OF BUILDING FOR VILLAS. 13 



preserved. That the readers may clearly understand the precepts 

 here inculcated, and which are so important in the choice of a situa- 

 tion for a convenient and pleasant abode, in the first Plate are shewn 

 examples of houses placed in the situations alluded to ; and they are 

 not imaginary, but such as may be seen in many parts of England : 

 a glance at this sketch, it is presumed, will determine the correct- 

 ness of what has been advanced, and which is the best situation. In 

 addition to the objections against the extremes of hill or dale, the 

 difference produced on the mind of the spectator by the effect of 

 either, individually considered, appears sufficient to induce a deter- 

 mination in favour of the intermediate situation. 



Where a villa is placed upon a hill, unsupported by its natural 

 attendants, it will be found but a bad subject for the Painter's art ; 

 indeed, a building cutting the line of the horizon will ever present 

 a crude feature, either in a picture or in a landscape : the motives 

 and objects of the Painter and Landscape Gardener, as to effects, are 

 the same, — Belle nature toujours," as Rousseau enjoins. 



When a villa is placed in a low situation, however surrounded 

 by luxuriant foliage, or enlivened with water, an unpleasant sensation 

 is produced on the mind ; the eye turns with disgust from the cold 

 and dreary situation, where no ideas of grandeur, fitness, or comfort, 

 can be associated. In the intermediate situation, taste, elegance, and 

 a just appropriation of the parts, present a subject containing all 

 the essentials of a perfect picture ; the gentle declivity in the front. 



