There is nothing which serves so well to give an air of finish to a country place - be it large or small - as the introduction here and there, wherever a suitable place offers itself - either in some sly, out-of-the-way corner, or at the termination of a long footpath - of cozy, vine-embowered summer-houses and inviting rustic seats; of pleasant observatories wherever a good view may be had; rustic play-houses for the children, and ornamental flower-vases. In fact, any sort of rustic structure is a pleasing addition to the grounds, especially if fragrant with overrunning vines, and half hid among trees and shrubbery.

The designs which we offer at this time are specimens of this class of buildings, and comprise views of two summer-houses, an observatory, and a pump or well-house.

No. I is a Rustic Arbor, to be built of rough, untrimmed sticks of white oak or red cedar. The principal sticks should be selected from three to four inches in diameter, and as nearly straight as possible; these are to be used for posts, plates, girders, and principal rafters. The rest, forming the ornamental work, may be from half an inch to two inches in diameter. The roof is to be covered with bark, put on in the overlap manner, the same as shingles. Seats are built around the inside, and a table in the centre, all of the same stock.

OCTAGON SUMMER-HOUSE.

No. 2 is an octagon Suramer-HOuse, requiring more of the carpenter's skill in its construction than No. 1. The roof curves up as shown in the view, and is covered with ornamental shingles. One of the sides of the octagon forms the entrance; the rest are fitted with blinds, which rise and fall by means of pulleys, forming by this means either a close or an open arbor. It !>has a seat around the inside like No. 1, and a couple of movable tables.