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FARM-HOUSES AND OFFICES

SECT. III.

HOUSES FOR PROPRIETORS OF MODERATE FORTUNE,WHO RESIDE ON, AND CULTIVATE THEIR OWN ES-TATES.

These form a class of buildings, which require peculiar at-tention, as they belong to a rank, (the middle order of pro-prietors), of the greatest consequence to the prosperity ofa country; men, distinguished as they ought to be, a andgenerally are, by a liberal education; and possessing si-tuation which entitles them to mix with the first circles,whilst they are at the same time connected, in various re-spects, as magistrates, deputy lieutenants, &c. with the lowest;thus forming a most important link in the chain of civil so-ciety, enjoying independence, and competence sufficient toobtain all the real comforts of life; and actively employed inpursuits, alike advantageous to themselves, and to their coun-ty-

The form and arrangements of such buildings are as va-rious as the situation, and the different circumstances in whichsuch families are placed. Without referring to any particularhouses of the description alluded to, it is proposed to give theresult of the whole investigation that has taken place on thesubject.

The essential requisites, common to every house of this class,may, however, be stated to consist, in a well-chosen situa-tion, not sunk in a hollow, but placed to command a viewof the surrounding country ; sheltered from the most prevail-