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YALE UNIVERSITY
ART LIBRARY

DESIGN XIV.
IlESiDENCE OV Mil HEaDLEV .VEaR .\EWIiURGH.

Principal Floor— Fi^. 91

COTTAGE RESIDENCES;

SERIES OK DESIGNS

RURAL COTTAGES AND COTTAGE VILLAS,

AND THEIR"

GARDENS ANI) (I R 0 U N IJ S

ADAPTED 10

NOETH AMERICA.

BY A. J. DOWNING,
4UTH0R OP "tHB ARCHITECTURE OF COUNTRY HDUSESy" ETC.

"I long for the preservation of those pure, simple, holy tastes, which have led our couutryinen,
in all agea, to delight in the pleasant fields, in the pleasant country housBs, in the profound peace
of noble woods so favorable to high and solenm musings, and in all those healthful aud animating
eportfl and pursuits that belong to such a life."— HoMiM.

ILLUSTRATED BY NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS.

JFouttfj IBKitton, 3EletoCseti anU Jim^jrohpTi

NEW YORK:
JOHN WILEY, 167 BROADWAY.
urk.:

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1852, by
A. J. DOWNING,
In the Clerk's offlce of the Diatrict Court for the Southern District ot New York.

WITH SINCERE REGARD
TO
EOBERT DONALDSON, ESQ.
OF BUTHEWOOD, ON THE HUDSON,
Arbiter Elegantiarum

PREFACE.

A HEAKTY desire to contribute something to the improve
ment of the domestic architecture aild the rural taste of our
country, has been the motive which has influenced me in
preparing this little volume. With us, almost every man either
builds, or looks forward to building, a home for himself, at some
period of his life ; it may be only a log-hut, or a most rustic cot
tage, but perhaps also, a villa, or a mansion. As yet, however,
our houses are mostly either of the plainest and most meagre
description, or, if of a more ambitious, they are freqitently of a
more objectionable character — shingle palaces, of very ques
tionable convenience, and not in the least adapted by their
domestic and rural beauty, to harmonize with our lovely natural
landscapes. Now I am desirous that every one who lives in the country,
and in a country-house, should be in some degree conversant
with domestic architecture, not only because it will be likely to
improve the comfort of his own house, and hence all the houses
in the country, but that it will enlarge his mind, and give him
new sources of enjoyment.
It is not my especial object at this moment, to dwell upon the
superior convenience which maybe realized in our hoases, by
a more familiar acquaintance with architecture. The advan
tages of an ingeniously arranged and nicely adapted plan, over
one carelessly and ill-contrived, are so obvious to every one,
that they are self-evident. This is the ground- work of domes
tic architecture, the great importance of which is recognised
by all mankind, and some ingenuity and familiarity with practi
cal details are only necessary to give us compact, convenient.

VI PREFACE.
and comfortable houses, with the same means and in the same
space as the most awkward and unpleasing forms.
But I am still more anxious to inspire in the minds of my
readers and countrymen livelier perceptions of the beautiful,
in everything that relates to our houses and groxmds. I wish to
awaken a quicker sense of the grace, the elegance, or the pictu
resqueness of fine forms that are capable of being produced
in these, by Eural Architecture and Landscape Gardening —
a sense which will not only refine and elevate the mind, but
open to it new and infinite resources of delight. There are per
haps a few upon whose souls nearly all emanations of beauty
fall impressionless ; but there are also many who see the Beau
tiful, in nature and art, only feebly and dimly, either from the
want of proper inedia through which to view her, or a little
direction as to where she is to be found. How many, ' too,
are there, who even discover the Beautiful, in a picture, or
a statue, who yet fail to admire her, rounding with lines of
grace, and touching with shades of harmony all common nature,
and pervading silently all material forms ! " Men," says Goethe,
" are so inclined to content themselves with what is commonest,
so easily do the spirit and the sense grow dead to the impression
of the Beautiful and the Perfect, that every person should strive
to nourish in his mind the faculty of feeling these things, by
everything in his power, for no man can bear to be wholly
deprived of such enjoyment ; it is only because they are not
used to taste of what is excellent, that the generality of people
take delight in silly and insipid things, provided they be new.
For this reason, every day one ought to see a fine picture, read
a good poem, hear a little song, and if il were possible, to speak
a few reasonable words."
It is in this regard, that I wish to inspire all persons with a
love of beautiful forms, and a desire to assemble them around
their daily walks of life. I wish them to appreciate how supe
rior is the charm of that home where we discover the tasteful
cottage or villa, and the well designed and neatly kept garden
or grounds, full of beauty and harmony, — not the less beautiful
and harmonious, because simple and limited ; and to become

PREFACE. Vli
aware that these superior forms, and the higher and more
refined enjoyment derived from them, may be had at the same
cost and with the same labor as a clumsy dwelling, and its
uncouth and ill designed accessories.
More than all, I desire to see these sentiments cherished
for their pure moral tendency. " All beauty is an outward
expression of inward good," and so closely are the Beautiful
and the True allied, that we shall find, if we become sincere
lovers of the grace, the harmony, and the loveliness with which
rural homes and rural life are capable of being invested, that
we are silently opening our hearts to an influence which is
higher and deeper than the mere symbol ; and that if we thus
worship in the true spirit, we shall attain a nearer view of the
Great Master, whose words, in all his material universe, are
written in lines of Beauty.
And how much happiness, how much pure pleasure, that
strengthens and invigorates our best and holiest affections,
is there not experienced, in bestowing upon our homes some
thing of grace and loveliness — in making the place dearest
to our hearts a sunny spot, where the social sympathies take
shelter securely under the shadowy eaves, or grow and entwine
trustfully with the tall trees or wreathed vines that cluster
around, as if striving to shut out whatever of bitterness or strife
may be found in the open highways of the world. What
an unfailing barrier against vice, immorality, and bad habits,
are those tastes which lead us to embellish a home, to which at
all times and in all places we turn with delight, as being the
object and the scene of our fondest cares, labors, and enjoy
ments ; whose humble roof, whose shady porch, whose verdant
lawn and smiling flowers, all breathe forth to us, in true, earnest
tones, a domestic feeling, that at once purifies the heart, and
binds us more closely to our fellow beings.
In this volume, the first yet published in this country devoted
to Eural Architecture, I am conscious of offering but a slight
and imperfect contributioii to this important subject, which
I trust will be the precursor of more varied and complete works
from others, adapted to our peculiar wants and climate. The

vm preface.
very great interest now beginning to manifest itself in rural
improvements of every kind, leads us to believe and to hope,
that at no distant day our country residences may rival the
"cottage homes of England," so universally and so justly
admired. The relation between a country house and its "surround
ings," has led me to consider, under the term residences, both
the architectural and the gardening designs. To constitute
an agreeable whole, these should indeed have a harmonious cor
respondence, one with the other ; and although most of the fol
lowing designs have not actually been carried into execution,
yet it is believed that they will, either entirely or in part,
be found adapted to many cases of every day occurrence, or at
least furnish hints for variations suitable for peculiar circum-
.stances and situations.
A. J D.
Newbmrgh, N. Y., June, 1842.

CONTENTS.

AECHITECmiRAL SUGGESTIONa
Leadino principles of domestic architecture, anjj their importance, p. 9. The
principle of Utility or Fitness, p. 2. Value of a convenient arrangement, p. 2.
Dififerent wants in a cottage, p. 4. Labor-saving fixttres, p. 6. The mode of
construction, and materials most suitable, p. 8. Ktness in furniture, p. 11. The
principle of Propriety, or Expression of Purpose, p. 11. Featiu-es most character
istic of expression, p. 12. Iha^color-ofth«-«xterior of cottages, p. 14. Architec
ture as an art of taste aud imagination, 17. Beauty of form. The principle of
Unity, p. 18. Of Uniformity and Symmetry, p. 19. Of Harmony and Variety, p.
21. Different styles in architecture, p. 21. Relation of domestic architecture, p.
22. The most suitable styles for this country, p. 24. The sentiment of ardiitec-
ture, p. 26.

DESIGN L
A SCBUBBAN COTTAGB.
Description of the plan of the house, and its internal arrangements, p. 21.
Remarks on its external effect, p. 30. Details of construction, p. 31. Chimneys
should be placed in the inner walls, p. 32. Estimate, p. 32. Laying out the
garden, p. 33. list of creepers for a trellis, p. 34. Choice fruits for the kitchen
garden, p. 36. Training them to a trellis, p. 36. The ornamental portion, p. 37.
Sweet-scented shrubs to be planted near the windows, p. 38. Border flowers, p.
40. Care necessary to keep the whole in order, p. 41.

DESIGN IL
A^OOITAGE IN THE ENGUSH, OE EtJILlL QOTmC STUE.
Object in view in arranging the interior, p. 42. Esrplanation of the plans, p.
43. Beauty of this style of cottage, p. 45. Introduction of the veranda, p. 46.
The chimney-tops, p. 46. Construction . and details, p. 46. Estimate, p. 48.
Laying out the garden, p. 49. Trees to be introduced; disposing the kitchen-
garden, p. 51.

X CONTENTS.
DESIGN IIL
A COTTAGE IN THE POINTED, OE TUDOE STYLE.
The situation, p. 63. Size of the cottage suited to the g^^^^^litJ, °f, ^^°*^^ '"
this country, p. 64. Arrangement of the prmcipal floor, p. 54. Of the seeonA
floor, p. 68 Of the basement, p. 69. Degree of decoration to be employed.
The proper materials, p. 60. Introduction of Shutters, p. 62. Finish of the inte
rior p. 62. Details of the exterior, p. 63. The dumb waiter described, p. 63.
Estiinate, p. 66. Arrangement of the grounds, p. 66^ Sunk_ fence, or Aa-Aa p.
69 Trees most in keeping with the place, 70. Preparation of the soil for
planting trees p. 71. Arrangement of trees in the natural style of landscape
gardening, and what constitutes the art, p. 72. Flower beds, j). 73. List of the
finest hardy ornamental trees of foreign and native growth, smtable for planting
in groups and masses, p. 74. List of 42 choice fruit trees, for the orchard of this
design, p. 80.
DESIGN IV.
AN OENAMENTAL FAEM-HOUSE
Aim in this design, p. 81. Reasons why a farmer's house should be tasteful,
p. 82. Description of the first floor plan, p. 83. Of the second floor, p. 84.
Why the Rur£ Gothic style is adopted, p. 84. The material considered, p. 85.
Details of construction and the estimate, p. 86. The Ferme Ornfie, or ornamental
portion of the farm, p. 86. Trees to be employed for ornament, p. 89. The intro
duction of hedges, and the best plants for this purpose, p. 90. Rendering fences
ornamental by creepers, p. 90. Harmoni2dng the adjacent portions of the farm;
Ust of apples for the orchard, p. 91.

DESIGN V.

A OOTTAOE VILLA IN THE BEAOKETTED MODE.
Bold character of this mode of building : Its adaptation to this country and to
the South, p. 92. The plan of the principal floor, p. 93. Superior efifect of one
large apartment for the drawing-room, p. 94. The second floor, and the base
ment arrangement, p. 95. Variation of this design as constructed in wood, p.
96. Details; the chimney and porch, 99. The brackets and siding, p. 99.
Construction of the water-closet, p. 100. Estimate, p. 101. , Laying out the
ground, p. 102. The ornamental portions, the kitchen and fruit gardens, p.
104. Hints for the detached green-house, p. 104. Treatment of the hill iu the
rear, p. 106. Preparation and treatment necessary to produce a fine lawn, p.
105. The flower-beds cut in the tur^ and reasons why this is a superior me
thod of arranging them, p. 107. Treatment of the long flower borders, p. 109.
List of perennial border flowers, arranged according to their height, and period
of blooming, p. 110.

CONTENTS. n
DESIGN VL
AN IRREGULAB VILLA IN THE ITALIAN STYLE, BEAOKETTED.
Beauty of irregularity in buildings, and reasons why an irregular design will be
disliked by some, and greatly preferred by others, p. 117. Elegant domestic
features of the Italian style, p. 118. The accommodation of the principal floor
of this design, p. 118. Of the chamber floor, p. 119. Trees in keeping with the
style, p. 120. Construction, p. 120. Estimate, 121. Laying out the grounds, p.
121. Natural character of the situation, and the way in which it should be
treated, p. 122. Advantages of walks made in natural woods, p. 123. The im
portance of studying the natural expression of the place, aud of making our im
provements harmonize with it, p. 124. The orchard and fruit garden, p. 125.
List of the finest varieties of fruit, p. 126. Hints for their cultivation, and for
securing them against insects, p. 129.
DESIGN VIL
AN lEEEGULAB COTTAGE IN THE OLD ENGLISH STYLE.
Character of the old English cottage, and reasons why it should only be built
in appropriate situations, p. 131. Domestic expression, the characteristic of this
style, p. 132. Examination of the interior, p. 132. Fitting up and furnishing, p.
133. Plan of the chamber story, p. 134. Construction and details, p. 136. Care
necessary in executing a design of this kind, p. 137. Estimate, p. 138. Laying
out the grounds, p. 138. Mode of thinning out a wooded surface, p. 140. Ma
nagement of the walks, p. 141. An irregular flower garden, p. 141. A cottage in
the same style, suitable as a gate lodge to this residence, or for a small family,
p. 143. Beauty of vines and climbing plants on cottages, p. 144.
DESIGN VIIL
" VILLA IN THE ITALIAN STYLE.
Grecian and Italian architecture compared; characteristic quality of. the latter,
p. 146. Situation suitable for this villa. The terrace ; its beauty and utUity ;
union between the house and grounds, p. 146 ; exterior features, p. 147 ; of the
second floor, p. 148. Comparative cost, and the facility of making additions to
buildings in the Italian style, p. 149. Construction and details, p. 160. Estimate,
p. 161. Arrangement of the grounds, p. 161. The architectural flower garden
described, p. 162. Elegant efifect of vases, etc., in connexion with garden scenery,
p. 164. Pedestals for vases, 165. Details of the garden; construction and supply
of the fountain, p. 166.
DESIGN IX
COTTAGE IN THE rTAUAN, OE TUSCAN STYLE.
Description of this cottage ; the principal floor, p. 158. The second floor and

CONTENTS.

basement accommodation, p. 169. Arrangement of the ground, with a view to
combine utility and beauty, p. 160. The orchard and kitchen garden, p. 161.
Attached conservatory, p. 168.

DESIGN X.
A VILLA IN THE GOTHIC, OE POINTED STYLE
Character of the exterior, p. 165. Complete interior arrangement, p. 166.
The dining, drawing-room nnd library, and other apartments, of the principal
floor, p. 1B7. The second fioor and basement accommodation, p. 167. Estimate,
p. 168. Ai'rangement of the grounds; treatment of the approach, p. 168. Care
and judgment necessary in opening a wooded surface, p. 171.

DESIGN XL
A COTTAGE FOR A COUNTRY CLERGYMAN.
Actual wants of a country clergyman, p. 173. Description of the plan suggested,
p. 175. Plan of the second floor, p. 176. Effect of rustic trellis work covered
with vine, p. 177.

DESIGN XIL
A VILLA IN THE ELIZAEETHAN STYLE.
Criticism on the plan, p. 178. Improvements suggested, p. 179. Construction
and estimate, p. 180.
DESIGN XIIL
A SMALL COTTAGE FOR A TOLL-GATE HOUSE
Best position for a building of this kind with reference to the gate, p. 181.
Plan, construction, and estimate, p. 182. Gate-house of stone in a massive simple
style, p. 183. ^
DESIGN XIV.
A COTTAGE IN THE RHINE STYLE.
The residence of J. T. Headley, Esq. Style iu keeping with the Hudson High
lands, p. 184. Plan of the principal floor, p. 184; of the chamber floor p 188
Cost of construction, p. 185. ' '^'

CONTENTS.
DESIGN XV.
A CARRIAGE-HOUSE AND STABLE IN THE RUSTIC POINTED STYLE.
Exterior composition, picturesque and characteristic, p. 186. Arrangement of
the stable, &e., p. 187. Construction and cost, p. 187.

FUETHER HINTS ON THE GARDENS AND GROUNDS OF COTTAGE RESIDENCES.
Arrangement of the smaUest groimds : Two ways of laying out even the smaUest
flower garden, p. 189. Flower gardens of beds and walks; Flower gardens sur
rounded by turl^ p. 189. Selection of plants necessary in the latter, p. 189.
Advantages of employing only ever-blooming dwarf plants and China Roses, p. 190.
Tlie soil of flower gardens, p. 191. The parterre — difi'ereut examples, p. 192.
Plan of Baron Hugel's garden, p. 194. Ai-rangemeut of the flowers, p. 195. Geo
metrical flower garden, p. 197. Elizabethan flower garden, p. 198. Selection of
suitable plants, p. 199. Labyrinth in the ancient style, p. 200. Original design fo*'
a flower garden aud lawn combined, p. 201. Examples of the mode of laying out
smaU places in the French style, p. 203. Plan for the grounds of two small
adjoimng cottages, p. 205. Landscape garden of an acre in the German style,
p. 20S. Examme in the English style, p. 207. Original design for the grounds of
a suburban residence, p. 208. Essential elements of the beautiful in laying out all
places of moderate size, p. 209.

ADDENDA.
Remarks on building by contract : Disappointments that occur in the cost of
building, p. 211. How to remedy them by careful plans and specifications, p. 212.
Economy and advantage of employing the best architects, p. 214. Architectural
charges, p. 215.

COTTAGE EESIDENOES.

ARCHITECTURAL SUGGESTIONS.
" True Taste is an excellent economist. She confines her choice to few objects,
and delights to produce great effects by small means ; while False Taste is for ever
sighing after the new and rare ; and reminds us, in her works, of the scholar of
Apelles who, not being able to paint his Helen beautiftj, determined to make
her fine."
Tbdeee are certain leading principles connected with archi
tecture, which earnestly demand our attention on the verj'
threshold of the subject. In an indefinite manner they are,
perhaps, acknowledged by all iateUigent minds, but they are
only distinctly and clearly understood by those, who, having
analysed the expressions or characters inherent in various
forms and modes of building, have traced the impressions
derived, whether of utility or beauty, to their proper origio.
When the mind has arrived at this point, the satisfaction it
enjoys in an admirable work, is proportionably greater ; in the
same manner (though in less degree) as the " devout astrono
mer " enjoys, with a far more intelligent and fervent rapture,
his starry gaze, than the ignorant eye that sees only a myriad
of lights hung above to dispel the gloom of midnight.
1

2 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
As the flrst object of a dweUing is to afford a shelter to man,
the first prmciple belonging to architecture grows out of this
primary necessity, and it is called the principle of FriHESS or
usefulness. After this, man naturally desires to give some
distinctive cnaracter to his own habitation, io mark its supe
riority to those devoted to animals. This gives rise to the
principle of Expression of Purpose. Finally, the love of the
beautiful, inherent in all finer natures, and its exhibition in
certaiu acknowledged forms, has created the principle of the
Eifpression of Style. In other words, all these principles may
be regarded as sources of beauty in domestic architecture ;
Fitness being the heoMty of utility ; Expression of purpose,
the leoMty of propriety ; and Expression of Style, the heomby
of form and senlmnent, which is the highest in the scale.
We shall say a few words in illustration of our ideas on each
particular division.
Fitness., or use, is the first principle to be considered in all
buildings. Those indeed who care very little for any other
character in a dweUing, generaUy pride themselves upon the
amoimt of convenience they have been able to realize in it;
and nothing could be in worse taste than to embellish or
decorate a dweUing-house which is wantiag in comfort, since
the beautiful is never satisfactory when not allied to the true.
In a dweUing-house, our every day comfort is so entirely
dependent on a convenient arrangement of the rooms, or plan
of the interior, that this is universally acknowledged to be the
most important consideration. To have the principal rooms or
apartments situated on the most favorable side of the house
with regard to aspect, in order that they may be light, warm,
or airy, and, in respect to view, that they may command the

COTTAGE RESIDENCES. rf
finest prospects, are desiderata in every kind of dwelling. In
all climates the stormy quarters are the worst aspects, and the
fair weather quarters the best ones. Thus, in the middle
states, a south-west aspect (aU other things being equal) is the
best for the finer rooms, and a north-east the most disagreeable.
In hot climates, a north exposure may be agreeable on account
of its coolness, but in aU teinperate latitudes, a southern one is
more desirable for the entire year.
In arranging the difierent apartments of a cottage or viUa,
great variations will naturally arise out of the peculiar circum
stances, mode of living, or individual wants of the famUy
by whom it is to be inhabited. Thus, a small famUy living a
secluded Ufe, or one composed of infirm persons, would prefer
to have their sleeping apartments, their kitchen, and other
conveniences, on the same floor with the parlor or living room,
even at the expense of one or two handsome rooms, for the
sake of the greater convenience in conducting domestic afl'airs,
and the greater ease and comfort thereby realized. On the
other hand, a family fond of social intercom-se, and accustomed
to entertain, would greatly prefer, in a cottage or viUa of
moderate size, to have several handsome apartments, as a
drawing-room, library, dining-room, etc., occupying almost
exclusively the principal floor, placing the kitchen and its
offices in the basement, and the bed-rooms in the second story.
This arrangement would perhaps be less convenient in a few
respects for the family, but it would be more elegant and more
satisfactory for the kind of residence intended — each depart
ment of the house being complete in itself, and intruding itself
but little on the attention of the family or guests when not
required to be visible, which is the ideal of domestic accommo-

4 COTTAGE KESEDENCES.
dation. A kitchen on the flrst floor has the advantage of
being more accessible, and more completely under the surveil
lance of the mistress of the house, but, on the other hand, it is
open to the objection of being occasionaUy offensive in the
matter of sound, sight, and smells ; unless, in the case of large
houses, where these may be excluded by long passages and
double doors. Some famUies have a literary taste, and to
them a library would be an indispensable apartment, whUe
others, caring less for books, would in the same space prefer a
bed-room. We mention these eircumstances to show in what
a relative sense the term fitness, as regards accommodation,
must be used, and how many peculiar circumstances must be
considered before we can pronounce decidedly upon the merits
or demerits of a plan. What may be entirely fit and con
venient for one, would be considered quite unsuitable for
another. Hence the great difficulty of arranging plans exactly
to suit aU wants. And hence the importance to aU persons,
and especiaUy ladies, who understand best the principle of
convenience, of acquiring some architectural knowledge.
There are doubtless many desiring to build a cottage, who
will flnd no one of the plans hereafter submitted precisely
what they want, and this will be found to arise mainly from
their having certain peculiar wants growing out of their habits
or position, for which no artist, not famiUar with these, could
possibly provide.
There are some rules of fitness, of nearly universal appUca
tion. Thus a dining-room should obviously have connected
with it) either a pantry or a large closet, or both ; and it should
be so placed as to afford easy ingress and egress to and
from the kitchen. The drawing-room, parlor, or finest apart-

COTTAGE EESIDENOES. 0
ment, should look out on the most beautiftd view, either over
a distant prospect, if there be such, or, if not, upon the flne
home landscape of trees, lawn, or flower-garden. A library
may occupy a more secluded position, and requires less
attention to outward circumstances, as the mat&riel from
whence it dispenses enjoyment is within itself Again, there
are other minor points more generally understood, which may
be considered under this principle, and to which we need
scarcely aUude. Among these are the construction of proper
drains to the kitchen and basement, the introduction of water
pipes, cisterns, etc. A bathing room requires little space,
and may be easily constructed in any cottage, and its great
importance to health renders it a most desirable feature in aU
our houses. ISo dweUing can be considered complete which
has not a water-closet under its roof, though the expense may
yet for some time prevent their general introduction into small
cottages. In a country Uke ours, where the population is comparatively
sparse, civil rights equal, and wages high, good servants or
domestics are comparatively rare, and not likely to retain their
places for a long time. The maximum of comfort, therefore,
is found to consist in employing the smaUest number of
servants actually necessary. This may be greatly facilitated by
having aU the apartments conveniently arranged with reference
to their various uses, and stiU further by introducing certain
kinds of domestic labor-saving apparatus to lessen the amount
of service required, or to render its performance easy. Among
those which we would, from experience, especiaUy recommend
for cottages, are the rising cupboard or dumb waiter, the
speaking tube, and the rotary pump.

6 COTTAGE EESIDENOES.
The rising cupboard is only required in the case of a base
ment kitchen, and in this instance, it wUl be foimd to render
the labor of carrying the dinner to and from the kitchen much
easier than that experienced in bringing it from a kitchen on
the same floor, with less risk of broken china or dishes. The
unsightly appearance of a cupboard rising through the. floor in
a comer of the dining-room, is obviated by having it enclosed
by a fixed case, like a small side-board, and its construction we
shall show hereafter.
Speaking tubes are merely common tin tubes one and a half
inches in diameter, terminated by mouth-pieCes, one of which
is in the kitchen, the other in the desired apartment. They
wUl usuaUy only be required in two rooms, viz. the dining-
room and the famUy bedroom, and in constructing the house
they may be introduced and led through the partitions at a
very trifling cost. They save much time and labor, as by their
aid we may be able to communicate our wants in a whisper
from the chamber floor to the kitchen, and have them answered
with less loss of time than would be required by the ordinary
use of the beU only, to bring the servant to our room to leam
our wishes.
The rotary pump may be considered as supplying the place
in a cottage of the extensive arrangement of water pipes
introduced in the best mansions for supplying the upper or
chamber story with water. A rotary pump, placed in some
convenient position in the haU of the chamber floor of a
cottage, and communicating by a leaden pipe with a cistern
outside, may be said to place an abundant supply of water
within a few steps of every bedroom in that story. This it is
evident, wiU save much labor in carrying water daily, to say

COTTAGE EESIDENOES. 7
nothing of the comfort of having a fresh supply within reach
at any moment. The introduction of a complete set of water
pipes in a house is expensive, and to keep them in repair is a
considerable additional tax, but the comparative cheapness
and efficiency of the rotary pump (which is the neatest and
most complete apparatus) render it, or something of this same
description, an almost indispensable convenience in a cottage
of more than one story.
The universaUy acknowledged utiUty of closets, renders it
unnecessary for us to say anything to direct attention to them
under this head. In the principal story, a pantry or closets are
a necessao'y accompaniment to the dining or Uving room,
but are scarcely required in connexion with any of the other
apartments. Bedi'ooms always require at least one closet to
each, and more will be found convenient. One, or sometimes
two, may always be provided, in a chamber having a fire
place, by enclosing the space on one side of the chimney-
breast, and in all cottage villas or villas of good size, one or
two bedrooms should be provided with dressing-rooms attached,
which wiU be found to add greatly to the real comfort of the
apartment. Some persons, however, have such a passion for
closets, that they not imfrequently destroy aU the merit of
a plan, by cutting up the interior so as to afford them in
abundance. A plan of very moderate size wUl perhaps only
afford a few rooms of good size and proportion, which would
be injiu'ed or destroyed by cutting off many closets. It is far
better to substitute wardrobes, or movable closets, than thus
to sacrifice all space, and elegance of arrangement, to con
venience. The mode of construction, and the materials employed, are

8 COTTAGE EESIDENOES.
also comprised under the head of fitness. In this country,
from the great abundance and cheapness of wood, it has, untU
within a few years, been almost the only material employed in
constructing country houses : but as timber has grown scarcer
in the forest, it has also become dearer, untU, in many parts
of the Atlantic States, stone or brick is equally economical.
Wood is acknowledged by aU architects to be the worst
material for buUding, and should never be employed when it
is in the power of the buUder to use any other. Its want of
durability, the expense of pamting it and keeping it in repair,
and its fraUness and liabiUty to decay by the action of the
weather, are aU very serious objections to it as a material for
dweUing-houses. A cottage of wood is, from the thinness of
the exterior, necessarUy warmer in summer, and colder in
winter, than one buUt of more solid materials. Filling-in with
brick decreases this objection, but does not entirely remove it.
In point of taste, a house buUt of wood strikes us the least
agreeably, as our pleasure in beholding a beautiful form is
marred by the idea of the frailness of the material composing
that form. We are aware that the almost universal prevalence
of wooden country houses in the United States has weakened
this impression, but the strength with which it strikes an
European, accustomed to solidity and permanence in a dweU
ing, is the best proof of the truth of our remark. And even in
this country, the change of feeUng which is daily taking place
on this subject, shows very plamly in how Uttle estimation
wood wUl be held as a building material, compared with brick
or stone, by the next generation.
Brick is the next best material to wood, and is every day
coming into more general use. The waUs formed of it, if weU

COTTAGE EESIDENOES. 9
constructed, have a solidity and permanence, appropriate for a
country house, and requiring little cost to keep it in repair.
The offensive hue of red brick walls in the country is easily
removed by coloring them any agreeable tint, which will also
render them dryer and more permanent. Brick and stucco
(that is, a wall buUt of rough brick, and coated exteriorly with
a cement) is, when weU executed, one of the best materials for
cottages or viUas. It is much warmer and dryer than wood,
or even stone, and is equal to the latter in external effect, when
marked off and colored to resemble it. We have no doubt
that in a short time it will have a very general preference in
most sections of the country.*
Stone is generaUy conceded to be superior, on the whole, to
any o4er material for buUding. This is owing to its great
durabiUty and soUdity, both in expression and in reality ; and
to its requiring no trouble to keep it in repair, as it suffers
Uttle or no injury from the action of the elements.
When houses are buUt of brick or stone, the interior
plastering should never be put directly upon the inner face of
the wall, as is sometimes done by careless or ignorant mecha
nics : but the lathing upon which it is formed should always
be separated from the solid waU by what is technically called
" furring off," which leaves a space of two or more inches
* The common hydraulic cements of New York are unfit for plastering the
exterior of houses, and many persons who have only seen these employed (mixed
perhaps with dirty, instead of sharp, clean sand), suppose that all cements are
equally liable to crumble by exposure to damp and frost. The cement (or
nydraulie limes) of Connecticut and Pennsylvania are greatly superior for stucco
or external plaster, becoming, when well applied, nearly as firm and durable as
4tone.

10 COTTAGE EESIDENCIS.
between the soUd wall, and that of plaster. This vacuity is,
of course, occupied by afr, which is a better non-conductor
than any waU, prevents effectually the penetration of aU
dampness, and renders the waU warmer than would three
times the same thickness of solid material.
When we are necessarUy restricted to the employment of a
certain material, both fitness and good taste require that there
should be a correspondence between the material used and
the style adopted for the buUding. Heavy and massive archi-
tectm'e, — a temple, a castle, or a mansion, — ;should be built of
stone only, or some solid enduring substance, but cottages in
some light and fanciful styles may with more propriety be
erected in wood, that material being in harmony with the
expression of the form and outUnes. There cannot well be a
greater violation of correct taste, than to build a Gothic
casteUated viUa with thin wooden boards. It is a species of
counterfeit coin, which wiU never pass current with cultivated
minds. De Tocqueville, in his remarks on the spirit in which
the Americans cultivate the arts, says, " When I arrived for
the first time at ISTew York, by that part of the Atlantic ocean
which is called the Narrows, 1 was surprised to perceive along
the shore, at some distance from the city, a considerable
number of palaces of white marble, several of which were
built after the models of ancient architecture." His surprise
was StiU greater, however, when he went the next day to
inspect the temple that had particularly attracted his notice,
to find that its imposing portico- was supported by huge
col/amns of painted wood.
Something might be said on the subject of fitness, with
regard to the fumiture and interior decoration of our dwelUng-

COTTAGE EESIDENOES. 11
houses. There is a gi'eat charm about a country house, fitted
up or furnished simply, appropriately, and comfortably. A
profusion of mirrors, of gilding, or of chairs and sofas, too
magnificent except for show, strikes us disagreeably amid the
freshness, the sUence, and simplicity of that nature, which
quietly looks us in the face at every window of a house in the
country. The expression of pwrpose in architecture is conveyed by
features in a buUding, or by its whole appearance, suggesting
the end in view, or the purpose for which it is intended. A
church, for example, is easUy known by its spire, or a bam
by its plain large doors, and the absence of chimneys, and the
reason acknowledges a satisfaction in finding them to be what
they appear, or, in other words, with the truthfulness of their
expression. Whatever, therefore, tends to heighten expression
of purpose, must grow out of some quality which connects
itself in the mind with the use for which it is designed, and a
genuine mode of increasing our admiration of any buUding
is to render it expressive of the purpose for which it is
buUt. Although, at first thought, it would appear that pereons
would be little likely to fall into error in violating the truth
fulness of a building, yet examples do not unfrequently occur.
Some of our dwelling-houses are so meagre and comfortless in
their exteriors, that one might be fairly pardoned for supposing
them bams, and, on the other hand, we have seen stables so
decorated with green shutters and pilasters, that they have
actually been mistaken for dweUing-houses. A blind passion
for a particular style of buUding may also tend to destroy
expression of purpose. It would certainly be difficult for a

12 COTTAGE EESEDENCES.
stranger in some of our towns, where the taste for Grecian
temples prevails, to distinguish with accuracy between a
church, a bank, and a hall of justice.
Not only should the whole house have a general character
denoting the end in view, but every portion of it should be
made, as far as possible, to convey the same impression. The
various useful features entering into its composition, should all
be expressive of the end for which they are intended, and
should appear to answer their purpose. Thus large windows
indicate spacious and well ventilated apartments, and although
propriety requires the windows of the principal rooms to be
made larger than those of the chamber story, yet the latter
should not be shorn of their due proportions so as to be expres
sive of imperfect accommodation. One of the most common
errors, which of late has crept into our suburban builders'
heads, is the introduction of short attic windows into the second
or third story of their houses. However satisfactory such
dwellings may otherwise be, the expression of low and confined
chambers, conveyed by these cramped windows, destroys aU
pleasure in contemplating their exteriors.
The prominent featm-es, conveying expression of purpose
in dwelling-houses, are, the chimneys, the windows, and the
porch, veranda, or piazza ; and for this reason, whenever it is
desired to raise the character of a cottage or vUla above
mediocrity, attention should first be bestowed on those portions
of the bmlding.
The chimney tops, in all countries where fires are used, are
(decidedly expressive of purpose, as they are associated with
all our ideas of warmth, the cheerful fire-side, and the social
winter circle. The learned Bishop Hall says.

