conditions which in the beginning, wera seeming difficulties. However, in select- 

 ing a lot one should be careful to distinguish between irregularities which may be 

 turned to good effect, and those which in fact are difficulties. Some conditions 

 will render a good plan more expensive or even impossible. 

 ■ It is natviral for one viewing a piece of land, to think first of the possible site 

 for the house; and this is the logical first thought. More possibilities will sug- 

 gest themselves to one having some knowledge of house planning, of course, as 

 his conception of house plans will be more fiexible. At the same time, it is neces- 

 sary to observe carefully the lay of the land about any assumed house site, as it is 

 by this means alone that uncorrectable mistakes are avoided, the least expensive 

 plans realized, and the most attractive homes made possible. Irregularity, in 

 outline or in surface, does in fact complicate the problem of planning; and it neces- 

 sarily follows that careful planning is thereby made still more important. A house 

 is unquestionably the most important single feature; but to look its best and to 

 best serve its purposes; it must be planned as a part of, and in accord with, the 

 land adjoining it. The cost of the entire development, the time required for its 

 completion, the greatest convenience, the best appearances, and, accordingly, 

 the ultimate value of the property, all depend upon comprehensive and skillful 

 planning at the start. 



Thus the selection of a site for a new house is an important step, as, whether 

 or not he realizes it, one in effect plans not only the house, but also the whole 

 lot, for better or for worse. By the term house site considerably more than mere 

 structural possibility for building or good outlooks is implied. When houses 

 are located and built with no thought of their relation to the land about them, 

 what are the results? First of all, more grading will usually be necessary to fit the 

 land to the house sufficiently to be even useful, and this means unnecessary ex- 

 pense. Moreover, the opportunity to obtain the most convenient and interesting 

 scheme is lost. What, then, are the requisites of a good site for a house? First, 

 it is generally agreed that the site should be examined from the point of view of 

 the structural aspects of the building, — ^the possibilities afforded for an attractive 

 interior and for pleasant outlooks. Secondly, the house site selected should be 

 examined in its relation to the land immediately adjoining and to the entire lot, 

 with special consideration of the amount of space to be available on all sides and 

 of the elevations in their possible relation to the floors of the house and to particular 

 rooms. 



At any stage in the examination of a lot, one may take note of those parts which, 

 by reason of- their conformation, their relative elevation, or their trees or other 

 ■growth, suggest interesting opportunities for the making of lawns, gardens of 

 -any kind, or routes for walks or drives. The position of the house is sometimes 

 determined merely by its relation to exceptional topographic opportunities for 

 those features which must adjoin it. In such cases, the site for the house 

 Itself is not at first so evident as are the situations adapted to the various out 

 door features; but houses so'located are admirably placed to enjoy the grounds 

 •about them, and plans thus evolved are likely to be inexpensive and interesting. 

 In the exalmination of a lot it niatters but little what one sees first .or last, but 

 sboner or later it is essential that one find the situations possible for a hoiise and 

 for lawns j gardens; roads, and the like; and he must decide on these not as uii- 

 related features, but in relation to his. conception of an entire plan. Further, 



