The Choice of a Place 



the owner will be thoroughly dependent, in respect to land- 

 scape, on what may be done by his opposite neighbor in the 

 way of both planting and building. It will be most unhkely 

 — almost impossible — that some of this latter should 

 not entirely obstruct every open sight into the country 

 beyond. 



3. Historical Considerations. — What has formerly been 

 done upon a place may be by no means an insignificant, and 

 will certainly be an interesting, question. The part which it 

 plays in local histories or legends, and the associations which 

 previous ownership or occupation or uses may fasten upon 

 it, are all worthy of scrutiny, and may help either to endear 

 and enliven a spot or to clothe it with gloomy and repulsive 

 features. 



To be able to trace back the possession of a property by 

 one or more families through a long series of years will be 

 almost as pleasing to some minds as having a lengthened and 

 well-ascertained personal pedigree; and though many would 

 not care to know who have been the former owners and for 

 how long a period the history can be made out, to others 

 such a record will be full of attraction. The very trees and 

 shrubs, if any old ones exist, will be all the more pregnant 

 with interest when it is authentically made out by whom and 

 when they were planted. 



In reviving ancient recollections and usages, or searching 

 after mementos of former times, a variety of hints may be 

 gleaned as to the treatment of a place, or objects brought 

 to bear upon the composition of its landscape, which will be 

 exceedingly remunerative. A valuable spring or well may be 

 laid bare; a charming ruin may be contrived from existing 

 fragments; the first step in a train of interesting antiquarian 

 researches may be stumbled on; family histories, which are 

 often the key to greater memorials, may be brought to light; 