COTTAGE EESIDENOES. 13
" Look to the tower'd chimnies, wliich should be
The wind-pipes of good hospitalitie."
" In every human habitation," says Loudon, " these chimney
tops ought to be conspicuous objects, because they are its
essential characteristics. They distinguish apartments destined
for human beings from those designed for lodging cattle.
They also distinguish a dwelUng-house from a manufactory or
workshop, by their size, number, form, or disposition." As
chimney tops are thus so essential a part of dwelling-houses,
we should endeavor to render them pleasing objects, and
increase their importance by making them ornamental. The
clumsy mass of bricks^ should be enlivened and ^rendered
"elegant by varying its form, ornamenting its sides and summit,
or separating the whole into distinct flues, forming a cluster,
in modes of which there are a multitude of suitable examples
in the various styles of architecture. The chimney tops gene- ¦
rally occupy the highest portions, of tha roof, breaking., against
the sky boldly, and, if enriched,_wi.lLnot ..pnlyjncreafla. the.
expression of purpose, but add also .to the picturesquejbeauty
of the composition,
The porch, the veranda, or the piazza, are, highly charactfisr-f
istic features, and no_ dwelling-house can be considered complete {
without one or more of them. The entrance  door,, evenJn_the
humblest cottage, _should always be a conspicuous feature
in its front, and it may be rendered SQ, by. a .porclL_Qr_s:eraiida-.
of some kind, which wiU serve to keep the entrance dry and
warm in inclement weather. In aU countries like ours, where
there are hot summers, a veranda, piazza, or colonnade, is a

li COTTAGE EESIDENOES.
necessary and delightful appendage to a dweUing-house, and
in fact during a considerable part of the year, frequently
becomes the lounging apartment of the famUy. Hence a
broad shady veranda suggests ideas of comfort, and is highly
expressive of purpose. For the same reason bay or oriel
windows, balconies, and terraces, added to viUas, increase
their interest, not only by their beauty of form, but by their
denoting more forcibly those elegant enjoyments which belong
to the habitation of man in a cultivated and refined state of
society. The color of buUdings may very properly be made to
increase their expression of truthfulness. Thus a bam or
stable being regarded entirely in a useful point of view, may
have a quiet, imobtrusive tone of color, while a cottage or
vUla should be of a cheerful, meUow hue harmonizing with
the verdure of the country. A mansion may very properly
have a graver color than a cottage, to be in unison with its
greater dignity and extent. There is one color, however,
frequently employed by house painters, which we feel bound
to protest against most heartUy, as entirely unsuitable, and in
bad taste. This is white., which is so universaUy applied to
our wooden houses of every size and description. The glaring
nature of this color, when seen in contrast with the soft green
of foUage, renders it extremely unpleasant to an eye attuned
to harmony of coloring, and nothing but its very great preva
lence in the United States could render even men of some
taste so heedless of its bad effect. No painter of landscapes,
that has possessed a name was ever guUty of displaying in
his pictures a glaring white house, but, on the contrary, the

COTTAGE EESIDENOES. , 15
buildings introduced by the great masters have uniformly a
meUow softened shade of color, in exquisite keeping with the
surrounding objects.*
We shaU quote on this subject some remarks in point by
Uvedale Price, whose name is of high authority .f " One of
the most charming effects of sunshine, is its giving to objects
not merely Ught, but that meUow golden hue so beautiful in
itself, and which, when diffused as in a fine evening over the
whole landscape, creates that rich union and harmony so
enchanting in nature and Claude. In any scene, whether real
or painted, when such harmony prevails, the least discordancy
in color would disturb the eye: but if we suppose a single
object of a glaring white to be introduced, the whole attention,
in spite of all our efforts to the contrary, wUl be drawn to that
one point ; if many such objects be scattered about, the eye
wiU be distracted among them. Again (to consider it in
another view), when the sun breaks out in gleams, there is
something that delights and surprises, in seeing an object,
before only visible, lighted up in splendor, and then graduaUy
sinking into shade : but a whitened object is already Ughted
up ; it remains so when everything else has retired into
obscurity ; it stUl forces itself into notice, stUl impudently
stares you in the face. An object of a sober tint, unexpectedly
gilded by the sun, is Uke a serious countenance suddenly
¦ lighted up by a smile ; a whitened object Uke the eternal grin
of a fool." There may be a Uttle sarcasm in the tone of these
* To render the effect still worse, our modem builders paint their Venetian
window shutters a bright green ! A cool dark green would be in better taste, and
more agreeable to the eye, both firom the exterior and interior.
t Essays on the Pictures(jae.

16 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
remarks, but that they are strictly trae eveiy fine colorist wUl
admit. As it is difficult to convey in words a proper idea of deUcate
shades of color, and as we think the subject one of very
great importance in domestic architecture, we have given
specimens on the opposite page of six shades of color highly
suitable for the exterior of cottages and vUlas. A, B, and 0,
are shades of grey, and E, F, G, of drab or fawn color ; which
will be found pleasing and harmonious in any situation in the
country. Stuccoed or cemented buUdings should be marked
off in courses, and tinted to resemble some mellow stone;
Bath, Portland stone, or any other of the light free-stone
shades, are generaUy most agreeable.
A person of correct architectural taste wiU carry his feeling
of artistical propriety into the interior of his house, and confer
on each apartment, by expression of purpose, a kind of indivi-
duaUty. Thus, in a complete cottage-villa, the hall wiU be
grave and simple in character, a few plain seats its principal
fumiture; the Ubrary sober and dignified, or bookish and
learned in its air ; the dining-room cheerful, with a hospitable
sideboard and table ; the drawing-room lively or brilliant,
adorned with pictures, or other objects of art, and evincing
more elegance and gaiety of tone in its colors and furniture.
The bedrooms would be simple, or only pretty, with abun
dant ventilation, and ceUings of faU height, and not low or
contracted. We have thus sketched the ground-work upon which archi
tecture rests, fitness and expression of purpose, but architecture
which goes no further is only a useful, not a fne art. It is
only hwildmg. The trae artist breathes a Ufe and soul, wUch

B

£

F

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 17
is beauty, into the dead utilitarian materials, stone and wood,
and they speak a language that is understood as readUy as that
of animate nature. The mechanic blocks out the stone from
the quarry, he even gives to it the semblance of the human
form, but only the sculptor moulds the cold marble into a
passion or a sentiment that endures for ages, and strikes men
of speech dumb with its voiceless eloquence. A Greek temple
or an old cathedral, speaks to the soul of aU men as audibly as
could a Demosthenes. Even a Swiss chalet, with its drooping,
shadowy eaves, or an old English cottage, with its quaint
peaked gables, each embodies a sentiment in its peculiar form,
which takes hold of the mind, and convinces us that, in some
way or other, it has a living power. To reproduce the beau
tiful in this manner, and to infuse a spirit and a grace in forms
otherwise only admirable for their usefulness, is the ideal of
architecture as an art of taste, and its inspiration may be seen
here and there in some humble nook-hidden cottage, as well as
in the dome of St. Peter's.
As all the satisfaction which the reason experiences in
building as an useful art, arises from fitness and expression of
purpose, so all the delight which the imagination receives from
architecture as an art of taste, is derived from beauty of form.,
and from the sentiment associated with certain modes of
building long prevalent in any age or country.
Aside from certain styles of architecture, which have
received the approbation of all men for their acknowledged
beauty, and which are generally followed by architects, there
are also some leading rules which should govern us in
the composition of buUdings in any style, however simple,
2

18 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
because they are inherent sources of beauty, common to all
styles. The first of these is the principle of Unity, a principle of
the highest importance in all works of art. There should be
an unity of design in all portions of the same buUding,
showing, by a correspondence of its various parts, that they
aU originated in the same mind ; an unity of style, avoiding
the introduction, in an established mode, of any portions or
members not in keeping with that mode ; and an unity of
decoration, evinced in the appropriate application of enrich
ment to the whole, rather than to a single part, of an edifice.
These rules of Unity are not unfrequently violated by
ai-chitects, but always at the expense of the beauty and per
fection of their works, as no artist is superior to principles.*
The production of a whole follows as the result of attention
to the principles of Unity, and our pleasure in every work of
art is enduring, precisely in proportion as it forms a perfect
whole. Unity is the principle of Oneness, and its violation
always shocks a tasteful and consistent mind. As an example
of the violation of unity of style, we might refer to a number
of country chapels or churches, within our knowledge, where
a Grecian portico and Gothic or pointed windows occur in
the same composition ! Or to Ulustrate the like in unity of
decoration or of design, how many country dwellings haVe
we all seen, with a highly elegant colonnade in front, accom-

* " Every opportunity should be taken to discountenance that false and vulgar
opinion, that rules are the fetters of genius ; they are fetters only to men of no
genius."— Sir Joshua Reynolds.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 19
panying bare sides, without the least corresponding enrichment
in the windows !
The next principles of composition are those of Uniformity
and of Symmetry ; two words which frequently pass as syno
nymous in common language.
Uniformity in building is the repetition of the same forms,
in the different portions or sides of a buUding. " A hut may
be recognised as a work of art, however rade or anomalous
its form ; because, according to human experience, its sides,
its roof, and its door, could never have been arranged so as
to form a hut by chance. Such a hut is satisfactory as a work
of art, but nothing more ; but a hut in a square form, gives
additional satisfaction by the regularity of its figure ; which
gives an idea not only of art, but of cultivated or improved
art. There can be no doubt, therefore, that the love of regu
larity is strongly implanted in the human mind; since
regularity is the first principle which displays itself in the
works of man, composed with a view to beauty."* Hence,
those persons who have the least taste or imagination, will be
found to prefer a plain square or cube, above aU others, for a
house, as being the first principle of beauty which they are
able to discover in architecture. f
As Uniformity is the balance of two regular parts, so the
principle of Symmetry may be defined the balance of twci
* Architectural Magazine, i. 221.
t As besides this, a square or parallelogram is the most economical form in
u hich a house can be built, and as a small house does not easily permit irregularity,
we have adopted it in designing the greater number of cottages which follow, but we
have endeavored to raise them above mere uniformity, by adding such characteristic
ornaments a? to give also some variety to the compo.?itioiis.

20

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

irregular parts; in other words, uniformity in works of art
is artistical regularity, Symmetry, a/rtistical i/rregula/rity.
There are irregular buUdings without symmetry, but in aU
irregular compositions entirely satisfactory, it wiU generally
be found that there is a kind of hidden proportion which one
half of the whole bears to the other, and it is this balance
which constitutes symmetry.
A buUding may be highly irregular, it may aboimd in
variety and picturesqueness, and yet be perfectly symmetrical.
In the annexed rough sketch (Fig. 1), the pile of buUding

[Figure 1.]

represented, which is fuU of irregularity, is also symmetrical,
for if we divide it by the imaginary line a, the portion on the
right balances that on the left ; that is, though not in shape,
yet in bulk and in the mass of composition ; while in Fig. 2,
which is a uniform or regular building, the portion to the right
balances that on the left both in form and bulk. Now almost
all persons, who have not cultivated a taste for architecture,
or whose organizations are deficient in this faculty, would
prefer a regular house to a symmetricaUy irregular one,
because with them the reason only demands to be satisfied.

OOTTAGE EESIDENOES.

21

[Figure 2.]

but with more cultivated minds the taste and imagination are
active, and call for a more lively and varied kind of beauty,
and the irregular building would be chosen, as affording more
intense and enduring pleasure.
As the principles of Harmxmy, Ya/riety, &c., are intimately
connected with, and may be said to grow out of. Unity,
Uniformity, and Symmetry, we shaU not in our present limits
offer any remarks upon them.
The different styles in architecture are certain modes of
building which have had their origin in different countries,
and may be considered as standard forms of architectural
beauty. They have, almost without exception, had their origin
in some lofty enthusiasm of the age, which was embodied by
the master artists of the time, generally in the enthusiasm of
religion. To the pagan gods were reared the beautiful temples
of the Greeks, and, under the more spiritual infiuence of
Christianity, arose those Gothic cathedrals, in which the
ponderous stone was wrought in the most exquisite modifica
tions of intricacy and beauty — those cathedrals which, says
an eloquent writer, are " a blossoming in stone, subdued by
the insatiable demand of harmony in man." In like manner

22 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
the oriental style, distinguished by its mosques and minarets,
and the Egyptian, by its pyramids and cavernous temples,
have all had their origin in the same lofty aspirations of the
artist. AU domestic architecture, in a given style, should be a
'subdued expression or manifestation of that style adjusted to
j the humbler requirements of the building and the more quiet
j purposes of domestic life. Hence it would evidently be absurd
to copy a cathedral, in buUding a dwelling in the Gothic style,
or a temple in a cottage after the Grecian mode.
Nearly all the modes of buUding in modem use may be
referred to two original styles, of which they are only modifi
cations or varieties, viz. to the Grecian, in which horizontal
Unes prevail, and to the Gothic, in which vertical lines prevail ;
and there have not been wanting artists who have caught
something of the spirit and beauty of the original masterpieces
of art, and transfused them into the more domestic styles which
have grown out of these to suit the wants of civilized life.
Thus, although the pure Grecian style (the temple) was not
intended, and is not suitable for domestic purposes, the Roman
and the Italian styles, which are modified forms of it, are
elegant adaptations of its characteristic foniis to this purpose.
The Italian style, by its verandas and balconies, its projecting
roofs, and the capacity and variety of its form, is especiaUy
suited to a warm climate.
In the same manner the Swiss, the Flemish, and other conti
nental modes of buUding, with exterior galleries, and wide
horizontal comices, are all variations of this mode, only
differing in some peciUiar adaptation to the cUmate of the
country, or the customs of the people

COTTAGE EESIDENOES. 23
Neither has the Gothic been confined to the cathedral,
where, as the noblest form, it exists in its grandeur and purity,
but its beauty and picturesqueness have reappeared in the old
English styles of domestic architecture. The most perfect
examples are those of the castles and- mansions of England
of the time of the Tudors, but the whole of the cottage
architecture of England is imbued with its spirit, and the
manifestations are everywhere visible, in quaintly carved
gables or verge boards, wreathed and clustered chimneys,
beautiful windows ornamented with tracery, and numberless
other details, highly expressive and characteristic.
In adopting any style for imitation, our preference should be
guided not only by the intrinsic beauty which we see in a
particular style, but by its appropriateness to our uses. This
will generally be indicated by the climate, the site, or situation,
and the wants of the family who are to inhabit it. In a high
northern latitude, where it is evident colonnades and verandas
would be unsuitable for most of the year, the Italian or
Grecian styles should not be chosen, and in a tropical one,
the warm, solid, comfortable features of the old English
architecture would not be necessary or appropriate. In a
country like the middle portions of the United States, where
the summers are hot and the winters cold, there is sufficient
latitude for the adoption of various styles of building, and
therefore more judgment or taste is requisite in the selection.
The different styles of architecture have been very aptly
compared to different languages, employed by various archi
tects to express their ideas, and which, when perfect, alwajs
remain nearly fixed, and best express the wants of a particular
age or country. We may safely carry out this illustration, and

24 COriAGE EESIDENCES.
say that the temples and cathedrals are tbe orations and epic
poems, the dwelling-houses the famUiar epistles or conversa
tions of the particular styles.
In expressing our architectural ideas by the medium of a
certain style or language, we shall succeed best, and our efforts
wiU afford most deUght, the more nearly we approach to the
nature of the circumstances under which the style or language
originated. Thus, if we talk pure Greek, and buUd a Grecian
temple for a dweUing, we shall be little understood, or perhaps
only laughed at by our neighbors. It is not much better in the
present day to recite an epic poem by building a cathedral, or
a heroic one by constructing a castle for om* habitation. Let
us rather be more sensible, though not less graceful in our
architectural utterance, and express a pleasant, every-day
language, in an old English mansion, a Eural Gothic cottage,
or an Italian villa.
For domestic architecture, we would strongly recommend
those simple modifications of architectural styles, where the
beauty grows out of the enrichment of some useful or elegant
features of the house, as the windows or verandas, rather than
those where some strongly marked features, of little domestic
beauty, overpower the rest of the building. The Rural Gothic
style, characterized mainly by pointed gables, and the Italian,
by projecting roofs, balconies, and terraces, are much the most
beautiful modes for our country residences. Their outlines are
highly picturesque and harmonious with nature. Their forms
are convenient, their accessories elegant, and they are highly
expressive of the refined and unostentatious enjoyments of the
country. We have pointed out in another work the objections
that may fairlv be urged against the false taste lately so

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 25
prevalent among us, in building our country houses in the form
of Greek temples, sacrificing thereby the beauty of variety,
much convenience, and aU the comfort of low and shady
verandas, to the ambitious display of a portico of stately
columns ; and we are happy to see that the fashion is on the
decline. Let us hope speedily to see in its place a correct
taste springing up in every part of the country, which shaU
render our cottage homes beautiful, not by borrowing the
features or enrichments of a temple or palace, but by seeking
beautiful and appropriate forms, characteristic of domestic life,
and indicative of home comforts.
Not a little of the delight of beautiful buUdings to a culti-
vated mind grows out of the sentiw.ent of architecture, or the
associations connected with certain styles. Thus the sight of
an old English vUla will call up in the mind of one familiar
with the history of architecture, the times of the Tudors, or of
" Merry England," in the days of Elizabeth. The mingled
quaintijess, beauty, and picturesqueness of the exterior, no less
than the oaken wainscot, curiously carved furniture, and fixtures
of the interior of such a dwelling, when harmoniously com
plete, seem to transport one back to a past age, the domestic
habits, the hearty hospitality, the joyous old sports, and the
romance and chivalry of which, invest it, in the dim retrospect,
with, a kind of golden glow, in which the shadowy lines of
poetry and reality seem strangely interwoven and blended.
So too an Italian villa may recall, to one familiar with Italy ]
and art, by its bold roof lines, its campanile and its shady
balconies, the classic beauty of that fair and smiling land,
where pictures, sculptured figures, vases, and urns, in all
exquisite forms, make part of the decorations and " surround-

26 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
ings" of domestic and public edifices. A residence in the
Roman style (more suitable than the Grecian) may, by its
dignified elegance of arrangement and decoration, recall to the
classic mind the famed Tusculum retreat of Pliny. And one
fond of the wild and picturesque, whose home chances to be in
some one of our rich mountain valleys, may give it a peculiar
interest by imitating the Swiss cottage, or at least its expressive
and striking features. A great deal of the charm of architec
tural style, in all cases, will arise from the happy union
between the locality or site, and the style chosen, and from the
entireness with which the architect or amateur enters into the
spirit and character of the style, and carries it through his
whole work. This may be done in a small cottage, and at
little cost, as well as in a mansion, at great expense ; but it
requires more taste and skiU to achieve the former admirably,
although the latter may involve ten times the magnitude.

DESIGN I.
A SUBURBAN COTTAGE.

Fig. 18.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

2Y

DESIGN I.

A suburban cottage for a small family.
We have supposed this cottage to be situated in the suburbs
of a town or village, and, for the sake of illustrating the
treatment of a smaU portion of ground, we shall also imagine
it to be placed on a lot of ground 15 feet front by 150 deep,
which, at the time of commencing the building, has upon it no
trees or improvements of any description.
By referring to the plan of the first floor of this cottage,
Fig. 4, the reader will perceive on the left of the hall, the
parlor, or living-room, 16 feet by 22 feet, having in com
munication with it, a pantry and a closet for books — each
4 feet by 8 feet. On the opposite side of the hall are, the
kitchen, 14 feet by 16, and a bedroom 12 feet by 16 feet.
In the plan of the chamber floor. Fig. 5, there are four bed-

[Figure 5.]

28 COTTAGE RESIDENCES.
rooms of good size, and one of small dimensions. Sufficient
cellar room will be obtained under the living-room, closets,
and haU, and it wiU not therefore be necessary to excavate for
this purpose under the kitchen and first floor bedroom ; a
circumstance which wiU lessen the expense in building the
foundation walls.
This simple cottage wiU be a suitable one for a small family,
when the mistress wishes to have the management of the
domestic affairs directly under her own personal care and
supervision. In such a case it is indispensable to have the
kitchen on the same floor with the living-room, though, if
possible, not opening directly into it ; as in the latter arrange
ment, the smell arising from the cooking would be ih
unpleasant proximity to the living-room. We have therefore
placed it on thq opposite side of the hall, though but a few
steps from the living-room. In a cottage of this description,
the master and mistress wiU generaUy prefer to have their
own bedroom on the first floor, and we have accordingly placed
it opposite the living-room.
Although this cottage is of very moderate size, yet, to a
family of smaU means, leading a comparatively retired life, it
will afford a great deal of comfort, and even a considerable
degree of taste or neatness. The parlor or living-room is com
paratively large; its outline is agreeably varied by the bay
window opposite the fire-place — and the closet of books con
nected with it, indicating a certain degree of mental cultivation,
may very fairly stand in the place of the library which forms
one of the suite of apartments in a larger cottage or viUa. On
the other hand, the pantry opening into the same apartment
renders it equally eUgible and convenient as a dining-room.

COTTAGE Ei:SIDENCES. 29
However large our dweUing-houses may be, including every
grade from a cottage to a palace, if they are occupied by a
family of moderate size, it will be found that more than one
room is seldom used at a time, and that all the actual comforts
of domestic life may be reaUzed in a cottage of this class,
containing only a single parlor or living-room, as well as in a
mansion of a dozen apartments. " I must confess," says Cow
ley, "I love littleness almost in all things. A little cheerful
house, a little company, and a very little feast." Whatever is
necessary beyond this, arises either from a desire to enjoy a
more luxurious style of living, or from the wish to entertain a
larger circle of friends. Now as none of these are supposed
to come within the wishes or means of the inmates of a cottage
like the present, its accommodation will be found ample. And
supposing one or two of the attic chambers occupied by
younger members of the family, and another by a domestic
or domestics, there wUl still remain a " spare room " which
we shall suppose always neat and clean, ready for the friend
or stranger who may enjoy the cordial welcome of the cot
tage. In building this cottage, the kitchen should be provided
with a brick drain, leading from the sink to some large drain
at a distance from the house, or, in case this is impracticable,
to a reservoir dug at a distance of forty or fifty feet from
the house in a graveUy stratum, where the drainage may lose
itself in the soil. This reservoir may be of the size of a
cistern of ordinary capacity, the sides built up with a dry
wall, the top covered by flag stones, and the whole finaUy
covered by soil. In order to prevent smells arising to the
kitchen from the drain, it must be provided with a smell-trap,

30 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
which is easily constructed. If the water from the weU, or
cistern, or both, is introduced by a leaden pipe and smaU pump
into a corner of the kitchen over the sink, it wiU add still
further to the convenience of performing the culinary labor of
the dwelling.
As regards external effect, we think this cottage wiU be
aUowed to be very pleasing to the eye. Aside from any
other quality, its uniformity wiU be a source of satisfaction
to a larger class of persons who do not reUsh irregularity
in any building. There are also several features entering
into the composition of this cottage, which give it ,at once
the air of something superior in design to ordinary buUdings
of the same class. The first of these is the veranda, orna
mented by brackets between the supports, which shelters the
entrance-door, and affords an agreeable place both for walking
in damp or unpleasant weather, and to enjoy a cool shaded
seat in the hotter portions of the season. The second feature
is the projection of the eaves, with the ornamental eave-board,
which serves to protect the exterior more completely than any
other form against the effects of storms, and gives character by
its boldness and the deep shadows it casts upon the building.
The chimney tops are rendered sufficiently ornamental to
accord with the degree of decoration displayed in the other '
portions of the cottage; and something of the bracketted
character is kept up in the dressing of the windows and door-
fi-ames. The projecting dormer-window adds beauty and gives
importance to the entrance front.
If we suppose this cottage, stripped of its projecting eaves,
its bracketted veranda, its dormer-window, and the little deco
ration visible in the chimney tops and other details, we shall

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

31

have a building in the form of a parallelogram of the very
plainest description. Such a building would be distin gulshabla
from a barn or outhouse only by the presence of chimneys and
windows of larger size, and would convey to the mind no
impression whatever of refinement in its occupants. By a
trifling additional outlay at the time of building, amounting to
from 7 to 10 per cent, on the whole cost, such a plain dwelling-
may be made the ornamental cottage shown in Design I.,
which we think would strike every observer as being tasteful
and agreeable to the eye.
Construction. This cottage, being light and somewhat
fanciful in its character, may be built
of wood filled in with brick. The
roof should project 20 inches or 2
feet, and the roof of the veranda
in proportion. A portion of this
veranda is shown in Fig. 6, and a
section of the pUlars or supports in
Fig. T, z. The ornamental cornice,
which surrounds the buUding, is shown more
in detaU at y ; the pendant portion being cut
out of inch board, and the points terminated
by acorns turned, and naUed on. The detaUs
y and z, are to the scale of one half of an inch
to a foot.
Brick-and-cement would be a very suitable construction for
this cottage, as the projecting roof would afford perfect security
for the dryness and preservation of the walls. In this mode
of building the roughest bricks may be used, and are really
preferable, as affording a better surface for receiving and

32 COTTAGE EESIOENCES.
retaining the stucco than smooth ones. In many districts,
where bricks are easUy obtained, this kind of building will be
found as cheap as wood.
It will be observed that in this design and the seven others
that follow, we have placed the chimneys in the interior, not
in the exterior walls, a point of considerable importance, which
is greatly overlooked by our builders. When a stack of
chimneys is built in the outer walls, it seldom continues warm
during the whole twenty-four hours, as it parts with its heat
rapidly to the cold external air. Now as a good draught
depends, in a gi-eat degree, on the warmth of the column of
air, and this upon the heat of the chimney, it is evident that
chimneys in the interior of a house must draw better than in
! the exterior walls. Besides this, a great deal of heat is reta.ined
iu the body of the house by carrying the stacks of flues through
it. And in point of external effect, it is much more pleasing
to see the chimney tops rising from the apex, or highest part '
of the roof, than from its lowest edge.
Estimate. The estimated cost of this cottage, finished in a
neat and suitable manner, is $1800. This, as well as the
estimates which follow, is intended to apply to the majority of
situations in the middle and eastern states, where timber is
comparatively scarce, and bricks of second quality suitable for
stuccoing upon, are worth about $4 per 1000. In districts
where wood is much cheaper, the cost of erection would be
much less if this material were wholly employed.
Laying out the ground. As this cottage is decidedly orna
mental in its character, it may fairly be presumed, that it
would be required that a considerable portion of the limited

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

33

34 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
ground nearest the house should be rendered ornamental also.
In the suburbs of a town or village, the more common kinds
of vegetables may generally be purchased as cheaply as they
can be raised by the inmates of such a cottage. The more
delicate kinds of fruit, and a few of the earlier or finer kinds
uf vegetables, may however be produced, of fine flavor, and
with more satisfaction to the proprietor, on the spot. We
have therefore devoted one third of the area of the lot, Fig. 8,
to the kitchen garden «, and the remaining two thirds wUl
remain to be occupied by the house, and for ornamental
purposes. In order to separate these two portions, and to
prevent the eye of a person looking from the house, or any
of the walks across the little iawn b, from seeing the kitchen
garden at the same time with the ornamental portion, we
shall place an ornamental trellis across the lot at c, which may
be covered by the following vines, remarkable for the beauty
of their foliage and flowers, or for their fragTance, viz :
2 Chinese Twining Honeysuckles, blooming in June and October.
2 Monthly Fragrant "" May to November.
1 Yellow Trumpet '• May to November.
1 Red " " May to November.
1 Sweet Scented Clematis, August.
1 Virginian Silk, or Periploca, July.
1 Chinese Wistaria, May.
1 Climbing Boursalt Rose, June.
2 Double Michigan Roses, May to December.
These, after a couple of years' growth, wiU form a ver
dant barrier, which in no season, except winter, will be
without fiowers. Across the walks leading into the kitchen

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 35
garden, the lattice fence may be continued in the form of light
gates, and the vines may be trained so as to form archways
overhead. Around the exterior of the kitchen garden is a border 6 feet
wide, which wUl be an excellent situation for a few choice
ti-uit trees; because, if planted on this exterior border they
will not shade the beds devoted to vegetables, which, if
planted in the middle of the compartment, they would soon
do to such an extent as to render the situation unfit for raising
a crop of any kind. On the right hand border, which is the
warmest aspect, we would advise the planting of some grape
vines, which may either be trained to the fence, or to a trellis
placed four or five inches from the fence. These vines may
consist of a Catawba, an Isabella, an Elsingburgh, and a
Bland's Virginia, all hardy varieties, very productive, and
requiring little care. On the other two outer borders, there
will be sufficient room for one tree of each of the fol
lowing fruits, viz. a Bartlett, a Seckel, and a D'Aremberg
Pear ; a George the Fourth and a Snow Peach ; an Imperial
Gage and a Jefferson Plum; a Mayduke and a Downer's
Late Red Cherry, and a Moorpark Apricot. In the same
borders, and beneath these fruit trees, strawberries may be
planted, making a bed about one hundred and twenty feet
long, which, if kept in good condition, will be sufficient to
supply a small family with this delicious fruit. The border
to the right, containing the grape vines, we shall suppose
(except immediately aroimd the vine) to be kept in grass, in
¦which neat posts are set at the distance of twelve feet apart,
for the purpose of stretching a line for drying clothes upon.
These posts being half way between the frame or trellis.

' 36 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
upon which the grapes are trained, and the walk, the line
would be easily commanded by a person standing upon the
walk. The space devoted to culinary vegetables, we have
merely indicated by beds four feet wide on the plan, leaving
the occupant to apportion the same to their various uses,
premising that the large bed in the centre, at a, is intended
for asparagus ; the three smaUer ones, d, for sweet herbs ;
and the long bed, x, behind the trellis, covered by ornamental
vines, for the esculent rhubarb, which is so valuable an article
for tarts or pies, that no cottage garden, however smaU, should
be without it.
Such a thing as a wall for fruit trees, in a cottage garden,
is nearly unknown in the United States, and therefore we
need say nothing respecting training them to a wall. But
a cottage garden is usually surrounded by a neat board
fence or paling, painted some drab or inconspicuous color,
and as the number of finit trees that could be judiciously
planted here, is smaU, we would strongly advise the owner
of this garden to train the branches to this fence, or to
a trellis formed by nailing narrow strips of board, treUis-
like, at a distance of four or five inches from the fence.
The luxuriance and fruitfulness of trees planted as ordi
nary standards, in most parts of the country, is the very
obvious reason why, except in gardens of the first class,
a trained tree is so rarely seen ; but, on the other hand,
the superior size and beauty of the fruit raised in this
way, make it an object of considerable importance, when
the number of trees is small. Besides this, the trees occupy
so much less space, interfere so little with the growth of
anything else that may be near or under them, and are

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 31'
80 much more completely under the control of the gar
dener, that we are certain they would, if trained, afford ten
times the satisfaction at all times, beyond that derived from
standard trees, cultivated, or, rather, left to grow, in the usual
manner. Proceeding now to the ornamental portion of the ground,
we shaU suppose the outer border, e, to be planted with a
smaU mixed coUecton of handsome trees and shrubs, of such
varieties as may be easily and cheaply procured. The trees
may be planted at considerable distances, as a very few, when
they have attained some size, will be sufficient for this limited
surface. In the intermediate spaces, room will be found for
quite a variety of shrubs, interspersed with several sorts of
hardy roses. In the centre of each of the two small circles
fronting the l^ouse, we wUl place a Norway spruce, one of the
finest evergreens in this climate, as it preserves its rich green
verdure unimpaired throughout the coldest winter. These firs,
¦with two or three additional evergreens in the swell of the
front border, will give a cheerful aspect to the entrance front
of the cottage, during the winter months.
The border marked f, in the plan, that directly surrounds
the building, should be laid down in turf, which, if kept short,
will be much more pleasing and satisfactory than if kept in
a raw state by cultivation,- — ^partly from the greater appearance
of permanence in a turf border, and partly from its greater
neatness at aU seasons. In this turf border may be planted a
few choice shrubs, or roses, selecting such as are remarkable
for beauty of leaf and flower, or for their fragrance ; as from
their nearness to the windows, the latter may be enjoyed in the
summer, while the windows are open through the whole house.

