Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/485

 1868.J Landscape, Decorative, and Mvoiiomio (Jardcniny. 391 LANDSCAPE, DECORATIVE, AND ECONOMIC GARDENING No. 3. IX a previous paper, allusion was made to the necessary propriety of the use of both styles of landscape decora- tion,' in the improvement of various por- tions of the grounds attached to build- ings. It may readily be conceived, that a structure, if only of slight architec- tural pretensions, will appear more com- plete, if fronted by a terrace, or level platform, than if it is merely placed, as if by accident, on a sloping surface. Even a rustic cottage will be greatly improved in expression, when set upon a fittingly designed terrace. This need not be elaborate, in order to produce the desired effect. If merely raised a few feet above the surrounding surface, and finished by a neatly turfed bank, an air of propriety will be given to the site of the house. It suggests at once, that proper attention has been given to secure it from surface water, and that an amply sufficient space has been carefully level- ed and prepared for its reception. At the same time art, by this means, is car- ried beyond the mere form of the build- ing, and introduces a pleasing connec- tion between the vertical line of the structure, the outlines of surrounding vegetation, and the undulations of the ground. While there is always a finished ap- pearance attending a neatly constructed terrace, it is by no means to be inferred, that we approve of huge, unseemly banks of soil, unfurnished and slovenly pre- pared, that are but too often seen piled up against the walls of the house ; fre- quently so high as to be on a level with the first floor and verandahs ; and fatal alike to its architectural proportions, its durability, and the health of its inhab- itants. Buildings abounding in horizontal lines — with heavy mouldings, wide cor- nices, and columnar supports — particu- larly require the accompaniment of a broad, level platform, at all events, on their principal front ; and if this can be extended, so as to allow space for intro- ducing a smooth, broad walk ; or, if still further enlarged to include a formal flower garden, finishing with a support- ing terrace wall, surmounted by a low balustrade, suitably divided and relieved bj' piers, a dignified effect will invariably be produced. Public buildings, or massive and ex- tensive structures of an}' kind, admit of the most elaborate displa}- of architec- tural accessories ; but the terrace plat- form must be on a proper scale to corre- spond with the size or importance of the structure ; and all details liberally treat- ed, in order to produce a grand and im- posing effect. Vases, statuary, and foun- tains, trees, and shrubs of formal and appropriate habit of growth, will here find their fitting position. Although it is not at all probable, that such extremes as have been perpe- trated, will again be repeated ; yet, it may be observed, that something nearly akin to these extravagant ornamentations is represented, even in this our day, by such decorations, as vases set on the ground, without pedestals ; and figures of dogs and lions laid upon raised platforms of soil and turf; but such burlesques upon taste, cannot be admitted even as humble and unambitious substitutes for the magnifi- cent works of art, that characterized the geometrical style in its palmy days. For the purpose of illustration, I would remark, that the Capitol at Washington presents a most remarkable instance of the want of appropriate surroundings. This splendid pile of architecture is mounted upon, and supported by, a sod- ded bank. This statement may appear extravagant, but it is a visible fact. Not only is it surrounded b} r a bank of soil.