2189. The head-gardener's dwelling-house, in small places, often assumes the character of a porter's lodge to the gate or entrance; or is placed in some point of the grounds requiring protection. In all cases it should be near to the garden, and, if forcing is carried on, the nearer it is placed to that department the better. Sometimes it is placed in the back sheds, but that is an unwholesome situation; such sheds fronting the direct north, and without a single opening to the south, east, or west, are entirely excluded from the sun, except during a few mornings and evenings in summer. A small enclosure, near the forcing-department, and, if possible, on rising ground, so as to command a view of at least that part of the garden, is to be preferred. With respect to accommodation, no dwelling in this country, for a servant expected to do his duty, ought to contain less on the ground-floor than a kitchen, back-kitchen, and parlour; on the floor above that, at least two bed-rooms, with closets, and other requisite appendages, internal as well as external. This will suit a prudent man and his wife, not in circumstances to keep a maidservant. But for such as can afford to keep a servant, or have a large family, more bedrooms will be necessary, and a larger parlour and kitchen. As a gardener, in common with other domesticated servants, is liable to be removed from the house he occupies at a short notice, and without any reference to his having, or being able to procure, another, it follows, as a matter of justice, that what are called house-fixtures should be provided by the master. Water should be conducted to a pump fixed in the back-kitchen; a furnace and boiler for washing affixed; a proper range, with oven, &c., dressers, tables, shelves, &c., in the principal kitchen; grates, and such closets and clothes-presses placed in the parlour and other rooms, &c., such as the occupier would place there, if he held the house on lease. In general, we may observe, that a master has seldom occasion to repent making his servant's abode comfortable, and even rather agreeable and elegant, than otherwise. A master of a well-regulated mind, indeed, will be anxious to effect this, as far as lies in his power, for every portion of animated nature under his protection.
