In recommending the use of an arch, I must guard against being misunderstood, by mentioning several circumstances which I deem objectionable. 1st. The arch should not be a mere aperture in a single wall, but it should have depth in proportion to its breadth. 2nd. It should have some visible and marked connexion either with a wall, or with the town to which it belongs, and not appear insulated. 3rd. It should not be placed in so low a situation, that we may rather see over it than through it. 4th. Its architecture should correspond with that of the house, in style, if not in order; that is, the Grecian and Gothic should be kept separate, although the design may not be copied from the house. And, Lastly. Neither the house should be visible from the entrance, nor the entrance from the house, if there be sufficient distance between them to make the approach through a park, and not immediately into a court-yard; the two last general rules are equally applicable to every sort of entrance, as well as that through an arch; yet there are certain situations where the latter cannot be avoided; of this, an instance occurred in STOKE PARK, Herefordshire, where the gate and the cottage near it were disguised by the portico, represented in the following sketch [fig. 89, in p. 254]; which forms a pavilion, or covered seat, adjoining to the walk in the shrubbery.
