338 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



Before fixing upon any style of building for a country re- 

 sidence, it is a matter of no little importance that the propri- 

 etor should consider, first, the natural character or expres- 

 sion of the site and locality as a landscape ; and secondly, 

 what style will be in good keeping with that character. This 

 is more especially necessary where any strongly marked 

 style, as the Grecian, or castellated, has the preference in the 

 mind of the proprietor, as a mixed style will accommodate 

 itself more easily to a variety of situations. This point, which 

 appears to us one of great moment, is lost sight of in ninety- 

 nine instances in a hundred ; though we will venture to 

 assert that a good light is not of greater advantage to a fine 

 picture, than is an appropriate character of scenery or adja- 

 cent landscape to a fine villa. Every one feels the truth of 

 this, when he looks upon this harmonious union in the case 

 of a happily placed residence, though all persons do not un- 

 derstand the reason of the unsatisfactory nature of the effect 

 produced by placing a fine building in an unsuitable situation. 



As a general principle, it may safely be laid down, that 

 classic architecture should always be selected where the 

 neighbouring grounds, or the surrounding scenery is simply 

 beautiful or elegant, or approaching to those characters as 

 we have already defined them. On the contrary, the Gothic 

 style and its varieties, are best suited to landscapes or scenes 

 where the prevailing expression is that oi 'picturesque beau- 

 ty, more or less striking. We have before pointed out how 

 in many situations where the natural expression of a home 

 scene is feeble, that is, neither decidedly beautiful or pictur- 

 esque, these latter expressions may be greatly heightened, or 

 even, in a great measure, conferred, by proper arrangement 

 of the grounds, and by planting them with trees either de- 

 cidedly beautiful or picturesque in themselves. 



