Whoever intends to ornament and improve a village, we would strongly recommend to study Harlaxton. It is impossible to reflect on that village without imagining what a continued scene of ornament and appearance of comfort all England, and even all Europe, would present, if proprietors would follow the example of Mr. Gregory. Happily, in this country, many have been engaged in this work for a number of years, and considerable progress has certainly been made. Though the best mode to succeed is to have the very best advice at the commencement, and submit every elevation that is to be carried into effect to an architect of taste, yet let those who do not value advice of this kind make the attempt with what knowledge they have, or can derive from books, or from observing what has been done by others, and they cannot fail to do good to a considerable extent. The way to insure artistical buildings throughout the country is, not so much here and there to employ a first-rate architect, who may erect a splendid mansion with a handsome cottage as an entrance-lodge, as to create a demand for architectural taste and knowledge among country builders, carpenters, masons, and bricklayers, generally, since it is by these persons that the great majority of country buildings are both designed and executed. It is not by the occasional employment of a first-rate physician that an individual preserves his health, but by having some knowledge of the human constitution himself, and having recourse, when necessary, to the nearest apothecary or village practitioner. Where would be all the beautiful flowers that now adorn the cottage gardens throughout England, if their culture were only known to first-rate gardeners ? For the general improvement of cottages, therefore, we must not depend solely on first-rate architects; we must educate the eye of the country carpenter and mason, and give the cottager himself a taste for architectural and gardenesque beauty. Hungerton Hall, the present residence of Mr. Gregory, Chatsworth, Wootton Lodge, Alton Towers, Trentham, Harringay, Trent Park, Beech Hill, and some places in Middlesex, as well as East Comb, Charlton House, Belford, and Belvidere, in Kent, we shall notice in our Number for September.
