MR. URSA N AND A CO UNTR Y HO USE. 293 



All that I have laid down in way of design, 

 whether for walks, plantations, or country-house, has 

 been intended for suggestion rather than literal ful- 

 filment. Every locality must have its own interpreta- 

 tion at the hands of the artist. Method must vary 

 not only as the hills and the slopes vary, but as the 

 wants and the tastes of the occupant vary. 



There are farms I know, unctuous with an accu- 

 mulated fertility, and with right lines running athwart 

 their slopes, which might be converted into charming 

 park-lands, with every grass-field rounded into a 

 lawn ; but, to my eye, they would gain nothing, if in 

 this conversion the economic interests of the holder 

 were ignored. Land does its best service where it 

 best feeds our human wants : not necessarily gross 

 wants, but all wants, fine as well as gross. 



I have endeavored to demonstrate that economic 

 management need not necessarily offend against the 

 rulings of good taste. I feel sure that the highest 

 beauty of landscape will ultimately bring no loss ; 

 and I forecast confidently the time perhaps a cen- 

 tury hence when all the beauties and all the econo- 

 mies and all the humanities will be in leash. 



Again, a country home will not yield its largest 

 enjoyments to any who adopt it in virtue of a mere 

 whim ; there must be love ; and with love, patience ; 

 and with patience, trust. This mistress who wears 



