153. Grassy slopes, green terraces, and straight canals, are more common in Holland than in any other country of the Continent, because the climate and soil are favourable for turf; and these verdant slopes and mounds may be said to form, with their oblong canals, the characteristics of the Dutch style of laying out grounds. �In the Netherlands most of the ancient country houses are surrounded with water, have a regular drawbridge, and a tower gateway beyond it, leading into a square court. The principal living rooms are on the first floor; and the windows of the ground floor are small, and secured by iron gratings. Many examples may be seen in the fine etchings of Rademaker.� (G. Laing Meason.)
