Mural Architecture. 51 
occupy it. There is very probably, a great variety of styles and 
dimensions in rural residences. Cottages and small villas are the 
most appropriate dwellings for those who aim at competence and 
comfort in the simple indjependence of American country life. 
Cottages or houses, one story or one and a half high may be 
erected in any style, and possess all the desired accessories, such 
as porches, verandas, balconies, pediments, &c." 
"A cottage indicates a disposition in the proprietor to live 
within his income, and to appropriate his means rather for the 
convenience and comfort of his family than for show which he is 
ill prepared to sustain. The style and finish of any house denote 
the intelligence and taste of the proprietor." 
"A situation should be selected with due respect to the employ- 
ment of the proprietor, and the intended style of architecture, if 
it has previously been determined. Health is the most important 
consideration in the selection of a situation. Low situations 
should be avoided on account of fogs and humidity. Soil is an 
item of some importance, especially where gardens and pleasure 
grounds are contemplated; but a good subsoil is more important, 
being essential to the vigorous growth of trees, and incapable of 
improvement, while the soil may be improved to any extent by 
artificial means." 
" The scenery around a dwelling is well worthy of particular 
attention. It is important that a situation should have as much 
of natural beauty as possible — a natural scene may, however, be 
greatly improved by art, and materially changed by much time 
and expense. Trees are very desirable for their shade and the 
beauty of their composition with the architectural features of the 
scene; but they should not be so thick as to produce dampness, 
nor so situated as to prevent a distinct view of the edifice. In 
improving the ground, care must be taken to have pointed trees, 
so that they may harmonize with the prevailing high roofs, acute 
angled gables, to give harmony to the scene." 
" The construction of dwellings is a department of enterprise 
and investment, which involves various considerations of vast 
amount. It should be remembered that a dwelling is constructed 
