339 CONCLUSION. In conclusion, the author has to remind the professional person and the private gentleman, that in planning and designing both the useful and the ornamental buildings on the different parts of a domain, an appropriate situation and consistency of architectural character, as well as a good form and appearance, are at all times to be studied in connexion with the mansion, as the principal object of the picture: hence will occur the evident necessity of employing a person conversant with the practice of arranging and disposing such ornamental appendages. With regard to the picturesque, the beautiful, and the grand scenery on a domain, it has frequently happened with these appendages, (as well as with the mansion) that after they have been erected at a great expense, it has been discovered, on taking different views of them, that the design might have been far better, and the effect considerably improved, had the edifice been of a different plan and form; and that the character of the building, and style of the architecture, were neither appropriate nor in unison with the manor-house, as well as not corresponding with that of the surrounding scenery. 66 we To guard against this, and to obtain some idea of the effect and form of an intended ornamental building, recommend some poles to be erected for a rough structure, and covered with matting upon the site, and of the form and size of the proposed structure;" by observing which from various points or stations, it may then be ascertained whether the form, the height, and the magnitude accord with the surrounding scenery, and if the object be well situated with regard to its effect from more distant parts of the grounds; for at times, these ornamental objects have a good appearance upon a close inspection, but appear inharmonious when viewed from a distance. Such a situation should be chosen as shall embrace as many views as possible, and it is desirable that such embellishments should be seen from different parts of the mansion. The paramount design of these buildings is to augment the interest and the character of the scenery; therefore too much attention cannot be bestowed upon a proper situation, style, and combination of parts; the beautiful and the picturesque of nature ever occupying the mind, and directing the hand. "For various prospects gratify the sight, Rural scenery, in the grounds of a country residence, is now made to accord with the simple or the magnificent scenes which nature offers to the view; and in all the ornaments introduced, there must be an agreement with the respective scenes, at all times preserving the character of the useful and the elegant. The decorative scenery that surrounds a country mansion will therefore ever be regarded in proportion to the harmony between the scenery and the mansion. This'union can only be effected by the architectural landscape-gardener— one who unites both these qualities in himself. The various combinations of scenery that are appropriate to the picturesque cottage, the beautiful villa, the noble mansion, and the romantic castle of the baron, possess so many charms that admiration and rapture are but feeble terms to express the gratification which the cultivated mind of their owners feel and acknowledge, while contemplating those accompaniments of nature's grandest productions. To minds possessed of such good taste, we may therefore presume to hope it will not be deemed presumptive to assert, that the art of landscape-gardening where scenery is to be formed or re-modelled, may, by a judicious application of its powers, produce a harmonious whole, with that of the residence, and give an unison of character to the assemblage, not to be found in the promiscuous scenes of nature. "Alterius sic Altera poscit opem res, et conjurat amice."-HORAT. DE ARTE POET. "The works of Art are the more pleasing, the more they resemble those of nature; but mutually they need each other's help." -ROSCOMMON. |