87 



Thirdly, Having only a map of the surface, without an 

 sections of the ground, to describe the various levels: an 



Lastly, The vast difference in climate, soil, seasons, and 

 costume, between England and Portugal. All which seem to 

 render the introduction of our English Garden into the grounds 

 near Oporto almost as difficult as it hits been to introduce the 



vegetation of a hot country into the cold regions of I he north: 



yet this has by perseverance been accomplished; and I am 

 happy in an opportunity of attempting to shew in this in>hmee 

 how far difficulties may be surmount ed. 



Having at various times published my opinion on English 

 or Landscape Gardening, I must beg leave to refer your cor- 

 respondent to those works, and shall only point out the pecu- 

 liarities which seem to render our English style almost inappli- 

 cable to Portugal, or at least to call for a different mode of 



treatment in the subject under consideration. 



The first of the great requisites in English Gardening is, to 

 banish all appearance of confinement, and to give imaginary 

 extent of freedom, by invisible lines of separation, by a ha! ha! 



or sunk fences, &c. If this be difficult in a territory of two or 



three hundred acres, how much more so must il be in a plot 



f three or four acres, enclosed by walls, and surrounded by 



neighbouring buildings: all we can hope to effect is to hide this 



boundary every where by plantations of such varied outline 



and depth, as to disguise what we cannot extend or remove. 



Secondly, That which peculiarly distinguishes the gardeifs 

 of England is the beauty of English verdure: the grass of the 



