18 



PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS. 



abandoned. There are other places, apparently as for- 

 bidding when in a natural state, which, are susceptible 

 of entire amelioration by draining. These can usually 

 be determined by a geological survey of the grounds, 

 and a thorough examination of the kinds of tree and 

 shrubbery which most incline to grow upon them. In 

 all cases of doubt of the practicability of a thorough 

 drainage, and a consequent warmth and kindliness of 

 the soil for the objects required, the proposed site for 

 the residence should at once be abandoned. The selec- 

 tion and improvement of a position which shall prove 

 unfit for a perfectly wholesome and satisfactory resi- 

 dence, will remain a source of perpetual annoyance 

 and regret. — Ed. 



Drainage op the Site. — It is important that the 

 site should at least possess that moderate elevation 

 which will facilitate the drainage, not only of the 

 locality which it immediately occupies, but the whole 

 of its environs. The lower apartments of the house 

 should be made completely dry, and free from the 

 effects of surface-water cr neighboring springs. Easy 

 and well-concealed sewerage from the house and offices 

 is matter worthy of careful attention. Indeed, the thor- 

 ough drainage, not merely of the house and grounds, 

 but of the park, and of the whole estate commanded 

 by the windows, should be deemed indispensable. Let 

 the reader imagine a house set down on a bank over- 

 hanging a flat, marshy country of ma,ny hundred acres 

 in extent: nothing would be more dismal than the 

 'prospect in the first instance, and nothing might be 

 more difficult and laborious than the subsequent efforts 

 to improve it. 



NoU. — Any one within the limits of the United 