38 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
There are about a dozen of these shrubs indicated on the plan
which we shall suppose to be the following : Blooms iu
2 Pink Mezereon (Daphne Mezereum), March.
2 Sweet Scented Shrub {Calycanthus florida), June.
2 Baron Prevost Rose {Rosa Champneyana), June to Nov.
2 Fragrant Clethra (Clethra alnifoUa), August.
2 Purple Magnolia (Magnolia obovata), April.
2 Missouri Currant (Rihes aureum), April.
These are all deliciously fragrant when in flower, and some
of the number will be in bloom during the whole gro-sving
season. Quite an area, b, in the rear of the house, is devoted to a
lawn, which must be kept close and green by frequent mow
ings, so that it will be as soft to the tread as a carpet, and that
its deep verdure will set off the gay colors of the flowering
plants in the surrounding beds and parterre. This little lawn
is terminated by an irregular or arahesgue border g, varying in
width from four to fourteen feet. The irregular form of this
border is preferable to a regular one on account of its more
agreeable outline, and more especially for the reason that, to a
person looking across the lawn from any part of the walk near
the house, this variety of form in the boundary increases the
apparent size of the area of turf which it incloses. To give
still further variety and effect, we have introduced also the
two small beds, h and i, cut in the turf; the former of which
may be planted with monthly roses of any free-blooming
sorts, and the latter may be filled with mignonette by sowing
the seeds annuaUy in April. The monthly roses wiU be
covered with bloom aU the season, and will stand the winter

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 39
perfectly well in the open air aiivwliei-e south of Albany with
the trifling care of throwing a little straw, or litter, over them
at the approach of winter, to protect them against the changes
of temperature.
It will be remembered that the kitchen garden is kept out
of view to a person standing at b, by the trellised screen c,
covered with a luxuriant wreath of honeysuckles and other
climbing plants, sis or eight feet in height. We shaU next
suppose the arabesque border g, devoted to a misceUaneous
collection of perennial flowering plants, or herbaceous plants,
as they are generally termed, arranging them so that those
of a few inches in height shall be near the front margin of
the border, those of a larger size next, and so gradually
increasing in size untU the largest growing ones, perhaps
three feet in height, shall be at the back of the border and
furthest from the eye. It is not necessary to have costly
varieties of plants, or a large collection, to render this
border a handsome object to look upon, but on the contrary
a few well selected species, which may be procured for a
trifling sum from a nursery, or the greater part of which
may be had from the garden of some neighboring amateur,
will serve to render this border rich and beautifiil, in leaf
and blossom, aU the season. In the description of Design
v., we shall give a list of the most ornamental varieties of
border perennials, from which the reader may choose for thie
or any other garden. If, however, the occupant of this cottage
should desire to be at Uttle or no cost for border flowers.
and still should wish to produce a considerable effect, it may
be done by planting the bed with masses of the following
showy perennials : —

40 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
Double red Ragged Robin (LyncMsflns-cuculi).
Orange Chelone (Chelone barbata).
Chinese Pinks (Dianihus sinensis).
Bee Larkspur (Delphinium elatum).
White Lily (Liliutn candidum).
Japan White Lily (Hemeroallisjaponica).
Early White Phlox (Phlox suaveolens).
Late Purple Phlox (Phlox autumnalis).
Fragrant Blue Violet CViola odorala).
Blue Omphalodes (Omphalodes verna).
Chinese White and Rose
Poeonias (Pcsonia uihitlejii and fragrans).
Hearts-ease or Pansy (Viola tricolor).
Or, as a few seeds of ornamental annuals are easily and
cheaply procured at the seed shops, the variety may he
increased by sowing the seeds of twenty or thirty species of
the latter, in the spaces that would be left between the masses
of herbaceous plants, taking care to arrange them with regard
to height, in the same manner as the perennials, as otherwise
the taller plants near the eye would hide the smaller and more
deUcate ones at the back of the border.
We trust the reader who has followed us in our description,
¦wUl acknowledge that this cottage, with its moderate accom
modations and small lot of ground, may be made productive of
a considerable degree of interest and beauty, as well as comfort
and enjoyment. There is nothing in the plan of the house or
garden, that may not be realized by a family living upon a
very smaU income, provided the members of the family are
persons of some taste and refinement, who appreciate the value
and pleasure of such a residence, sufficiently to take a strong
personal interest in it. The master of the premises we shaU

COTTAGE EESIDENOES. 41
suppose capable of managing the kitchen garden, the fruit
trees, the grass, and the whole of the walks himself, with
perhaps the assistance of a common gardener, or laboring man,
for a day or two, at certain seasons of the year. The mistress
and her daughter, or daughters, we shaU suppose to have
sufficient fondness for flowers, to be willing and glad to spend
three times a week, an hour or two, in the cool mornings and
evenings of summer, in the pleasing task of planting, tying to
neat stakes, picking off decayed flbwers, and removing weeds
from the borders, and all other operations that so Umited a
garden may require.
A love for these floral occupations, so simple and so natural,
that in aU times and countries they have been the delight of
the highest, as weU as the lowest, insensibly gains upon us as
we become interested in the gro-wth of plants and the develop
ment of the varied foi-ms of beauty and grace with which every
leaf, tendril, and blossom is replete ; and the exercise involved
in the pursuit, thus soon becomes, also, a source of pleasure
and mental satisfaction, and is not, as in many other cases, an
irksome duty performed for the preservation of bodily health.

42 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

DESIGN II.
A cottage m the English or Ru/ral Ooihic Style.
The object in view in designing this cottage is internal
convenience. There are many families mainly composed of
invalids, or persons advanced in years, who have a strong
preference for a plan giving the kitchen, and at least one
bedroom, upon the same floor with the living-rooms, and in
which there is little or no necessity for ascending or descending
stairs ; an exercise which, though of little consequence to the
young and robust, is of all others the most fatiguing to the
infirm, or those in delicate health.
A glance at the plan of the first fioor, opposite. Fig. 10, wiU
show how we propose to realize this kind of accommodation
in this dwelling. The kitchen is a wing, added in the rear, of
one story in height. The situation on which this dwelling is
placed, has a prospect in one direction only, and the front,
shown in the elevation, commands this view, the rear being
nearly hidden by trees. On this front are situated two pleasant
apartments, each lY by 20 feet, opening from the vestibule or
entrance haU, by large double doors, which, when fully opened,
will throw these two rooms and the vestibule into one lai-ge
apartment. Some elegance is conferred on the parlor by
tlie bay window, after the old English mode, projecting

iii:siGN II.
.\ cori-Auc i.\ Tilt; i;MiLi.-iii oil uiiiiM. ciui'iiic si'Vl.t'..

Jfc ^-~

Fif. 10.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 43
on the right side, which is balanced by a double window
opposite in the dining room. We would recommend the
employment of a few large windows in the principal apart
ments, as there is an appearance of pettiness, and a want
of breadth, in rooms full of little windows, which is so
common a feature in our country houses. It is always
preferable, also, to light a room from two sides only,
rather than three, as nothing is more unfavorable to the
effect of interiors, than cross lights proceeding from every
direction. The living-room, or library, commands a pantry of con
venient size, in the rear of which is a closet opening intc
the hall. This hall is of ample size to serve as a dining-
room, and this disposition would doubtless be preferred
during at least part of the year, as it woiUd allow the
apartment on the left to be devoted entirely to a library.
To make an entra/nce hall a dining apartment, is a very
objectionable, though not miusual mode ; as visitors, chanc-
insr to call at the dinner hour, cannot be shown into the
parlor without passing the table, and perhaps discomposing
the whole family. But in the present case, the door being
closed between the entrance or vestibule and the dining
hall, the table, a, and persons seated about it, would be
completely private. There is a glazed back door opening
to the rear of the house, near the left angle of this hall,
and a door opening into the kitchen passage, b, on the right,
and the hall also receives light from the window over this
door, in the second story. This passage is formed by running
a solid partition across the kitchen building, so as to admit of
two doors, in order to prevent smells ; one, an ordinary door

44

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

opening into the hall, and the other a fly or spring door
opening into the kitchen. This partition also gives room foi
the introduction of two convenient closets, one for the kitchen,
and another for the bedroom.
In the plan of the second floor. Fig. 11, we have two large

S£CON D

OOR

[Fig. 11.]
and two smaU bedrooms. There is a dressing-room and closet
communicating with the small bedroom on the left, and a
closet for linen opening into the hall. The ceUar plan is not
given, as this would be very simple, and would probably not
be required larger than the main building. Access would be
had to it by steps going down under the stone platform of
the stoop on which the hall, back door, and the kitchen door
open ; and by stairs descending under the ascending staircase
in the hall.
The elevation of this cottage is in the English cottage
style, so generaUy admired for the picturesqueness evinced

COTTAGE EESIDENOES. 45
in its tall gables ornamented by handsome verge boards
and finials, its neat or fanciful chimney tops, its latticed
windows, and other striking features, showing how the
genius of pointed or Gothic architecture may bei chastened
or moulded into forms for domestic habitations. The steep
roofs are highly suitable for a cold country liable to heavy
snows. A very pleasing mode of covering roofs of this
kind is shown in the elevation, and the effect is produced
by procuring the shingles of equal size, and cutting the lower
ends before laying them on, in a semi-hexagon, or semi-octagon
shape, so that when laid upon the roof, these figures wiU be
regularly produced.
The English cottage style wUl admit of great irregu
larity and picturesqueness of outline, and is productive of
beautiful effects when the composition forms a large group
of building. In the present example we have only been
able to show one of the simplest of its forms, which,
however, is not destitute of expression of style. In the
English examples, a veranda is rarely seen, as the damp
ness of their climate renders such an appendage scarcely
necessary. But its great utility in our hot summers makes it
indispensable to every house, and we have introduced it on the
entrance front, as affording in this position shelter, prospect,
and an agreeable promenade. Over the porch is a pleasant
balcony for the pointed window in the gable. As the spirit
of Gothic architecture Ues in vertical lines, a long unbroken
horizontal line of veranda would destroy or mar the architec
tural character of the cottage.
We have, therefore, made the veranda two or three feet
shorter at each end than the front, and have further broken the

46 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
horizontal line, by the porch-balcony, to the window in the
front gable.
One of the most characteristic and beautiful features in
rural Gothic architecture, is the omamental chimney shaft,
sometimes rising singly, sometimes in clusters from thereof;
often plain and square, or octagonal, but frequently wreathed
and moulded in the most picturesque manner. The finest
specimens of the old English chimneys are built of bricks,
cast in moulds for the purpose, or stamped with ornaments.
These bricks were until lately so highly taxed in England,
as to render them as expensive as cut stone, but they may
be made very cheaply here.* We have buUt neat chimney
shafts in an octagonal form of common bricks, by cutting
them with a trowel in the desired form, and rubbing the faces
smooth on a hard sand-stone, before laying them, but this is
more expensive than to employ bricks ready moulded for the
purpose. Chimney tops of artificial stone in handsome forms
may also be had of various manufacturers in! our principal
cities, but they will seldom stand our trying climate at the
north. Construction. This cottage should be built of brick and
icement, colored in imitation of Bath or Portland stone ;
or of smooth brick, colored after some of the soft neutral
tints described in a former page ; or of quarried stone.
The window frames, the porch, and veranda, and the verge
board, may be made of good seasoned wood, painted the
¦* We trust that by the time this volume is out of press, some of our brickmakers
will be able to offer moulded bricks of a variety of patterns, as the demand for such
08 every day increasing.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

47

same color as the walls, and sanded ; or they may be
grained in imitation of oak. Real

oak would be preferable where eco
nomy is not an object. The label
or drip-stones to the window may
be made of moulded brick, or cut
free-stone after Fig. 25, of the next
design. These -windows are latticed
casement windows, the plan and sec
tion of which are shown in Fig. 12.

[Fig. 12.J

In the gable. Fig. 13, the
roof or cornice of which should
project at least twenty inches
over the wall, is shown a spe
cimen of feathered tracery
from one of the best examples,
with its pinnacle and pendant.
This may be cut out of thick
plank,* and if thought too
elaborate, may be simplified
by omitting the minor details.
If well executed it will have a
rich effect.
The porch and veranda are shown in detail in Fig. 14 ; the
detached portion on the right showing a part of the veranda
cornice, and that on the left a portion of the clustered column.
(The sections of which are seen at the lower ends of the
drawing.) » Never (as is sometimes done by ignorant carpenters) out of inch boards.

[Fig. 13.

48

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

[Fig. 14.]

Fig. 15 shows a pair of chimney shafts in
the old English style, which may be had in
artificial stone, or cast iron. A great variety
of forms are frequently collected together in the
same stack.
The shutters should be inside box shutters,
or shutter-bUnds, painted and grained in imita
tion of oak.
Estimate. The cost of this cottage in brick-
and-stucco (bricks at $4) would be $4500.
[This design has been executed in various parts of the
country — sometimes for a trifle more, but in several instances
for less than this estimate. It has lately been very carefully
carried out in a residence on Staten Island, N. T. -with elabo
rate detaUs, for $4800. — Uh Edition.]

[Fig. 15]

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 49

LATING OUT THE GAEDEN OF DESIGN H.
The situation where it is proposed to buUd this cottage, is
about a mile from a country town, and the area of surface for
the whole purpose is about an acre and a fourth. This lot of
ground is bounded by a street both in the front and rear. The
entrance is at a y the dwelling at b / the stable at c. One half
of the whole surface, viz. that portion represented by right
lined plots in the rear of the house, is devoted to a garden for
fruits and vegetables, and the whole remaining portion, com
prising the space in front and at the sides of the house, is laid
out as a lawn, shrubbery, and fiower garden, in the pictm-esque
manner. The carriage road, leading to the front door and to
the stable, is shown at d ; e, designates irregular beds cut in
the turf, and stocked with annuals and perennial fiowers ; f a
thick shrubbery belt, composed of syringos, mountain ashes,
and lilacs, interspersed with the balsam fir, and arbor vitse, to
give a cheerful appearance in winter. In the rear of the
kitchen are planted two or three hemlocks and larches. Two
plots of grass for bleaching and drying clothes are shown at g.
In the ornamental garden before the house, the whole
surface, excepting the walks, and the fiower beds, e, is to be
laid down in turf, and kept neatly mown. This turf will give
an appearance of much greater extent to the area than it could
possibly have by any other arrangement, while it will be more
agreeable to the eye through the whole year, than any exten
sive disposition of parterre, or flower beds, directly under the
eye. A fresh verdant lawn, varied only by walks and green
trees, is a delightful object at all seasons, and more especially
in the middle of summer; while at the latter period flower
3

50

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

[Fig. 16.]

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 51
beds have frequently a dry and parched appearance, but
poorly compensated for by the brilliancy of a few plants in
bloom, which scarcely hide the surface.
The spiry topped trees shown in these plots, are chiefly the
European Larch and the Balsam Fir, with one or two White
Pines, all of which harmonize well with the architecture of the
cottage. Among the round-headed trees we will only particu
larize the Osage Orange {Madura aurantiaca), the Umbrella
Magnolia {M. tripetala), the Weeping Ash {Fraxinus excelsior,
penduld), and the Silver Maple {Acer dasycaipuiri). Among
the shrubs forming little thickets along the walks, we would
introduce the Mezereon and the Cornelian Cherry, the pink
and yellow fiowers of which appear in March ; the scarlet and
blush Japan Quince {Cydonia Japonica), the pink and double
white Hawthorns, and the purple and white fruited Strawberry
Trees {Euonymus europeus).
The walks should all be well gravelled ; the carriage road
being first excavated twelve inches deep, and one half the
depth on the bottom .filled with small stones, in order to have it
dry and firm at all seasons.
In the kitchen garden, the borders on the sides of the central
\valk, /i, are occupied by two rows of currants and gooseberries.
The currants are the Large White and Red Dutch, and the
Naples or Black English. The gooseberries are half a dozen
of the best English sorts. Both currants and gooseberries must
be kept well trimmed and thinned, to admit the air freely to
every part of the plant, and the borders should be annually
manured, as they require a rich soU to produce large fruit.
On one side of the cross walk, i, is a border devoted to rasp-

52 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
berries, and planted with the large Red Antwerp, and the
White Antwerp, in equal quantities.
Within the boundary fence of that half of the area com
prising the kitchen garden, is a border, fourteen feet -wide on
the sides, and twice that width on the rear, devoted to a small
number of choice fruits. The walk, j, is covered by an arbor
for grapes, and may contain, besides the native sorts, Catawba,
IsabeUa, etc., a few vines of the Royal Muscadine, Sweet
Water, and Black July, which are among the hardiest and
most productive of the foreign varieties. Nearly all the foreign
grapes require much cafe to be raised in the open air. For a
year or two after they come into bearing, the crops, it is gene
raUy remarked, are good, and the fruit fair; but in a few
seasons more, the mildew attacks the fruit, and frequently
destroys every bunch, or renders it worthless. The most
successful practice for out-of-door culture, appears to consist in
laying down some of the long thrifty shoots each season, so as
to have every year, or every other year, a succession of new
roots — destroying those that have borne two good crops, and
allowing the young rooted plants to take their place. Lime
and marl are excellent manures for the grape.

DESIGN III
A C0TT.\i;E in the pointed or Tl'ODR STVLE.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 53

DESIGN III.
A cottage in the Pointed, w Txidm^ style.
This edifice is designed for a situation on the bank of one
of our boldest rivers. From its site, the eye wanders over
a richly cultivated country, dotted and sprinkled with luxuriant
groups of wood ; the wide, lake-like expanse of water, the
sails floating lazily on its bosom, the tufted fringes of trees
and shrubs in the foreground, and the distant hazy summits
of blue in the horizon, are all fascinating elements of the
beautiful, which make up the view from the point of its
location. As in many of our finest natural situations for
residences, nature has done so much here to render the scene
lovely, that it would appear that man had only to borrow a
few hints from the genius of the place, and the home features
would all be rendered equally delightful. But how frequently
do we see those who seem incapable of reading the wide and
ever eloquent book of natural beauty, deforming its fair pages
written in lines of grace and softness, by rigid lines, and hard
mathematical angles, only too plainly indicative of the most
primitive and uncultivated perceptions. Let us hope, by
studying the character of the whole scene, to succeed better in
improving a very small portion of it.
The arrangement of the cottage we propose for this place,
differs from the previous ones, in having the principal floor

54 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
devoted almost entirely to pleasant apartments; the kitchen
being below, and the bedrooms above stairs. This renders
the whole air of the house somewhat elegant. A cottage
Uke this, although of moderate size, in the hands of a family
of taste, may be made to produce a beautiful effect. WhUe
it is true, that " Here no state chambers in long line unfold,
Bright -with broad mirrors, rough with fretted gold.
Yet, modest ornament with use combined.
Attracts the eye to exercise the mind."
And while there are no superfluous and luxurious apartments,
nor anything requiring the attendance of a retinue of servants,
there is much here, compactly arranged, to render a home
pleasant and attractive. The neat and spacious parlor, 18
by 20 feet (see Fig. 18), is varied in its outline by an old
English bay-window, one 6i those pleasant nooks, which,
says Lord Bacon, " be pretty retiring places for conference,"
and has also windows opening quite to the fioor of the veranda,
and letting in a full expanse of the bright green lawn, and
tufts of rich foliage that border it. This room would afford
some scope for the " faire ladye " to exercise her taste in a
simple, elegant, and harmonious style of fitting and furnishing ;
not by bringing from the shops the latest and most fashionable
pattems of city chairs and tables, carpets and sofas, — which,
we are sorry to say, are in most cases destitute of aU appro
priateness, and in many, of aU intrinsic taste and beauty,—
but by selecting articles recommended by fitness in design,
in order that they may be in harmony with the character of
the house, and by a tasteful and comfortable character, that

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 55
they may suit the more simple and unostentatious habits of
country Ufe.
The dining-room is of equal size with the drawing-room,
and as the famUy who are to occupy this cottage villa, live
in a pleasant and social neighborhood, and are in the habit,
occasionally, of entertaining a little party of their friends,
they thought it desirable to make these rooms communicate
by sliding doors, in order that they may, on such occasions,
be thrown into one. The rooms will then have a handsome
effect, as the bay-window at the end of the parlor is balanced
by a wide mullioned window at the end of the dining-room
opposite, and the whole space between them is forty feet.
For the convenience of the menage, we have located a neat
pantry directly in contact -with the dining-room, and opening
out of it, so that the china and plate, or the little delicacies
of the larder, may be under the eye, or what is better, under
the lock and key of the mistress. As the kitchen is below
stairs, in the ordinary mode the dishes will require to be
brought up the stairs and across the staircase entry to reach
the table. This is somewhat objectionable, inasmuch as a hot
dinner is likely to become cooled in this long state of transi
tion, the china is liable to become broken by an occasional
misstep, and the privacy of the haU is unnecessarily intruded
upon, by the repeated coming and going of the domestics,
arranging the dinner. We shall endeavor to remedy these
difficulties, by placing in the little space on the right hand
of the door opening from the dining-room to the pantry, what
is caUed a rising cupboard or dumb waiter, which wiU be
found a more careful, more obedient, and more unobtrusive
' help " than any other in the house. The actual size of this

1

1

56 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
cupboard need not be more than twenty inches by three and
a half or four feet, which wiU just occupy the space in the
pantry that is of little value for any other purpose. Or if it
should be thought desirable to have it a little wider, the width
may be increased by making a small recess in the wall of
the house. Fig. 19 shows the manner in which the pantry
iigs5S!ss!is«8Si5sss8!8gisi^s^^ may bc fiuishcd ; the pantry
1^1 j PANTRY 4-v 8 i bciug OU the right side, and
tfl'"^ =!ss5siss5a3a the dumb waiter (D W) on
[Fig. 19] the left ; the cupboard rising
in the pantry to the height of three feet, and descending
through the fioor to the closet in the kitchen. The mode
of constructing this is shown in the details of this design.
Fig. 28.
It -will be seen on examining the plan of the principal
floor, that by placing the stairs in a separate passage com
municating with the principal hall, this haU is left free
and unencumbered, and is in fact a pretty little ante-room,
twelve by sixteen feet. This is doubly advantageous, as
the servants are enabled to go from the basement to the
chamber story without passing through the principal hall;
thus making this single staircase to serve the purposes, in a
great measure, of the two frequently seen in the -villas, viz.
the stairs in the haU used by the famUy, and the private
stairs chiefly used by the domestics. From this passage also
there is a private, or side entrance to the house, by an outer
door. The hMll is Ughted by two small windows in the sides
and by the semi-glazed door as sho-wn in the perspective
elevation. We have as yet said nothing of the neat little library on

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 57
the right of the hall, twelve by fourteen feet in its dimensions,
where " Selected shelves shall claim our studious hours."
But there is no portion of the house which, to a man fond
of those most cheerful and never tiresome companions, good
books, is more peculiarly the sanctum or " own room," than
the library, whether it be small or large. This, though smaU,
is sufficiently ample to contain all the best books ever written ;
large enough for a comfortable ruddy fire in a damp or cold
winti-y day, and for an ample library round-table furnished
with the necessary materials for writing and correspondence
of all kinds. The gentleman who is to occupy this cottage
has, besides the few acres on which this residence is erected,
a farm where he practises agriculture in an amateur manner,
and on his library shelves may therefore be found a few
choice works on rural economy, such as Loudon's Encyclo
paedias, Low's Practical Agriculture, Allen's American Farm
Book, and a number of others of similar character, and
on the table lie the last numbers of our most valuable and
interesting agricultural periodicals. The library being fitted
up in a plain and simple manner, answers admirably also
as an office, into which persons who call -to see the master
of the house on business are readily shown from the hall
without disturbing the family, who are occupying the dining-
room, or parlor.
The veranda, or umbrage, which is entered by windows
opening to the floor of the two principal apartments, is a cool
and shady place for a promenade, and we need hardly repeat,

58

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

commands the most dehghtful views, as this is the river front
of the house.
In the plan of the second fioor, which is before us, are
accommodations fbr the famUy and their guests. Fig. 20,

SECOND

[Fig. 20.]
consisting of four exceUent sleeping apartments, each -with
a small closet attached. Two of these are of ample size, and
as it might be desirable to many to have in them a greater
amount of closet room, it may be easily obtained by making
a double partition between these apartments, which would
aUow of two large closets in the space thus formed. The
bedroom, twelve by twelve feet, over the hall, is a pretty
lodging apartment, opening through a picturesque old English
oriel window on a balcony. The staircase shown in this
plan gives access to the attic, where two servants' bedrooms
are located.

OOTTAGE EESIDENCES.

59

The basement accommodation. Fig. 21, shows an entrance
into the stafrcase passage by a descent of steps ; a kitchen.

PLAN OF

BAS e M EN T

[Fig. 21.]

and cellar of good dimensions, a servants' sleeping room (which
may be made a laundry if preferred), and a small store-room
and -wine-cellar conveniently located.
The exterior of this dwelling is designed after the old
English architecture of the Tudor era, a style replete with
interesting associations, as it is the genuine and most cha
racteristic mode of building long ago prevalent in the finest
country-houses of England, associated by " lay and legend
ten times told," with all that is brightest and noblest in the
history of our mother country. It is highly picturesque,'
abounding in the finest specimens -with a rich variety of
gables, turrets, buttresses, towers, and ornamental chimney-

60 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
shafts, which form striking and spirited objects in domestic
architecture, and harmonize agreeably with the hiUs and
tree tops, and all the intricacy of outline in natural objects.
And finally the irregularity of its outlines, admitting future
additions with facility, the substantial and permanent expres
sion of its exterior, and the beauty and comfort indicated in
the richness, variety, and size of its windows, all point out
the old English style, in its various modifications, as admirably
adapted by beauty and fitness for domestic purposes in a cold
climate. This cottage being of very moderate size, neither demands,
nor would with propriety admit, a profusion of ornament,
and we have indeed, for the sake of economy, made it
assume a character and a degree of decoration comparatively
simple, still, however, preserving a very marked and distinct
expression of the style. If we analyse its leading features,
we shall find that character is conferred chiefly by the
windows and the chimney tops, the two most essential and
characteristic features of dwelling-houses as contrasted witli
buildings for any other purposes ; and to which, as such,
decoration should always be first applied rather than to
any less essential or superadded features ; for example, to
columns or a colonnade. Chimney tops, since we cannot
i dispense with them, should always be rendered omamental,
'both because strongly expressive of comfort, no house being
tolerable in a cold climate without fires, and on account
of their occupying the highest part of the building, and
therefore being most likely to strike the eye agreeably, if
appropriate, or offend it if ugly and unshapely in form. We
have shown in this design one of the simplest forms oi'

COTTAGE RESIDENCES. 61
old En^ish chimneys, many of which are extremely beau
tiful.* An edifice in this style should be built of none but the most
solid materials. Stone would be the most appropriate, as it
has a substantial and dm-able character in keeping with the
style, and next to this, brick, or brick covered with the best
cement, -v^ould be most suitable. To erect a dwelUng in thid
stj'le, of 80 light and frail a material as wood, under any
circumstances, would be a complete violation of good- taste, as
there would be an entire discordance or incongruity between
the style adopted and the material employed. ' Where wood
is the only material within our reach, some lighter and more
•uitable style should be adopted, and the result will theii
undoubtedly be more satisfactory.
A solecism in taste which we have several times' witndsfed'
with pain in this ceuntry, and which we wUl therefore
caution our readers and the occilpant of this cottage against,
is the introduction of green blinds, or Venetian shrtttters, ilpOii
a building in the pointed, or the EngUsh cottage Style. This
Icind of shutter, applied to the outside of buildings, belongs
properly to the Venetian, Tuscan, or' Italian villas; -W-here the
architecture is lighter and' more fancifU, ahd the windows
ar6 frequently mere openings fbr the circuktion of air ; but
to cover' a handsome or quaiht old English window, enriched
by decorative muUions- and #indovif^heads, with an outside^
shutter- belonging to a totaUy different style of bnilding; and
* By an error in the engraving, the base of each stack of chimneys in tha
elevation of this design is made to appear too low ; a more correct proportion w
Bhown in the details, Fig. 15.

62 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
painted a bright green, is as revolting to a mind imbued with
correct principles of taste, as to cover the venerable head of
a staid gentleman of the old school with the fiaunting head
dress of an Italian peasant girl. Outside shutters of any
description are barely admissible in this style of architec
ture, as they conceal one of the chief sources of interest in
the exterior. But as the walls are thick, inside shutters, or
even inside blinds, are easUy introduced. The latter may be
made to fold into window casings like ordinary box shutters,
where they will serve the purposes of both shutters and
blinds : and will be found more convenient and more appro
priate than outside blinds, without violating correct principles
of art.
The interior of this cottage may be finished in a very
simple manner. But the effect will be far more consistent
and satisfactory, if some attention is paid to keeping up the
pointed, or old English character, in the finish of at least
the principal apartments. This may be done -without incur
ring any extra expense, merely by employing Gothic, or
pointed mouldings and details in the trimmings of the doors
and windows, the forms of the comices and chimney pieces.
As there are now numerous examples of this style of dweU
ing in the middle States, there wiU be little or no difficulty
in procuring the necessary forms of designs, moulds, and
planes, for a cottage of this kind. A person whose taste is
sufficiently cultivated to induce him to desire such a dweUing
as this, will naturally inform himself of the actual effect,
both as regards the interior and exterior finish, by inspection
of the best example of the style -within his reach ; or, for a
smaU sum, he may obtain from an architect the working

COTTAGE EESmENCES. 63
drawings necessary for the complete execution of the whole, by
the builders employed, in the most correct manner.
A harmonious and pleasing effect is produced in houses in
the old English style, by painting and graining the wood
work in imitation of oak or black walnut. This is partly
owing, no doubt, to the allusion thus awakened in the mind,
to the " old oaken wainscots," always so characteristic a
feature in the antique houses in this style, but partly, also,
to the mellow and furnished look which the warm and dark
tone of the wood gives to the apartments. In an economical
point of view, it has also the great recommendation of being
kept clean and bright, with one twentieth part of the labor
expended in maintaining wood-work, painted white, in its
original purity.
Details. In the construction of a cottage in the pointed
style, attention should be paid to an unity of design in all
parts of the building. One of the most essential principles
in this style, is the recognition of the arch, in some manner,
in all the principal openings. In public buildings, all windows
and doors terminate upward in the pointed arch ; in domestic
architecture this would often be inconvenient, as in the case
of windows in apartments on the first floor, where inside
shutters are required. The windows are generaUy therefore
square-headed, but the principle of the arch appears in the
moulded window tracery.
In Fig. 22 is shown a small portion of the veranda on the
river front, with its appropriate columns, and the archwa-y
between.

64

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

[Fig. 22.]

A portion of the balcony to the oriel window is shown in
Fig. 23. In Fig. 24, is sho-wn one of the dormer windows of

[Pig. 23.] [Fig. 24.1
the front elevation. For the section and plan of the lower
windows, see Fig. 12, of Design I.
/ML- The section or profile of the knel, or lintel of
the window, is shown in Fig. 25 ; and that of the
waU-coping, in Fig. 26 ; both to the scale of half an
inch to a foot.
[Pig. 25.]

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

65

[Fig. 27,

A stack of chimneys suitable for this cot
tage, is shown in Fig. 2Y, which may be built
of brick ; the chimney tops being 8 feet high,
above the base or square platform. The flues
may be square or semicircular within (the lat
ter is preferable), and ten or twelve inches
in diameter. Circular flues are easily formed
by building round a cylinder of tin, which is
worked upwards by turning it with the hand
as the chimney is carried up. The interior
of the flue next the cylinder is covered with
mortar in building, and the gradual with
drawal of the cylinder upwards, leaves a
smooth plastered surface.
A section showing the construction of
the rising cupboard, or dumb waiter, is shown in Fig. 28.
In this section, the floor of the pantry is indicated at /,
the portion above being enclosed in
a sort of sideboard or closet in the
pantry, and the part below in a simi
lar closet in the basement. At a, is
the cupboard with three shelves. This
cupboard, with the dishes it will con
tain, is balanced by the weight, c, at
the end of a rope, passing over the
pulleys, b, which are attached to the
top of the cupboard. This, with a
sUght impetus, sends the loaded cup
board up to the top ; it is drawn down
by a small wheel and crank, d, with a simUar cord or leathern
5

[Fig. 28.]

66 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
strap, attached to the bottom of the cupboard. This wheel and
crank are fixed firmly at the bottom of the trunk in which the
cupboard moves, and about a foot and a half above the floor
of the kitchen. The top of the trunk, or that part above the
floor, /, is disguised, and rendered omamental, by the neat
sideboard or closet covering it, which opens in front to allow
the dishes to be taken out.
Estimate. If this cottage is built of brick and stucco, with
cut stone labels to the windows, and finished in a consistent
aud appropriate, though simple manner in the interior, it wUl
cost about $3500. Built of quarried stone, where the latter is
not abundant, it would prob'ably cost $4800.
THE GEOUNDS OF DESIGN HI.
The situation of the ground, four acres in extent, upon
which this dwelling is to be erected, we have already partly
described. It is nearly a parallelogram, one end of which
borders the public road and the other is bounded by the river.
In its original state, before operations were commenced, the
place appeared only a simple meadow, the land of fair quality,
and the surface level, or nearly so, between the road and the
site of the house, but sloping off to the river, in some parts
gently, and in others more abruptly, about 100 feet beyond the
veranda on the river side of the house, at h. Fig. 29. The best
soU for a garden appeared to be on the left of the property,
and we accordingly located the kitchen garden, f, and the
orchard of choice fruits, g, in this quarter.
As it was not thought desirable by the owner of this place
to expend much in keeping the place in order, beyond what

COTTAGE EESIDENCF.S.

er

labor might be required in the kitchen garden, few walks are
introduced, except such as are actually necessary or convenient.
Of these the most essential in every place is the entrance road,
or Approach, b, which leaves the public road in this example

.IFig. 29.]

