726 Summary View of the Progress of Gardening, 



which have been penetrated by railroads ; doubtless from the 

 science and beauty displayed in the numerous bridges, viaducts, 

 station-houses, &c, required by this new mode of communication. 

 These examples are not only seen by proprietors, who have oc- 

 casion to build on their estates, but by the carpenters and masons 

 who are employed in country buildings, and on whom they na- 

 turally make a much stronger impression than designs in books. 

 Besides, many of these carpenters and masons have been em- 

 ployed in the erection of the buildings alluded to; and they 

 must consequently have acquired an improved knowledge of 

 construction, with an ambition of carrying this knowledge into 

 practice, which nothing but a combination of similar circum- 

 stances could have produced. At the same time, this practical 

 mode of obtaining knowledge and taste, the better fits the mind 

 for acquiring ideas from books ; because it renders the mind of 

 a practical carpenter or builder nearer on a level with those of 

 the authors of these books, than it could have been if he had 

 never gone out of the usual routine of his business. Among 

 the details of rural architecture which occur to us as best worth 

 recommending is, the cottage window described in p. 438. 

 which, for cheapness and durability, and as combining at the 

 same time a sufficient power of ventilation, is, we think, un- 

 equalled. The stay-bar for windows, doors, and gates, described 

 in p. 439., is also an excellent invention, deserving of general 

 introduction. The lodge-gate fastening described and figured 

 in p. 442. is a humane improvement, arguing a degree of feeling 

 for and attention to servants and other dependants, which, we 

 believe, is not more conducive to their happiness, than it is to 

 that of their masters who sympathise with them. In the de- 

 scription of Redleaf (p. 353.), will be found two plans of work- 

 men's cottages, at once commodious and highly picturesque ; 

 and the various farm buildings described in the article on Mr. 

 Harrison's cottage at Cheshunt (p. 633.), contain many valu- 

 able ideas for new arrangements. The Highland Society has 

 recently taken up the subject both of cottages and cottage gar- 

 dens, in consequence of which some improvement in this depart- 

 ment of rural architecture and scenery may be expected in 

 Scotland, where it has long been very much wanted. We might 

 mention here a variety of improvements in the fittings up and 

 furniture of cottage villas, which we have recently observed in 

 different parts of the country ; but, as they would occupy too 

 much room, and would not be altogether in place in this Maga- 

 zine, we reserve them for a more fit opportunity. 



In Domestic Economy we have one very great improvement 

 to notice; this is the invention of Fuller's Ice-box, which will 

 at once be a considerable saving to those who have ice-houses 

 of their own, and will enable diose to enjoy the luxury of 



