, intended to shelter us 

 from the heat and cold, as well as to give us an opportunity to 

 dispense the elegant hospitalities of refined life — the neglect 

 of the various indispensable conveniences and comforts which 

 an advanced state of civilization require, would be but poorly 

 compensated for, by a fanciful exterior or a highly ornate 

 style of building. Farther than this, fitness will extend to 

 the choice of situation; selecting a sheltered site, neither too 

 high, as upon the exposed summit of bleak hills, nor too low, 

 as in the lowest bottoms of damp valleys ; but preferring those 

 middle grounds which, while they afford a free circulation 

 of air, and a fine prospect, are not detrimental to the health 

 or enjoyment of the occupants. A proper exposure is an- 

 other subject, worthy of the attention of either the architect 

 or proprietor, as there are stormy, and pleasant aspects or 

 exposures in all climates. 



However much the principle of fitness may be appreciated 

 and acted upon in the United States, we have certainly great 



