12 THE SITUATION AND STYLE 



Low ground, or the bottom of a valley, are equally objectionable; 

 for the view will be confined, scarcely admitting of improvement, 

 and a bad effect will be produced by diminishing in appearance the 

 extent of the building : it will also be liable to damps, and, by being 

 overshadowed, the free circulation of air will be impeded, and the 

 situation will ultimately be found both unpleasant and unhealthy. 

 Buildings of a light cottage description, in such situations, ap- 

 pear trifling and insignificant. 



The best site for showing a villa to advantage, is on the brow 

 or near the summit of a wooded hill of moderate elevation ; it is 

 also the best situation for the introduction of ornamental and deco- 

 rative accessories, as well in the gardens as in the shrubberies, in ac- 

 cordance with the buildings or with a bold and extensive scenery. 

 A villa thus placed, excites in the beholders the most pleasing ideas 

 of health and comfort, and of all those various enjoyments which 

 render life delightful : every particular object which is gratifying to 

 the eye of taste, will be seen to advantage ; and from the surrounding 

 country the effect of the whole will be impressive and lasting. 



Such a situation by nature possesses great advantages, and the 

 application of the decorative parts of Landscape Gardening should 

 be in conformity with the beauty and grandeur of the surrounding 

 scenery ; one offensive object, one deviation from the true character 

 of this enchanting spot, in any accessory, will destroy that general 

 unity of effect which should be attentively studied and carefully 



