These branches of architecture are attainable without much early practice, as we have seen exemplified in the designs of certain noblemen, who, like Lord Burlington, had given their attention to this study. A knowledge of arrangement, or disposition, is, of all others, the most useful: and this must extend to external appendages as well as to internal accommodation. This knowledge cannot be acquired without observing and comparing various houses under various circumstances; not occasionally only, but the architect must be in the habit of living much in the country, and with the persons for whom he is to build; by which alone he can know their various wants with respect to comfort as well as to appearance, otherwise he will, like an ordinary builder, be satisfied in shewing his skill, by compressing the whole of his house and offices under one compact roof, without considering aspect, views, approaches, gardens, or even the shape of the ground on which the house is to be built.
