326 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



In this country no architectural feature is more plainly 

 expressive of purpose in our dwelling-houses than the 

 veranda, or piazza. The unclouded splendor and fierce 

 heat of our summer sun, render this very general appendage 

 a source of real comfort and enjoyment ; and the long 

 veranda round many of our country residences stand? 

 instead of the paved terraces of the English mansion? a<; 

 the place for promenade ; while during the warmer portions 

 of the season, half of the days or evenings are there passed 

 in the enjoyment of the cool breezes, secure under low 

 roofs supported by the open colonnade, from the solar rays, 

 or the dews of night. The obvious utility of the veranda 

 in this climate (especially in the middle and southern states) 

 will, therefore, excuse its adoption into any style of archi- 

 tecture that may be selected for our domestic uses, although 

 abroad, buildings in the style in question, as the Gothic, for 

 example, are not usually accompanied by such an append- 

 age. An artist of the least taste or invention will easily 

 compose an addition of this kind, that will be in good 

 keeping with the rest of the edifice. 



These various features, or parts of the building, with 

 many others which convey expression of purpose in 

 domestic architecture, because they recall to the mind the 

 different uses to which they are applied, and the several 

 enjoyments connected with them, also contribute greatly 

 to the interest of the building itself, and heighten its good 

 effect as part of a harmonious whole, in the landscape 

 The various projections and irregularities, caused by 

 verandas, porticos, etc., serve to connect the otherwise 

 square masses of building, by gradual transition with the 

 ground about it. 



The reader, who thus recognizes features as expressive 



