POSITION OF THE HOUSE. 



261 



much importance to a villa as an approach is to a 

 mansion-house in the country. Unless the roads in a 

 district are well formed and kept in good repair, most 

 of the comfort and enjoyment yielded by an otherwise 

 perfect site, will be in great measure neutralized. 

 "What is more disagreeable than to drive or wade 

 through a rugged lane or ill-kept parish road, in order 

 to reach a country house? To persons about to form 

 residences in such localities, we would say, Be not 

 deceived with the idea that these roads are easily ame- 

 liorated ; the public boards who have the management 

 of them are moved with difficulty, even by individuals 

 who are members of them. Before fixing on a locality 

 or site, see at least that there are well-frequented roads 

 in the neighborhood ; for if they are not in good repair 

 at present, it may be hoped that they will not be al- 

 lowed to continue so. Easy access to public convey- 

 ances is also an advantage not to be overlooked ; for, 

 though a gentleman may use his own carriage, some 

 of his family or his servants may find it convenient to 

 avail themselves of the public means of traveling. 

 Even for friends and other visitants, twenty minutes' 

 distance from a railway station may afford a pleasant 

 morning or evening walk. 



Position of the House in eelation to the othek 

 pirts of the Residence. — After arrangements have 

 been made for the purchase or possession of the ground, 

 the proprietor generally proceeds to fix the spot on 

 which he is to set down his house; and the plan is 

 often adopted, and the buildings are sometimes erected, 

 before any attention is paid to the laying-out of the 

 grounds. This is a very grievous mistake. The plan 

 of the house, its position, and the designing of the 



