26 THE BOOK OF GARDEN DESIGN 
—the north, north-west and north-east. Where these 
exist, nothing could possibly be better, but of course 
probably not one site in fifty will be enhanced by such 
advantages. Plantations, protective belts, and stretches 
of woodland are valuable features, which, if existing at 
a convenient distance from the proposed site, and facing 
the required quarter, will secure it from the ill effects of 
high winds. Should the property already contain a well- 
grown hedge, it may be advisable to retain it as a feature 
of the new design, thus providing shelter, and doing 
away with the entire appearance of newness which will 
otherwise be manifest. Should mature plantations already 
exist on the property, great caution must be exercised by 
the designer as to his treatment of them. It often happens 
that a belt of trees hides a good view, or does not lend 
itself to the proposed plan. In the first case the owner 
may be tempted to open out vistas by the removal of 
timber; and in the second, the entire demolition of the 
plantation may be contemplated. Before doing either, 
he should be quite certain that, in addition to obtaining 
his view or carrying out his scheme in its entirety, he 
will not also be destroying a form of shelter which would 
take years to replace. Naturally, the surroundings will 
exercise considerable influence on the choice of a site, and 
here again the tastes of the individual have to be con- 
sidered, rather than the opinions of the idealist. The 
presence of water, either a lake or stream, in the adjacent 
landscape is an unfailing attraction to some; others would 
rather face a prospect of meadow and woodland; whilst 
there are many who ask no better than that their garden 
shall be within sight and sound of the restless sea. In 
each respect the individual must please himself, having 
in mind, however, that a style of design applicable in one 
instance will probably be totally unfitted in another. 
There is one thing which the garden lover will surely 
guard against with every possible care, and that is the 
