iSyi.] PLEASURE-GROUNDS. 443 



gardens, distinct, and yet thrown up on to such a varied undulating 

 surface,- as conveys the idea of seclusion and extent far beyond what 

 is the real area. In short, we have here one of the most difficult sub- 

 jects transformed into one of the most charming and elegant retreats, 

 and this too without extravagant expenditure. In grounds thus moder- 

 ate in extent it may be laid down as a principle, that the first object 

 should be to plant out all boundary-fences, to make a bold and open 

 centre to the grounds, such as shall always convey the idea of ease 

 and extent. All other desired adjuncts, in the shape of quiet walks 

 and retreats, ferneries, rockeries, and vegetable grounds and hot-houses, 

 should be located towards the boundaries of the ground. Modern 

 flower-beds may of course find a place in the more open part of the 

 grounds, but never to such an extent as shall counteract as a prepon- 

 derating feature greensward and gravel-walks, but simply to be the 

 jewellery of the grounds that shall not be much missed when they 

 are laid aside. There cannot be worse taste than that which would 

 nibble up all the breadth of lawn into beds. Lacquer is one thing, 

 but grace and elegance quite another and more important matter. 



Passing from smaller to larger domains, to which reference has 

 already been made, we are sorry to observe that the grounds which 

 immediately surround some of the more modern and splendid man- 

 sions are being what we consider sadly marred. They are set down in 

 the midst of extensive and magnificent grounds, where efi"ects might be 

 produced at much less expense, which would convey the impression to 

 the mind of the most spacious unity. Instead of this, a small area of 

 ground is enclosed round the mansion, in some cases with high retain- 

 ing-walls, studded with ornaments unworthy of such positions. This 

 cannot be regarded any more favourably than the most successful way 

 of giving to the whole enclosure, mansion and all, the air of cramped 

 isolation, and dislocates the mansion from the whole surrounding 

 grounds and scenery, creating the impression, when viewed from a 

 distance, that the enclosure might be a small freehold set down in the 

 midst of grounds where the one had no more connection with the 

 other than that of contiguity, looking very much like a stray 

 mansion out in search of grounds in unity with its own spacious 

 proportions. How much more elegantly does the whole concern look 

 when there is no boundary of a harsh and isolating character, but 

 when the garden ground melts into the semi-kept, and the semi-kept 

 into the wild and natural, so conveying the impression of expanse and 

 unity of design ! 



Next in point of demerit to this barricading principle of landscape- 

 gardening may be reckoned that which tortures a piece of ground, near 

 to a large mansion in the midst of a large estate, with contracted and 



