618 THE PRACTICE OF FORMING BOOK II. 



own practical knowledge, in conjunction with that of practical 

 men who live at the place. But after the design of improve- 

 ment is sanctioned by the approbation of the proprietor, such 

 parts as are to be executed by estimate should be marked out 

 on the spot, and then the respective mechanics and artisans ad- 

 vertised for, in order that each may give in his estimate and 

 proposals. By this means, whether in building, planting, form- 

 ing water, roads, or fences, if the estimates of honest and duly- 

 informed men be taken, the proprietor will get the work done 

 in the most economical manner. But whether a proprietor 

 ought to adopt this mode, or see the whole done under his own 

 directions, and by day-labourers, must depend upon circum- 

 stances. In general, I may remark, that where he is to be fre- 

 quently or totally absent from the estate, there can be no doubt 

 which is the proper mode. When present, he will generally 

 find it preferable to undertake large and small jobs at his own 

 risk and by day-labourers, and to have middling ones done by 

 estimate. The reasons are obvious: small jobs are trifling, and 

 are not worth the attention of an undertaker who lives at some 

 distance, unless he be paid extra charges : and for very large 

 ones, the proprietor forms an establishment on purpose, upon 

 the same principles as practical men do, and thus he may be 

 said to get the work done at the trade price. By a very large 

 job in building, I mean a mansion, or a number of buildings to 

 be erected at the same time, which may be estimated at upwards 

 of =£10,000. Here the architect, or designer, should send a 



