The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1853-01-25
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A dwelling house, no matter what the style,
standing alone, either on hill or plain, apart
from other objects, would hardly be an attrac-
tive sight. AS mere representation of par
ticular style of architecture, or as model OF
imitation, 1t might excite our admiration, but
would not be an object on which the eye and
the Imagination could repose with satisfaction.
1t would be incomplete unless accompanied by
such associations as the eye is accustomed to
embrace in tho full qualification Of the sensations
to which that organ is the conductor. But as
| semblcd round that dwelling subordinate struc-
lures, trees, and shrubbery properly disposed,
and it becomes on object of exceeding interest
and pleasure in the contemplation. It's there
fore, that tho particular style or outward ar
rangement of tho house is but part of what
should constitute the general effect, and such
style is to be consulted only SO far as it may in
itself please the taste, and give benefit or utli-
ty in the purposes for which il is Intended
Still, the architectural design should be in har-
mony with tho features of the surrounding
scenery. and is thus important in completing
the effect sought, and which cannot be accom-
plishcd without il.
farm with its buildings, or simple coun-
try residence with the grounds which enclose
it, or cottage with door-yard and garden.
should be finished sections of the landscape of
which il forms part, or attractive points with
in Itself, and not dependent upon distant &C
cefsjries or support it in impe,iHm In imperio,
in classic phrase A tower, a monument, a
epic, tho indis.ioot outline of q distant
town may form Il striking feature in pictorial
design, and tho associations connected with
hem, or, the character in which hoy arc con-
templated may allow them to stand naked and
unadorned by other objects, and still permit
them 10 fill up in perfect harmony the picture.
This idea will illustrate the importance Of EN-.
belishment, not only in the substitution of trees
as necessary appendages to n complete rural
establishment, but in the erection of all the bu-
ildings necessary for occupation in any manner
in form and position, to give effect from any
point Of view in which the homestead may be
seen. General appearance should not be con-
fiued to onequarter alone, bot the house aud lis
surroundings on ovcry side should show COM
pleteness in design and harmony in execution:
and although humble, and devoted to the mea-
nest purposes, as portion Of these erections
may be. yet the character Of utility or necessi-
ty which they maintain gives them an air of
dignity, il not of grace. Thus, house and out
buildings flanked with orchards or a wood, on
which they APPARENTLY fall back for support, fills
the eve at once with not only o beautiful
group in themselves combined, but associate
the idea of repose, of comfort and abundance
indispensable requisites 10 perfect farm res
idence. They also seem to connect the house
and out buildings with the fields beyond. which
are Of necessity naked Of trees, and gradually
spread the view abroad over the farm until It
NIPPLES with, or is lost in the general land
scape.
If it be necessary to build with good taste at
all. il is quite necessary that such good taste
be kept in view throughout A country dwell
ing should always be a conspicuous object in
its full character and outline, from one or more
prominent points Of observation, consequently
all plantations Of trees or shrubbery in its inn
mediate vicinity should be considered as aids
TO show off the house and its appcndages, in
stead of becoming the principal objects of at
traction in themselves. Their disposition shod
be such as 10 create perfect and agreeable
whole, when seen in connection with the house
itself. They should also be so placed as to
open the surrounding landscape to view in its
most attractive features, from the various parts
Of the dwelling. Much in the effective dispo-
sition of trees around the dwelling will thus de-
pend upon the character of tho country seen
from il, and which should control, to a great
ext tent, their position. A single tree, of grand
and stately dimensions, will frequently give
greater effect than to most studied plantations.
A ledge of rocks, in the clefis of which wild
vines may nestle, or around which mass OF
shrubbery may cluster, will add a charm to tho
dwelling which an elaborate cultivation would
fail to bestow; and the most negligent apparel
of nature in thousand ways may give char
acter which we might strive in vain to accom-
plsh by our own invention. In the efforts TO
embellsh our dwellings or grounds, and strong
natural objects with which they are associated
should be consulted, always keeping in view
an expression of the chief character to which
tho whole is applied.-[Allon's Rural Archi-
lecture. l