68 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
at a, that point being indicated as most suitable by the
situation of the ground, and by the shelter and effect which
will be given to the entrance gate by two or three large trees
found growing there. There is a graveUed area in front of the
house, upon which carriages may turn, and at the extremity of
this road are the stable, d, and stable yard, e. Next to the
Approach, the most desirable walk is one for exercise, leading
over more secluded parts of the place, or to spots enjoying
beautiful or extensive prospects. In a place of small extent, it
is desirable to have this walk as long as possible, which is
generally effected by making the circuit of the space offered,
keeping at such a distance from boundary fences that they may
not be obtrusive. Such a walk is shown at i, which leaving
the veranda, on the river front of the house, proceeds in easy
curves, shaded by occasional groups of trees, over the whole
area between the house and the river.
On the right of the house, looked out upon from the bay
window of the parlor, is a small area of smooth turf, sui'-
rounded by the walk, h, and containing some irregular beds
and circles, cut in the turf, devoted to choice flowers. At
I, on the left, is a corresponding walk, serving the purpose
ot connecting the two principal walks, which is thickly
bordered with ornamental shrubbery. With the exception
of a few vines on the veranda, and shrubs near the house,
these two small walks, with their accompaniments of flowers
and shrubs, comprise all the ornamental details of the place
requiring much care. All that portion of the grounds between
the public road and the line A, is in lawn or grass, and is kept
short by repeated mowings during summer. At h, is a slight
paling fence rendered inconspicuous by painting it dark green.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 69
This fence follows the lower line of the ridge, and from the
house is not visible, on account of the slope of the ground
just above that line ; the fence being six or eight feet below
the level of the platform on which the house stands. The area
embraced between this fence and the river is also in grass, but
which here, however, is kept short by the pasturage of a cow,
or a few sheep.
Instead of this fence of pales a sunk fence or ha-ha, might
be preferred, and where stone is abundant it would not be
more expensive. The construction of such a fence will be
easily understood by referring to the accompanying section.
Fig. 30, in which a is the level of the ground, falling off

[Fig. 30.]
gradually at b, where a wall 3i feet deep, open on the side
facing the declining surface, would form an effectual protection
against cattle on the lower side. It is evident from the section
shown here, that, to a person standing at a, the fence aud
depressed surface at its bottom not being seen, there would be
no apparent barrier or interruption to the view across the
whole space to the river. Such a fence, it should be remarked,
must, as in the present case, rim across the surface to be
looked over, and not in any direction paraUel to the line of

70 COriAGE EESIDENCES.
vision. In commencing the description of this place, it was
remarked that the few fine trees already gro-wing on it gave
it a considerable degree of character. The majority of these
were oaks and chestnuts of good size, and as the expression
of dignity and picturesqueness inherent in these trees is in
exceUent keeping with the style of this dwelling, it will be
advisable to maintain the character by planting chiefiy round-
headed trees, rather than drooping trees like the elm, which
are mainly expressive of gracefulness. Near the house, a few
Larches and Hemlocks are also introduced, as the spirited
forms of these trees, contrasted with the round-headed ones,
wUl add to the picturesque character of the architectm-e.
At the end of this section we shall give a list of the finest
ornamental trees classed according to height and other
qualities, and another of shrubs, from which selections may
be made for planting this and other designs. We shall, in
relation to these, only remark at present that, in order to
insure a rapid and vigorous growth to these trees, the holes,
previously to planting them, should be thoroughly prepared
by throwing out the soil two feet in depth, and from three to
six feet in diameter, and mixing it intimately with a plentifiil
supply of compost or well rotted manure, before returning
it to the holes in planting. When a tree is planted in the
ordinary manner without preparation, from the poverty of the
soil, and the closeness of those portions of it adjacent to the
roots of the newly moved tree, it requires a year or two to
recover from the removal, and advances afterwards in its
growth only in a feeble and tardy manner. On the other
hand, where the holes are carefully prepared, the soU furnished
with a plentiful supply of nutriment, and rendered loose and

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 71
easUy permeable by the light and air, as well as by the roots,
the newly transplanted tree soon establishes itself, and makes
rapid and luxuriant shoots. In many soils it will be found
that this previous preparation will insure a growth more than
four times as vigorous as that resulting from the usual hasty
and careless mode of planting without preparation ; and it is
therefore better policy, where effect is speedUy desired, to
plant a few trees in the best manner, than a great number in
the ordinary careless mode.
Another very erroneous practice, of frequent occurrence
with planters of little experience in the United States,
consists in planting the tree too deep. This is not only to
the eye contrary to nature, and in violation therefore of
correct taste, but it is destructive to the health of the
tree, by placing the mass of young roots below the genial
influence of the atmosphere. Treated in this manner, trees
will frequently struggle against the adverse situation for
years, without ever attaining any considerable degree of
luxuriance. If we observe a tree gi-owing in a natural state after it has
attained some size, we must at once remark that the base of the
trunk, or that part nearest the ground, is much larger than the
same trunk a few inches above ; and that in consequence of
the development of roots just below this point, the tree appears
to stand on a base a little elevated above the level of the
ground above it. This gives it an appearance of strength and
dignity, and connects it, by a natural transition, with the
surface around it. Now a tree, however large, which has been
planted too deep, presents no appearance of this kind, but rises
out of the level ground -without any base, in a manner precisely

72 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
similar to a post. In order to prevent this appearance, it is
advisable, in planting, to set out the trees on a hiUock, a fe-«^
inches raised above the surface, in order that they may, when
the ground settles about them, have a natural appearance to
the eye, and that the roots may also be placed in the most
favorable condition.
We have arranged the trees to be planted on the lawn,
in this design, as in most of the others, in the natural style
of landscape gardening — that is, with a view to the production
of natural beauty. This is effected by planting the trees in
irregular groups, or singly, in a manner somewhat simUar
to that in which they occur in nature, avoiding straight lines
and parallel rows, because such lines indicate a formal art,
never found in natural landscape. At the same time the
effect wUl be not the less indicative of elegant art, which will be
evinced, 1st, In the employment of many exotic trees, or those
obviously not natives of this part of the country, as the Horse
Chestnut, or the European Linden ; 2d, In the space aUowed
for the trees to develope themselves fully in the lawn from
h to a, and in the more park-like forms which they will there
fore assume in time : and 3d, In the manner in which these
trees are arranged.* The latter consists in concealing all
objects which would not add to the beauty of the scene by au
irregular plantation, as for example, the fence of the kitchen
garden at m, or the out-buildings at d ; in planting the borders
of the Approach, and of all walks, so as to give an obvious

* Landscape gardening, as an art, does not consist, as many seem to suppose, in
producing a counterfeit of nature, but in idealizing natural beauty in <• lawn, park,
or garden.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 73
reason (when none other exists) for the curves of such walks,
as well as to shade or shelter them ; and in contrasting these
plantations by broad open glades of turf, n. On the river side
of the house, the trees should be so arranged as not to shut out
any important portion of the prospect.
It is preferred in this design, not to have any spot especially
devoted to a flower garden, but in its place to assemble a
showy and select collection of flowers, in beds dug in the tuif,
bordering the walk h, near the house. In this way the fiowers
are brought near the house, and their beauty enjoyed, without
destroying the simplicity and general effect of the place, by
cutting off a separate space for a flower garden.
In laying out the kitchen garden, f the border within the
boundary is devoted to fruit trees, as designated on the plan,
with the exception of a small space in the corner adjoining the
stable yard, e, for hot beds. There is a separate entrance for a
cart or wagon to this yard, or to the kitchen garden, by a road
on the left of the kitchen garden. The interior of the latter is
left free for growing vegetables ; and a select collection of fruit
is planted in the small orchard, g. This little orchard, together
with the border set apart in the kitchen garden, if planted
with the selection of fruit trees, forty-two in number, given for
this purpose in a succeeding page, will furnish a moderate
supply to the family, through the greater part of the year.
They are to be cultivated as standards, unless the proprietor
prefers training them in the kitchen garden as espaliers, and
the ground in the orchard, g, is to be devoted to potatoes,
beets, turnips, or other roots, both for the purpose of turning
the ground to account, and of promoting the growth of the
trees.

74

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

LAst of the finest hardy ornamental trees of foreign amd natime
growth, for planting in groups and masses.

CLASS I.

Deciduous trees of the largest size, and of very rapid growth.

Cut-leaved Alder, ...
Norway Maple, ....
Sugar Maple, ....
Silver Maple, . . . -
Cafeilpa, . ...
Spanish Chestnut, ...
European Ash, ....
American White do. .
Three Thorned Acacia,
Tulip Tree, 
European Larch, ....
American do., . . .
Oriental Plane, or Sycamore,
Lombardy Poplar, ...
Silver-leaved Aspen, or Abele,
Cotton Wood do. . . -
Yellow Locust, - - -
Weeping Willow,
Huntington do, -
American Linden,
European do. -
Red-twigged do. ...
American White, or Drooping Elm,

Alnus laciniata.
Acer plaianoides.
Acer saccharinum.
Acer dasycarpum.
Catalpa syringafolia.
Castanea vesca.
Fraxinus excelsior.
do. americana.
Gleditschia triacanthos'.
Liriodendron tulipifera.
Larix europaia.
do. microcarpa.
Platanus orientalis.
Populus dilitata.
do. alba.
do. angulata.
Robinia pseud-acacia.
Salix bahylonica.
do. alba.
Tilia glabra.
dn. europma.
do. rubra.
Vlmus americana.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

English Elm,
Dutch, or Cork-barked Elm, -
Scotch, or Wych Elm, -

VlMus campestris.
do. suberosa. .
do. monta-nu.

CLASS II.

Deciduous trees of the largest size, and of moderate growth.

White Horse Chestnut,

.^sculus hippocastanum.

Scarlet Maple,

Acer rubrum.

Sycamore do. - - .

do. pseudo-platanus.

Scotch Weeping Birch,

Betula alba, pendula.

Black Birch,

do. lenta.

American Beech, ...

Fagus americana.

Kentucky Coffee,

Gymnocladus canadensis.

Sassafras Tree, ...

Laurus sassafras.

Liquidamber, or Sweet Gum,

Liquidamber styraciflua.

Cucumber Magnolia,

Magnolia acuminata.

American White Oak, .

Quercus alba.

do Scarlet do.

do. coccinea.

Overcup Oak, ...

do. macrocarpa.

English do.

do. Robur.

Lucombe's Seedling Oak,

do.  lucombeana.

Willow-leaved do.

do. phellos.

American Cypress,

Taxodium disiicham.

CLASS III.

Deciduous trees of medium size, and of rapid growth.

Buckeye, or Western Horse Chestnut, Pavia rubra.
Pale Yellow do. - do. flavia.

76

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

Weeping Ash,
Umbrella Magnolia, . -
Large leaved do. -
Ash leaved Maple,
Osage Orange,
Double Flowering Cherry,
Ringlet Willow, -
Wahoo Elm,

Fraxinus excelsior, penduia.
Magnolia tripetala.
do. macrophylla.
Negundo fraxinifolia.
Madura aurantiaca.
Cerasus flore plena.
Salix annularis.
Ulmus alata.

CLASS IV.

Deciduous trees of medium size, and moderate growth

Papaw, or Western Custard Apple,
Red Bird, or Judas Tree,
White flowering Dogwood,
Scotch Laburnum,
Persimon, or American Medlar,
Purple leaved Beech,
Yellow Magnolia, ...
Sour Gum,
Paper Birch, . -
Japan Ginko Tree,
European Mountain Ash,
American do. do.

Anona triloba.
Cercis canadensis.
Cornus florida.
Cytissus alpinus.
Diospyrus virginiana.
Fagus sylvatica, purpurea.
Magnolia cordata.
Nyssa villosa.
Betula papyracea.
Salisburia adiantifolia.
Sorbus aucu-paria'.
do. americana.

Hardy Evergreen Trees.
Norway Spruee Fir, - - Abies picea.
Double Black Spruce Fir, - do. nigra.
Balsam, or Balm of Gilead, - do. balsamea.
Hemlock Fir, - - do. canadensis.
White, or Weymouth Pine, - Pinus sirobus.
Yellow Pine, ... do. variabilis.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

77

English Yew,
American Arbor Vitse, -

Taxus baccata.
Thuya occidentalis.

CLASS V.

Hardy shrubs growing from 6 to 20 feet high.

Hercules Club, ....
Snow-Drop, or White Fringe Tree,
Narrow leaved do. .
Laburnum, or Golden chain.
Weeping do. -
Yellow Bladder Senna,
Pink flowering Hawthorn,
New Scarlet do. -
Double White do.
Cornelian Cherry,
European Strawberry Tree, or
Burning Bush,
White Pruited do.
Purple Flowering do.
American do.
Silver Bell Tree, ....
Althea Frutex, or Rose of Sharon,
many sorts and colors.
Silvery Buckthorn,
Chinese Kolreuteria,
Snowy Flowered Mespilus,
Glaucous, or Swamp Magnolia,
CaroUna large flowering Syringo,
Common Fragrant do. -
Semi-double do. -
Hop Tree, ...

Aralia spinosa.
Chionanthus virginica.
do. marilima.
Cytissus laburnum.
do. do. pendula.
Colutea arborescens.
Crategus oxycantha, var.
do. do. var.
do. do. fl. pi.
Comus mascula.
Euonymus europceus.
do. do. fruciu alba.
do. atropurpureus.
do. americanus.
Halesia tetraptera.
Hibiscus syriacus.
Hippophae rhamnoides.
Kolreuteria paniculata.
Mespilus botryapium.
Magnolia glauca.
Philadelphus grandiflorut,
do. coronarius.
do.
Ptelea trifoliata..

rs

COTTAGE EESDDENCICS.

Venetian Sumac, or Purple Fringe
Tree, . ...
Shrubby Yellow Robinia,
Silvery-leaved Shepherdia, or Buf
falo berry, . .
Three-leaved Bladder Nut, -
White and Purple Lilacs,
White and Purple Persian Lilacs,
Cut leaved do. -
French Tamarisk, ...
Snow-ball, or Guelder Rose,
Way.fering Tree, ...

Rhus cotmus.
Robinia frutescens.
Shepherdia argentea.
Staphylea trifoliata.
Syringa vulgaris,
do. persica.
do. laciniata.
Tamarix gallica.
Viburnum opulus.
do. laniana.

CLASS VI.

Hardy shrubs, growing from 1 to 6 or 8 feet high

Indigo Shrub, ...
Dwarf White Horse Chestnut,
Groundsel Tree, .
Sweet Scented Shrub,
Fragrant Clethra,
Panicled flowered Clethra, -
Red flowering Bladder Senna,
Scorpion Senna,
Bloody twigged Dogwood, -
Cluster flowered Cytissus, -
Scarlet Japan Quince, -
Blush, or White do.
Pink Mezereon, ...
White Mezereon,
Oak leaved Hydrangea,
Italian yellow Jasmine,

Amorpha fruticosa.
.SjScuIus macrostachya.
Baccharis halimifolia.
Calycanthus floridus.
Clethra alnifolia.
do. paniculata.
Colutea arborescens.
Coronilla emerus.
Comus sanguinea.
Cytissus capiiatus.
Cydonia japonica.
do. alba.
Daphne mezereum.
Daphne m. album.
Hydrangea quercifolia.
Jasminum humile.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

79

Japan Yellow Globe Flower,
Common Privet, or Prim, .-
Tartarian Upright, or Tree Honey.
suckle, . - . . .
White flowering Honeysuckle,
Black berried do.
English fly do.
Dwarf Syringo, . . . -
Shrubby Cinquefoil,
Double Purple Tree Poeony,
Single Pink and Purple do. -
Double Rose colored do. .
Rose Acacia, . . . .
Shrubby Caragana, . . .
Corymbose Spirea, - - -
Panicled do. . . .
Pretty flowenng Spirea,
Sorb leaved do.
Red flowering do.
St. Peter's Wreath,
Snowberry (white fruit),
Indian Currant (red fruit), .
Rose Weigela, - - . -
Parsley leaved Yellow-Root,

Kerria japonica.
Ligustrum vulgare.
Lonicera tartarica.
do. alba.
do. nigrum.
do. xylosteum.
Philadelphus nanus.
Potentilla fruticosa.
Pmonia mouian Banksia.
do. papaveracea.
do. rosea.
Robinia hispida.
do. caragana.
Spirea corymbosa.
do. paniculata.
do. bella.
do. sorbifolia.
do. tomeniosa.
do. hypericifolta.
Symphoria racemosa.
do. glomeraia.
Weigela rosea.
Zanthoriza apiifolia.

Evergreen Shrubs.
Tree Box, . - . - . Buxus arborescens.
American Holly, ... - Ilex opaca.
European do., rather tender at the
north, - - - - ¦
Swedish Juniper, - . . ¦
Common Laurel, or Kalmia,
American Rhododendron,

Ilex aquifolium.
Juniperus suecia.
Kalmia latifolia.
Rododendron maximum.

80

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

Selection of very choice fruits, for the small orchard of 42 trees.

CHERRIES.
1 Knight's early Black.
1 Mayduke.
1 Tartarian.
1 Downer's late. PEAKS.
2 Bartlett.
2 Seckel.
2 Beurre Bosc.
1 Dearborn's Seedling.
1 Winter Nelis.
1 Bloodgood's Early.
2 Marie Louise.
1 Beurre Diel. PLUMS.
1 Coe's Golden Drop.
1 Washington.
I Green Gage.
1 Imperial Ottoman.
, I JeJferson.

PEACHES.
2 George the IV.
2 Early Newington.
2 Morris White.
1 Early York.
1 Large White Cling.
1 Crawford's late. APPLES.
2 Newtown Pippin.
1 Yellow Harvest.
1 Fall Pippin.
2 Baldwin.
1 Rhode Island Greening.
1 Yellow Bellflower.
1 Northern Spy.

1 Moorpark.
1 Breda. NECTARINES.
1 Early Violet.
1 Downton.

Total 42

DESIGN IV.
AS ORNAMENTAL FARM HOUSE.

PRINOIP.a.U FLOOR

Fig. 3-2.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 81

DESIGN IV.
An Ornatnental Farm-House.
In designing this farm-house, we have had two objects in
view ; flrst to offer to the large class of inteUigent farmers a
plan of a house of moderate size, somewhat adapted in internal
accommodation to their peculiar wants : and second, to give to
the exterior, at little additional cost, some architectural beauty.
The first object, it is evident, must ever be the principal one in
a ^rmer's dwelling, and therefore everything should yield to
such an interior arrangement as will give the greatest amount
of cpmfort, and the maximum of convenience, in performing
in-door labor. But beyond this, there is no reason why the
dwelling-houses of our respectable farmers should not display
some evidences of taste, as well as those of professional men, or
persons in more affluent circumstances. The farmers are reaUy
the most independent men in our community, as their wealth
is less liable to fluctuation than that of any other class ; and
if the amount they -wish to expend upon a dweUing is less
than that within the means of some others, they are generally
able, on the other hand, by having abundance of stone or
timber on their o-wn premises, to build at a greatly reduced
cost. By bestowing some degree of ornament on farm-houses,
6

82 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
we shall hope to increase the interest and attachment, which
the farmer and his family have for their home, and thereby to
improve his social and domestic state. A man who is content
to live in a clumsy, badly contrived, and uncouth habitation,
will generally be found to care little for his home, or to have in
his heart but a scanty flow of genial domestic sympathies.
This love of home, and with it all the tender affections bound
up in that endearing word, will be sure to grow with every
step we take to add to its comforts, or increase its beauty ;
and if we feel a species of affection for the goodly trees we
have planted, which, growing along with us, seem like old and
familiar friends, we must acknowledge a still greater attach
ment to a dwelling that we have built, and which becomes our
own home, — whether it be a cottage or a mansion, — ^if there is
an air of taste lurking about it, and breathing out from vine-
covered porch or open window casement.
We are especially anxious that the farmer should cultivate a
taste for improving his home, including under this term his
dwelling, and his garden or grounds, as we are confident that in
so doing he will unconsciously open to himself and his family
new sources of enjoyment, beyond such as are di/recfly derived
from their beauty and convenience. It is unquestionably true,
that we learn to appreciate the beauty of nature, in proportion
as we become familiar with the beauty of art. Now, although
we do not expect farmers to possess a gallery of pictures or
statuary, yet they have a scarcely less instructive field open to
them whilst tastefully disposing their gardens and grounds, in
studying the various developments of beauty that occur and
become familiar to the mind in these, and all other employ
ments, unfolding the order and harmony of a well regulated

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 83
rural home. And we will venture to assert, that no person,
however small his original knowledge, has foUowed these
occupations thoughtfully for half a dozen years, without
having his appreciation of the beauty of all nature, and espe
ciaUy the beauty of trees, forests, hiUs, and rivers, a thousand
, fold increased.
By referring to the plan of the principal floor. Fig. 82, it will
be seen that the main buUding, 30 by 46 feet, is two stories in
height, and contains on this floor a haU, a parlor, two bed
rooms, and a large pantry. The parlor, or sitting-room, is an
exceUent apartment, suitable for any occasion, and the pantry
being placed between it and the kitchen, either of these rooms
may be used to dine in ; while the passage, with two doors
between the parlor and the kitchen, prevents the noise of the
latter from being heard in the former.
The kitchen, wash-house, dairy, and wood-house, on the same
level with the main building, are contained in an L-form addi
tion in the rear, one story in height. The kitchen is 16 feet
square, and opens also by a back door, upon a broad stone
platform, under which the steps next the main building descend
to the cellar. The wash-room is 16 feet square, and has by the
side of the fireplace a circular copper boiler set, for boiling the
clothes. There is a passage from the wash-room, communi
cating directly with the wood-house. The dairy may, if it is
thought advisable, be sunk three feet below the level of the
wash-house, and paved with fiag stones, in order to keep it
cool ; and there may be a raised shelf of stone aU around it, on
which to place pans of milk. In this case it would be entered
by descending four or five steps. The wood-house has a large
door, to facilitate unloading from the wood wagons.

84

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

[Tig. 33.]

The plan of the second story,
Fig. 33, affords three good bed
rooms, closets, &c., and a small
bedroom ; and above this story
is an ample garret for drying
various seeds and vegetables.
The ceUar is large, being of the
same size as the main building,
and on the side next the carriage
road should be placed a slide,
wide enough to receive a cart
load of roots, which will save
much labor and time usually
occupied in carrying them in
baskets. This dwelling is supposed to be constructed of rough stone,
or stone partially smooth on the face, but not laid in regular
courses. Such stone is abundant throughout a great portion
of the United States, and makes exceUent waUs.
We have given the preference to the Rural Pointed style in
composing the exterior of this dwelling, partly on account of
the large lofts or garrets, so useful to the farmer, a,fforded by
the steep gables and roofs, and partly on account of its intrinsic
beauty and picturesque effect when built of stone even in this
simple manner. We have introduced a veranda in the same
style in front, because such a feature is as necessary to the
comfort of a farm-house as a villa in this country.
Where aU the outbuildings are to be erected at the same
time with the dweUing-house, something of the same style
should be evinced in the construction. It is not necessary.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 85
to attain this, that ornamental verge-boards, or windows, or
other minor details, should be introduced in barns or the
like structures, but it will be sufficient if attention is paid
to repeating the same general forms in the outlines of the
buUdings, and of these the form of the roof or gables is most
essential. In some districts, wood is the only material which comes
-within reach of the farmer. When this is the case it would
be better to adopt another style for the exterior, of a lighter
character. We would recommend the simple projecting roof,
and the general style of Design I., omitting some of the oma
mental detaUs. The arrangement of the rooms would require
no material alteration, whatever style of architecture may be
adopted for the interior ; and a farm-house built in the plainest
manner, preserving the arrangement exactly, would still have
all the merit of this part of the design, of whatever value it
may be considered.
It is evident that to some families another parlor, or a com
mon eating-room, but little superior to the kitchen, might be
thought desirable. This would be easily obtained by convert
ing the rea/r bedroom into a di/ning-room and keeping the parlor
(which is now intended to serve the purpose of dining-room
also) as a show apartment, or best room. Such a plan might
suit the fancy of those who take pleasure in keeping the best
and most comfortable room in their house shut, except when
they see strangers, but we cannot recommend it as consonant
with good taste, and that unaffected, genuine hospitality, which
ought to characterize " plain country folks."
Details of construction. The construction of this building
will be easily understood by merely inspecting the elevation.

Qt) COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
as it is extremely simple. In Fig. 34, the verge-board and
cornice are shown more in
detail, to the scale of ^ inch
to a foot. In this, a is the
front view of the top of the
gable, and b, the profile or
section of the same, p, is
the pendant which perfo;-
rates the ridge of the roof,
and terminates the gable by
[Fig. 34] what is termed a hip knob,
or finial. The roof, in this design, projects about a foot beyond
the waUs of the house. The veranda is supported by octagonal
posts or pillars, the openings between which are ornamented
at the top by single arches cut from 2 inch plank. All the
exterior wood-work of this building (except sashes and doors),
should be painted three coats of the same color as the stone, or
a few shades lighter, and painted.
Estimate. The cost of this building, supposing the stone to
be found on the farm, and all the materials to be drawn by the
farmer, -wUl not exceed $1700.

The omammtal portion of the fa/rm.
The ferme ornAe is a term generally applied to a farm, the
whole or the greater part of which is rendered in some degree
ornamental by intersecting it with drives, and private lanes
and walks, bordered by trees and shrabs, and by. the neater
arrangement and culture of the fields. But it may also be
appUed to a farm with a tasteful fai-m-house, and so much of

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 87
the ground about it rendered ornamental as would naturally
meet the eye of the stranger, in approaching it the first time.
It is evident that the farm proper, in the present case,
may consist of 50 or 500 acres. We have only shown in the
annexed engraving. Fig. 35, a plan of a few acres immediately
surrounding the house, and consisting of the entrance lawn a,
about one and a quarter acres, bordering the entrance road or
approach 5y the orchard e, the kitchen garden d, adjoining
fields, in grass or under the plough e, and the yard for the
out-buildings/". At g, is shown the house, and in the rear of the kitchen,
wash-house, &c., is the kitchen yard h. The out-buildings, or
farmery, are arranged around three sides of a square, open to
the south, and consist of the piggery _;', the tool-house commu
nicating with the garden 7c, open shed for carts, ploughs, &c., I,
cow-house with three calf-pens attached at the end m, bam n,
stable for horses o, wagon-house p, and corn crib q. The
surface of the yard descends slightly on all sides to the centre
/, where the manure heap is kept. This collection of out
buildings is much more complete and extensive than wiU be
found connected with most farms in this country, but we have
given it -with a view of exhibiting what ought to be aimed at
as a desideratum in accommodation, on every extensive farm ;
and it -wUl be found easy to diminish the amount of buUdings
and sheds to as many as would occupy only one 'side of the
yard, if the farm be smaU, or to such a number as can be
afforded. This plan wUl require but little description, as the oma
mental grounds have no intricacy of detail. The effect of the
view from the house across the entrance lawn a, would be

88

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

me. 35.J

\ V

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 89
pleasing, and its expression would be that of simply natural
or pastoral beauty. The trees might be of the finest native
species, selected from the woods on the farm, as nothing is
more beautiful than our fine drooping Elms, Tulip trees, Oaks,
and Ashes. Or some additional interest may be given to the
place, by introducing a few Horse Chestnuts or European
Lindens, around the house and along the approach. The trees
we would plant in natural groups, as indicated on the plan, as
this would not only evince a more cultivated taste in a farmer
than straight lines, but it would also add to the apparent
extent of the whole area devoted to ornamental trees, by giving
it an irregular and varied boundary of foliage.
This acre and a quarter devoted to ornament, may also be
rendered profitable ; 1st, by mowing the grass over the whole
surface ; or secondly, by keeping it short, by pasturing it -with
favorite animals. In the case of mowing, when no animals
are admitted, a few flowering shrubs and plants may be culti
vated directly around the house. But if it is preferred to
pasture the area, it would be necessary to confine all small
shrabs and plants to a certain portion of the kitchen garden
devoted to this purpose.
There are some farmers who would be wiUing to devote
an acre around their house to some kind of lawn, or puroose
superior to a common field, who are yet not sufficiently alive
to the beauty and dignity of fine forest trees, to be willing to
plant the latter. Such may substitute fruit for forest trees, and
even arrange them in the same manner, planting those most
symmetrical and pleasing in their forms, as the cherry and
pear, near the house and the Approach ; and those w^hich are
unsightly in growth, nearest the boundary.

90

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

The beauty of a farm wiU be greatly enhanced by intro
ducing verdant hedges, in the place of stone or wooden fences,
at least in all situations near the house. The best plant to
be had in the nurseries for this purpose, is the Buckthorn
{Rha/mnus catharticd), a native shrub, much hardier and better
than the English ha-wthorn for our climate. Almost any of
our native thorns in the woods make good hedges, and the
farmer may gather the seeds, and raise them himself. South
of the latitude of New York city, the best hedge plant is the
Osage Orange {Maclwra aurantiaca).
If the ground is previously weU prepared by repeated
ploughings and manuring, and proper care is taken to head
back the young plants the first year or two to make a thick
bottom, and to trim them twice a year afterwards, an excel
lent hedge may be obtained in five years. No person, we
hope, who has once seen a handsome deep green hedge,
forming a dense close surface, enlivened -with blossoms in the
spring, and berries in the autumn, will grudge the Uttle annual
care necessary to substitute this for at least a small part of his
unsightly wall, or " post and rail."
Wooden and stone fences near the house, may be rendered
omamental by planting the Yirginia creeper (Ampelopsis), or
fiv^aved ivy, at short distances along the fence. This vine
is common over a large portion of the Union, and will quickly
form a beautiful mantle of verdure, concealing the wall in
summer with its rich and luxuriant green, and in autumn with
its bright scarlet foliage.
When the eye commands from the house a -view beyond the
ornamental lawn, the latter may be pleasingly connected hy
planting or preserving, here and there, in the adjoining fields,

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

91

a few of the same forest trees that are growing on the lawn,
thus avoiding too strongly marked a contrast between the latter
area and the farm lands, and showing something of a unity of
design or purpose.
The orchard near the house is an apple orchard, and we give
a selection of one hundred trees for the purpose of planting it
with the most valuable sorts, including a number of sweet
apples for feeding stock.

2. Early Bough,
2. Yellow Harvest,
2. Esopus Spitzenherg,
4. Boston Russet,
6. Fall Pippin,
8. Jersey Sweet,
2. Jonathan,
6. Baldwin,
2. Lady Apple,
4. Golden Pippin,
6. Ladies' Sweeting,
8. Newtown Pippin,
3. Golden Sweeting,
8. Rhode Island Greening,
2. Summer Paradise,
4. Swaar,
8. Yellow Belle Fleur,
4. Pearmain,
4. Michael Henry Pippin,
2. Dominie,
2. Hubardston Nonsuch,
2. Gravestein,
4. Northern Spy,
4. Porter,

Ripens in
August.
July. Nov. Feb.
May. Sept. Dec.
Aug. Nov.
Dec. Feb.
Nov. May.
Nov. March.
Dec. Feb.
Nov. March.
Dec. May.
Sept. Oct.
Nov. March.
Aug. Sept.
Dec. March.
Oct. Jan.
Nov. March.
Nov. March.
Nov. March.
Dec. March.
Sept. Oct.
Feb. May.
Sept Oct.

it2 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

DESIGN V.
A cottag&villa w the Brachetted mode.
We trust that the exterior of this vUla wUl generally please,
as although it is simple in form, we have endeavored to add tc
its domestic, comfortable air, a more forcible and elegant
expression than rectangular buildings generaUy possess. The
strongly marked character which it has, is derived mainly from
the bold projection of the roof supported by ornamental
brackets, and from the employment of brackets for supports in
various other parts of the building.
This bracketted mode of building, so simple in construction,
and so striking in effect, will be found highly suitable to North
America, and especiaUy to the southern states. The coolness
and dryness of the upper story, afforded by the almost veranda
like roof, -will render this a delightful feature in all parts of our
country, where the summers are hot, and the sun very bright
during the long days of that season. Indeed, we think a very
ingenious architect might produce an Ainerican cottage style,
by carefuUy studying the capabilities of this mode, so abounding
in picturesqueness, and so easUy executed.
In actual fitness for domestic purposes, in this country, we
think this bracketted mode has much to recommend it. It is
admirably adapted to the two kinds of construction which must,
for some time, be the most prevalent in the United States,—

DESTON V.
A COTTAGE VILLA, IN THE nR\CKETi;D MODH.

Fig. '.W.

PRSNCIPAL

J-.K. :i7.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 93
wood, and brick covered by an external wash. Its comparative
lightness of character renders it well suited for wood, and the
protection afforded by the projection of the roof, will give com
plete security and dryness to the waUs, rendering good stucco
or cement in such a situation as durable as stone. The facUity
of its construction is an additional circumstance in its favor, as
the details are extremely simple — the ornamental brackets,
which are the principal features of decoration, being cut out of
pine or oak plank, two inches thick, and one or two pattems
serving for the whole exterior.
Extending the roof in the manner sho-wn in this design, gives
expression and character at once to the exterior, and the broad
and deep shadows thrown by the projection are not only
effective and pleasing to the artistic eye, but they increase the
actual comfort of the chamber apartments ; a projection of from
*
30 inches to three feet, serving as a hood to shelter the win
dows from the summer snn during all the sultry portions of the
day ; while in winter, the sun being low in position, this effect
wiU not be felt, when it is not desirable.
On entering the haU (see plan of principal fioor. Fig. 37), we
find on the left an oval dining, or living-room, lighted by a
, large and handsome window on the side, and another in front;
the latter finished with a -window-seat. There are two pantries,
or closets, in this room, in the spaces formed by the ovals in
front, and the opposite end of the room may be finished with
shaUow closets for plate, glass, or valuable china. At the oppo
site end of this room, is a door opening into the passage b, which
communicates with the stairs to the kitchen (under the main
stairs), and also with the open air, by the door on the veranda.
At the left of this passage is the water-closet (W. C).

94 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
On the opposite side is the parior or drawing-room, occupy
ing the whole space, 18 by 26 feet. This room is of very
handsome size, and if well finished would make a splendid
apartment. The ceUing should be 13 or 14 feet high, and
might be supported by a bracketted cornice, tastefully executed
in plaster, to harmonize with the character of the exterior.
Our own taste would lead us to prefer greatly, in all cases,
the simplicity and dignity of a single large apartment of this
kind in the country, to two apartments connected by folding
or sliding doors. In the latter, the single room, considered
by itself, is comparatively of no importance, because it is
evidently only one half of the architect's idea, and the coup
deceit of the whole is greatly injured, by the partition still
remaining, after the doors are open. A large room like this
drawing-room, will, on the contrary, be a complete whole in
itself, and regarding its effect either with pr without company,
it will be found much more satisfactory than that of the two
smaUer ones connected. Access to the veranda from this
room, is afforded by the -window at its further end, d, which is
a casement window opening to the fioor, and may therefore be
used as a door.
At the end of the hall a door opens into the library, 18 by 20
feet, which is a cool, airy apartment, shaded by the veranda
that surrounds it on three sides. It communicates directly
with the drawing-room by one door, and with the passage J,
leading to the veranda, by another.
On the second fioor are five bedrooms. Fig. 38. The two
bedrooms on the right being connected by a door, one of
them may be used as a nursery, and the other as a family bed
room. Three bedrooms for servants may be finished in the

COTTAGE EESIDENOES.

