370 
SOUTHEKN CULTIVATOR. 
DESIGN FOR IMPROVING COUNTRY RESIDENCES. 
To lay out a rural residence satisfactorily, it is necessary to study the form and location of the ground, as well as 
to consult with, and ascertain the particular requirements of the family. It would be an easy matter to offer a series 
of designs, many of which might be useful to those in need. I conceive, however, that it will serve a more useful pur- 
pose to select, occasionally, sketches as they occur in practice, as many opportunities are presented of taking advan- 
tage of existing features and turning them to account in the general improvement. Individual taste must be recog- 
nised in the disposition of the various adjuncts to a dwelling. While some desire the purely ornamental character to 
predominate, others have more utilitarian objects in view. The most numerous class are those who wish to have a 
little of everything— vegetables, fruit, flowers and ornamental trees— as shown in the following design. It was re- 
quired to arrange the ground, although limited in extent, so as to appropriate a small spot for flowers, as well as have 
a few ofdre most desirable ornamental trees disposed on the lawn with convenient walks for their inspection. Flower- 
ing shrubs had also to be kept in view ; a small space was also desired for cultivating some of the smaller kinds of 
fruits ; and, lastly, a portion had to be reserved for vegetable culture : 
In arranging these various parts, the principle of 
distinctiveness, has been kept prominently in view. 
On the west side, the short walk leading from the 
street to the principal entrance of the house leads 
through a small flower garden, consisting of a few 
simple figures geometrically arranged. The grape 
arbor forms a very appropriate division between 
the ornamental and vegetable ground, and its prox- 
imity to the house renders it useful and convenient 
as a shady resort in summer. The open space of 
grass forms a relieving contrast to the groups of 
trees and shrubs, and suggests a feeling of extent ; 
a principle that is seldom adopted in small places, 
although it is most important; the same space of 
ground dotted over with plants would appear con- 
fused,p'nonotonous and confined. The fruit garden, 
which is separated from the ornamental planting 
by an arbor vitaj hedge, is adapted for dwarf pear 
trees, strawberries and raspberries. The pears are 
arranged parallel to the walks, enclosing a space 
for strawberries. The raspberries are planted on 
a narrow border close to the fence. Dwarf apple 
and Pomegranate bushes are planted along the 
wnlks in the vegetable garden, the v/hole being ex- 
cluded from the stable yard and road by an ever- 
green hedge. 
REFERENCE TO PLAN. 
A— House. B— Barn. C— Rose clumps. D— 
Central figures of flower garden. E — Lawn. F — 
Grape arbor. G — Vegetable grounds. H — Fruit 
department. K— Yard. L— Piazza. S— Rustic 
seat. V — Vase. The ground measures 120 feet by 
^200 feet. 
The entire ground is level and elevated ; in order, 
^therefore, to improve the architectural appearance 
g^of the house, the first floor is elevated three feet six 
^inches above the surface, and connected with it by 
a small turf terrace. 
A few of the principal trees are named below, 
with reference to their location. Owing to the 
method I have adopted in indicating the position 
of the plants on the lawn, I could not convenient- 
ly refer them to numbers on so small a scale. They 
are selected chiefly in regard to color and diversity 
of foliage. Those nearest the walks are mostly 
deciduous shrubs, planted sufficiently wide apart to allow full development. An annual pruning in of the strong- 
est branches will improve their appearance when thus arranged, but not clif'ped into a formal shape. The masses of 
shrubbery shown by distinct outlines are thickly planted in the first instance, attention being given m the arrange- 
ment with a view to a gradual thinning out of the least desirable, as may be found necessary to allow space for the 
more select kinds. The line of shrubbery included between the walk and boundary north and east of the house is 
planted in like manner, with the addition of a few hemlock and Norway spruce firs and other small sized evergreens 
on Duroose to shelter from cold winds. , T\/r i- ti i 
Theklowing named trees are placed as indicated by the figures on the plan: 1-Magnoha purpurea, Purple 
Ma^^nolia 2— Magnolia conspicua, Chandelier Magnolia. 3-4— Cedrus Deodar, Deodar Ce ar. 5 6 Abie^ cana- 
densis, Hemlock Spruce. 7— Liquidamber styraciflua, Sweet Gum. 8— Fagus sylvatica P^^purea, Purple Beech. 
9— Acer campestrc, English Maple. 10— Chionanthus Yirginica, Virginia Fringe Tree 11 Magrmlia tiipetala 
Umbrella Magnola, 12— Rhus cotinus, Mist Bush. 13— Cytiscus laburnum, Golden Cham. 14 Virgilea lutea 
S' 10 SO ±0. 
