PART I. A COUNTRY RESIDENCE. 609 



2. Suppose a situation absolutely disagreeable, from the 

 surface being sterile, full of bogs or morasses, which send out 

 deleterious exhalations; and with regard to visible beauty, just 

 so uneven as not to be denominated level, but at the same time 

 with these unevennesses not so marked as to entitle them to the 

 appellation of variations. Such a situation, strange as it may 

 seem, is commonly capable of being rendered a more character- 

 istic residence than the former. Draining, and agricultural 

 improvement, will destroy every thing noxious to health; and 

 visible beauty and character may be restored by humouring or 

 heightening the natural surface of the ground, and by the judi- 

 cious disposition of wood, buildings, &c. Several situations of 

 this kind occur in the low country of Scotland. The Whim is 

 an example, which was improved in regard to utility by the 

 late owner; but it is still deficient in picturesque beauty, un- 

 less meagre belts and clumps of fir, and a red clump of masonry 

 used as a mansion, be considered as in good taste. 



3. Suppose a situation of an unsuitable character: per- 

 haps one naturally grand and extensive, but where a small 

 family wishes to retire to an humble cottage, and chooses 

 to purchase only a small part of the natural situation. Here 

 the hints for forming a beautiful residence must be applied, to 

 counteract the tendency to grandeur. At the same time, the 

 diminutive size of this beautified spot will not often injure 

 the character of the whole in the general prospect of it. 



4 i 



