87 



the large house on the same level with 

 the smaller one. It therefore follows, 

 that if the house must stand on a natural 

 hillock, the huilding should not he larger 

 than its situation will admit; and where 

 such hillocks do not exist in places pro- 

 per for a house in every other respect, it 

 is sometimes possible for art to supply 

 what nature seems to have denied: but 

 it is not possible in all cases; a circum- 

 stance which proves the absurdity of those 

 architects who design and plan a house, 

 Avithout any previous knowledge of the 

 situation or shape of the ground on which 

 it is to be built. 



When the shape is naturally either concavc 

 concave or perfectly flat, the house would 

 not be habitable, unless the ground sloped 

 sufficiently to drain off the water from it. 

 This is often effected, in a slight degree, 

 merely by the earth that is dug from the 

 cellars and foundations: but if, instead 

 of sinking the cellars, they were to be 

 built upon the level of the ground, they 

 may afterwards be so covered Av^ith earth, 

 as to give all the appearance of a natural 



