On architectural, rural, domestic, and other Improvements. 305 



are entitled ; and no less a matter of satisfaction, that they are now 

 to receive notice in a city where there are so many advantages of 

 location, scenery, knowledge and taste, for their elucidation, combin- 

 ed with right notions of economy, and of all the means of individual 

 and social well being. 



But my object in thus taking the liberty to address you, is to sug- 

 gest, on presumption that you take a part in the proceedings of the 

 association, that the enquiries to be pursued should be extended to 

 some other topics, not less essential to the main design than those 

 which have been announced ; or rather that they should commence 

 at an earlier point, and embrace what relates to the kinds of soil on 

 which human habitations ought to be erected, and the choice of lo- 

 calities for that purpose considered in relation to neighboring forma- 

 tions and objects. 



Without pretending to do more than to glance at some of the most 

 obvious heads of enquiry under this branch of the subject, I may il- 

 lustrate what I have in view, by a brief statement of questions which 

 require investigation. 



1. What are the chief requisites in a site for a dwelling house ? 



What circumstances and advantages are desirable, considered sim- 

 ply in relation to the principal design and use of the building ; and 

 what, considered in relation to adjacent objects ? 



2. What descriptions of soil are proper for the sites of dwellings ? 

 What soils are to be preferred for yards, gardens, and adjoining 



grounds ? 



What soils are objectionable on account of their natural composi- 

 tion, or their liability to excessive moisture, or other vicissitudes ? 



3. What kinds of earth are to be preferred for cellars, considered 

 in respect to moisture, temperature, and effects, in different seasons, 

 on vegetable substances, and on the air in the apartments above ? 



4. What objects in the vicinity are in all cases to be avoided .'' 

 Among these may be specified : 



Marshes and all permanent receptacles of decaying vegetable mat- 

 ter. 



Grounds which are periodically overflowed. 



Grounds which are excessively wet from ordinary rains during a 

 portion of every year, and which exhibit extensive evaporation. 



Ponds which are drained in the course of the summer or autumn j 

 and other 



Vol. XXV.— No. 2. 39 