95

EEC.

FLOOR
[Fig. 38.]

attic story, which will be
lighted by the windows in the
gable. There is a handsome
balcony, which is entered upon
from the casement-window, at
the end of the haU in this story,
shaded by the broad overhang
ing roof, and two other balconies
which accompany, in a similar
maimer, the large windows in
the two principal bedrooms on
either side of this haU. These
two large windows are each
composed of three compart
ments, and the middle compartment of that on the right,
against which the partition of the nursery abuts, is made solid
on the inside, which still gives
one window, or compartment of
moderate size, for each room.
The basement accommoda
tion. Fig. 39, consists of a
kitchen, laundry, store-room,
and cellar. The basement story
is raised about three and a half
feet above ground, with areas
buUt around the windows, to
admit an abundance of light.
The outer entrance to this story easement.
is by the steps descending under IT'e- 39-]
the veranda, indicated on the left of this plan.

96 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
The chimneys in this elevation are bold and striking, and
show what would be in good keeping with the style of the
house. Their construction is simple. They are each covered
on the top by two fiat coping stones, of bold projection, the
smoke escaping on two sides (Fig. 42). Chimneys built in
this manner are much more likely to draw well than those with
an open top, in the common mode. This form, however, is not
by any means essential, and square flues in a body, with a bold
cornice supported on bricks projecting as brackets, or separate
detached fines carried up in clusters, with heavy tops, would
also be suitable for a building in this style.
Va/riation of this design, as constructed in wood. The fore
going engravings being in illustration of this design, as built
¦of soUd materials, we introduce another elevation. Fig. 40, to
show its appearance constructed of wood. The common
mode of siding is sufficiently well understood by every one,
but in this elevation a less general mode is sho-wn, which con
sists in tongue and grooving the boards, nailing them vertically
I in the frame, and covering the joint by a strip one to two
inches wide. We suggest this mode as a variation, as it makes
a very warm and dry house, and the effect is good. Fig. 45
is a section to the scale of half an inch to a foot, sho-wing this
kind of siding.
There are, perhaps, some families who would much prefer a
bedroom, to the Ubrary, in our previous plan of the principal
floor. We have, in the annexed Fig. 41, sho-wn how this wing,
originaUy intended for a library, may, by a little variation in
the plan, be made to afford a pleasant bedroom, with a closet
adjoining, and a pretty little boudoir opening either into the
(bedroom or the drawing-room, as may be thought best. If

COTl'AGE EESIDENCES.

97

k^--M

[Fig. 40.1

[Fig. 41.]

98

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

this variation should be preferred to the original plan of thie
floor, it wUl only be necessary to carry through the partitions
introduced in this wing, which will make a similar alteration in
the plan of the second and basement stories so easily under
stood, that it wiU, not require any further plans in illustration.
Details. A portion of the porch in
Fig. 43, shows the manner of orna
menting this part of the building by
brackets. Four varieties of brackets,
suitable for the roof supports of build
ings in this style, are seen in the ac
companying Fig. 44. In this engrav
ing, drawn to the scale of half an inch
to a foot. A, represents the boldest form,
suitable for the comers or angles of the [fig- «¦!
° ^ • building ; b, one of lesser size, proper
for the projection of the gables; c is
another variation, employed in the bold
projection of the gable in front, over
'the porch, and d is a form employed
for eave brackets, when it is thought
advisable to continue them along the
whole line of roof, as in the next
design. In the foUo-wing engraving,
a represents a moulding, and b the
roof and cornice above the bracket. The most complete mode
would undoubtedly be to employ cut-stone brackets in a buUd
ing like this composed of stone or solid materials ; but if made
of good sound wood, and thoroughly painted and sanded to
resemble the stone or stucco, it -will answer nearly as well.

'^ . fflf

[Fig. 4-d.]

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

99

*:

--'W.f

[Fig. 44.]
In Fig. 45, is seen a section of the mode
of siding, alluded to in our variation of this
[Pig. 45] design in wood, which needs no further ex
planation. It wUl be observed that the supports to the veranda in the
rear of this dwelling are simple, octagonal posts, ornamented
with brackets at the top, and that the brackets being a
characteristic feature in this style or mode, it is introduced
wherever a support is really or apparently necessary, as in
the case of the balconies to the windows, etc. And in a
building in this mode, the unity of design should be fiirther
preserved, by carrying out the boldness of character in all
portions of the buUding, by projecting the roofs, verandas,
porches, etc., in a proportionate degree, and by introducing
few and bold mouldings and ornaments.
Some character is given to the roof in this design, by
employing shingles of an uniform size, and rounding the
lower ends before laying them on the roof.*

» The principle of expression of purpose, demands that the roofs of buildings
should be shovra, and rendered omamental. In snowy countries, especially, a

100 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
We have designated a water-closet in this design. A water-
closet does not actually require a space larger than 3 by 4 or 5
feet, and it may therefore be introduced in the first or second
s^tory of almost every house, although we have only shown it in
two or three of these designs. If properly constructed, and its
accompanying cistern kept supplied with water, it will be found
entirely free from odors of any kind, and therefore a very great
desideratum in every house. The better way is to employ a
first rate plumber from the city to fit it up completely whUe the
house is in progress. In order to explain the principle of its
construction we extract the following description of one of
a simple and very efficient kind from the Enayclopmdia of
Cottage, Farm, and Villa Architecture, p. 18.
" The water-closet may be variously arranged ; but as one of
the best and cheapest modes, and one the least likely to go out
of order, we give the following ; The cistern. Fig. 46, a may
be at any distance from the seat b, provided it be on a higher
level, by four or five feet. The basin c, may be an inverted
hollow cone, truncated, and joined to a piece of cylindrical
tube, inserted in a closed leaden vessel, technically called
a smell-trap d. In the side of c, at e, is a hole or vertical
opening passing obliquely through the sides of the basin, and
communicating with the cistern a by the pipe/. The water in
the cistern is prevented from runm'ng off through this pipe by a
moderately steep roof is necessary to sustam the pressure, and shed the snow
perfectly, and it should always, therefore, be boldly exposed, and rendered
omamental in domestic architecture. Some of our builders seem to have a
farcical horror of a roof, or a chimney top (derived from the study of Greek
temples !), and conceal both, by costly and elaborate balustrades and parapeta,
in many cases at an expense sufficient, if judiciously applied, to have given a
superior character to the whole building.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

101

[Fig. 46.]

nicely fitting valve at g. When it is
desired to allow the water to rush
down into the basin, it is only neces
sary to pull the string h ; which, if the
cistern be at a distance, may pass
over several puUeys, according to the
number of angles in its course. In
order to insure the descent of a quan
tity of water to the basin every time
it has been used, a cord *, may be
joined to A, and passed over the pulley
at h, and the end of this cord may be
fixed to the upper part of the door of
the water-closet, at such a distance
from the hinge, say a foot, as will suffice to lift up the valve g /
or the same purpose might be effected by a lever which would
be acted upon every time the door was opened. In every case
where it is intended that a common or lever valve should be
operated on by a door, the latter ought to have a spring-bolt
to shut it, lest at any time it should be left open by neglect."
There are several late improvements in water-closets now to be
had of the best plumbers in New York. The waste pipe from
the water-closet should leave the house by a properly fitted
under-ground drain, and should either terminate in a covered
drain or sewer, at a considerable distance, or in a well or
cistern for liquid manure, the contents of which may be turned
to valuable account.
Estimate. This cottage--villa may 'be buUt of brick and
stucco or of wood, in the best manner, at a cost of about $5500.
With cut free-stone trimmings it would cost $6000.

102 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
La/ying out the ground.
The situation for which this cottage is designed borders the
public road, and contains about two acres, which are nearly
level. At the back of the garden. Fig. 47, is a steep hill a, the
side covered -with trees, which is ascended by a walk b, leading
to a rustic summer-house on the top at c, from whence a
prospect of the surrounding country is obtained.
The house is at d, and the objects in laying out the ground
were to create an airy, cheerful aspect around the house,
especially in front ; to preserve a view of the steep picturesque
hill from the veranda in the rear, and with the appearance of
a good deal of ornamental effect to retain about one acre, or
nearly half the level ground, for a kitchen garden e, and a fruit
garden/". In order to give an air of some extent and elegance about
the house, the whole surface in this neighborhood, not devoted
to the kitchen and fruit gardens, is laid down in lawn g, to be
kept neatly mown ; with the exception of the long borders h,
devoted to a miscellaneous collection of flowers ; the circular
beds, fflled with verbenas, petunias, and monthly roses, three
plants which will bloom the whole summer, and have a brilliant
effect from the drawing-room windows ; and the two beds j
fiUed with choice double Dahlias. In the turf is planted a num
ber of the finest species of omamental trees and shrubs, some
being allowed to grow alone and assume all their beauty of
development, and others planted in groups, or thickets, for
effect or shelter. The novice will be assisted in making a
selection of these trees and shrubs, by referring to the Ust given
at page 74. Some of the less hardy and robust of these trees

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

103

[Fig. 47.]

104 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
and shrubs, being planted in groups in this way, -wiU require
that the surface around each tree for a smaU area of about two
feet in diameter be kept loose by culture to promote their
growth, until they attain considerable size.
The entrance gate is shown at h, and there is a large oval
of turf, around which to turn carriages immediately before the
door. The carriage road /, after approaching the entrance to
the kitchen for the convenience of delivering hea-py articles,
leads to the carriage-house m, adjoining which are the barn
and stable n, and the stable yard o, the latter communicating
directly with the pubUc road by the lane^.
The kitchen and fruit gardens are enclosed on three sides
by hedges of the privet or prim, a rapid gro-wing plant which
forms a thick hedge in three years, has neat foUage and
flowers, and is easily cultivated from slips or cuttings planted
in March or AprU. These verdant fences wUl scarcely appear
barriers, and a spectator standing on the veranda in the rear
of the house, and looking over the open, oval la-wn g, bor
dered by the flower borders, and these backed by the deep
green hedges, would scarcely be impressed -with that idea
of confinement which this moderate space would otherwise
convey. A detached green-house is shown at r, which, like the
dweUing-house, fronts due south. This green-house is 14 feet
wide^ by 40 feet long, and has a lean-to, or shed, at the rear,
which affords a cover for the fumace, -with a place for fuel,
and a long narrow apartment for a gardener's seed room,
tool room, or work room, the latter being a place absolutely
necessary in every residence of the size of half an acre, if
appropriated to ornamental purposes. Not only the front, but

COTTAGE EESn)EXOES. 105
also both the ends of this green-house should be glazed, ae
the Sim will then, in the course of the day, shine on all sides.
In the middle or eastern states, where the winters are severe,
it will be found a great economy of both fuel and labor, to
have light shutters made for all the sashes in a green-house
detached Uke this one. When the sun is shining, the shutters
can be speedily removed, and in cold dull days, and at night,
the glass may be kept covered, which will prevent the house
from losing its heat rapidly. No green-house in this country,
where even the wintry sun is brUliant, -will require a particle
of fire whUe the sun shines, and by the aid of shutters we may
preserve the warmth of the green-house, collected during the
afternoon, through a considerable portion, and often the whole
of the night.
The hiU side a, in its original state, was sprinkled over with
trees, tufts of grass, ferns, etc., and was disfigured by the
presence of a number of rough pUes of rock. In order to
render them omamental, a quantity of hardy climbers, as the
Trumpet -vdne (Bignonia), the coral or trumpet Honeysuckles,
the double flowering Bramble, and the Virginia creeper, may
be planted at the foot and among these rocks, and they
wUl in two or three seasons render them highly picturesque
by en-wreathing them with beautifal garlands of foliage and
flowers. As the la-wn -wUl be a great source of beauty in all places
of this kind, it is important that attention should be paid to
this feature early in the preparation of the grounds. No
lawn will retain its freshness and verdure throughout our hot
summers, unless particular attention is paid to two circum
stances. The first of these is the preparation of a deep soU

106 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
before it is sown, or laid down in grass — the second consists
in frequent mowings. When there is a large surface to be
kept in lawn, the soil may be rendered suitable by manuring
and ploughing thoroughly beforehand with the sub-soil plough,
or by going through the same furrow three times in ]iloughing
the soil. When the area is small, it may be trenched with
the spade. The roots of the grasses strike much deeper in a
mellow prepared soil, than persons are generally aware, and
are thereby enabled to withstand a severe drought, when, if
sown in the ordinary mode, they would have dried up and the
foliage become brown in a short time. A rich soil for a lawn
is not desirable, but rather a deep one, capable of retaining
moisture for a long time. Wood ashes will be found an
excellent top-dressing for invigorating a worn-out la-wn.
Frequent mowing is necessary to insure that velvet-like
appearance, so much admired in English la-wns. To perform
this operation neatly, the mower must be provided with a
scythe, the blade of which is very broad, and hung nearly
paraUel to the surface of the lawn ; and the mowing should
always be performed, if possible, after a shower, or a heavy
dew, while the grass is yet damp. The best mixture of grass
seeds in use among us, and to be had at our seed shops, is the
same as composes the natural growth of our commons, aud
the turf by the road sides, viz. Eed top and white Clover
{Agrostis vulgaris and Trifolium repens). They should be
sown thickly for a lawn, at the rate of three bushels of the
former and six quarts of the latter to the acre.*
* Mr. Loudon recommends the following mixture of grasses for a lawn ; viz.
Agrostis vulgaris var. tenuifolia, Fesiuca duriuscula, F. ovina, Cynosurus ait-
tatus, Poa pratensis, Avena Jlavescens, and Trifolium minus.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 107
The five circular beds i, are supposed to be each 10 or
15 feet in diameter, and cut in the turf. It is proposed to
fill these with plants, each bed with the same genus, and
cultivate them in such a manner that, when full grown, they
shall cover the whole surface of the bed. They wUl then
present a mass of rich leaves and blossoms, and the raw earth
not being seen, these beds will connect themselves much more
harmoniously with the surrounding turf or lawn, than if only
partially covered with plants. Nothing is more unsightly than
raw flower beds near the -windows of the house, in midsummer,
and we therefore greatly prefer the beauty of a few rich circles
or groups like these, to the lean and parched appearance which
long beds of miscellaneous flowers exhibit when placed in
direct proximity to the dweUing.
The ti-ailing Verbenas and Petunias are very showy plants,
blooming perpetuaUy during the whole season, and are there
fore admirably adapted to this purpose. As they wiU not stand
our winters, they must be treated as annuals ; or preserved by
taking smaU plants up in pots, in autumn, and keeping them in
the green-house or a frame, planting them out again in April.
The foUowing varieties are recommended :
Verbenas Robinson's defiance (scarlet). Petunia Hebe.
St. Margaret (crimson). Eclipse.
Hermione (blue). Rosy mom.
Beauty supreme (pink). King of crimsons.
Sir Seymour (white). New white.
Lady Alice Peel.
A great number of beautiful monthly roses, including the
Noisettes, the common China, or Bengal, and the Tea and the

108

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

Bourbon varieties, may be procm-ed in the nurseries. These
require a rich loamy soil, where they will bloom in great pro
fusion all the summer, and until winter frosts overtake them.
The Bourbon roses are especially remarkable for the size, the
abundance, fragrance, and the beauty of their blossoms. Th?
following selection includes some of the most desirable sorts,
all everblooming or monthly.

BOURBON ROSES.
Souvenir de Majmaison, large, shell
color.
Paul Joseph, rich, deep crimson.
Madame Angelina, white, tinged with
fawn.
Triomphe de Luxembourg, rosy
bronze.
Acidalie, white, or pale blush.
Madame Deprez, rose, large and very
double.
General Dubourg, do., very fragrant.
Hermosa, rose colored.
Gloire de France, or Neumann.
Queen, rosy fawn.
BEN&Al. ROSES.
Mrs. Bosanquet, pale flesh.
Louis Philippe, deep crimson.
Agrippina, crimson or striped.
Double White Daily.
Queen of Lombardy, cherry color.
Semperflorens, or Sanguinea.
Roi de Cramoisies, rich crimson.
Marjolin, superb dark red.
Leonidas, bright rose.

NOISETTE ROSES.
Champney's cluster, blush.
Aimee Vibert, pure vihite.
Fellemberg, crimson.
Cloth of Gold, ^ne yellow.
Conque de Venus, delicate blush.
Jaune Desprez, creamy blush.
Lamarque, pale yellow.
Smith's yellow, large and fragrant.
Grandifiora, large blush.
Sir Walter Scott, purple.
Joan of Arc, white.
Charles X., bright red.

TEA ROSES.
Odorata, or Common blush Tea.
Devoniensis, creamy white.
Caroline, fine blush.
Josephine Malton, yellowish white.
Princesse Marie, rosy blush.
Bougere, glossy fawn.
Aurora, pale straw.
Clara Sylvian, /ne.
Goubelt, bright rose.

COTTAGE EESmENCES. 109
Nearly aU the varieties of China Eoses may be cultivated in
the open air, with a. trifling covering of straw or litter over
the tops in winter, to prevent their being injured by sudden
thawing after severe frosts.
The two flower borders h, being each more than one hundred
and fifty feet long, will contain a large collection of flowering
plants, both annuals and perennials. The latter being more
permanent and more showy, are to be chiefly employed, but
small spaces should be left at intervals along the borders to
allow the sowing of annuals, as the latter bloom profusely
during midsummer and autumn, when comparatively few
perennials are in flower. We have already remarked that,
in order to attain the most beautiful effect from such flower
borders, two rules must be observed : the first is, to arrange
the plants so that the taUer and coarser growing shall be
furthest from the front of the border, the smallest near the
Walk; and the second that the collection' should consist of a
due proportion of plants blooming in the different months
through the whole season. As to perform this will, perhaps,
require more knowledge of the habits of herbaceous plants than
many of our readers possess, we give the foUowing Ust for the
purpose of assisting them in stocking beds of this description,
so as to produce satisfactory results.

110 COTTAGE EESIDENOES.

LIST OF PERENNIAL BORDER FLOWERS,
Arranged according to their period of blooming, with theii
height.
FLOWERING IN APRIL.

From 6 to 12 inches.
Anemone thalictroides, pi. Double wood Anemone ; white.
Adonis vemalis. Spring flovfer Adonis ; yellow.
Corydalis cucularia. Breeches flower ; white.
Anemone pulsatilla. P.asque flower ; blue.
Anemone hepalica, pi. Double Hepaticas ; blue.
Viola odorata, pi. Double white and blue European Violets.
Omphalodes verna. Blue Venus Navelwort.
Polemonium reptans. Greek Valerian ; blue.
Phlox stolonifera. Creeping Phlox ; red.
Primula veris. The Cowslip ; yellow and red.
Primula polyanlha. The Polyanthus ; purple.
Primula auricula. The Auricula; purple.
Viola tricolor. Heart's Ease, or Pansy ; many colors and sorts.
Viola grandifiora. Purple Pansy.
Phlox subulata. Moss Pink Phlox.
Phlox nivea. White Moss Pink.
Gentiana acaulis. Dwarf Gentian ; purple.
CLASS n.
From 1 to 2 feet high.
Phlox divaricata. Early purple Phlox.
Saxifraga crassifolia. Thick leaved Saxifrage ; lilac.
Dodecatheon meadia. American Cowslip ; lilac.

COITAGt; EESIDENCES. Ill

Pulmonaria virginica. Virginian Lungwort ; purple.
Alyssum saxatile. Golden Basket; yellow.
TroUius europeus. European Globe flower ; yellow.
MAY.

From 6 /o 12 inches high.
Veronica gentianoides. Gentian leaved Speedwell; blue.
.hffersonia diphylla. Two-leaved JefFersonia ; white.
Lysamachia nummularia. Trailing Loose-strife ; yellow.
Convallaria majalis. Lily of the Valley ; v^fhite.
Saponaria ocymoides. Basil-like Soapwort ; red.
Phlox pilosa. Hairy Phlox ; red.
Housionia carulea. Blue Houstonia.

From 1 to 2 feet high.
Coronilla varia. .Changeable •Coronilla; pink.
Ptconia tenuifolia. Fine-leaved Paeony ; red.
Corydalis formosa. Showy Corydalis ; red.
Veronica spicata. Blue-spiked Speedwell.
Pentstemon ovata. Oval-leaved Pentstemon ; blue.
Pentstemon atropurpureus. Dark purple Pentstemon.
Orobus niger. Dark purple Vetch.
Anchusa Ilalica. Italian Bugloss ; blue.
Ranunculus acris, pi. Double Buttercups ; yellow.
Tradescantia virginica. Blue and white Spiderwort.
Lupinus polyphyllus. Purple Lupin.
Iris siberica. Siberian Iris ; blue.
Lupinus Nootkaensis. Nootka Sound Lupin ; blue.
Hesperis matronalis, alba, pi. The Double White Rocket

113 OOTTAGE EESIDENCES.
Phlox suaveolens. The white Phlu.x, or Lychnidea.
Phlox maculata. The purple spotted Phlox.
Lupinus perennis and ricularis. Perennial Lupins ; blue.
Lychnis flos cuculi, pi. Double Ragged-Robin; red.
AquUegia canadensis. Wild Columbine : scarlet.

2 feet and higher.
Papaver orientalis. Oriental scarlet Poppy.
Iris florentina. Florentine Iris ; white.
PcEonia albiflora. Single white Pasony.
Hemerocallis flava. The yellow Day-lily.

JUNE.

From 6 <o 12 inches high
Potentilla rosea. The Rose-colored Potentilla.
Potentilla mayeana. Mayes' Potentilla ; light rose.
Spirea filipendula, pi. Double Pride of the Meadow; white.
Cypripedium pubescent. Yellow Indian Moccasin.
Viscaria vulgaris, pi. White and red Viscaria.
Eschscholtzia californica. Golden Eschscholtzia ; yellow.
Lychins fulgens. Fulgent Lychins ; red.
Dianthus chinensis. Indian Pinks ; variegated.
Verbena multifida. Cut-leaved Verbena ; purple.
Verbena Lamberti. Lambert's Verbena ; purple.
Iris Susiana. Chalcedonian Iris; mottled.

COTTAGE EESIDENOES. 113
CLASS IL
From I to 2 feel high.
Spirea Lobata. Siberian spirea ; red.
Spirea Ulmaria, pi. Double Meadow Sweet ; white.
Delphinium grandiflorum, pi. Double dark blue Larkspur.
Delphinium chinense, pi. Double Chinese Larkspur ; blue.
Dianthus hortensis. Garden Pinks ; many double sorts and colors.
Caltha palustris, pi. Double Marsh Marigold; yellow.
Polemonium cxruleum, and album. Common white and blue Greek Valerian,
Campanula persicifolia, pi. Double peach-leaved Campanula ; white.
Antirrhinum majus. Red and white Snap Dragons.
Geranium sanguineum. Bloody Geranium ; red.
(Enothera fruticosa. Shrubby Evening Primrose ; yellow.
Dianthus caryophyllus. The Carnation of many colors.
Campanula grandifiora. Large blue Bellflower.
Clematis integrifolia. Austrian blue Clematis.
Asphodelus ramosus. Branching Asphodel ; white.
Pentstemon speciosa. Showy Pentstemon ; blue.
CLASS m.
2 feet and higher.
Aconitum Napellus, variegata. Purple-and-white Monk's Hood.
Aconitum Napellus. Monk's Hood ; purple.
Campanula ranunculoides. Nodding Bellflower ? blue.
Verbascum phceniceum. Purple Mullein.
Clematis erecta. Upright Clematis ; white.
Linum perenne. Perennial Flax ; blue.
Pmnnia Humei. Double blush Peeony.
Pmonia fragrans. Double fragrant Pseony ; rose.
Pceonia Whitleji. Double white Pseony.
Gaillardia aristata. Bristly Gaillardia ; yellow.
8

114 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
JULY.

From 6 to 12 inches high.
Pentstemon Richardsonii. Richardson's Pentstemon ; purple.
Pentstemon pubescens. Downy Pentstemon ; lilac.
Campanula carpathica. Carpathian Bellflower ; blue.
Sedum populifulium. Poplar-leaved Sedum ; white.
Dianthus deltoides. Mountain Pink : red.
Veronica maritima. Maritime Speedwell ; blue.

From 1 to 2 feet high.
Pentstemon campanulatum. Bell-flowered Pentstemon ; lilac.
Pentstemon speciosa. Showy Pentstemon ; red.
Pentstemon roseum. Rose-colored Pentstemon.
Mormrda didyma. Lemon-scented balm ; scarlet.
Potentilla atrosanguinea. Dark red Potentilla.
Funkia Sieboldli. Lilac Punkia.
Coreopsis Atkinsonia. Atkinson's Coreopsis ; yellow.
AquUegia glandulosa. Glandular Columbine ; striped.
Phlox Brownii. Brown's Phlox ; red.
Dictamnus Fraxinella. Purple Fraxinella.
Dictamnus alba. White Fraxinella.
Anchusa officinalis. Common Bugloss ; blue.
CEnothera Fraseri. Eraser's Evening Primrose ; yellow.
(Enothera macrocarpa. Large podded Evening Primrose ; yellow.
Campanula trachelium, pi. Double white, and blue Bell Flowers.
Potentilla Russelliana. Russell's Cinquefoil ; red.
Delphinium speciosum. Showy Larkspur ; blue.
Campanula macrantha. Large blue Bell-flower.
Chelone Lyoni. Purple Chelone.
Chelone barbata. Be.irded Chelone ; orange.
Dracocephalum grandiflorum. Dragon's head ; purple.

OOTTAGE EESIDENCES. U5

2 feet and higher.
Delphinium elatum. Bee Larkspur; blue.
Pentstemon digitalis. Missouri Pentstemon; white.
Hibiscus palustris. Swamp Hibiscus ; red.
Lychnis Chalcedonica. Single and double scarlet Lychnis.
Lythrum latifolium. Perennial Pea ; purple.
AUGUST.
CLASS 1.
From 6 to 12 inches hifrh.
Corydalis formosa. Red Fumitory.
Phlox carnea. Flesh-colored Phlox.
Lychnis coronata. Chinese orange Lychnis.
CLASS II.
From 1 to 2 feet high.
Geum Quellyon. Scarlet Geum.
Gaillardia aristata. Bearded Gaillardia ; yellow.
Phlox Alcordi. Alcord's Phlox; purple.
Catananche ccerulea. Blue Catananche.
Asclepias tuberosa. Orange Swallowwork
Veronica carnea. Flesh-colored Speedwell.
Gaillardia bicolor. Orange Gaillardia.
Hemerocallis japonica. Japan day-lily ; white.
Dianthus superbus. Superb fringed Pink ; white.
Lobelia cardinalis. Cardinal flower ; red.
Lythrum Salicaria. Willow Herb ; purple.
Lialris squ/irrosa. Blazing Star; blue.
Coreopsis tenuifolia. Five-leaevd Coreopsis ; yellow.
Phlox Van Houttei. Van Houtte's Phlox ; purple and white, striped.

116 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

2 feet and higher.
Campanula pyramidalis. The pyramidal Bell-flower ; blue and white.
Yucca fdamenlosa. Adam's Thread ; white.
Yucca flaccida. Flaccid Yucca ; white.
Phlox paniculata. Panicled Phlox ; purple and white.
Epilobium spicatum. Purple spiked Epilobium.
Cassia Marylandica. Maryland Cassia; yellow.
SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER.

From 6 to 12 inches high.
Achillea ptarmica, pi. Double Milfoil ; white.
Aster linifolius. Fine-leaved Aster ; white.
Gentiana Saponaria. Soapwort Gentian ; blue.
Sedum Sieboldtii. Japan Sedum ; pink.

From 1 to 2 feet Aig^.
Coreopsis grandifiora. Large yellow Coreopsis.
Eupatorium celestinum. Azure blue Eupatorium.
Phlox Wheeleriana. Wheeler's Phlox; red.

2 feet and higher.
Aster macrophyllus. Broad-leaved Aster ; white.
Eupatorium aromaticum. Fragrant Eupatorium ; whit«.
Lialris elegans. Elegant Blazing Star ; purple.
Liatris spicata and scarrosa. Blue Blazing Stars.
Aster nov(E-angli(B. New-England Aster; purple.
Echinops ritro. Globe thistle ; blue.
Chrysanthemum indicum. Artemlsias, many sorts and colors.

DESIGN VI.
A VILLA IN rilE IT.VLIAN STVLE, lilt VCKETI^.n.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 1-17

DESIGN VI.
An i/rregula/r villa in the Italian style, hracketted.
This design shows a vUla in the Italian style, of moderate
size. It is highly irregular, and while it wUl, on account of
the great picturesqueness and variety growing out of tin's
circumstance, be much more pleasing to a portion of our
readers, a great number of persons, who only judge of a
dweUing-house by a common-sense standard, will probabl'
prefer a more regular and uniform building, like one of the
previous designs. The latter class will find no good reason
for any extra cost incurred in creating an irregular villa like
this, as a more regular one would afford the same comfort
and convenience ; but persons who have cultivated an archi
tectural taste, and who relish the higher beauties of the art
growing out of variety, will give a great preference to a
design capable of awakening more strongly emotions of the
beautiful or picturesque, as well as the useful or convenient.
We might iUustrate the natural progress in taste in the fine.
arts, which all persons make, and their relative capacity ot
enjoying different degrees of art, by a familiar example drawn
from music. Most persons, having an ear for music, but who
have never cultivated a taste for it, wiU be found greatly tt)

US COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
prefer simple airs, because the simple rhythm of melody is
distinct, and easily understood ; the more intricate beauties of
harmony abounding in fine musical compositions, are only
intensely felt and enjoyed when our perceptions are enlarged
and heightened by education.
The Italian mode is capable of displaying a rich domestic
character in its balconies, verandas, omamental porches, ter
races, etc. The square tower, or campanile, is a prominent
feature in vUlas in this style, and frequently confers on the
Italian compositions a character of great boldness and dignity.
The projecting roof, and Ae round-arched window, are also
characteristic features.
The present design is intended for a situation where it
is desired to preserve the whole of the fine view from the
windows of the drawing-room unobstructed, and the entrance
front is accordingly made on the adjoining side. After
reaching the porch, see Fig. 49, we enter the vestibule which
occupies the lower floor of the tower, and from thence the haU,
leading through the buUding, and terminating in a back porch
of one story in height. Adjoining the latter is a closet for
stores. On the left of this haU is an elegant dra-wing-room 20 by
24 feet, connected -with a library 20 by 16 feet. At either
extremity of these rooms, is a handsome projecting window in
the Italian mode, giving an air of dignity to the apartments,
and in front are three casement windows opening to the floor
of the veranda, both for the purpose of allowing an uninter
rupted view, and affording easy communication.
On the right of the hall is the dining-room, 20 by 16 feet.
A pantry or store-room, 8 by 10 feet, opens into this room. In

OOTTAGE EESIDENCES.

119

front is a pretty little terrace, ornamented with a few vases of
terra cotta, or artiflcial stone.

CHAMBER FLOOR.

[Pig. 50.]

The chamber floor of this design shows three bedrooms, 20
by 16 feet, each with a pleasant balcony at one of its windows :
and two smaller bedrooms. In the attic story are three bed
rooms for servants, lighted by the windows shown in the
gables. From the attic a smaU staircase leads through the
half story (with square -windows), to the upper story of the
campanile or tower, whence an extensive prospect of the country
fbr many miles round is enjoyed.
The kitchen of this villa is placed beneath the dining-
room ; and ample cellarage, wine, and store-rooms, are obtained
under the main body of the house, at the other side of the
haU. He* fanciful and convenient window shades, or canopies.

120

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

occasionaUy employed in this style, may be made of canvas,
supported by a light iron frame, or of light wood, painted to
resemble an awning. Handsome striped Italiap canvas, for
this purpose, may now be had in New York.
A building in this style will be greatly heightened in effect
by being weU supported by trees, the irregular forms of which
will harmonize with the character of the architecture. A
Lombardy poplar or two, judiciously introduced in the midst
of groups of round-headed trees, will have a happy effect.
The beautiful wooded situations on the banks of our fine rivers
are, many of them, admirably suited for an Italian villa of this
kind. Construction. We have supposed this villa to be built of
wood, the bracketted construction giving it a character of
lightness, but the effect would be even better if buUt of more
soUd materials, and brick and stucco, well constructed, would
be very durable under the shel
ter of the broadly projecting
roof. The forms of brackets
given in Fig. 44, of our last
design, are equally suitable
here, d, being the bracket for
the eaves in front. A portion
of the veranda is shown in
Fig. 51. In this, the upright
[Fig. 51.] columns enclosing the lattice are
supposed to be octagonal, and four inches in diameter, the
lattice itself being much heavier and more durable than it is
usually made. Its ceiling is made of beaded and planed stuff,
forming the sheathing for the roof, and the rafters are in like

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 121
manner beaded and plainly shown. The chimney tops of the
main building should come out at the ridge of the roof, which
will be effected by dramoing over the stacks in the garret.
The roof should project at least three feet on every side. The
principal story should be 13 feet high in the clear, and the
chamber story 10 feet.
Estimate. The cost of this villa, handsomely finished, will
be about $6800. LA-nNG OUT THE GEOUNDS.
The gi'ounds attached to this villa are supposed to be about
one hundred and fifty acres in extent, and we have therefore
been able to represent in the annexed engraving. Fig. 52,
only a small part containing the house, and the more orna
mental portion bordering the river. The house is situated
on a plateau elevated about 80 feet above the river, and
the ground faUs off somewhat rapidly from this level along
the river bank, and in the direction indicated by the waved
lines a.
The approach b, leads to the house g, in gently curved
lines, and from thence to the stable and other out-buildings d.
There is a large orchard, a small part of which is seen at e, the
kitchen garden is located y,at and at ^ is a bathing house on
the river bank.
This place, like a great many in this country of its cha
racter, we wiU suppose to possess a richly wooded, hanging
bank on its river side. This will afford us a fine opportu
nity to create a most agreeable series of walks i. These
walks may be conducted in easy directions, through the wood.

