Terrace
A raised space of ground, sometimes formed round a mansion, or on the side of sloping ground, usually for the purpose of making a level walk. In some cases, it is necessary to have some arrangement of this sort; but, in many other instances, after having been made at great cost, Terraces have been found most objectionable, because of the walls interfering with views of landscape from the mansion, and also preventing the latter from being seen to advantage when approaching it. A Terrace retained in position by a strongly-built wall, on which flower-vases, &c., are fixed, is more likely to constitute a double block of this sort than when a sloping grass bank is substituted; if the latter can be arranged, it is, therefore, to be preferred when the formation of a Terrace is really necessary. A Terrace-walk may sometimes be introduced with advantage on rising ground, where an exceptionally good view is at command, that cannot, perhaps, be seen from elsewhere; but the formation of Terraces as architectural features, apart from the necessity of having them, often assists, if it does not entirely succeed, in destroying beautiful landscape. The advantages and disadvantages should, therefore, receive full consideration.