THE SELECTION OF A SITE Be 
Altitude, as has been mentioned, is generally more a 
matter for individual preference and opinion than for the 
expression of any decided rules on the subject. Unless, 
however, any real objection is felt against land situated 
at a fair elevation, I should unhesitatingly prefer it, in 
the majority of instances, to that found in flat, low-lying 
positions. There is all the difference between the garden 
perched high on the bleak hillside, where cutting winds 
play havoc with its contents, and that situated midway 
down an easy slope, above the line of mist and fog. Pro- 
viding that the aspect is sunny, and the soil well drained, 
such a situation is far warmer and healthier than the 
apparently more sheltered site lower down. The 
designer, too, will find his work easier in the former 
case than in the latter. Privacy is seldom attainable in 
low-lying gardens; they are generally overlooked, either 
by neighbours or by pedestrians on the public highway. 
It is next to impossible to screen off unsightly objects 
from view, and it is inevitable that the prospect obtained 
of the surrounding country is cramped and confined, if 
not altogether excluded. On the other hand, an elevated 
site safeguards all these objections: it is seldom over- 
looked, or if it is, artificial planting and arrangement may 
be depended upon to quickly remedy matters; whilst if 
fine views exist in the vicinity, the designer is afforded 
an opportunity of increasing the scope and charm of his 
own handiwork by including them. Altitude is un- 
doubtedly an important consideration which must be 
duly weighed before a satisfactory decision can be given. 
Shelter, or rather Jack of it, is one of the troubles 
which is almost inseparable from newly laid-out gardens ; 
and as even the most quick-growing trees and shrubs 
take some time before they can prove efficient barriers, 
natural or existing wind breaks should in all cases be 
sought, Natural features will consist of ranges of hills 
on the sides of the property most exposed to cold winds 