122

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

ind along the bank, occasionally intersecting each other.
They may often approach each other very near, without
being visible one from the other, in consequence of the thick
ness of the foUage in some places, or the irregularity of the
surface in others. They wiU be fuU of variety- — -now leading
to a point where a lovely view suddenly bursts upon us, and
OOOO O Q © O
o o © ®

[Fig. 52.]

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

123

again plunging into a secluded portion, where the dense foli
age of evergreens shuts out all other objects, and gives a
quiet and secluded character to the scene. Eustic seats,
Fig. 53, placed here
and there in the most
inviting spots, will both
heighten the charm
and enable us to enjoy
[Fig. 53.] at leisure the quiet
beauty around. A very great advantage which walks made
in such a situation have, is, the trifiing care and expense
necessary to preserve them in order. But few weeds grow in
the shade of large forest trees, and the character of the place
renders it unnecessary that the walks should have a very trim
and neat appearance. The repose, the variety, and the beauty
of a series of walks of this kind in several places that we
coidd name, created with very trifling trouble, render them, in
our opinion, far more delightful than twice the same distance
of walks in a common level flower garden.
These walks commence at the veranda at h, and form a con
nected promenade terminating at the other end of the veranda
at li. Near the house, in the space commanded by the draw
ing-room and Ubrary windows, are some borders of handsome
flowering plants I. At least the oval area of lawn m, and
the space between the porch and where the ground descends
at a, should be kept constantly mown, and in the highest
order, so as to heighten, and render more forcible by con
trast, the wilder and more picturesque beauty of the sylvan
walks i.

124 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
A turfed area for bleaching and drying clothes is set apart
and concealed by shrubbery at n.
When a situation like this is selected for a villa residence,
with a bank richly clothed by a natural growth of forest
trees, and with, perhaps, scattered groups of large trees here
and there elsewhere, the art of the improver should lie in
harmonizing all his improvements with the main features of
the place already existing. Almost every place of this kind
iias a natural character of dignity or picturesqueness, derived
from the rich banks of wood, the noble river, and the finely
undulating surface, which must be kept in view in aU
embellishments. The trees which are planted in the larger
breadths of lawn should be elms, oaks, horse-chestnuts, and
maples, or other species of large growth, so that they may
correspond in expression, when somewhat grown, with those
already existing. No formal avenues, or straight lines, should
be planted, to raise a discordant expression when viewed in
the same coup d''oiil with the existing groups and masses of
foliage ; and the larger breadths of lawn at a distance from
the windows of the house, should not be broken up by any
frippery walks or parterres which might detract from the
breadth and simplicity of the scene. In a place where there
is a character of dignity and simplicity arising from extensive
prospect, large and lofty trees, and considerable breadth of
lawn, we should be extremely cautious about introducing too
much of the little details of flower garden or shrubbery orna
ments in the fore-ground, lest they should degrade or weaken
the original and higher character of the scene. We should
rather place the latter in a more secluded spot, where they

COTTAGE RESIDENCES. 125
will form objects of beauty to be considered entirely by
themselves, and not in connexion with other objects. For
this reason it will be seen that we have in this plan and a
previous one, confined the flowering plants to three or four
beds cut in the turf near the drawing-room windows of the
house. The m'chard and fruit garden. A small portion of the
orchard e, appears on the plan, but as we have supposed a
place of this size to have a large and well stocked orchard
and fruit garden, we shall here give a list of superior fruits,
which, having been tested, are known to be of first-rate
excellence in the climate of the Middle States. A fine orchard
and fruit garden, producing an abundant supply of fruit at
all seasons, is one of the greatest sources of enjoyment in a
country life ; and when we consider how easily good fruit
is generally obtained in this country, without the aid of
walls or anything more than a moderate degree of attention,
it would certainly appear a matter of just reproach, wherever
there is sufiicient room, not to have a first rate collection of
fruit. Horticulture, but more especially pomology — that branch
of it devoted to fruits — has received so much attention both
in Europe and at home, that within the last 20 years the
number of delicious fruits capable of being raised in the open
air has been more than trebled. The Pear, especially, has
been greatly improved and ameliorated, and has indeed taken
the first rank among dessert fruits, in consideration of the
variety in fiavor, tiine of ripening, duration, and beauty of
the numerous sorts. The late autumn and winter varieties
iii-e a very valuable acquisition to our dessert at these sea-

126 (OITAGE EESrDENCF.S.
sons. Added to this, many of the new sorts come into fruit at
one half or one fourth the age necessary to the bearing of the
older kinds.
Where a variety of soils occurs, as is frequenth- the case
in a large orchard, it is well to know those peculiarly adapted
to each fruit tree. Apples arc found to thri\-e best in a strong
deep loam, if stony it is preferable ; pears and cherries in a
mellow gravelly loam ; plums in a strong clayey loam, and
peaches in a light sandy loam. Apples may be planted in an
orchard at from 30 to 45 feet apart ; cherries and pears, from
25 to 30 feet; peaches and plums, from 20 to 25 feet. In
transplanting all fruit trees be mindful not to commit the
common error of setting them too deep.
LIST OF THE FINEST VARIETIES OF FRUIT.
For the Orchard and Fruit Garden.
CHERRIES. Holland Bigarreau.
Early White Heart. Carnation, valuable for preserving.
Knight's Early Black. Transparent Guigne.
Mayduke, _/jrae /or the table and for Belle de Choisey,_^ne.
cooking. Elton, handsome and fine.
Black Tartarian, large and of fine Belle et Magnifique.
quality. Morella.
Black Eagle.
Bigarreau, or Graffion, large and de- PLtrais.
licious. Early Scarlet, or Cherry Plum, very
Flesh colored Bigarreau, beautiful, early.
excellent. Morocco, early.
Downton. Imperial Ottoman, best early.
Downer's Red, late and delicious. Green Gage.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

127

Imperial, or Flushing Gage.
Coe's Golden Drop, liandsome, very
late, and excellent.
Coe's Late Red, very late.
Bleeker'a Gage, hardy and excellent.
JelFerson, yellow, large, and fine.
Bleekei-'s Scarlet, bears well.
La Royale.
Lawrence's Favorite.
Washington, excellent.
Ruling's Superb, large.
Magnum Bonum, or Egg Plum, fyr
preserving.
Columbia, large, reddish purple.
Smith's Orleans, productive.
Violet Imperatrice.
German Prune.
Purple Gage.
Autumn Gage, late and fine.
Lucombe's Nonsuch.
White D.amson.
Purple Favorite, best purple.
PEACHES.
Early White Nutmeg.
Early Royal George.
George IV., very fine.
Morris White Rareripe.
Red Rareripe.
Crawford's Late.
Snow Peach, handsome.

Red cheek M.alecaton.
Brevoort's Morris, Jine.
Columbia.
Malta.Lemon Cling.
Large White Cling.
Early Newington.
Early York.
Heath Cling, late and fine.
APRICOTS.
Moorpark, one of the very best sorts.
Large Early, excellent.
Breda, sure bearer. PEARS.
1. Early Varieties.
Madeleine, early.
Bloodgood's Early, excellent.
Dearborn's Seedling, delicious.
Bartlett, or William's Bonchretien,
large and delicious.
2. Medium Period.
Flemish Beauty.
Seckel, first quality.
•-"Doyenne, or Virgalieu.
Steven's Genesee.
Golden Beurre of Bilboa.
Fordante d'Automne.
*Gansel's Berganiot.
Frederick of Wurtemberg, handsome.

* These sorts, although fine in the mterior, do not succeed so well near the
sea-coast.

128

COTT AG E RESIDENCES.

Van Mons le Clerc.
Louise Bonne of Jersey.
Marie Louise, delicious.
Napoleon, yuici/ and pleasant.
Urbaniste, excellent.
Beurre Boso.
Dix.Beurre d'Anjou, excellent.
Thompson's.Doyenne Boussock.
Heathcot.Beurre Diel, large and good on
quince's stock.
Duchesse d'Angouleme, do.
3. Late varieties from Nov. to May.
Passe Colmar.
Glout Mor(;eaux.
Beurre d'Aremberg, very fine.
do. Rans.
Lewis. "St. Germain.
Columbian.Wilkinson. Winter Nelis. NECTARINES.
Early Violet, good and productive.
Downton.

EIruge.New White. APPLES.
Many of the best winter varieties
are enumerated at page 91 ; the fol
lowing are choice dessert fruits.
Red Astrachan, u very beautiful and
early sort.
Yellow Harvest, large and excellent.
Slrawberry Apple.
Early Red Margaret.
Sine qua non.
William's Favorite, beautiful.
Lady Apple, beautiful dessert fruit.
Northern Spy.
Ladies' Sweeting, _^ne.
Ross Nonpareil.
Esopus Spitzenberg, high flavor.
Green Newtown Pippin.
Yellow Bellflower.
Baldwin, very productive.
Porter.
Fameuse.Sops of Wine, early and handsome.
Rhode Island Greening, excellent.
Fall Pippin.
Hubbardson Nonsuch.
American Golden Russet.

In addition to these, we would recommend some of the
smaller fraits of choice varieties. The Isabella and Catawba

* These sorts, although fine in the interior, do not succeed so well near the
sea-coast.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 129
grapes, and some of the hardier foreign sorts, as the Golden
Chasselas, Black Cluster, and White" Muscadine ; the large
Ked and the White Antwerp Easpberries ; the Large Early
Scarlet, Hovey's Seedling, and Burr's New Pine Strawberries ;
the frizzled and prolific English Filberts, and the Large White
and Eed Dutch Currants, may all be named as indispensable
in every fruit garden.
In the cultivation of fruits but little difiiculty will be
experienced if a Jieen watcli is kept on insects, destroying every
appearance of a nest, brood, or swarm, as soon as it makes its
appearance. One man may often do more to subdue and
exterminate a troublesome insect in an hour or two, when it
first appears, than a host of men would after it has had time to
multiply, as it often will in a week by thousands and tens of
thousands. In the case of the peach tree, examine the trees at the root
every spring and autumn, and take out the peach worm, before
it girdles the tree, with your knife ; and destroy every sickly
looking tree, especially every old one, on your premises the
moment it becomes fairly diseased- — the Yellows, to which this
fruit tree is liable, being a contagious disease, spreading from
tree to tree, so that it is quite needless to plant healthy young
trees where old ones are suffered to stand in their neighbor
hood. This fact alone, when understood, is sufiicient to solve
aU the apparent difiiculties in cultivating this fruit of late years.
The Ttnots, to which the Plum is liable in some districts, are
caused by an insect, and the limbs infected with them should
be cut off and burned early in the spring. If the fruit fall from
the tree prematurely, it is probably caused by the sting of the
curculio, and the remedy lies in destroying all the curculio for
9

130 COTTAGE ]tEf.IDENCi:S.
the next season by gathering the fruit as soon as it falls (which
contains the larvas), and throwing it into the hog-pen ; or in
]>1 anting your stone fruits in an enclosure by themselves, and
letting the swine run in it during the season when the green
fruit is faUing.

DESIGN" VII.
AN 1RREGUL\R COTTVGE l>f THE OLD ENGLISH STVLE.

Fig. .55.

PRINCIPAL FLOOR.

F'vx. .W.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 131

DESIGN VII.
An irregular cottage, in the old English style.
The situation for this cottage may be in a richly wooded
plain, or a sequestered valley. It belongs to that class of
richly decorated, rural Gothic edifices, abounding in carved
verge-boards and pendants, clustered chimney tops, and irre
gular outlines. There is something of freedom, or at least
quaint richness in its detaUs — something indicating a certain
license of architectural imagination, not to be precisely
measured by the standard of the rule and square, or the strictly
utilitai'ian view. Now a cottage of this class must not, in any
case, be erected on a bare plain, or even one comparatively
so, as in such a place all its pictm'esqueness would seem out
of keeping — unmeaning — and absurd. But let it be partially
hidden, or half concealed by clustering foliage, and assimilated,
as it were, -with nature, by the interlacing and entwining
branches and boughs around it, and of which its ornaments are
in some degree a repetition, and we shall feel it to be in perfect
unison with its situation. Whoever has seen one of these
cottages, -with its rich gables breaking out from among the
intricacy of taU stems and shadowy foliage, will readily confess
that he has rarely beheld anything more harmonious and
delightful, than the charming effect thereby produced.
Some one has truly remarked that the architecture of our

^ \

132 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
dwellings is most appropriate, when it embodies and breathes
forth a home eapression ; a character to which we think the
rural Gothic, with its quaint, independent, comfortable, and
extended air, seems fully to lay claim.
In arranging the plan of the interior of this cottage. Fig. 66,
we have had convenience, as well as elegance, in our mind.
The neat porch which shelters the front door, is provided with
suitable seats ou either side, which should be made to corre
spond with the architecture. On opening this door we find
ourselves in the vestibule, or entrance haU. This we shall
suppose fitted up with a dado or base, three and a half feet
high, of wood grained in imitation of oak or black walnut,
and the walls painted of some grave color, to give greater
effect to the rooms. The vestibule opens on the left into a
pleasant little room, 12 by 18 feet, which may be devoted to
a study or library, and neatly fitted up with book-cases. In
building, it will be found, that recesses may be left in the
walls for these book-cases, so that they will occupy but little
epace in the apartment. On the opposite side of the hall is
the living or dining-room, 17 by 18 feet. This room is lighted
by one of the large, square, muUioned -windows, so common
in the old English houses, which should be finished on the
inside with a window-seat. A china closet is made on the
right of the chimney breast in this room, and on the other side
of the hall are a pantry and a store-room, of good size, very
conveniently disposed.
The dining-room communicates with the parlor or drawing-
room on its right. The drawing-room is, of course, the finest
room in size, aspect, and proportion, in the house, being 22 by
19 feet, with a fine semihexagon bay, which, projecting boldly.

ODTTAGE EESIDENCES. 1,33
will give three distinct views to a person standing within it.
We would have the ceiling of this and the dining-room ribbed,
and perhaps slightly arched, in the form of two inclined
planes, rising 8 or 10 inches from the side walls, to the highest
part of the ceiling. The wood-work of the whole of this story
should be finished simply and consistently, that is, with suit
able Gothic mouldings, and the whole should be painted and
grained in imitation of oak, or of black walnut. The effect of
the rooms wiU be still more pleasing, if the walls are colored
some harmonious neutral tint.* The furniture should be in
strict character with the style of the house, which may be
easily obtained, without any additional expense, by choosing
simple and suitable forms.
At the end of the hall leading to the drawing-room, is a
bedroom, 19 by 13 feet, with a closet. This would make a
convenient bedroom for the master and mistress of the house.
Adjoining it is a dressing-room, which, if neatly and tastefully
fitted up with everything appertaining to a lady's toUet, will
give this bedroom a highly comfortable and refined air.
The staircase is placed at the other extremity of this hall,
and it may be made more private or secluded, if it is thought
desirable, by an oaken screen of open woodwork. Under
this staircase is constructed a descending flight leading to the
cellar. • We take pleasure in recommending to those who wish to fit up the interior
of a cottage or vUla beautifully, Mr. George Platt, decorative artist, 12 Spruce-
street, New York. The great variety of ornaments in the different styles to be found
at his warehouse, and the correct tiste and skill with which they are applied by
him to the decoration of apartments; fiilly entitle him to the ample patronage which
he now receives.

ISi

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

On the sides of the passage leading from the hall to the
kitchen, are the pantry, the larder, and the store-room. By
placing these most useful and convenient appendages in this
position, we not only make them at once easily accessible
from the kitchen or the dining-room, but we also remove the
kitchen, with its concomitant noises and odors, to some distance
from the main hall, and these may be stiU further lessened in
effect, by having a door at both ends of this passage, to be shut
when required.
The kitchen itself is 16 feet square ; it is amply lighted and
ventilated, and communicates directly with the open air, by
the passage at the further side. In this passage is a servants'
staircase, communicating with the apartments in the chamber
story.

SECOND FLOOR

[Fig. 57.]

The chamber story contains abundar/t accommodation for a

COTTAGE EESroENCES. 135
cottage. There are three handsome bedrooms, and two of a
smaller size. That over the drawing-room being the largest,
and the most beautiful in form, may be kept as the " state
bedroom," being fitted up with all the appliances of comfort
in its furniture and fixtures. The little room over the porch
wUl make a delightful room for a bachelor, or if one of the
young ladies takes a fancy to it, it will make a little bijou of
a boudoir, the oriel window giving a character of novelty and
beauty to the whole apartment. On the second fioor of the
kitchen wing are a bath-room, near the main hall (which may
be supplied with hot water by pipes leading to a boiler in the
kitchen below), and three servants' bedrooms. There is also
a water-closet at the end of the passage in this wing, the
discharge pipe from which is concealed in the partition, in a
closed trunk or chamber.
This class of dweUings abroad, is frequently covered with
thatch, which has a pleasing, rustic effect. But our snowy and
changeable climate will soon destroy so frail a material, and it
is therefore unfit for covering the roofs of buUdings for habita
tion. Our best shingles, however, afford an excellent material
for covering roofs, and if those of good size and thickness are
chosen, and shaped as we have directed in a former page, they
wUl have a picturesque and agreeable effect, and make a very
durable roof, when painted with the cheap, coarse paint, now
so generally used for this purpose. The roof of this cottage
should be extended boldly, say two to three feet, to give force
and expression to the exterior, and to protect the walls fully.
The ends of the rafters are projected, so as to appear as visible
supports at the eaves. A verge-board is shown on a larger
scale in Fig. 58. This would be suitable for the porch gable.

136

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

[Fjg 58.]

and the others may be made simpler and still bolder, with good
effect. The chimney-tops should be characteristically made of
ornamental moulded bricks, or shafts may be selected of pretty
patterns, in cut stone. Although the partitions in which the
diiing-room and study fines are carried up, are not in the
centre, it will be easy to draw over these stacks in .the garret,
so as to bring them out at the
ridge or apex of the roof,
which will have the best effect.
A plan of the bay window is
shown in Fig. 59, in which
COTTAGE B^Y WINDOW. the lusidc shuttcTS fold into
[Fig. 59.] boxes on each side.
In a country where good bricks are abundant, and easUy
obtained, we should prefer to build this cottage of good smooth

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 137
brick. The raw and disagreeable color of new brick we
would destroy, by painting it three good coats in oil, of some
one of the neutral shades given in a previous illustration,
perhaps that one designated f. By building it of brick, in tho
best manner, we should not only have solid enduring walls,
but, to those famiUar with English cottage architecture, it
would have an agreeable effect, by creating an allusion to the
same material chiefiy employed in that country.
All the exterior wood-work in this cottage (except the
roof) we would either make of real oak, and oil it, when it
woidd assume a warm rich tone of color, by the effects of
time, or we wordd paint and grain it in imitation of oak. If
either of these modes should be considered too expensive, it
may be plainly painted the same color as the house, or a few
shades darker.
Should the execution of such a design as this fall into the
hands of an ordinary country carpenter, without suitable
working drawings from an architect, the probabUity is that he
would destroy its beauty and character by reducing all its
characteristic features to the most meagre level, untU all the
boldnes^nd spirit of the style would be lost. He wiU cut the
gable ornaments out of thin boards, make the muUions of the
windows of slender timber, reduce the projection of the roof,
and the irregularity of the ground plan. If the amateur buUder
is so unfortunate as to faU into the hands of such a person, he
wiU be very likely to get the emaciated shadow of the rural
Gothic cottage, not its bold, picturesque, and striking reality.
We mention this to put our reader, whose taste may lead him
to build a cottage in this style, on his guard ; and we advise
him, as in the end the most economical and most satisfactory

138 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
mode, to employ a competent builder, and to procure accurate
working drawings from an architect of ability before he com
mences. Estimate. The cost of this cottage, buUt in the manner we
have here suggested, would be about $7600.
THE GEOUNDS OF THIS EESIDENCE.
In designing this cottage, we have had in view a quiet,
sequestered situation in a long valley, or rather dale, in which
there are ten or twelve acres of nearly level land, pretty well
clothed with a natural growth of forest trees, and backed on
either side by wooded hills fifty or eighty feet above the level
of the dale.
There is an entrance lodge at the point where the approach
diverges from the main road b. Fig. 60, which is to be built in
the same style as the cottage, but in a more simple and rustic
manner. From this point the approach leads by a graceful
curve to the house c, and from thence to the stable and other
farm buildings d, having a gravel sweep for turning carriages
in front of the porch, and another for discharging arlJftles from
a cart at the kitchen door e.
In its original state, the whole of the surface of this dale from
./ to g, is thickly covered with wood. This we propose to thin
out and render an ornamental and interesting part of the place.
by leading through it the series of plants marked i in the plan.
These walks would be cool and shady in summer, and would
have a delightful sylvan character at all seasons. In thinning
out a natural wood on a place like this a good deal of care and
judgment is necessary to obtain a pleasing effect, and preserve

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

139

.Q

O 0«C^ c;) o O //

[Fig. 60.]

14:0 COTTAGE EESroENCES.
the best trees in good condition.* "V^^re we to go into the
wood and thin out the trees here and there, so as to leave the
finest specimens standing singly, the probability is that these
trees, thus suddenly losing the support of their fellows that had
grown up in close contact with them on evei'v side, would be
blown down and destroyed by the first severe autumnal gale
accompanied with rain. Good judgment, as well as good taste,
wUl rather dictate that we should thin them out in masses here
and there, leaving pretty open glades h, at intervals, which being
soon covered with a fine green turf, and catching the gleams of
sunlight, will be a charming contrast to the groups and thickets
around. The trees thus left in groups and masses, will afford
each other protection and support against the wind, and will
gradually strengthen and expand in their roots and heads, until
they become luxuriant and spreading. We should bear in
mind also, not to trim off the lower branches of such trees,
unless they are dead or unsightly ; as they wUl probably never
be replaced, and the highest beauty of a tree as an ornamental
object, consists in its being parh-liJce, that is, luxuriantly
feathered with foliage quite down to the ground.
These walks, after traversing the little wood, lead to the
summit of the hill, where a rustic arbor k, serves as a resting
place, and affords a pleasant view. On the supposition that the
surface on the right of the walk i (where it first leaves the
house), is open, or clothed with a few scattered trees, we will
introduce a rich belt m. of flowering shrubs on the side of this
* Always lay bare the roots, and dig or cut out the tree below the surface of
the soil. This -will leave the ground clear, and not covered by straggling stumps,
vfhich it is after-wards more difficult to extricate than to cut the whole tree out
properly.

COTTAGE EESmENCES. 141
walk. This belt will be a pleasant contrast in its lively show
of blossoms, to the graver character of the forest trees, and it
will serve the important purpose of concealing this walk from a
person coming up the approach and vice versd. ; a circum
stance which should never be lost sight of in places of moderate
size, where it is always desirable to increase their apparent
dimensions. On the line of this approach, as there were not trees in suffi
cient abundance to give it a wooded appearance, we should plant
some fine maples, elms, and sycamores, and near the house some
European larches, Scotch elms, and other exotic trees. As the
trees already clothing the place are large, and as all newly plant
ed trees -will therefore be likely to look somewhat insignificant
fbr a few years, we should be careful to prepare the soil
thoroughly as previously described, before planting them.
This wiU not only cause them to grow much more vigorously,
but it will give them almost at once a luxuriant appearance,
which goes very far to lessen the apparent disparity between a
large tree and a small one ; as we never despair o'f that which
we see making rapid advances.
A regular, symmetrical fiower garden is only in good keeping
-vrith a Grecian, Italian, or other highly architectural building.
For a cottage of a highly rural air, like the present, something
is required of a less formal character, and which shaU leave
a little more room for the exercise of the fancy. Such an
hregular flower garden n, we have designated (on a very
small scale) on the right of the house, which is looked into
from the dra-wing-room -windows. It will be seen that the beds
are irregular, and that the whole garden is surrounded by an
irregular plantation of smaU ornamental trees and flowering

142 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
shrubs.* The beds may be surrounded by turf kept neatly
mown, or by gravel ; or a gravel walk may be led through the
centre of the space between the beds, and a border of turf left
on either side wide enough for walking upon. The latter wiU
perhaps be the preferable mode, as in damp weather the hard,
firm gravel will be preferred, and in warm sunny days the soft
turf will be more agreeable to the tread.
The kitchen garden o, is placed in the rear of the house, in a
sheltered position between the rising ground on either side.
From the barn and stables a lane^, leads to the farm land in
grass and tiUage beyond, which has a separate back entrance
leading into the public road.
When a place like this occurs, as it occasionally does, in the
midst of a more cultivated and less wooded neighborhood, it wiU
be a delightful surprise, with its highly picturesque air, to a
stranger entering it for the first time. It will be a much easier
place to render effective than a level plain with few trees, if
we carefully study the natural expression of the scene, and only
attempt to heighten, not to alter it by our improvements. In
the wooded walk, which is the principal feature of interest in
this place, there will doubtless be many beautiful wild plants
growing naturally. These we should by all means foster, and
we may increase their charm by collecting from other and
richer localities aU the ornamental indigenous plants, which
may be made to thrive in such a situation.
* A larger plan of a flo-wer garden of this description may be found in our
Treatise on Landscape Gardening.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 143
A cottage in the same style, suitable for a gate lodge far this
residence, or for a small fa/mil/y.
In the opposite Ulustration, Fig. 61, we have indicated a
very simple cottage in the same stjde as Design VH., which
would be well adapted for a lodge at the entrance gate b. In
this situation it would probably be occupied by the gardener,
the farmer, or some family in the employment of the proprietor
of this residence. When a stranger entered the place, this
cottage would of course first arrest his attention, and with its
old English, and pretty rural expression, would serve as a
prelude or agreeable preparation for the more varied and
extensive cottage of the owner of the demesne.
It would otherwise make a neat and picturesque dwelUng, if
properly located, for a smaU, respectable family, who wish to
lead a quiet and simple life. Although its accommodation is
limited, yet it may be made to assume an air of taste and neat
ness, always agreeable to the mind, and often more striking
in its effect, when met with in perfection in a charming little
cottage, than in a stately mansion.
An examination of the plans of the interior, Figs. 62 and 63,
will show the arrangement of the rooms. There is a parlor or
living-room, lighted by two windows, one of them a bay win
dow, and adjoining it a pantry, a bedroom, and kitchen on the
first fioor. On the second fioor are two bedrooms, a large closet
or wardrobe, and a smaller closet for linen. The kitchen is a
•wing added in the rear, with a gable and roof joining the main
roof in a simUar manner to that over the porch in the view of
the front. The construction of this cottage is so similar to that

144 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
of Design VII. just described .that -ft'e need not repeat the
details. Much of the pleasing effect of the most ornamental English
cottages of this kind, arises from the employment of vines and
other climbing plants of different sorts, which,' growing over
and partly concealing portions of the exterior, render them, rich
with blossoms, verdure and fragrance, perfect wonders of rural
beauty. For this pm-pose our Virginia Creeper, the Trumpet
monthly Honeysuckles, the Boursault, the Double Prairie, and
the English White Climbing Eoses, are most suitable in this
climate. Estimate. This cottage may be built of wood for $830.

BESIOX VMI.
A VILLA IN TIIE ITAl.I \N STVLE.

Fig. C4.

PRINCIPAL FLOOR

Fig. 65.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 145

DESIGN VIII.
A Villa m the ItaUan Style,
This is a design in the modern Italian style, some of the
merits of which we have previously pointed out. It wiU be
at once perceived that, while this mode retains much of the
expression of the Grecian style, it has far more variety, and
a much more domestic . character than the latter. The charac
teristic quality of the purest specimens of Grecian architecture,
is elegant simplicity, and it is a quality which is most appro
priately displayed in a temple. On the other hand we should
say that the characteristic quality of the modern ItaUan buUd
ings is elegant variety, which is most fitly exhibited in a tasteful
viUa. The great simplicity of form of the first is highly
suited to a temple, where the singleness of purpose to which
it is devoted appears symbolized in the simple Oneness of the
whole edifice ; the irregularity of the second is equaUy in
unison with the variety of wants, occupations, and pleasures,
which compose the routine of domestic life.
In our last design we have shown a cottage highly suited to
a romantic vale, or sylvan nook, by the rustic picturesqueness
of its ensemble ; the present one is equally appropriate for an
open smiling plain, diversified by hill and dale, and sprinkled
with groups and masses of trees. The more finished and archi
tectural character of the buUding requires less the support of
10

146 COTTAGE EEfelDENCES.
thickets of trees and intricacy of scenery to produce a harmo
nious union. The elegance of an Italian viUa is produced
mainly by the assemblage of simple and effective lines in its
exterior, but it is also greatly enhanced by the introduction of
such beautiful and refined features as the terrace with its
omamental balustrade and vases, and the balcony with its
shade or canopy.
The terrace is a paved walk or smooth area, higher than the
adjoining grounds, and twenty or more feet in width, sur
rounded by a handsome balustrade of stone, or of wood formed
to imitate heavy Italian balusters. At suitable distances along
the top of this balustrade, may be placed vases of terra cotta,
artificial stone, or more costly materials, and of classic forms, in
proper keeping with the style of the building. As an object
of taste the terrace is universally admired, because it serves to
connect, by a gradual transition, so highly artificial an object
as an architectural dwelling, with the more simple forms of
natural objects around. There is felt to be something incon
gruous in a highly finished house set down, as we sometimes
see it, without the least reason or preparation, in the middle
of a green lawn ; but let the base of the house extend itself by
a handsome terrace, and let the characteristic forms of the
building be occasionally repeated near by, in the shape of a
few pedestals -with vases, or other sculptured objects, and there
is at once produced a harmonious union between the architec
ture and the landscape, or, in other words, between the house
.and the grounds.
As an object of utUity, the terrace is a most comfortable and
^agreeable feature, affording a firm, dry, and secure walk, sunny
and warm in the mid-day of winter, and cool and airy in the

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 147
mornings and evenings of summer. From it, in many situa
tions, access is had to the flo-w%r garden, the luxuriant creeping
and climbing plants of which, enwreathing gracefully here and
there the balustrade, or hanging in clusters of rich blossoms
about the sculptured vase, increase the harmony growing out
of this artistically contrived union of nature and art.
In this cottage villa of very moderate size, we have endea
vored to combine several of the peculiar beauties of the Italian
style. Its fagade, see Fig. 64, comprises a square tower or
campanile, an arcade or Italian veranda, the triple, round-
arched windows, and the ridged or furrowed roof; and on the
left is seen a portion of the terrace, which extends along the
whole south side of the building. In the stack of chimneys to
the left, is sho-wn the usual Italian form ; in the central one, of
loftier dimensions (which we have there introduced to improve
the composition by giving it a more pyramidal outline), we
have copied one not uncommon in Florence.
In its accommodation this house is moderate, and yet we
trust it will be found convenient and agreeable. The front
door is approached from the arcade, or veranda of the entrance
front. Fig. 65. Opening this we arrive in the entrance-hall,
which may be very completely connected with the veranda
when the door and window are open in summer. The stair
case is conveniently, and yet privately situated, as it is placed
in a separate di-vision of the hall, which may be excluded any
time by a door between them. At the side of the haU opposite
the front door, is the dining-room, 17 by 20 feet, with a pantiy
opening into it on the left. Proceeding to the door at the left
end of the hall, we enter the drawing-room, 20 by 22 feet,
opening by its two casement windows to the terrace, and

148

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

enjoying a fine view of the lawn through the large projecting
window on the front. Directly tn the rear of this room is the
library, more quiet and secluded in its position, and of less size,
but therefore more in character -with the purposes for which it
is destined.We must not forget the boudoir, situated at the other
extremity of the haU, which occupies the lower part of the
tower. This may be very tastefuUy and prettUy fitted up, and
used by the lady of the house as a morning room for receiving
social caUs ; or, if preferred, it would serve admirably as a
dressing-room, and -with a cabinet bedstead, as a bedroom at
night when necessary. There is a private, or back door to the
haU, at the end of the passage leading into this boudoir.

SECOND
[Fig. 66.]

FLOOR

By a glance at the plan of the second floor, Fig. 66, the
number and sizes of the sleeping apartments -wiU be readUy
understood. There are five bedrooms of different dimensions,
including that in the tower, from which a Ught and fanciful
open stairs may lead to the apartment in the campanile, serving

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 149
as a belvidere or observatory. There is a large linen closet in
the front hall, and wardrobe-'closets may be made in each of
the bedrooms.
The basement of this house may contain a kitchen directly
beneath the dining-room, a cellar under the drawing-room, a
store-room and laundry under the library, and a man-servant's
bedroom in the basement of the tower.
Although from the strong contrasts of light and shade in an
Italian elevation like this, there is much boldness and painter
like effect, yet, as these arise chiefly from the employment of a
few strong lines and well marked features, the Italian, it will be
perceived, is a comparatively easy and an economical style.
In this country, especially, it -will for some time be found that a
building in this style may be erected with less troubk than one
like the preceding design, because the ordinary mechanics are
aU famiUar with the details of Grecian architecture, which are
chiefly employed, with slight variations, in its execution.
An important advantage which the Italian architecture
possesses over the Greek, is the very great capacity which its
hregular form offers for additions that may be wanted at any
future period. One of our Greek-temple dweUing-houses, on
the other hand, is originally so complete in its form, that its fair
proportions would be greatly marred by adding any apartments
that the comfort or convenience of the family might suggest,
when increased m wealth or number. In carrying the present
design into practice, should it be preferred to enlarge or extend
it by adding a kitchen and offices on the first floor, a wing for
this purpose might be extended to the right of the dining-room,
a Httle in the rear of the tower, which, if judiciously composed,
would heighten the effect of the whole pUe of building, by

150

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

giving it greater extent and irregularity, two important
elements of beauty in Italian villa architecture.
Construction. We would either build this house of the
smoothest and best brick, and paint it in some' soft, pleasing
sliade, or of the roughest brick, and
coat it with the best cement, colored
to resemble a light mellow stone.
The solidity of the architecture would
scarcely permit the employment of
wood, as a material for the whole of
this edifice, although the lighter character of the bracketted
Italian (Design V.) is well suited to wood. Should economy
oblige us to construct the balcony and terrace balustrades of
wood, th^ should be made in a bold manner, and thoroughly
painted and sanded, to imitate the material of the house. In
Fig. 67 is shown the Italian balcony, in Fig. 68, the arcade on

[Fig. 67.]

