It is impossible to fix or describe the situation applicable to a house, without, at the same time, describing the sort of house applicable to the situation. This is so evident, that it scarcely requires to be pointed out; yet I have often witnessed the absurdity of designs for a house where the builder had never seen the situation; I have, therefore, long been compelled to make architecture a branch of my own profession *.
*[Before I had the advantage of my eldest son's assistance in this department, I met with continual difficulties. I will mention one instance only, which occurred to me some years ago. Having been consulted respecting the situation for a villa, to be built near the metropolis, I fixed the precise spot, and marked the four corners of the house with stakes upon the ground, proposing that the best rooms should command the best views, and most suitable aspects; but, not having any consultation with the architect, I was afterwards surprised to find my position of the four corners of the house strictly observed; but, to accommodate the site to his previously settled plan on paper, the chimneys were placed where I had supposed the windows should be, to command the finest views, and the windows, alas ! looked into a stable court.]
