LAYING OUT OF GROUNDS. 183 



different from one -which looks to the dispersion of 

 the property into a dozen lesser homes. Absolute unity 

 of plan will, in such a case, be naturally out of the ques- 

 tion. There must be some measure of sacrifice to the 

 contingencies reckoned upon ; no sacrifice of charm, 

 indeed, when the purpose is understood : six adjoin- 

 ing sites, well ordered, and planted with a view to 

 future occupancy, may embrace a thousand beauties, 

 but will not, of course, preserve that unity of effect 

 which would belong to a single permanent property. 



On the score of taste, a competent landscape-gar- 

 dener has no need to compare notes with the pro- 

 prietor of country property ; but he should be put in 

 full possession of all the economies of his plan. Does 

 he wish a reservation for agricultural purposes, foi 

 vineyard, for orcharding, more than will be essential 

 to his household supply ? Does he count upon subse- 

 quent division of the property for building purposes ? 

 These questions should meet full discussion and 

 the outlay be adjusted thereby. But it is unfortu- 

 nately true that half the owners of country estates 

 entertain no considerations of this kind, and, entering 

 upon their improvements with a vague improvidence, 

 find after a lapse of years, the bulk of them useless 

 and inconvertible. City improvements may be under- 

 taken without long look into the future ; errors may 

 be amended as fast as brick and mortar can be piled 



