The most enduring and permanent source of satisfaction in houses is, undoubtedly, utility. In a country residence, therefore, of whatever character, the comfort and convenience of the various members of the family being the first and most important consideration, the quality of fitness is universally appreciated and placed in the first rank. In many of those articles of furniture or apparel which luxury or fashion has brought into use, fitness or convenience often gives way to beauty of form or texture: but in a habitation intended to shelter us from the heat and cold, as well as to give us an opportunity to dispense the elegant hospitalities of refined life-the neglect of the various indispensable conveniences and comforts which an advanced state of civilization requires, would be but poorly compensated for by a fanciful exterior or a highly ornate style of building. Further than this, fitness will extend to the choice of situation; selecting a sheltered site, neither too high, as upon the exposed summit of bleak hills, nor too low, as in the lowest bottoms of damp valleys; but preferring those middle grounds which, while they afford a free circulation of air, and a fine prospect, are not detrimental to the health or enjoyment of the occupants. A proper exposure is another subject, worthy of the attention of either the architect or proprietor, as there are stormy and pleasant aspects or exposures in all climates.
