PARKS AND PLEASURE-GROUNDS.
Introduction. Climate of the Site. Soil and Subsoil. Drainage. Supply of Water. - Shelter. - Position of the House in the Park.-Elevation of the Site.-Extent of the Site.-Style of the House.-Arrangement of the Interior of the House. Conservatory.-Stable Court, and Offices.
THE House, being the head-quarters of the familythe capital, as it were, of the park or demesne,—is by far the most important object within the grounds, and, as such, the selection of its site must take precedence of all other matters, whether it be a castle or a cottage, and whatever be its form and construction. While this ought to be the dominant principle in the formation of a country residence, and while the house should be made the central point, to which all operations connected with the laying-out of the park and pleasure-grounds should be referred, there are certain requirements belonging to a mansion-house, as a comfortable dwelling,