The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-03-30
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style, standing alone, either on hill or
plain. apart from other objects. would
hardly be an attractive sight. As mere
representation OF particular style of ar
chitecture, or as model Of imitation, il
might excite our admiration, but it would
not be all object on which the eye and the
imag alton could repose with satisfaction.
1t would be incomplete unless accompan'
led by such associates as the eye is ac-
customed to embrace in the full gratifica.
ton Of the sensations to which that organ
is the conductor. But assemble around
that dwelling subordinate structures, trees,
and shrubbery properly disposed, and ii
becomes an object of exceeding interest
and pleasure in the contemplation. tis.
therefore, that the particular style or out
ward arrangement of the house is but a
part OF what should constitute the general
effect; and such hsstyle lis to be consulted
only so far as it may in itself please the
taste, and give benefit or utility in the
purposes for which it is intended. Still
the architectural design should be in har-
mony with the. features of the surrounding
scenery, and is thus important in complet-
ing the effect sought, and which cannot
be accomplished without it.
A farm with its buildings, or simple
country residence with the grounds which
enclose it, or a cottage with door-yard and
garden. should be finished sections OF the
landscape of which it forms part, or at
tractive points within it; and Of conse.
quence. complete each within itself, and
not dependent upon distant accessories to
support it-an imperium IN imperio, in
classic phrase. A tower, monument, a
steeple. or the indistinct outline Of dis
tant town. may form striking feature in
a pictorial design and the associations
connected with them, or, the character in
which they are contemplated may allow
them to stand naked and unadorned by
other objects, and still permit them to fill
up in perfect harmony the picture. This
idea will illustrate the Importance of en-
bellishment, not only in the substitution OF
trees as necessary appendages to COM
plete rural establishment, but in the erec-
lion ol all the buildings necessary for oc-
cupation in any manner, in form and po-
stion, to give effect from any point of view
in which the homestead may be seen.-
General appearance should not be confin-
ed to one quarter alone, but the house and
its surroundings on every side should show
completeness in design and harmony in
execution, and although humble, and de-
voted to the meanest purposes, as por-
ton of these erections may be. yet the
character OF utility or necessity which they
III aintaiu, gives them an air Of dignity, if
not of grace. Thus, a house and out
buildings 1anked with orchards. or wood,
on which they apparently fall back for
support, fills the eye at once with not only
beautiful group, in themselves combined,
but associate the idea Of repose, of COM
fort, and abundance--indispensable re-
quisites to perfect farm Residence
They also seem to connect the house and
out-buildings with the fields beyond; which
are ofnecessity naked oftrees, and grad
ually spread theview abroad over the farm,
until it mingles with, or is lost in the gen.
eral landscape. 5 ,..5s.... < ,,.
fitbe benecessaryto build in good taste
at all, il issquite necessary that such good
taste be kept in view. throughout. A
country dwelling should always be con-
spicuous objectqin its full character and
oulliae. from one or more prominent points
Eof observation; consequently all planta-
tons Of trees or shrubbery in its immedi-
ate vicinity should be considered as aids
TO show off the house and its appendages,
instead OF becoming the principal objects
of attraction in themselves. Their dispo.
sition should be such as 70 create a per.
feet 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
disposition Of trees around the dwelling
will thus depend upon the character OF the