



FRAGMENT XXIV. 



LONGLEATE 



i 



WILTSHIRE 



* 



A SEAT OF THE MARQUIS OF BATH. 







EXTRACT FROM THE REPORT OF 1803 



CHARACTER AND SITUATION 



Whether we consider the natural shape of the ground, 

 forming ample hills and valleys, the great masses of wood with 

 which these hills have been magnificently clothed, the extensive 

 range of park and surrounding domain, the vast command o 

 various distant prospects, or the great style and magnitude of 



th 



e 



ouse itself, we must acknowledge, that the character of 





Greatness makes a strong impression 



a 



nd 



peculiarly app 



priated to Longleate. But as objects are only great or small by 

 comparison, and it is the duty of the improver to guard against 



any thing that may tend to weaken this first imp 



he 



must, if possible, increase the apparent vastness of the place in 

 all that belongs to Nature, and preserve the character of Great- 

 ness in such parts as depend on the works of Art. 



a 



must 



again 



remar 



y 



that there is no error more 



common than to substitute greatness of dimensions for greatness 

 of character. Thus in Landscape we often see lawns of great 



