Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/639

 18G9.] Landscape, Decorative, and Economic Gardening. 515 feion on the edge of a fine healthy grove of oak and chestnut trees, a few of which bad apparently been removed, so that the house could be fitted, as it were, in the cleared space. An undergrowth of dogwoods fringed the plantation, in early summer, with their snowy blossoms ; a few yards in front sparkled clearly a small stream, which was spanned by a rude bridge ; the humble structure so harmonized with its natural surround- ings, that it seemed the embodiment of all the rural felicity, that is only to be realized (if pastoral poetry is truthful) "in a cottage near a wood." It attracted the attention of a gentle- man, who secured the property, for the purpose of erecting a fine mansion on the site. The position was rather low and secluded ; but these trifles were over- looked. The old house was demolished ; and building operations were com- menced. Trees had to be cut away, to give space for the more extended struc- ture. The course of the brook had to be changed, and removed to a greater dis- tance. The three story building did not associate with its surroundings, as the former tenement had done. Cellar drain- age was difficult and expensive to se- cure; and everywhere it was damp and uncomfortable. More trees had to be removed, to admit sun and air. The dog- woods had to be sacrificed. The depend- ing marginal growths, that formed so pleasing a connection with the verdant meadow disappeared ; and all the poetry of the situation vanished. The pro- prietor changed his mind, and the prop- erty changed its proprietor. Further, as affecting health, the nature of the soil should be investigated. Clay soils, especially when lying on a com- pact subsoil, that is retentive of water, are of the worst description, naturally, for the site of a dwelling. For purposes of cultivation, clay soils, properly drained and pulverized, are, in most re- spects the best of all ; but the most per- fect system of drainage will not prevent the surface from being adhesive and dis- agreeable for a time after rains, or more particularly in winter, during the thaw- ing out of frost ; clay parts with water slowly, even when drained, and compared with gravel, or sand formations, its con- stant dampness, so favorable to vegeta- ble growth in dry weather, is very objectionable, when in close contact with the walls of a house. It is true, that by cementing their exterior surface, and rubble-draining their whole depth, much of the injury from damp may be avoided ; but the walls will be colder than when set in dryer and more porous strata. The shrinkage and expansion of clays, according as they are dry or wet, is also an objection, with regard to foundation walls. If all other conditions are per- fectly satisfactory, art can do much to- wards ameliorating the physical quali- ties of the soil.; but for all purposes of human comfort and enjo3 r ment, in the immediate vicinity of a house, a light, open, porous soil is eminently to be pre- ferred. It is always desirable to secure the additional beauty and sheltering protec- tion of a natural plantation, when pro- perly situated ; but to select a building site in the centre of a grove of old trees, with a view of making them a nucleus