ARCADE

[Fig. 68.]

the entrance front, both to a larger scale. The central Flo
rentine chimney, which is of a very handsome description, ia

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

151

[Kig. 69.

shown in Fig. 69. The body of this chimney-
top may be built of common bricks, and the
ornamental apex or summit of cut stone.
The roof is one of the most striking features
in this style, which arises (on the continent)
from its being made ornamental by employing
large furrowed tiles. When these are not at
hand, the effect may be easily imitated, by a
covering of tin or zinc put on in the ridge manner, the ribs
being made bold and heavy. This is not only a handsome, but
an equally economical and a much more secure mode, than the
common one, of soldering the whole surface, generally prac
tised. The roof of a house in this style, is made sufSciently
steep, to render the latter unnecessary. In painting it, either a
dark brown or slate color should be chosen.
Estimate. This design would cost $8800, if the balustrades.

etc., were cut of free-stone. If made of wood $7600.

AEEANGEMENT OF THE GEOUNDS,

A house like this would naturaUy demand a situation where
some considerable extent of ground could be obtained. It
would be highly suitable for a handsome villa residence in the
country, of a moderate size, comprising from 80 to 150 acres of
land. A large portion of this would be kept under culture,
and would serve to give employment to the proprietor in his
character of an amateur farmer. Near the house ten or twenty
acres may be devoted to la-wn, all of which may be kept
mown ; that nearest the house being of course more neatly and
more frequently clipped by the scythe, to accord with the air

162 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
of elegance and poUsh always to be observed in the precincts
of a handsome dwelling.
In the plan here given. Fig. 70, we have attempted to con
vey an idea of the arrangement of that portion of the grounds
directly about the house, as our previous examples have
probably given sufficient hints to the management of the more
distant and extended portions, including tlie approach. The
trees introduced in this design should be chiefly those of large
finely rounded heads, and graceftd sweeping branches, and they
should be grouped in such a manner as to allow them to deve
lope themselves in their utmost beauty of form on every side.
The dwelling a, we have placed on a Uttle fable of land
descending gently on every side, and about one hundred and
twenty feet distant from the shore of a pretty little natural lake
on the left. The approach leading from the public road through
the demesne to the house is shown, in part, at 5 / a graveUed
sweep for carriages c, is formed in front of the arcade, and the
road d, leading to the stable and farm buildings, branches off
at the right of the house.
The most important feature in this plan which we shaU
endeavor to describe here, is the architectural fiower garden e,
which wUl be seen occupying a considerable space on the left
of the house. The terrace /, the beauty and utility of which
we have already insisted upon, Ues in this direction, ser-ving as
a kind of beautiful extended base to the house. We shaU
suppose this idea stiU further carried out in the architectural
flower garden, which surrounds this terrace, and which, lying
directly below it, affords a fine display from the windows of
the dravring-room and library.
We are not admirers of geometric or formal flower gardens

COTTAGE EESroENCES.

153

[Fig. 70.]

154 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
like this, considered by themselves, and merely as fiower gar
dens, because we think a natural arrangement is more replete
with beauty and grace, and is capable of affording a much
higher kind of pleasure. But this kind of architectural fiower
garden, so common in Italy, and so appropriate an accompani
ment to residences of this kind, requires to be regarded in
another light. It is not only a garden for the display of plants,
but it is a garden of architectural and floral •beauty combined ;
it is as much an accessory of the building as a portion of the
grounds, and therefore it very properly exhibits much of the
regularity and symmetry of architectural forms and composi
tions. It contains plants, trees, and shrubs, it is true, in great
profusion, but the beauty of these is heightened, and rendered
more brilliant, by the introduction of elegant vases, sculptured
urns, or perhaps a few statues of floral deities, or busts of
distinguished persons. Those who have never seen the lively
effect that may be produced by a garden of this kind, joined
to an elegant vUla, the architectural forms of which seem
repeated in the garden and thus beautifully harmonized with
nature, can scarcely conceive how charming it appears. A
summer moonlight walk on this terrace, while we hear the
silence broken only by the gentle murmur of the fountain at e,
and see, softly gleaming in the silvery beams, the sculptured
vases, clustered over partially by luxuriant climbers, and
backed by dark masses of rich waving shrubs and flowers,
would be sufficient to remind one, of even the most indifferent
poetical temperament, of the garden of Boccaccio,
-Where, half conceal'd, the eye of fancy views
Fauns, nymphs, and winged saints, all gracious to his muse.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 15£

Still in the garden let me watch their pranks.
And see in Dian's vest between the ranks
Of the trim vines, some maid that half believes
The vestal fires, of which her lover grieves,
'With that sly satyr peeping through the leaves !

CoLERineE.

In the example of this kind of garden attached to this house
we should not expect to find so costly a decoration as marble
vases introduced, but all the beauty of form, and nearly all that
of material, may be obtained at a very moderate cost, suited to
our more economical habits in this country, in vases and orna
ments of terra cotta, or artificial stone.'* The exorbitant price
paid for some single article of fashionable furnitm-e, such as we
not unfrequently find in our country-houses of this class, would
embeUish a whole architectural garden with vases.
It should always be remembered that all ^^^^._,.^o^,i.^
vases, urns, or other sculptured ornaments for
gardens or grounds, should be placed on pro
per pedestals, plinths, or bases, to serve as a
firm support. A pedestal not only secures a
firm and an upright position, but it gives a
dignity and importance to the vase as a work , |
of art, which it would not have if it were
loosely and carelessly placed upon the ground,
or the gravel walk. A simple form for such ^^s 7i.]
a pedestal is shown in Fig. 71, b, but a great variety of a more
* Some specunens of terra cotta vases may be found at the Salamander "Works,
Cannon-street, New York. Those in artificial stone may be had at Gibson's or
Goodwin's "Warehouses.

156 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
ornamental description wiU be suggested by a study of classical
antique designs.
This garden, octagonal in its form, we would surround by a
light and low balustrade-lUie fence, Ic, to be partially concealed
by creepers. At the angles of this fence we would place
pedestals for supports m, each to be crowned by a vase of some
simple form. These pedestals, and those in the interior of the
garden that we intend for vases, are designed by the X mark
on the plan.
The beds, or parterres, for fiowers we would border with box,
that being a very regular, architectural looking plant, and a
yery permanent one for this purpose. The walks should be of
gravel, made hard and firm by the "use of the roller. The
collection of plants chosen for the garden may vary somewhat
to suit the taste of the proprietor, but the most satisfactory result
wUl be attained by choosing such shrabs and herbaceous plants
as are distinguished for richness and depth of color in their
foliage and for a massy and luxuriant habit of growth, as well
as for beauty or delicacy of blossom. AU lean, starved, and
meagre looking plants, mere botanical rarities, or such as are
pretty for a short time, and then only remain to offend the eye
and destroy the general ensernble of luxuriant verdure and
bloom, should be rejected from a garden of this kind.
It will be a fortunate circumstance should a spring exist
somewhere on a neighboring height, whence it may be brought
in concealed pipes to supply this fountain. When this is out
of the question, a cistern constructed in the upper story of some
outbuilding, at no great distance, may afford a sufficient supply
for playing in the evening, or at certain times during the day.
The French have an ingenious method of raising water from

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 157
a well for this purpose, which has been put in practice in some
places in this country at little expense. A small wooden tower
or square building is placed in a convenient position, over a
well, and where it is not too conspicuous an object, and fur
nished with saUs like a windmill, and a simple shaft and appa
ratus for drawing water by means of a pump to a cistern of
good capacity in the top of the tower. This wUl furnish a
fountain, ftr jet d''eau of moderate size, with a sufficient supply
of water during the whole summer at little trouble, and without
intermission, if the cistern be made large enough to hold a
smaU over-supply for an occasional calm day. A stiU simpler
mode of raising water for such purposes is the hyd/ra/ulic ram,,
lately brought into common use, and sold at aU the agricultural
warehouses. Where a spring or smaU brook can be com
manded, that -wiU fUl constantly a leaden pipe of one and a
quarter inches in bore, the hydrauUc ram may be used to raise
water to the tops of buildings or the highest parts of the
grounds at very moderate expense.

158 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

DESIGN IX.
A cottage in the Italian, or Tuscan style.
The design for this cottage. Fig. 72, has been kindly
sent us for this work by J. Notman, Esq., Architect, of
Philadelphia. In the plan of the principal story. Fig. 73, there is an
entrance hall with a handsome staircase, and an apartment
on either side ; that on the right being a parlor, and that on
the left a dining-room. In the piers on either side of the
staircase, are spaces which designate hot-air fines, which
proceed from the furnace in the basement, and by means of
registers, warm all the apartments in the house, although the
four principal ones have fire-places besides, fur occasional use
if necessary. The first flight of stairs ascends half the story, and on a
level with the landing here is the broad and airy balcony in
the rear, entered by a fair round-headed window, opening to
the floor. Underneath, this balcony forms a kind of partly
enclosed apartment, serving as a wash-room or outer-kitchen in
summer. There is also a balcony over the recessed porch in front,
which is a pleasant appendage to the chamber floor. This
floor. Fig. 74, affords three pleasant bedrooms, and there is a

DESIGN IX.
A COTTACJE IN TIIE ITALIAN, OR TUSCAN STVLE.

Fig. 72.

PRINCIPAL FLOOR

Fig. 73.

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

159

SECOND STORY
[Fig. 74.]
fourth of more ample size in the third story of the central
portion of the cottage, which is, both with regard to its
proportions and the fine bird's-eye view it commands, a very
pleasant apartment.
The plan of the basement. Fig. 75, sufficiently explains itself

[Fig. 75.

In the middle of the hall below is the fumace for supplying
heated air, and on either side are the kitchen, the store-room,
and the ftiel cellar.

160 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
This design, Mr. JS^otman remarks, might be altered and
improved, without any variation of the present form, by
elongating the flanks, and adding a suite of rooms in the rear.
It may be built of brick and cement, or of wood ; and a very
simple kind of interior finish would be in the best taste for a
(¦ottage of this class. The roof mav be covered with tin, zinc,
f>r shingles, and the joints, bet^veen the roof of the wings and
the wall of the central portion, should be well protected bv
broad lead or copper fiashings, or strips, running up a foot or
more on the roof and wall, and being built in the latter in the
usual manner.
Estimate. This cottage, well constructed of solid materials,
and neatly finished, would cost $3000. K built of wood, filled
in with brick, the expense might be slightly reduced. The
Design has been executed in a more elegant and costly manner
near Philadelphia. AEEANGEMENT OF THE GEOUND.
For the sake of illustration, we shall suppose this to be a
suburban dwelling, placed upon a long and narrow lot of
ground, that being the most common form near towns, and the
most difficult one to render agreeable or interesting. Its
dimensions maj' be 120 feet broad by 375 feet deep, and it
may extend from the street in front to another in the rear.
The first object of the proprietor of this cottage we shall
suppose to be the production of a large crop of fruit and
vegetables of every description, and the second to render the
whole garden rather tasteful and agreeable, by a skilful distri
bution of his materials and arrangement of walks. We shall

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 161
suppose no trees introduced solely for ornament, except on the
small lawn or area of grass in the front of the dwelling, and
those bordering the irregular walk on the left ; and even in
these situations a preference will be given to ornamental
fruit-bearing trees, as the Black Mulberry, the English Wal
nut, the Spanish Chestnut, and the thin-shelled Almond among
trees, and the productive varieties of filberts, etc., among
shrubs. In the plan. Fig. 76, the entrance gates are placed at a, the
house at b, the stable and yard at c. On either side of the
house is an area of turf, studded with a few ornamental trees
of such species as are thought desirable. The plot g, in the
rear of the house, is also devoted to grass, but it is planted with
a smaU orchard of fraits of the hardier and more rapid growing
kinds, cherries, pears, or such other trees as will succeed tolera
bly well in a surface kept in grass. This orchard is planted in
the picturesque manner, that is in irregular groups, as it is seen
directly from the house, and therefore would be most agreeable
in this form. The second compartment h, is another orchard
of such choice fruit trees as require more care, and the ground
around which is to be kept open by culture, and may be planted
annually with various crops of vegetables with advantage to the
trees, and economy of space.
The third compartment i, is the kitchen garden, the area of
which is to be kept free from trees and devoted entirely to
vegetables. There is a walk Tc, sufficiently wide for a cart or
wagon, leading from the stable c, to the street in the rear,
which gives access to the stable and affords an opportunity of
supplying the garden with compost, or carrying away litter, or
garden products, without passing by the house, or having
11

162

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

i Vii. '?li-J

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 163
recourse to the front entrance. The long border I, may be
devoted, in different parts, to grape vines, strawberries, and
other small fruits, or to rhubarb, and other esculent plants.
As a counterpart to this long walk, which is strictly useful in
its character, we have another m, on the opposite side, winding
and graceful in its direction, and bordered by a miscellaneous
collection of small fiowering trees and shrubs. These shrubs,
as we have before suggested, may be interspersed with the pro
ductive varieties of English filberts, the Siberian crab, and other
smaU fruits used for preserves, and also with dwarf apples and
pears, which, growing only a few feet high, will, when in fine
bearing, be very ornamental objects. The border or belt of
shrubs varying in width from three, to fourteen or more feet,
should be continued An both sides of this walk, as the object of
it is, not only to render the walk interesting by the variety of
shrubs, but also to render this portion of the garden complete
in itself, by preventing, as much as possible, the eye from
seeing the kitchen garden or other compartments on the right,
at the same time with the scene formed by the walk and its
boundary or fringe of shrubs. A person after having walked
along the whole course of the irregular walk in, may vary the
impression received, either by returning through the straight
walk k, of the kitchen garden, or, if it is preferred, he may
return partly in a new course of curved walks, by taking the
cross walks n, in his way.
We have indicated by the dotted outline at o, how a conser- '
vatory might be added on the left wing of this house, which
might be warmed either by a fine, or by warm water pipes
connected -with the fire-place of the dining room, or the kitchen
below. This should be on a level with the principal floor, and

164 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
should of coui'se be entered by a glazed door from the dining-
room. As the wall of the house would form one side, or rather
the back of the conservatory, it could be more economically
constructed, and kept warm at less expense, than a detached
greenhouse. The grass on the areas/ and g, should be mown at least once
a fortnight during summer. This, if it is successively performed
on the difierent portions, will go far towards supplying a horse
or cow with green fodder during the growing season, and by
the frequent cutting, the beauty and verdure of the lawn will be
greatly improved.
The grounds of a cottage om^e, like this, while they would
afford a considerable quantity and variety of valuable products,
would, we think all will admit, be far mol-e agi-eeable and inte
resting than the common rectangular lots, so general in the
suburbs of om- towns, and which are so entirely destitute of
beauty of design.

DEdTGN X.
.V VILLA IN Tllli POINTED STVLE.

Fig. 78.

COTTAGE RESIDENCES. 165

DESIGN X.
A villa of the first class, in the Pointed style.
This design of a Pointed Tilla, by A. J. Davis, Esq., Archi
tect, although a much larger and more elaborate composition
than fairly comes within the scope of this work, we have
introduced as a concluding example, both for the purpose of
showing a more complete and extensive -villa than we have
hitherto presented, and as a specimen of the progress which
architectural taste is making in this country ; it having been
recently designed by Mr. Da-vis for the country residence of
J. Eathbone, Esq., of Albany. *
In the annexed view. Fig. 77, the artist has chosen a position
showing the north and east fronts of the building, which are to
be seen from the river, the entrance front being on the west
side, a small portion of the open porch or porte cochere being
visible on the right of the house.
This villa, now completed, is undoubtedly one of the finest
specimens of the Gothic, or pointed style of architecture, in this
country. Although the whole composition evinces unity of
feeling, there is as much variety of feature as we ever remem
ber to have seen introduced successftiUy in a villa ; indeed,
perhaps, a gi-eater variety of windows, gables, and buttresses,
* It ia proper to add, that this design has not only been executed, but largo
additions have been made since its erection — which render it a much more spacious
and complete re Science than appears by our plan.

166 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
than could be introduced in a building of that size with good
effect, were it not supported by the corresponding intricacy
and variety of the trees and foliage around it, which are here in
admirable keeping with the picturesque outlines of the edifice.
Fig. 78 is a plan of the principal fioor. A good deal of
c-haracter is conferred on the west or entrance front by the
projecting porch, which, extending entirely across the approach
road 15 feet, forms a dry, sheltered carriage porch, under
which a carriage may draw up, and the occupants alight dry
and sheltered in all weathers.
If we now enter and pass through the vestibule, we shall
soon find ourselves in a circular hall, 16 feet in diameter, that
forms a nucleus or radiating point from which all the principal
apartments diverge. This (and through it the whole house) is
heated by a fumace in the basement. Directly beyond the
hall is the library, a sexangular apartment, of much beauty of
proportion, which will command a very striking view of the
Hudson from the bay window at the eastern extremity. This
bay window should be filled with rich stained glass, which
would produce a mellow tone of light in this apartment, in
admirable keeping with its character. On the right side of
tlie library is another window opening to the veranda or
" umbrage," affording a delightful walk, with a noble -vdew of
the river, in its southern course.
The dining-room is entered by another door on the right of
this hall. It is 16 by 24 feet in its dimensions, and the bay at
the south opens into a conservatory for plants, which will give
tliis apartment an air of summer, even in the depths of a
northern winter. This conservatory, forming as it does a por
tion of the veranda, may be entirely removed in summer, if it

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 167
should be preferred to have the whole veranda open, by having
movable sashes, constructed so as to be easily taken out in
the spring, and replaced in autumn. The dining-room has a
chiiia closet on the right of the chimney breast ; a dumb waiter
on the left : across the staircase hall is the pantry, and the
stairs descending to the kitchen and its offices, is placed in
most convenient proximity to the door leading to this passage.
The drawing-room opens on the left of the hall, and forms a
suite with the library and dining-room. Its bay has a charming
sylvan -view to the north, and the two windows on the river
front, another, looking east.
The two remaining doors of the hall lead, on one side to the
staircase haU, and on the other into the family bedroom. The
latter has three closets, a space for a wardrobe, and an alcove
which may be used as a dressing-room, or a recess for placing
a bed. On the south side of the vestibule is the office, or gen
tleman's own room, to be neatly and appropriately fitted up as
a business room, or study, for the master of the housfe. The
dotted triangiUar space at the corner of this office, indicates a
place for an iron safe built in the wall. On the north side of
the vestibule is a large closet for cloaks, umbrellas, etc. This
story is 13 feet in the clear, and the dotted lines in the haU and
principal rooms show the form of the ribbed ceilings.
The second fioor contains six sleeping apartments of various
sizes, a bath-room, and a water-closet ; and the attic furnishes
sleeping accommodations for the servants. We regret that we
are not able to show, by engraved plans, the ample and con
venient arrangements of this and the basement story.
The whole internal arrangement of this villa, by Mr. Davis,
is, we think, highly remarkable for its elegance, its compact-

168 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
ness, and the abundance and convenience of its accommoda
tions. While any portion of the house may by itself be used
by the family at any time, the effect of the entire first floor,
when thrown open at once, would be more striking than that
of many mansions we have seen of fom* times the size, where
the rooms, having no connexion, and being badly arranged,
produced little effect as a whole.
Estimate. The estimated cost of this villa varies from
$12,000 to $15,000, according to the material adopted, stone
or bricks (either), and the degree of finish employed in the
interior. AEEANGEMENT OF THE GEOUNDS.
The situation selected for this residence is a hill of consider
able extent, commanding an extensive view of the Hudson,
which is densely wooded with a natural growth of forest trees.
The preference was given to this site, as its natural picturesque
ness and intricacy seemed to be admirably in keeping with the
style of building in view ; and also, as it is found much easier
to produce, in a short time, a satist0,ctory effect, by thinning
out and improving a suitable natural wood, than by planting
and raising up new growths of sylvan accessories, where none
are already existing.
The grounds are about 120 acres in extent. In the accompa
nying plan. Fig. 79, a considerable portion in the neighborhood
of the site for the house is shown. There is a great variety
of surface, caused by the undulations of the ground, upon this
area, which will eventually, if proper advantage is taken of
this circumstance, cause the demesne to appear of large extent,

COTTAGE EESIDENCBS.

169

Q o e o o 0
5 o o o'^'o o ^

i

! t

! '1 1

I

[Fig. 79.]

170 COTTAGE EESmENCES.
In laying out the grounds, the course of the entrance road b,
was determined by a natural depression, which afforded a much
more easy and suitable approach, than could be found in any
other direction. The road itself is not made in the bottom
of the little dell, aa this would render it wet, and even liable
to be washed away at certain seasons of the year, but upon one
side of the sloping bank, at a sufficient height above to insure
the dryness and firmness of the road at all seasons. At <:,
the road is carried across a small stream, which affords an
opportunity of introducing a pretty rustic bridge, constructed
of the roots and stems of the trees felled in opening the road.
An object of this kind, strictly useful in its character, when, as
in this case, it can be legitimately introduced, always gives
interest to a walk or road through the grounds, although it
should never be made when there is not some obvious purpose
beyond that of mere ornament.
There will be, eventually, an opportunity for creating a great
variety in these grounds, but as an idea of this kind of situation
can scarcely, like a flat surface, be conveyed by a mere plan,
we shall only designate a few of the leading points of interest.
There is an open lawn d, at the south side of the house, to be
enlivened by groups of fiowering shrubs and plants, that will
contrast agreeably with the dark verdure of the thicker
groups of foliage on the other sides. At e, is a rustic pavilion
or summer house. Fig. 80, on a knoll slightly elevated above
the surrounding surface. The stable and other out-buildings
are located at g, the kitchen garden at h, and the orchard
at i.
The long and intricate walk j, which may be led at pleasure
a long distance beneath the shady, embowering branches of

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

171

now

taU beeches, stately maples, and "melancholy pines,"
threading little dells filled with mosses and ferns, and dark with
forest verdure, and again emerging into sunny glades, opened
among the forest trees here and there, wiU be one of the most
agreeable features of the place.
The greatest charm of this resi
dence, when it is completed, will be
the novelty and contrast experienced
in coming directly from the highly
artiflcial and populous city, only a
couple of miles distant, to its quiet,
secluded shades, full of wildness,
only sufficiently subdued by art to
heighten its natural beauty. P^s so.]
The principal difficulty in skUfuUy treating a residence like
this, to be formed on an entirely new surface, covered with
wood, lies in thinning out and opening the wood judiciously —
in seizing on the finer portions to be left, and selecting such as
may, with greatest advantage, be cleared away. It must be
borne in mind, as we have previously urged, that few single
trees can be left, but that the thinning must be done by opening
glades boldly k, and lea-ving the trees in groups, masses, thick
ets, and groves. Trimming up the trees, beyond what is abso
lutely necessary in removing dead branches, should never be
attempted, but unsightly underwood should be removed, except
in distant parts, where it is desired to retain the wild and pic
turesque character of the place for the sake of contrasting with
the more dressed air immediately around the house. In short,
the riMtwral eiepression of a place like this must be thoroughly

COTfAGE EESIDENCES.

172

studied before making any improvements ; as otherwise, the
latter will, instead of heightening and developing its original
charm, only weaken and render it incongruous and unsatisfac
tory.

DES'GN XI.
.^OTTAOa 3?OR A ConSTRT OLEBGTMAW,

Fig. 81

BED ROOM

KITCHEN L2 X 15

j^ IpantryI stc

PARLOR ISXld

1

Ct hi
DINING R.
13 X16

I HALL
'enwiDt' STUDY
VERANDA C 13X13

PORCH J I I

i,. , ,\RBOUR ¦
rrincif al Floor, Fig 82

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 173

DESIGN XI.
u* fyfiftage fcrr a Country Clergyma/n.
This Utoie design has had its origin in some correspondence
petween a country clergyman in Massachusetts, a reader of the
first edition of this work, and the author. His first letter was
accompanied by a sketch of what he deemed the real wants
of a family in his position — and the following extract from it
may serve to place the subject more fairly before our readers.
"I recently purchased, and have read with much interest,
your volume upon Cottage Residences. I have been wishing
to procure a home — one, however plain and simple in its
character, that might yet have something attractive about it,
above the appearance of the unsightly fabrics that are too often
classed under the head of dweUing-houses. And I turned over
the pages of your volume in eager hope of finding something
that would be adapted to my wants, and that would be so
economical in construction that it might be made available for
the comfort and convenience of a poor country clergyman, in
the condition of him who addresses you. There were many
of these snug cottages that charmed me, but I could not find in
them what I cannot do without — a study. It was only in the
more expensive structures, the cost of which places them wholly

174 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
beyond my hope of possession, that the library found a place,
With the expectation that others will aid me in the erection
of a house, from absolute necessity I wish to restrict myself to
the smaUest possible outlay. Yet I have felt that the most
modest residence might have something of true beauty in its
character, and that there was no need in any structure, of
sinning against architectural propriety and law. I dare not
think of having a house that shall cost much above $1000 or
$1,200, for I can Ul afford to pay the rent of one that wiU
much exceed that cost. But is it impossible, that for about that
sum we may be furnished with the conveniences we need?
We have in prospect of possession a Uttle bit of land, but half
an acre, fronting south upon the road, which rans east and
west. To the west and southwest we shall have a fine prospect,
which we wish to enjoy by bringing the rooms mostly occupied
upon that side of the house. The rooms we desire upon the
first floor are a kitchen, sitting-room, bedroom, study, parlor,
and pantries. We wish to place the house upon the east side
of the lot, or very near the east side, that the garden may '
occupy the other portion. From your work, with my own
cogitations, I have endeavored to approximate such a plan as
we need — yet find it still defective ; and I much desire to know
whether it meets your approval, or if you can aid me in regard
to its defective points. ¦» * ¦» My difficulties are to bring
the kitchen nearer the sitting-room without giving up the
bedroom ; to get a back stairway underneath, which may be a
way to the ceUar ; to obtain a room over the kitchen ; and,
finally, to know what should be the external appearance of such
a house, that it may be neat and proper, yet without showing
pretension — or how most economically it may be made accept-

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 175
able to correct taste in its outward appearance. Which of the
styles would afford a proper and economical finish ? Poor as I
am, for I possess not a farthing aside from my salary of $700
per annum, I dislike to be accessory to the erection of a house
that shaU be an eye-sore to those who may rightly judge it.
We have few houses here built -with regard to good taste. I
appreciate most fully aU that you say about the proper con
struction of houses, and now, when I am struggling to obtain
one for my own home, I desire that it may be, however humble,
an approach to what a neat little ' parsonage ' should be — and
that it may be a standing lesson to those who belong to my
parish, of the maimer in which a pleasant, unpretending home
may be constructed — with the hope that it may not be without
a certain tendency in its infiuence upon their minds, to an
increased refinement and moral elevation."
Entering into the views of our friend, the country clergyman,
we have retained all the principal features of his ground plan,
only modifying them so as to bring the whole into a more
constructive form and a more agreeable arrangement. Not
being able to afford a back stair, we have given something of
the utility of one, so far as the cellar way is concerned, by
shutting off the back entrance from the front hall, by a door
at C, Fig. 82. A door at D opens on the veranda. In the
study there are book-cases, with closets for papers, B, B.
There is a nice parlor, 13 by 16 feet, on one side of the hall,
and a corresponding dining-room on the other side — the latter
having two convenient closets, so placed at the end of the room,
as to form a kind of bay-window effect, that would be pleasing
and convenient. There are also a kitchen, a bedroom for the
clergyman and -wife, and a chUd's bedroom, aU in connection.

176

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

The door at A should be glazed, in order to light the back
entry more completely. K a communication between the bed
room and the entry is thought more desirable than the closets,
a door placed there instead of the closets would answer that
purpose. The second fioor plan. Fig. 83, shows
five good bedrooms, with a closet to each.
(This plan is drawn to a smaller scale.)
Closets are shown at a, a. The dotted
lines show the roof of the veranda. Fig-
84 is a small sketch of the rear.
The first story being 11 feet in the
clear, the posts for the frame of this
cottage would be 17 feet long. The outside would be covered
with vertical boarding.
For the exterior of this cottage we have chosen a simple, rustic

[Fig. 83.]

[Fig. 84.]
style — one that always befits rural scenery, besides affording
more room for a given cost than any low roofed style. The
rustic veranda and rustic trellises over the windows are intended
for -vines — though not merely as supports for vines — but rather
as thereby giving an air of rural refinement and poetry to the
house without expense. We say without expense^ — and by this
we mean comparatively ; for we do not mean these rustic

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 177
trellises to be built by carpenters, and included in the origmal
cost of the cottage, but to be added afterwards, from time to
time, by the clergyman himself, aided by some farm hand,
expert with the saw and hammer. They should be constructed
of cedar poles — with the bark on — ^which may be had almost
anywhere in Massachusetts for a trifie, and which, if neatly put
together, -wiU be more becoming to such a cottage as this than
elaboiate carpentry work. By the addition of suclu trellis work
and a few vines, a simple rustic cottage like th."s, may be made
a most attractive object in a rural landscape.

12

178

COTTAGE EESIDElSfCES.

DESIGN XII.
A Villa in the Elizabethan style.
We take this design from Brown's Domestic Architecture,
and place it before our readers, partly as offering some good
suggestions, and partly to enable us to point out some of its
most glaring defects. As much benefit may be derived some
times from the critical examination of designs which are
defective, as those which are nearly perfect.
The plan of this house. Fig. 85, is in many features a good

[Fig. 86.]

one. The large space devoted to the staircase and hall gives

DESIGN X!I.
A Tl- T.A. r^ THE E LI::ABE ITI A": S I Y LE

rig. 85

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 179
the house a dignified appearance, while the rooms are of goud
proportion, and ai'e conveniently arranged for privacy aud home
comfort, with studious avoidance of all effect produced liy th.o
connection of one apartment with another, etc.
A great blunder is however committed in the position of the
lire-places and chimneys, — by placing them on the outer,
instead of the inner walls. Change the chimneys to the side
of the room directly opposite where they now stand, and you
have them in a better position for draught, and for accumu
lating warmth in the house, while you have a space left to
place a couple of windows in the drawing-room, and a broad
window in the library, so as to command the light and circula
tion of air on the longest side of these rooms. The same
remark applies to the dining-room. The exterior effect would
he even more improved by this change of position in the
chimneys, than the interior- -since nothing can be more ugly
than a chimney springing from the lower edge of a steep roof
— instead of the higher part of the ridge, where it naturally
belongs. To this left hand side of the house we would add a veranda.
shading the windows we have just suggested in the drawing-
room and library.
The exterior of this villa is pleasing in general character,
though faulty in its details. Knock off the bed-post-like orna
ments at the angles of the gables, adopt the finish shown in tlie
gables of Design IIL, move tlie chimney tops to the middle
portion of the roof, as we have already suggested, put a cori-et-t
and solid looking oriel window in the place of the flimsy one
over the front porch, break up the left or south roof line by
dormer windows in suitable stvle. and omit tJje grotesque and

180 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.
absurd effigies of dogs on the springing stones of the porch,
and this viUa will have a dignified and agreeable air as the
home of a country gentleman. It should be buUt either of
stone or brick — and supposing the kitchen wing to be of mode
rate size, the whole would cost from $7000 to

Df- SIGN XIII
,\ SM M.L C0TTU;l-, OR G.\TF. LODGE.

Fi '. 02.

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

181

DESIGN XIII.
A small Cottage for a Toll-gate Souse.
This picturesque little villa was designed by Mr. Wild, and
originaUy published in Loudon's Supplement as a village inn.
But it would be much better adapted here for a toll-gate house,
upon one of our turnpikes or plank roads. The gate itself should
be directly connected with the tower, and might easily be
arranged so as to be opened by the inmates from the inside of

rFig. 87.]

IhL

COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

[Fig. 88.]
the building. Devoting it to this purpose, a, would be the
porch, b, the entry, c, the living-room, d, bedroom or parlor,
e, veranda, g, back entry, m, wood-house, I, back porch, h,
pantry, i, store-room, h, milk room. There is a bay window at
o, with a seat outside, n. The upper floor would be divided
into two good sized bedrooms or three smaller ones.
This building would look well of wood, put on in vertical
boarding, and painted a warm drab color ; or it would be
more picturesque if covered on the outside with shingles — in
the manner of many of the Dutch farm-houses in the state of
New York — which make a more durable covering than inch
boards. If the shingles -were rounded on the lower edge, or cut
into diamonds or hexagons, it would add still more to their
good effect at but a trifling increase of expense. The estimated
cost of this building, of wood, is $930.

COTTAGE EESroENCES.

18-^

Fig. 89.J

Figs. 89 and 90 show a sketch and ground plan of a small
toU-gate house or lodge, in a massive, simple, architectural style,
quite opposite in character to the foregoing. The whole ie

[Fig. 90.]

supposed to be buUt of rubble stone, and the cost, when this
kind of stone is abundant upon the ground, woiUd be about
$500.

