22 THE BOOK OF GARDEN DESIGN 
which, if not indispensable, are at least highly desirable 
in almost every case, and in briefly discussing a few of 
the foremost considerations which must present them- 
selves to everyone about to build and lay out grounds, 
it is left to each one to modify or alter according to his 
own opinions and preconceived ideas. 
In the first place, the accessibility of the piece of land 
which it is proposed to treat, must be carefully studied, 
and this before any possible advantages or disadvantages 
connected with the actual site come to be weighed. 
The exigencies of modern life demand that ample 
facilities shall exist both for ourselves to visit others 
and for others to visit us. There are many who have 
settled in delightful places in country districts whose 
subsequent regret is that they are out of the beaten 
track. They can neither make calls nor receive their 
friends without great difficulty and inconvenience; and 
worse than this, communication with tradesmen, and 
the delivery of letters and parcels, are matters attended 
with serious disadvantage. A time comes in the lives 
of most city people, when the only form of existence 
which seems desirable is that known as ‘‘ buried in the 
depths of the country.” As a temporary expedient, or 
regarded in the light of a picnic excursion, this is no 
doubt delightful enough; but a permanent residence so 
situated becomes after a time well-nigh intolerable. 
Convenient distance, then, from railway, post office, 
shops, and other evidences of civilisation, is the first 
point upon which the prospective purchaser must satisfy 
himself. Carrying the question of accessibility a step 
further, it becomes necessary to ensure that the property 
shall be approached by a convenient road. As to 
whether the road is little frequented, or is in the 
nature of an important thoroughfare, individual taste 
and opinion will necessarily be divided, but the main 
consideration, applicable in both cases, is that the road 
