Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/640

 516 The Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal. [Feb. for future landscape effect, will almost invariably prove disastrous. In natural forests, the trees, in consequence of growing very closely together, have been deprived of the space necessary to full development, their trunks are long, slender, and destitute of branches. Thinning a grove of this kind is gen- erally the first step towards its exter- mination. Something may be done by gradual, judicious thinning, and topping severely those that are left, so as to favor a new growth of branches ; and I have seen an ultimate result of this treatment prove very satisfactory ; but after many years of patient, or rather impatient, waiting on the part of the proprietor. Where old trees abound, it is difficult to prepare or preserve a fine lavvn, or introduce either flowers or shrubs. The old roots prevent thorough renovating culture ; the scattering shade of the lofty trees interferes with the growth of young plants. There is a constant an- tagonism, a "struggle for existence" between the old and the new, both in regard to individual growth and land- scape effect, until either the one or the other predominates. It is no matter of doubt or uncertainty, but a settled question by all, who have any experience in remodeling or adapting old woods to modern improvements, that it is greatly preferable to commence on a naked field. A judicious selection and intermixture of rapid-growing trees, properly planted in good soil, will, in a very few years, produce the desired effects ; serve all usetul purposes ; and give more complete satisfaction, than can be derived from the accidental position and growth of natural forests, so far as regards grounds in the immediate vicinity of a residence. The character and general demeanor of the inhabitants of the neighborhood may be included in the essentials of se- lection. Persons of culture and refine- ment, who have been accustomed to the usages and privileges of educated so- ciety, cannot expect to enjoy themselves in a semi-civilized community, where they may be subjected to the petty an- no3 T ances and interferences of vulgar neighbors. Happily for us, such com- munities are rare, therefore the more easily avoided. The greater advantages of being located near a church, school- house, post-officej and telegraph station, will certainly not fail in receiving their full consideration. Tastes are so varied, and the objects and aims of individuals so widely differ- ent, that scarcely any two will be dis- posed to select precisely the same spot. Each has some particular wish to gratify. One looks for a situation well adapted to raising the various kinds of fruits, while another is anxious to secure a fertile meadow, for his contemplated stock of improved cattle. I have known a wet marsh to be purchased in connec- tion with a building site, in order to secure an opportunity of gratifying a long cherished desire to conduct experi- ments in ditching and draining ; and that marsh which had previously been utterly unproductive of any thing of value, has for many years annually produced immense crops of highly valuable fruits and vege- tables; and set an example that inaugu- rated a new era of enterprise and wealth in the locality. Local associ- ations will sometimes influence a deci- sion; and many persons have no particu- lar choice ; but are open to take uj) a cheap purchase anywhere, trusting to their purse and a kind Providence to bring every thing right in the end. The extent of property or quantity of ground necessary for a country residence will depend altogether upon circum- stances. One acre for vegetables, and another for fruits, will afford a supply for an ordinary family. The quantity devoted to pleasure-ground and lawn will be regulated, to some extent, by the size and architecture of the house ; two to four acres will generally be sufficient.