670 THE CHOICE OF A SITUATION BOOK III. 



what may be called a family name. This laudable desire* is 

 commonly best accomplished by the performance of great and 

 generous actions, or by heroic worth ; but it may also be done 

 by the formation of an extensive and noble residence; espe- 

 cially if in a comparatively wild and uninhabited country. A 

 proper choice may be found in Wales, the north of England, 

 amid the mountainous scenery of Scotland, or in Ireland. 

 Every thing should be done in the grand manner; but all the 

 while under the modest and worthy intention of encouraging 

 art. The mansion should be in the castle or abbey style — the 

 establishment extensive; the new-acquired family arms should 

 in some cases be emblazoned on proper parts of the building, 

 both externally and within ; extensive improvement, and ame- 

 lioration of the surrounding peasantry, should be a chief ob- 

 ject of the proprietor. By this and by generous deeds he will 

 gain extensive reverence and esteem; he will pass through life 

 with respect from the already great families; and the succeed- 

 ing heirs will reap the benefit of his exertions and pa- 

 tience, by being recognized as of the same rank and worth. An 

 opposite conduct will produce very bad consequences to the 

 proprietor in his own life time, and will much disturb the feli- 

 city of his descendants. 



6. The improvement of the country; whether in regard 



* See some excellent remarks on this subject in Mr. Roscoe\s Lorenzo de Medici. 



