RURAL ARCHITECTURE, 
343 
The leading principles which should be our guide in Land- 
scape or Rural Architecture, have been condensed by an able 
writer in the following heads. “ 1st, As a useful art, in fit- 
ness for the end in view : 2d, as an art of design, in 
expression of purpose : 3d, as an art of taste, in expres- 
sion of some particular architectural style.” 
The most enduring and permanent source of beauty is, 
undoubtedly, utility. In a country residence, therefore, of 
whatever character, the comfort and convenience of the 
various members of the family being the first and most im- 
portant consideration, the quality of fitness is universally 
appreciated and placed in the first rank. In many of those 
articles of furniture or apparel which luxury or fashion has 
brought into use, fitness or convenience often gives way to 
beauty of form or texture : but in a habitation, intended to 
shelter us from the heat and cold, as well as to give us an 
opportunity to dispense the elegant hospitalities of refined 
life — the neglect of the various indispensable conveniences 
and comforts which an advanced state of civilization require, 
would be but poorly compensated for, by a fanciful exterior 
or a highly ornate style of building. Farther than this, fit- 
ness will extend to the choice of situation ; selecting a shel- 
tered site, neither too high, as upon the exposed summit of 
bleak hills, nor too low, as in the lowest bottoms of damp 
valleys ; but preferring those middle grounds which, while 
they afford a free circulation of air, and a fine prospect, are 
not detrimental to the health or enjoyment of the occupants. 
A proper exposure is another subject, worthy of the attention 
of either the architect or proprietor, as there are stormy, and 
pleasant aspects or exposures in all climates. 
However much the principle of fitness may be appreciated 
and acted upon in the United States, we have certainly great 
