RURAL ARCHITECTURE. 
341 
here and there, in the verdant slopes of our village suburbs 
appearing as if they had been transplanted, by some unlucky 
incantation, from the close-packed neighbourhood of city 
residence, and left accidentally in the country, or, as Sir 
Walter Scott has remarked, “had strayed out to the country 
for an airing.” 
What then are the proper characteristics of a rural resi- 
dence ? The answer to this, in a few words, is, such a 
dwelling, as from its various accommodations, not only gives 
ample space for all the comforts and conveniences of a country 
life, but by its varied and picturesque form and outline, its 
porches, verandas, etc., also appears to have some reasonable 
connection, or be in perfect keeping, with surrounding nature. 
Architectural beauty must be considered conjointly with the 
beauty of the landscape or situation. Buildings of almost 
every description, and particularly those for the habitation of 
man, will be considered by the mind of taste, not only as ar- 
chitectural objects of greater or less merit, but as component 
parts of the general scene ; united with the surrounding lawn, 
embosomed in tufts of trees and shrubs, if properly designed 
and constructed, they will even serve to impress a character 
upon the surrounding landscape. Their effect will frequently 
be good or bad, not merely as they are excellent or indifferent 
examples of a certain style of building, but as they are hap- 
pily or unhappily combined with the adjacent scenery. The 
intelligent observer will readily appreciate the truth of this, 
and acknowledge the value, as well as necessity, of something 
besides architectural knowledge. And he will perceive 
how much more likely to be successful, are the efforts of him, 
who in composing and constructing a rural residence, calls 
in to the aid of architecture, the genius of the landscape ; — 
whose mind is imbued with a taste for beautiful scenery, and 
