tsoith regard to Practical Gardeners. 37 



arise, and not unfrequently do they appear in the semblance of 

 Gothic chapels. 



Notwithstanding such freaks of tasteless expenditure, it is, 

 upon the whole, not amiss, as encouraging mechanical trade ; 

 and an indication of the improving taste, however defective, of 

 the country. A man "who pleases to want" such things, and 

 is gratified with showy plants, furniture, and a conspicuous 

 house, evinces superior intellect ; he is above the sordid feeling 

 of getting all he can, and keeping all he can get; besides, such 

 a fashion dresses the face of the country, and is, unquestion- 

 ably, a sign of national prosperity. 



Of tJie Entraiice or Approach. — The tracing out and execu- 

 tion of this material appendage to a country mansion, is an 

 affair which requires particular attention. The outer gate and 

 porter's lodge ought to partake of the architecture of the 

 house, and be, in character and design, proportionable thereto. 

 Its place should be at some inviting point, at a proper distance 

 from, and before coming abreast of, the house, and, if possible, 

 where the public road appears to diverge therefrom. The 

 approach should rather ascend to the house than otherwise. 

 The easiest line for a carriage will also be found the most 

 graceful. No attempt at great display of the mansion and 

 park should be made immediately on entering the latter; a 

 glimpse only of the former may be had ; and at which point, 

 as much of the carriage-road as is seen in advance, should 

 appear to trend towards the house. No more of the house 

 should be seen, till almost arrived at the hall-door. No inte- 

 rior gate should be allowed. Itj from inequality of ground, 

 the road must be conducted in various directions, much of the 

 line must not be visible at once; and, for every such turning, 

 there must also be a visible reason ; the deviation and the 

 cause should always appear together ; nothing is more ridiculous 

 than proceeding over a vacant space, without some leading 

 object. A house, trees, bridge, or gate, are objects which can 

 only justify any departure from a direct course. For the sake 

 of easy sweeps, or for gaining some very interesting point in 

 proceeding from the outer gate to the house, obstacles may be 

 placed or planted after such sweeps are made. This is per- 

 fectly justifiable, if good reasons can be given for it. 



The properties of a well-made carriage-road are, firmness, 

 dryness, smoothness, and durability. To obtain these, much 

 depends on the quality of the material, if gravel, or stone of 

 sufficient hardness can be had, a good and substantially firm 

 road may be made. First dig out the bed of the road, to the 

 depth of fifteen or more inches (if the subsoil be clay, or soft 

 earth), which may be carted or wheeled away, except what 



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