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c Look on this picture, and on that,’ and who will object to the change? 
But to particularize,—although not strictly within the limits of my 
subject, I will venture a few words upon the selection of a site for a resi¬ 
dence, so as to combine natural advantages most easily with such artifi¬ 
cial improvements as are most convenient and desirable. 
The house itself should be built so as to command a pleasant view from 
as many points as possible ; and in our beautiful State, how few who own 
a few acres of ground but can find some spot which possesses this advan¬ 
tage at least. It is not desirable that the site should be the highest ground 
near ; on the contrary, a sheltered though elevated position is preferable. 
The out-buildings should be easy of access, yet not conspicuous, and 
where nature has too soon been rifled of her treasures by the cruel 
ax, shade trees should be planted immediately, the sooner the better ; our 
own forests furnishing abundantly all that is necessary in this respect— 
these should not be planted in rows, nor at regular distances from each 
other, but should be arranged in groups, so as to both form a pleasing 
contrast, and an harmonious whole. 
I trust in time to see many of our farmers, while arranging their grounds 
permanently, paying more attention to the growth of plants for hedges; 
the common cedar hedge is one of the most beautiful objects I ever saw, 
and a most appropriate division of the flower-garden from the lawn; pri¬ 
vet, sweet-briar, hemlock, locust, &c., have all been recommended, though 
I presume none of them can be used as a substantial barrier against cattle; 
but as objects of beauty, and as interior divisions they deserve attention. 
The selection of shrubbery, roses, lilacs, honey-suckles, &c., should 
be made, with reference to their habits, time of flowering, growth, height, 
&c., all of which can be learned from books, and from a little experience, 
in much less time and with less trouble than one would suppose. 
In most cases a wide lawn in front of the house is practicable ; and it 
is also desirable that on each side there should be ample room for orch¬ 
ards, shade trees, &c. The carriage way should not approach the house 
in a straight line, and it will generally be found, if the house is upon an 
elevation, that the easiest ascent is most agreeable to taste. 
Foot-walks should lead to some desirable object—a pleasant view, or, 
perhaps, a summer-house. They should be formed of gravel and lime. 
