MR. URBAN AND A COUNTRY HOUSE. 277 



which as well as the fences along either side of the 

 high-road are of old mossy boulders, too cumbrous 

 to be removed without great cost. Mistress Urban 

 is in despair at this, as she thinks that the partic- 

 ular fence designated will prevent any breadth to 

 her lawn. In the interests of economy, however, I 

 venture to advise that it be left in its present posi- 

 tion that it be righted where it shows any bulging 

 propensities, and promise that in two or three years 

 at most the greater part of it shall be scn*ened by 

 irregular groups of shrubbery, and that where its 

 line is discernible, it shall be mantled with such a 

 tangled wealth of Virginia creepers and ivy (the 

 exposure being north) as shall make it worthy its 

 place, and divide admiration with the half dozen of 

 mouse-colored Alderneys feeding beyond. 



The garden is out of position, besides being upon 

 a soil ill suited to it. Mr. Urban is moreover urgent 

 for a " great garden ; " he wishes to prepare one in 

 the best manner, and means that his standard pears 

 and dwarf fruits and grapevines shall come in for a 

 share of the benefit. 



I establish it upon the level plateau of land to the 

 southward of his cattle-yard, giving it the advantage 

 of shelter from the stables, the cold grapery, the 

 compost-shed, the hot-house and the hennery as 

 will appear by consulting the second drawing of 