184 COTTAGE EESIDENCES.

DESIGN XIV.
A Cottage in the Hhine style.
This residence [see Frontispiece] was designed by us for our
neighbour, J. T. Headley, Esq., and has been built in a pictu
resque and highly appropriate position, where its steep roof
Unes harmonize admirably with the bold hills of the Hudson
Highlands. Though spirited and irregular in composition, it
is simple in details, Mr. Headley's object being to erect a
picturesque rural home in keeping with the scenery, but
¦without the least unnecessary outlay for decoration.
The plan of the principal floor. Fig. 91, shows an entrance
haU, 8 feet by 36 feet. Out of this open the three best apart
ments — ^viz. the library and dining-room, each 16 by 20 feet,
and the drawing-room, 17 by 22 feet. The library has a ceUing
prettUy ribbed, and the bookcases are in recesses formed in
the waUs. On this floor are a kitchen, pantry, closets, etc.,
with spacious verandas on two sides of the house.
The plan of the chamber floor, Fig. 92, shows four bedrooms
of good size, and one smaller one in the tower, which may be
either used as a dressing-room or a child's bedroom. From the
north bedroom there is a private passage to the bath room
and water closet, by descending a few steps. (The closets

COTTAGE EESIDENOES.

185

BED ROOM
i4:o xi6:o

BATH ROOM

Ij-^S^ I BED ROOM

DRESSING ROOM
12:0x8.0

PLAN OF CHAMBER FLOOR.
LFig. 92.]
taken out of the spaces each side of the chimney have been
omitted in the drawing.)
The high roof of this style of building affords considerable
space in the attic — which is finished in three good bedrooms
for servants, or other uses.
The first story is 12 feet in height ; the chamber floor 9^
f feet. The kitchen is 9f feet in height.
This house is built of brick — the first story waUs 1 foot thick.
the second story 8 inches ; the foundations are heavy blue
stone. Water is forced to a cistern in the garret (and thence
is led over the house) from a spring about 150 feet distant —
the elevation being overcome by a hydraulic ram worked
by the overfiow of the spring through a pipe of one and a
quarter inches bore.
This very picturesque dweUing was erected at a cost of
$4800, exclusive of the water pipes.

186

COTTAGE KKSIDENCE6.

DESIGN XV,

A Carriage-House and Stable in the Rustic Pointed style.

As this stable, which has been erected from sketches fur
nished by us, upon the estate of M. Vassar, Esq., near
Poughkeepsie, is both convenient and ornamental, we present
a perspective view and ground plan for the benefit of our
readers. The composition is, we think, pleasing — the ventUator
upon the top being as valuable in adding to the picturesqueness
of the building as to its comfort.

irit'. 93.]

COTTAGE EESroENCES.

187

The plan shows a carriage room, 21 by 22 feet, double
floored and ceUed all round, with a harness room and separately
enclosed stairway in the rear. On the left is a tool room,
work-shop, etc. ; on the right, a stable, with staUs for four horses.
Over the whole is a large loft for hay, with mouths in the
floor to feed the racks, a, in the stable below, without the
necessity of carrying or throwing it down.
As this stable is built upon sloping ground, it has beneath it
another story, — a basement stable — for farm horses, cows, cellar
for roots, etc., not shown in this elevation, making altogether a
very complete building. It is constructed of sound timber,
sheathed with matched pine plank, battened, and the whole
filled in with brick. The walls of the cellar story are blue
stone, laid in mortar, and the whole is finished in a very
substantial and excellent manner. The cost was about $1900
— but in many parts of the country, where lumber is cheap,
the whole may be built for about $1000.

[Fig. 94.J

FURTHER HINTS
ON THE
GARDENS AND GROUNDS
OF
COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

is many small cottage residences, there is not room to
attempt much arrangement of grounds of any kind ; but there
may stUl be a strong taste for flowers and plants. A little
flower garden, or, at least, a parterre of flower beds, may be
laid out and managed by the mistress of the cottage.
There are two very distinct ways of laying out even the
smallest flower garden. One, is to make it consist solely ol
flower beds and borders, with alleys or walks of gravel
between. The other, is to have for the ground work or
general surface of the flower garden, a smooth piece of turf or
lawn, and in this lawn to cut out such forms of flower beds as
may be adopted.
Each mode has some advanliages. Almost any common
laborer can hoe, dig, and dress the first land of flower garden
— at least with some occasional superintendence and assistance
from the owner. The flower garden on turf requires a neat
and practised mower to keep it short, by cutting it at least once
a fortnight ; for upon the shortness and closeness of the lawn
the good effect of the flower garden largely depends.

COTTAGE EESIDENCES. 189
But as regards the relative beauty, there is, to our taste, no
comparison to be made between the two modes — especiaUy in
this climate. A flower garden composed only of flower beds
and walks, looks pretty well in the moist and growing weather
of the early season. But as soon as the hot weather of the
American summer commences, it presents quite another appear
ance. Instead of rich foliage and gay flowers, the eye reposes
on beds of earth, perhaps only half covered with vegetation,
and walks of gravel that only reflect the glare and dryness of
the parched soil.
If we contrast such a flower garden with one in which the
beds are cut in the turf, how much will not the latter gain by the
comparison. The green, close turf, is always such a pleasant
setting, because its color is so refreshing to the eye, and because
it shows off the colors of the flowers in the beds by contrast
to so much more advantage than bare walks.
In modern flower gardens, especially those made upon turf,
it is the practice to choose, for the most part, low growing
flowers — say not exceeding six inches or a foot in height, and
to plant these in masses — sometimes filling a whole bed, or at
others, only part of a bed, with the same flower. This produces
a brilliancy of effect quite impossible in any other way ; and
as the object in a flower garden is gaiety, this bedding or
massing of flowers is certainly the most complete and beautiful
mode of attaining it.
In order to add stUl more to the perfection of the modern
flower garden, it is also the custom to reject aU plants that
bloom but a short time, and then leave a blank space in the
garden; and to choose those plants that bloom the greater
part, or a large portion of the summer and autumn. Certain
annuals, like the Petunias, Portulaccas, etc., come under this
head, and by employing these, in conjunction with certain

190 COTTAGE RESIDENCES.
dwarf and showy herbaceous plants, like the Double White
Campanula {G. persicifolia, pi.), a constant succession of bloom
may be kept up in the masses aU the summer season.
In all gardens where a gardener is employed the year
round, or where a pit or green-house is at command, another
class of plants has of late years become very popular for flower
gardens. We mean exotics, that require to be kept from
frost in winter, but which grow and bloom from May to
November in the open flower garden. As examples of these,
we need only mention the Verbenas and the Scarlet Geraniums,
two plants, which, in their many varieties, their brilliant colors,
and their power of withstanding heat and dry weather, have
done more to give an air of perpetual beauty to our flower
gardens than all other plants together. As a few pots of
cuttings of these, planted in August, and kept through the
winter in a frame, a green-house, or even a warm room, will
furnish a whole garden with beauty, hardly any one but those
who have the humblest gardens need be -without them.
Next to these, the greatest ornaments to the flower gardens
are the ever-blooming roses. We mean by this (when we
speak for the Northern States) those China roses known under
the name of Bourbon, Bengal, and Noisette roses — since they
will all thrive well in open beds, if very slightly covered with
straw or branches of evergreens in winter. Among those, the
*Bourhons are the hardiest and the most beautiful.
For all the country south of the Potomac, in addition to the
foregoing ever-blooming roses, the Tea roses may be added.
As these are, in our estimation, the most lovely and delicious
flowers in the world, and as they bloom, in beds of light rich
bam, all the season, they afford, in their many shades and
colors, the most admirable materials for enriching the flower
garden. To produce the finest effect with them, small round

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

191

beds — say three or four feet in diameter, surrounded by turf —
should be planted with roses of a single color, such as one bed
of white, another of red, a third of rose-color, etc. The
branches should be pruned and pegged down (i. e. fastened
along the surface of the ground by small forked pegs), so that
the entire surface of the soU in the bed shall be covered with
foUage and bloom. In this way they -will produce a far
richer effect than if left to grow in an upright and loose
manner. It is not necessary that the soU for flower gardens should be
very rich — ^though a moderate annual dressing of well decom
posed manure or poudrette is indispensable: but it is very
important that the soil in the beds should be deep, in order that
the plants in them may send their roots downwards, out of the
reach of the heat and droughts of August. A rich soil may
induce a rapid and luxuriant growth early in the season, but a
soil two to three feet deep in all parts will continue that growth
and maintain a fine verdure through the whole of the summer
and autumn.
The smallest flower gardens are called
•parterres, and Fig. 95 may be taken
as an example of the simplest symme
trical arrangement in this way. When
a parterre is small, like this, and
depends for its good effect very much
on the arrangement of the beds, care
should be taken not to destroy this
effect by planting in the beds any flowers whose tall growth
might partially or wholly hide it. On the contrary, such a
little parterre should, if possible, be planted with the dwarfest
flowers. We would therefore put into the four outer beds form
ing the margin, verbenas — say white verbenas in the first bed ;

[Fig. 95.

192

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

pink verbenas in the second ; purple verbenas in the third ;
and scarlet in the fourth. In the centre of this parterre we
would place a sun-dial, or a vase upon a pedestal. The twelve
beds that surround this we would plant as foUows: — Every
alternate bed we would devote to bulbs and annuals ; that is to
say, crocuses and hyacinths should be planted in them at
pretty good distances apart, and the spaces between these should
be filled every year with showy dwarf annuals, such as Gillia
tricolor, Portulaccas, Sweet Alyssum, Collinsia bicolor, Esch
scholtzia, etc. The bulbs would bloom and give beauty to the
parterre early in the spring : after they had passed, the annuals
would supply their place. The remaining 6 beds we would
devote to that fine dwarf scarlet geranium, the Tom Thumb,
and the variegated-leaved scarlet geranium, etc. The latter is
not only pretty in its bloom, but a bed composed of its parti
colored leaves is almost as handsome as one of flowers. Two
beds of the scarlet geranium, two of the variegated, and two of
the finest purple petunia, would, -with the border of verbenas,
make the parterre gay and bright the whole summer through.

[FiB, 96.]

Fig. 96 is a pretty arabesque design for a parterre on a lawn,
by the late Mr. Loudon. The beds are grouped in the turf, so

OOTTAGE RESIDENCES.

193

as to produce a pleasing pattern, and there is a walk running
around the whole, so that the spectator may see the parterre,
when the grass is wet with dew, without being obliged to walk
upon the damp lawn. Of course, each bed here should be
planted with a single kind of flower, or, what is still better,
with one kind of flower for the bed, but a border or margin of
another kind — when the bed is wide enough to permit it.
When the beds on opposite sides of the figure correspond in
shape, they also produce a better effect when the same colors are
introduced into such opposite beds — -and even the same plants.

[Fig. 97.]
Another very tasteful design for a small flower garden is
shown at Fig. 97. This consists of 8 arabesque bcds,B , cut in
13

194

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

IFig. 'J8.J

COTTAGE RESIDENCES. 195
the turf, A, and surrounding a ninth circular bed, c, in the
midst of which is a vase or a fountain.
This garden would have a very satisfactory appearance if it
were planted as follows : — The four larger beds at the corners, to
be filled with ever-blooming roses — one bed entirely with pui-e
white roses, such as the White Daily, White Madame Desprez,
Aimee Vibert, etc. ; another with deep crimson roses, such as
Cramoisie Superieure, Comice de Seine et Marne, Paul Joseph,
Queen of Lombardy, etc. ; a third with rose-colored varieties,
such as Hermosa, Pink Madame Desprez, Bouquet de Flore,
etc. ; and the fourth with creamy, fawn, and shaded roses, such
as Madame Bosanquet, Saffrano, Jaune Desprez, Queen, and
Souvenir de Malmaison. By keeping each color distinct, we
get a marked and striking effect, entirely unattainable by
mixing all colors together ; and by using only ever-blooming
roses, the beds are always in an ornamental condition. The
four smaller intermediate beds may very properly be filled
with verbenas, or scarlet geraniums, or any other dwarf and
showy flowers.
A flower garden which has been much admired is one near
Vienna, in the grounds of Baron Hiigel, a distinguished
amateur. The plan is shown in Fig. 98. In this flower
garden the beds are in turf— and the general style is mixed—
partly arabesque and partly geometric. The central beds,
I, m, 71, 0, p, are, perhaps, faulty in taste, on account of their
unmeaningly jagged outlines, out of keeping with the rest of
the design, and inelegant in themselves. FUled with masses
of gay flowers, well contrasted, no doubt the effect is better m
reality than upon paper. The prettiest and most novel feature
in the plan is the running guiUoche pattern of the beds, which
form the boundary. These beds are very carefully planted
with low growing flowers, of such sorts as bloom very freely

196 COTTAGE RESIDENCES.
and constantly, and do not grow high enough to obscure the
pattern, for everything depends upon this. In order to make
this guiUoche bed as brilliant as possible, the centre circle, c,
of each bed is planted with some brilUant color, alternating
with white : — for example, supposing the centre, c, to be
white, then the next centre would be dark red, the next white,
the next blue, the next white, the next yellow, the next white,
scarlet, white, purple, white, and so on, repeating the primary
colors all round the figure. The interlacing beds, d, may be
planted upon the same principle, but omitting white, and the
effect will be best if the contrasting or complementary colors,
such as yellow and purple, blue and white, etc., are placed near
each other.
The two centres, i, i, are occupied by handsome vases. Such
a garden as this ought always, as in the case of Baron Hiigel's,
to form a scene by itself, by being shut out from all other
objects by a belt of shrubbery or trees, at least on three sides.
Fig. 99 is a plan for a geometrical flower garden with curved
lines, which would answer remarkably well for a situation near
a fine villa, when it is desirable to give the flower garden
something of an architectural character. If we suppose A to be
the terrace directly around the house, from which a flight of
steps descend to the level of the flower garden, then the walks
of the flower garden commence at B. In a situation where
water is abundant, the dark figure in the centre and the four
dark squares marked E, might be handsome fountains; the
four smaUer squares marked F, might be vases or pedestals ;
or, if water is not at command, then the larger spaces might be
occupied by statues and the smaller ones by vases, or even large
orange trees in tubs. The whole surface of the beds, D, might
be filled with low flowers in masses — or the garden might be a
mixed flower garden, so arranged that the taller plants, Uke

COTTAGE EESIDENOES.

197

m [^^^^5W^" """ -

[Fig. 99.J
dahUas, flU the centre of the beds, and so gradually lessening
^n size, till verbenas, and other plants only two or three inches
high, occupy the space next the walk.
It is sometimes desirable in a residence of a particular
character, that the style of art adopted should be carried out
very minutely in the surroundings. The flower garden, espe
ciaUy, may partake of this character in some cases, and
particularly in the ItaUan and the Elizabethan or Renaissance

198

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

style. In this latter style the garden was always formal and
geometric, and was generally placed close to one side of the
house, usually under the drawing-room windows. Fig. 100 is
an example of an EUzabethan flower garden, which we give

for the sake of variety. This garden is supposed to. be sur
rounded by a parapet walk, G, " which has piers at regular
distances, surmounted by vases ; at each of the flights of steps
there are two statues, one on each side of the entrance at the

COTTAGE RESIDENCES. 199
upper steps, and a vase at each side of the lower steps."^
A clipped hedge of yew, or holly, or hemlock, would be equally
characteristic and less expensive. The centre is intended to be
occupied by a fountain and a basin of water, and the four
circles E, by vases or statues. This garden would undoubtedly
have the best effect, if treated as a parterre, and wholly planted
with masses of low growing flowers — a single sort and color in
each bed. In this way it would, if well grown, have the same
pretty effect as a handsome and gay carpet. In order to give
the richest effect, however, the colors ought to be harmonized
and balanced : they may be harmonized by placing the beds
of those colors next each other which agree, and balanced by
making the corresponding figure or bed of the pattern on one
side balance the same figure or bed on the other. To assist the
novice, we give the following list for the beds on one side.
premising that the other side should be exactly the same.
1. Blue. Salvia patens. 14. Lilac. Hebe petunia.
2. Yellow. Eschscholtzia californica. 16. White. White verbena.
3. Blue. Campanula carpatica. 16. White. White petunia.
4. White. Alyssum maritimum. 17. While. White petunia.
6. Blue. Lobelia gracilis. 18. Lilac. Eclipse petunia.
6. Yellow. Calceolaria i-ugosa. 20. Scarlet. Tom thumb geranium.
7. Blue. Gillia bicolor. 21. Orange. Tropeolum mmus fl.
8. W^ite. White verbena. pleno.
9. Purple. Purple verbena. 22. Orange. Eschscholtzia crocea.
10. Yellow. Portulacca thorbumii. 23. Yellow. QEnothera msicrocarpa.
11. Scarlet. Defiance verbena. 24. Purple. Prince of Wales Petunia.
12. Orange. Eschscholtzia crocea. 25. White. Achillea ptai-mica, pi.
13. Orange. Eschscholtzia crocea.
Another accompaniment to the antique style of residence ia
the labyrinth, of which Fig. 101 may serve as an example. The
* Loudon's Gardener's Magazine.

200

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

amusement and interest in a labyrinth grows out of its being
planted densely with shrubs and evergreens, so as to shut out
one walk entirely from another. The visitor enters at A, pur-
,«ues his way onward, is stopped by the sudden termination of
t'le walk, starts again with Uttle better success, or, perhaps,
only to reach the centre, b, where a large aloe, or a rustic
covered seat meets his eye; here he may rest awhile, or
continue his walk, as much at a, loss to find his way out as
before; and a stranger may spend an hour or more in this

[Fig. 101.]

way, in a state of " pleasant vexation." A labyrinth is, how
ever, it must be confessed, the most interesting to the children
cf the family, who are never weary of this part of the grounds,
jjreferring it to all the rest for daily amusement. The Arbor
A'itse, Privet, Buckthorn, and Tartarian Bush Honejrsuckles,
are the best shrubs for the thickets of a labyrinth. They
should be cut-back at first, so a.s to render them thick and

COTTAGE RESIDENCES. 201
bushy at the bottom, like a hedge, and also sufficiently topped
now and then, to make them preserve this habit.
A plan like Fig. 95, planted thickly with shrubs, so arranged
as to form masses of verdure, highest in the middle of the bed,
and gradually lessening to the front, would make a very inte
resting shrubbery for a special scene in a country place. Or it
might be planted wholly with evergreens of moderate size, and
thus make a pleasant winter garden on a small scale.
In presenting all these various modes of arranging flower
gardens, we must be allowed to say that the modern taste of
discarding any set flower garden, and, instead of it, arranging
the beds of choice perpetual blooming plants in and around a
small lawn, in graceful and harmonious forms, is by far the
most satisfactory in the majority of cases. It is especially so in
all small places, where the ornamental grounds are too limited
to allow of separate scenes. In such cases, the grouping of
beds of flowers round a lawn, having only one or two color's
in a bed, heightens the beauty of the lawn itself, while the
flowers are enjoyed, perhaps, more than in any other way.
Fig. 102 is a design of our own of this kind, which has been
carried out, and found extremely pretty and satisfactory. In
this, A is the dwelUng-house, B, the conservatory (a detached
buUding on one side of the lawn), C, the lawn, D, flower beds,
E, vase, fountain, sun-dial, or rustic basket filled with flowers.
Round the whole runs a boundary belt, F, of trees and shrubs
-—shutting out aU that portion of the grounds not strictiy
ornamental. In practice, it is found that small circular beds,
about 3 feet in diameter, grouped in twos and threes (Uke
those on the left of d), are more convenient and effective
than the irregular beds ; partly because a three feet circle is
large enough for a mass of a single color in a smaU garden,
and partly because a circular bed, like a tree, always looks well

202

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

either alone, or grouped with other circles. It is also adapted
to an}' position, which an irregular bed is not.
In order to give the lawn, c, a more picturesque character,
we have introduced a few single specimens of trees, such aa
grow into beautiful forms when standing alone. We may

[Fig. 102.J

mention, as peculiarly adapted to such sites, the Chinese
MagnoUas {M. conspicua and M. soulangiana), very hardy a-nd
beautiful, the Weeping Ash, Weeping Beech, Purple Beech,
and Weeping SUver Lime, aU striking in habit and foUage;

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

203

the Ash -leaved Maple or Negundo, for its lively green foliage;
the VirgUia, of Kentucky, with snowy white blossoms; the

[Fig. 103.1

[Fig. 104]

204 COTTAGE RESIDENCES.
Virginia Fringe tiee, etc. As evergreens, to plant there singly,
we may enumerate the Deodar Cedar, the Norway Spruce,
the Himmalaya Spruce, the Irish Yew and the SUver Fir. A
lawn and flower garden combined and planted in this way,
would have a tasteful and beautiful effect in any situation, or
in connection with a residence in any style.
To waive the subject of flower gardens, and consider again
the whole grounds of the residence, let us examine for a
moment some clever plans for cottage and suburban residences
by French landscape gardeners.
Figs. 103 and 104 are examples of the mode of laying out
two small places, where the boundaries are very irregular. In
Fig. 103, A is the entrance gate, B, the house, C, the stable,* D,
the lawn. At the further end of the lawn is a semicircular
parterre, backed by vases of terra-cotta, filled with scarlet
geraniums, lobelia gracilis and other delicate climbers. Be
hind this is a semicircular arbor, F, covered with -vines, and
affording a shady walk.
In Fig. 104, which contains half an acre, A is the dwelling,
directly on the right of which is a fanciful flower bed or
parterre. This is backed by a thicket of shrubbery, through
Avhich a walk leads to the tool-house or shed in the corner, B,
with ground for compost, etc. The lawn, E, extends upon the
other side of the house. At its further extremity is a pigeon-
house or aviary (or, still better, a summer-house), C, surrounded
by vases of flowers, F. At D is an alcove for seats, surrounded
by thick shrubbery.
In placing two suburban cottages near each other, the lots of
ground upon which they stand may, sometimes, when the
houses belong to intimate friends, be thro-wn into one, and laid
* Qnite too near the house.

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

205

[Fig. 105.]
out .SO as to swld to the general effect, and give more space for
air and exercise. Fig. 105 is an example of this mode of
arrangement, in which a and b are the two houses, behind
which are the two lawns, c and D, each bordered with shrub
bery, prettily grouped. A light iron fence, of trellis pattern,
might be run through the middle bed of shrubbery, on the
division line between the two lots, with light iron gates,
where the two walks cross it. This would be so inconspicuous,
if painted dark green, as not to look like a barrier ; and as the
gates could be locked when occasion required, the two places
might be used either separately or singly, as might be mos-t
agreeable to the proprietors.
A tasteful jardin paysager, of an acre, which may be taken
as one of the best examples of the modern style of laying out
grounds in Germany, is shown in Fig. 106. In this, A is the
dwelling-house, B, the main walk or promenade, G, the lawn,
bordered with groups and masses of shrubs and trees, planted
in turf At the further extremity of the grounds is an elegant
circular temple or summer-house, D, in the classical style,
surrounded by a series of vases or pedestals, c, and backed by
a thick plantation of evergreens and deciduous trees. A

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COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

[Fig. 106.]
handsome statue is placed in the open space at E, and at F is a
rustic open summer-house, built oi branches, with the bark on,
in which, and upon the grass around it, the family take tea out
of doors in summer afternoons, in that agreeable, easy, social
manner so common in Germany.
A common fault in all the continental grounds, which may
be noticed in the foregoing examples, is the unartistic manner
in which the walks are arranged, by which they are not kept
of any uniform width, but run into great open spaces of gravel
round the house and in various other parts, where several
walks meet, as in Fig. 104. This has a bad effect in itself, and
is a waste of valuable space, that would appear far better if

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

207

covered with green turf There is, too, in most of the French
plans, a lack of necessary attention to utility and convenience,
especially as regards the kitchen ofaces, etc. In these respects,
as in many others, the English plans for smaller places are
models— showing how the most may be made of the least piece
of ground.

[Fig. 107.]
Fig. 107 is an example of this kind. In this, c is the house,
placed back far enough from the public road to give it some
privacy, and having a double entrance. A, B. Behind the
house is a spacious kitchen yard, h, where all the outbuildings
are entirely shut out from view, while they are placed in the
most convenient position — being entirely masked from the
front by a conservatory and summer-house, which forms the
right wing of the house — while on the rear of the outbuildings
a thick belt of trees and shrubbery effects the same object.
The ground- work of the whole is a lawn, e, nicely kept, of which
the back-ground is an irregular belt of trees and shrubs, nicely
grouped, and the fore-ground beds of flowers, in arabesque
patterns, cut in the turf Neat kitchen and fruit gardens, F, F,
are laid out in the rear, which are so arranged as to give all

208

COTTAGE RESIDENCES.

the convenience, without marring the beauty of the scene:
and a back entrance allows access to the kitchen yard, out
buildings, kitchen garden, etc., without being seen from the
more elegant parts of the grounds. There is a great deal more
merit in such a plan as this than in Fig. 103, although the
latter may appear more prettily on paper — because the former
combines beauty with the greater utility — so that the possessor
of such a place gets his every day satisfaction from each

[Fig. 108.]

COTTAGE RESIDENCES. 209
separate source, without feeUng it to be at the expense of the
other. A plan of our o-wn for a pleasant suburban residence, which is
thought to have a good effect, is shown in Fig. 108. In this, A is
the dweUing, B the carriage entrance, D the stable. The lawn,
surrounded -with beds or masses of flowers, is designated at G,
and around it is grouped a choice collection of the most orna
mental trees and shrubs — forming shady walks in some portions,
and sunny, open ones in others. A circular parterre of showy
summer flow«rs may be laid out at M. The kitchen garden, f, is
arranged so as to be conveniently cultivated, and is placed near
the stable, for the convenience of getting manure for hot-beds,
etc., whUe it is shut out from the ornamental grounds by a
belt of trees and shrubs. A fruit garden of dwarf trees, i, is
shown beyond, and something of an ornamental character is
given to an orchard at K, by grouping the trees picturesquely,
instead of planting them in straight lines.
By studying, carefully, such plans as the foregoing, almost
any person who has a little talent in drawing may be able to
compose a design for a small place, that wUl exhibit more or
less taste, and combine -with it the advantages of entire con
venience and usefulness. The first point, in the smallest
place, as well as the largest, is to get as much expanse of
green la-wn as possible. After this, to conceal the boundaries
with trees and shrubs, so grouped and arranged as not to form
a stiff hedge or verdant waU, but a picturesque, irregular,
natural-looking boundary. Care should be taken, in planting,
not to intercept any fine views or vistas— but in such points
(if any boundary plantation must be made) to compose it of
shrubs or low-gro-wing trees. Shrubs, trees, and grass, -with a few
walks, gracefully and naturally curved, are the materials -with
which a pleasing little landscape may be created in any site,

210 COTTAGE RESIDENCES.
when the soil is such as to favor the growth of vegetation ; and
it will generaUy be found that the more simple and natural the
arrangement, the more lasting will be the pleasure derived
from it. There is no error so frequently committed, as to
suppose that beauty, whether in houses or grounds, depends on
variety and expense. Chasteness, good proportions, agreeable
and expressive arrangement of simple forms, — these are the
elements of the beautiful, which are always captivating to
persons of pure and correct taste, whether that taste be
natural and intuitive, or whether it has been refined by the
long famUiarity with all that is most satisfactory in nature or
art.

ADDENDA.
Building Contracts. The great disproportion frequenti];
occurring between the estimate or contract, and the final cost
of a house, is a very constant source of disappointment and
vexation to persons who engage for the first time in building.
The cottage or viUa is contracted to be built by the mechanics,
at a fair, or even a low price, quite satisfactory to the pro
prietor ; but when the building is complete, the bills are often
found to exceed the contracting price by one third or one half
the original sum.
This result -^vUl always, on experience, be found to arise from
two causes. The first of these is the want of a well digested
and thoroughly satisfactory plan, before the contracts are made.
A general idea of the arrangement, or a mutual understanding
to copy pretty nearly, the house of Mr. A. or B., in the neigh
borhood, is very often as definite a shape as the matter assumes
before the house is commenced. While it is in progress, the
subject opening on the mind of the owner, new arrangements
or alterations in the plan are suggested ; an additional room
here, a closet or staircase there, would, it is discovered, add so
greatly to the elegance or convenience of the house, that they
are of course at once introduced. There are not wanting
mechanics, who, finding perhaps, that they shall obtain but a
moderate profit on their original contracts, and being secure of
the whole work, charge at a greatly increased price for these
additional items, kno-wing that no other buUder can now be
brought into competition with them, to reduce the rate by a
lower estimate.
The second source of multiplied expense, is the want of

212 COTTAGE RESIDENCES.
proper specifications, when the building is proposed to be
estimated upon. The specifications of a building to be con
tracted for at a certain price, are supposed to embrace every
.portion of it, and every item of the expense. Now, to draw
up a full and complete list of specifications for a house of
considerable size, requires a very accurate knowledge of every
thing relating to building — a knowledge that neither the
generality of proprietors, nor many artisans among us, wUl
generally be found to possess thoroughly. Usually, these
specifications for a country house are drawn up at the sugges
tion of the proprietor, by one of the master workmen, and
include all the particulars that occur to him or his employer.
But in carrying them out, it is found that so large a
number of items have been overlooked, that the bill of extras,
at the close of the work, amounts to 20 or 30 per cent, on the
whole estimate.
To obviate these evils it is evident that it is highly necessary
to have perfectly satisfactory drawings, showing every portion
of the house necessary to a perfect understanding of all its
parts before it is commenced or contracted for, in order that no
material alteration need be made while it is in progress ; and
also to procure from some experienced and competent architect,
or master-buUder, very complete and full specifications for the
whole work.
We have in these remarks supposed the contract mode of
building, because experience has led us to believe that in most
parts of the country the work may be done in this way in an
equally excellent manner, and at a much lower cost than by
the days-work system. This is owing partly to the fact, that a
great deal more judgment and proper economy wUl always be
exercised in the purchase of materials, etc., by a master-buUder
for himself, than for the proprietor ; and partly, also, that in all

COTTAGE RESIDENCES. 213
buddings there is a great deal of labor of secondary importance,
which may be performed at a cheap rate to the master-buUder
by his apprentices, and which would otherwise be paid for at
the journeyman's rate in the days-work system. At the same
time the architect, owner, or superintendent of the work,
retains the power to inspect and reject all workmanship or
materials not of a proper and specified quality.
The most economical mode of buUding in the United States
-wiU therefore be found to be that of employing only the best
master workman, building by contract, and undertaking the
work only when provided with complete plans and specifica
tions. Emphyment of architects or professional men. — ^The most
mortifying feature, to a person of cultivated taste, in the archi
tecture of our country-houses buUt within the last ten years,
is the frequent violation of correct proportions, of unity of
decorations, and of appropriateness of style, so frequently
seen, even in our finest residences. This arises sometimes
from the indulgence of the fancy or caprice of the proprietor,
and sometimes from the bad advice or worse plans of the
country carpenter or mason in his employ. Although such
buildings please their owners at first, yet with the dawnings of
a more extensive knowledge, obtained either by the examina
tion of really admirable edifices, or by a greater familiarit}'
with the subject, they almost certainly regret, when it is too
late, the errors they have so hastily committed.
To those who are not thoroughly informed and competent
themselves (a class yet very small in all countries), we would
strongly rscommend the employment, in any building of
importance, of the best professional talent. They may then
feel assured not only of having a satisfactory production, but
one which, Doing correctly designed, will rather grow, than

214 COTTAGE RESIDENCES.
lessen in their admiration, as their knowledge or taste foi
architectural beauty increases.
When we have really decidejl to build, the difference
between a common form and an exceUent one may at once be
secured in favor of the former, by applying to an architect of
talent and experience. The small addition (say two and a half
per cent.) which this wUl make to the whole cost of the building,
is certainly a consideration of trifling consequence, when we
reflect that in the design lies the whole individuality of the
building, whether it shall be full of beauty, grace, or pictu
resqueness, or abound in uncouthness, incongruity, and foolish
conceits — a matter of the more importance as it is to continue
before our eyes and become identified with ourselves, per
haps, for a life-time! Many persons within our knowledge
have been deterred from applying to a professional man for
advice in building a house, or laying out their grounds, from a
mistaken idea of the enormous charges to which they would be
subjected. But this is a matter that is in reality greatly misunderstood.
The established rate among architects of reputation on both
sides of the Atlantic, for ftirnishing a complete design, is 2h
per cent, on the estimated cost (that is, $125 for a house to cost
$5000, and in the same proportion for buUdings of greater or
less cost). Now, when a proprietor of moderate means is
about to spend $5000, he says to himself: — "I shall save
$125 at least, by planning for myself " This he accordingly
does — but unless his house is a fac-simile of his neighbor's, so
that the buUder has only to copy what he has already done,
the alterations and additions the owner is obliged to make
before he gets the edifice completed, cost him double the archi
tect's charge for the design ; so that he is absolutely the loser,
even in money, putting out of the question the superiority of

COTTAGE RESIDENCES. 215
that plan which has been carefully studied and composed bv a
man of talent, taste, and experience, in a particular and difficult
branch of knowledge.
The same thing is true, in a larger sense, in the case of
buildings, of greater extent, with regard to the superinimdence
of a building whUe in progress. The usual charge for super
intendence made by architects, in addition to the charge for tho
design, is also 24 per cent. — making 5 per cent, on the whole
cost. This includes working drawings for every part of the
interior and exterior, and a constant su.pervision of the work in
progress. Not only does this insure a thorough and satisfactory
execution of the plans adojDted, without any personal annoy
ance to the proprietor, but, in the case of all architects of
standing, experience proves that a building of any considerable
cost can be far more economically and substantially erected by
an architect, than by any proprietor not familiar by long prac
tice -\\ith building.
'It is proper to state, that all architects make sketches and
studies for particular purposes, at lower prices than the rates
we have stated. Every man may be his own lawyer or his
own architect, but he usually has to pay much more dearly for
the privUege, when he has any business of importance in hand,
than he supposes ; and we cannot counsel him to undertake the
' perplexity and vexation that generally result from it, if he can
find a professional man of integrity and ability to perform the
task so much more satisfactorily for him.

THE END.