PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS. 



CHAPTER I. 



THE HOUSE AND OFFICES. 



Introduction. Climate of the Site. — Soil and Subsoil.-— 

 Drainage. — Supply of Water. — Shelter. — Position of the 

 House in the Park.— Elevation of the Site.— Extent of the 

 Site. — Style of the House. — Arrangement of the Interior of 

 the House.— Conservatory.— Stable Court, and Offices. 



The House, being tlie Lead-quarters of the family — 

 tlie capital, as it were, of tlie park or demesne, — is by 

 far tbe most important object within the grounds, and, 

 as such, the selection of its site must take precedence of 

 all other matters, whether it be a castle or a cottage, 

 and whatever be its form and construction. While this 

 ought to be the dominant principle in the formation of 

 a country residence, and while the house should be made 

 the central point, to which all operations connected 

 with the laying-out of the park and pleasure-grounds 

 should be referred, there are certain requirements be- 

 longing to a mansion-house, as a comfortable dwelling. 



B 



