THE APPROACH TO THE HOUSE 59 



of variable shape, and from each season of the year 

 it claims a special glory. 



As we approach the house from the longer drives 

 it will be well to introduce the formal character by 

 degrees. The last part of the road should be 

 straight, and preferably should lead direct to the 

 entrance courtyard with this side of the house in 

 full view, closing the vista. It is sometimes neces- 

 sary to pass into the forecourt in a direction parallel 

 with the house, and here great care must be taken 

 to screen the drive from the pleasure gardens and 

 the windows that overlook them. " If possible, how- 

 ever, the drive should turn direct to the house, and 

 the eye be led by avenue, hedge, or wall to the 

 building towards which the road is leading. The 

 surprise at suddenly turning a corner and finding 

 ourselves by the front door is not to be compared 

 in point of pleasure with the gradual approach in a 

 straight line. 



As the drive nears its destination, it may first be 

 partly enclosed by planting, with banks of rhodo- 

 dendrons or other flowering shrubs, forming a fore- 

 ground in the final stretch of straight road. Beyond, 

 the lines can be taken up by sentinel Irish yews 



